Ever heard of the term All The Gear All The Time? It’s a popular saying among motorcycle riders, and it reflects the importance of wearing the proper gear whenever you ride. That includes the helmet, jacket, gloves, shoes, and even pants. Not having the correct pants can lead to serious injury should you find yourself in an accident. Normal pants simply won’t provide the protection that specialized riding pants do and disintegrate and shred in a crash.
Motorcycle pants are an essential piece of riding gear, so it’s important to know how they should fit. If your motorcycle pants are too tight or too loose, you won’t get the protection and comfort that you need while on the road. Whether you’re looking for protective jeans or full-length leathers, here’s what you need to know about the proper fit for motorcycle pants.
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The Different Types Of Motorcycle Pants
So, you’re in the market looking for a pair of pants to wear on your ride. Well, you’ve come to the right place to brush up on all the knowledge so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to this corner of the world and its enthusiasts.
We’re going to be taking a look at all the different kinds of options there so, but keep in mind not to get too overwhelmed. We’ll guide you through each step so that by the end, you have a clear idea of what you’ll need. There are quite a few different types of motorcycle pants to choose from.
Material
The first thing to consider is the material. The right material will depend on the kind of riding you do.
Leather
Leather is the most popular and traditional choice for riding pants because it’s very durable, comfortable, and offers superior protection compared to other materials. However, leather motorcycle pants can be expensive and are often too hot in warm weather.
Synthetic Textiles
You may think of them to resemble something like a pair of cargo pants or even sweatpants; however, synthetic textiles are actually designed to be breathable and provide plenty of protection. Normally worn by sports and touring riders, these types of pants are great for hot climates due to their lightweight construction and breathability.
Denim
For the casual rider or someone who commutes often, denim jeans can be an option. Nowadays, many companies make denim styles that provide protection while still looking like regular jeans. Most come with extra padding and reinforcements at the hips and knees.
Style
Next, you’ll take a look at your riding style depending on the kind of activity you intend to do whilst wearing them.
Street/Racing Motorcycle Pants
Best suited for riders who travel fast and aggressively on the road or track. You’ll need the highest levels of protection, comfort, and flexibility. These pants are usually made from leather or synthetic textiles with reinforced areas, padding, and stretch panels for maximum mobility.
Touring Motorcycle Pants
If you’re a touring biker, you should look for pants that are designed to provide maximum comfort over long distances. Look for adjustable waistbands and leg lengths, as well as plenty of pockets for carrying small items.
Cruiser/Casual Motorcycle Pants
If you’re a casual rider, you don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with other types of pants. Look for something that looks good and is comfortable enough to wear around town. Denim jeans are usually a great option here.
Dirt Riding Motorcycle Pants
For those who like to play in the dirt, you’ll want a pair of pants that is designed specifically for off-road use. Look for something with plenty of ventilation and protection from mud and other debris.
How To Choose The Right Type Of Motorcycle Pants
Now that you know the different types of motorcycle pants available, it’s time to start shopping. Here are some tips to help you find the right pair:
1. Make sure they fit correctly – You want your motorcycle pants to be snug but not too tight or too loose. Check for proper length and adjustability at the waist and legs.
2. Consider the weather – If you live in a hot climate, opt for something lightweight and breathable. Conversely, if you’re riding in cold temperatures, look for thicker materials like leather with built-in insulation.
3. Choose the right material – Again, this will depend on your riding style and environment. Leather offers superior protection but can be hot and expensive. Synthetic textiles provide great flexibility and breathability. Denim is a good choice for casual riders.
4. Look for reinforcements – Areas such as the knees, hips, and lower back should be reinforced with padding or armor to protect against impacts.
5. Check out reviews – Read up on some reviews from other riders who have tried the same type of pants. It can help to get an idea of how they fit and perform.
How To Determine The Correct Size For Your Motorcycle Pants
in order to actually find and purchase the correct size pair of motorcycle pants, you’ll need to know your measurements. Take a look at the size chart provided by the manufacturer and compare it with your measurements.
Waist width: For the waist, measure around your navel. For the length, measure from the top of your waistband to where you want the bottom of the pants to fall.
Hip size: For the hip, measure around the widest part of your hips.
Inseam length: For the inseam, measure from the top of your inner thigh to where you want the bottom of the legs to fall.
Leg length: For the leg, measure from the top of your waistband to where you want the bottom of the leg to fall.
Remember that some manufacturers may have different sizing systems, so pay close attention to ensure that you get the right size.
How To Make Sure Your Motorcycle Pants Fit Properly
In order to properly try on the pants, follow the stance of a motorcycle rider: bent over with both legs slightly bowed outward. Additionally, you could mimic how one would sit while riding a bike and pull the knees outwards. This is when you will determine if they are too short – do they reach up your shin? If so, then it’s time for another pair.
To be specific, the pants and shoes must completely cover your ankles. If you’re wearing ankle-length motorbike boots, your trousers should extend to compensate for this so that no skin is visible. However, we don’t need our pant legs dragging on the ground when disembarking from a bike either.
What to Consider When Shopping Pants
Style and fit
For maximum comfort, choose a style of bike that fits snugly and gives you full freedom of movement. Make sure it’s easy to mount the bike or step off again, so there’re no awkward moments in front of onlookers.
Comfort
When on the road, it can be a hot, wet, and muddy experience. So, it’s important to select the right pant material for your journey that meets all of your needs and weather conditions throughout the year. Consider whether you need waterproofing, windproofing, or breathability.
Safety certification/Impact protection
Motorcycle pants come with different levels of safety certification. It’s important to ensure you choose a pair with the right protection for your riding style and environment. Look for CE-certified armor, reflective panels, and abrasion-resistant fabrics.
Material quality
The material used directly affects the quality and durability of the pants. Premium materials are usually more breathable, lightweight, waterproof, and abrasion-resistant than lower-quality ones. This will not only keep you comfortable but also safe in case of an accident.
Price
When looking for motorcycle pants, understand your budget and find a pair that meets your needs and fits within that budget. There are a number of great value options out there, so it’s worth the effort of taking a look around.
Tips On Taking Care Of Your Motorcycle Pants
Although it’s best to follow the instructions of the manufacturer, the following instructions can be useful when attempting to wash different kinds of motorcycle pants.
- Wash your jeans inside out in the washing machine, and remove the protection pads beforehand.
- Do not wash above 30 degrees Celsius.
- Do not use softeners, and do not put the jeans in the dryer.
- If your motorcycle jeans contain Kevlar, you should refrain from washing them too often.
- Clean your leather pants with a damp cloth or with a special leather cleaner.
- Spray impregnation sprays on motorcycle pants regularly. This keeps your gear water-resistant and protects it against dirt and water.
- Do not use any softeners while washing the clothing.
- Do not put textile pants that are waterproof or their membranes in the washing machine, and do expose the membrane to heat or direct sunlight.
Conclusion
In summary, when shopping for motorcycle pants, it’s important to consider fit, style, comfort, safety certification, material quality, and price. Additionally, it’s important to take care of your motorcycle pants by washing them correctly and spraying impregnation spray periodically.
We hope this guide has provided useful information to help you find the right motorcycle pants for your needs. With these tips, you will have all the knowledge that is necessary to make an informed decision and buy a quality pair of pants that not only fit properly but also provide maximum comfort and protection while riding. Happy Shopping!