Bought my first set of Leathers today - unsure about sizing

[Guest]

Hi,

After spending what seems like weeks trying on leathers, I decided to opt for a Weise set of Jacket and Trousers. The style (and size) I wanted was only available online and as I was fairly confident of my sizing I went for it. The shop offer a no-questions-asked return policy so anything can go back.

The jeans have around an inch or two of room around the waist but are snug around the legs, too tight to consider wearing anything underneath such as jeans. Is this correct? The length falls at most an inch above the bottom of my foot and as far as I know this is how it should be, as I'll be wearing boots underneath.

The jacket is fine on the arms and chest, however is a little short in length. I've found this is common from trying on various jackets in shops - is this just the way leather jackets are?

I must say they're beginning to get more comfortable as I wear them in but I'm just want to make sure I've made the right decision considering the cost of a good quality set of leathers. As the only biker in my family I've never really been told how leathers should fit - I've read lots of online articles but the advice seems to vary. Does anybody have any time to help a newbie?!

[MtotheJ]

I spent aaaaaaaaaaages too, its a right pain. From what youve said it sounds like it fits ok. Most jackets are shorter i found. Mine is a bit longer than it probably should be and when im in a riding position it pushes it up a bit so it looks like i have a bit of a stomach . Nothing wrong with it being short as long as you can still zip it to the trousers.

[Guest]

Sounds like you done all the right things there matey

[Stu]

Sounds like you done all the right things there matey

 

you should have asked at any bike/clothing shop as most of the assistants are bikers and are more then happy to help (usually)

[Pete]

Like everyone's said it sounds right on to me. I think alot of the time it comes down to preference. Jackets especially seem to vary depending on whether you want just a nice leather jacket with a comfortable fit or a more racey style one like RST which tend to be shorter and tighter. With the jeans you've done right, I purposefully got ones that were a bit looser so I can wear jogging trousers and thermals underneath in the winter, but that's just me. They will be tight at first, especially around the back of the knee, but like you said just like a new pair of boxer shorts the more you wear them the more you will break them down until they accept you and become a part of you

[hurtank]

i obv dont wear full leathers cuz im on a 50 but i do wear leather gloves and they felt to small when i brought them but they stretched alot. so maybe its just waiting for it to stretch.

[TC1474]

As a rule of thumb, whatever you are in inches, add 10 for metric measurements. So for example if you are a 32 inch chest, then a European 42 would be your starting point, a 46 inch chest like me puts me into a 56 or 58 European depending on the manufacture.

If you are long in the arm and leg, then a 32 long fit is (if memory serves) a 92 a 46 is a 110 European.

For gloves, again a rule of thumb is (as daft as it sounds) start with your foot size. So if you are a size 10 foot, then try a size 10 glove, size 6 feet then a 6 glove and so on.

Doesn't work for everyone, but it does give you a starting point.

[alol74]

Hi,

Still unsure about leather trousers length... Any good advice on that ? How long should it be ? Any ideas if its going to stretch with time ?

Alex

[TC1474]

Hi,

Still unsure about leather trousers length... Any good advice on that ? How long should it be ? Any ideas if its going to stretch with time ?

Alex

 

It is not so much about the length more about getting the knees right.

The length does vary from make to make, but you can compensate quite often depending on the type of boots you wear.

Leather will give by up to an inch sometime more depending on the type of hide used. Cowhide will give by betweeen 1 - 1 1/2 inches, Goatskin and Kangaroo by up to 3 inches, Buffalo won't give more than about a micron as it is so tough

[fullscreenaging]

Your stuff sounds like a good fit. Unfortunately if you want everything to absolutely perfect, then you'll have to fork out for M2M (made 2 measure).

As has been said. You need to make sure the knees are in the right place when you're sat on the bike. Don't worry if the legs feel a little short when you're stood up, your boots will be going over them and you may even need to pull your pants up from the knees in order to feel comfy on the bike.

Your leather will stretch slightly over time. So if they feel really nice 'n tight now, then they'll get a bit looser soon. The only problem with leather stretching is that it doesn't go back to normal (as of yet anyway) I know they are looking into leather that will flex but keep it's shape. Something about being able to combine latex fibres with leather. That'll be cracking stuff when they get that sorted!