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The Essential Checklist for Buying Motorcycle Pants

The Essential Checklist for Buying Motorcycle Pants

When it comes to selecting the perfect motorcycle riding pants, several key features come into play. Comfort, material choices, armour padding, and other important factors significantly influence your purchasing decision.

Considering the expected damaging impacts, motorcycle pants are supposed to make your ride a comfortable one, especially in long-distance travel. Given an array of options to choose from, knowing what to look for can help you make the right choice.

This guide will break down the essential factors to consider when choosing motorcycle pants so that you can hit the road with the utmost comfort and style. Time to get rolling!

Material

Before making a choice, understanding the material is crucial. Leather is considerably a suitable material for riding pants for several reasons:

  • Leather comes with abrasion resistance and durability, which tends to stay with a person for a long time, even in the event of a fall. It has excellent protection against impacts so it is favoured most by professional riders.
  • Some leather pants may have some provisions for ventilation to enhance airflow, hence reducing discomfort during warmer weather. They often require frequent conditioning to maintain their flexibility and avoid cracking.
  • Some materials such as Cordura or ballistic nylon are a lot lighter in contrast to leather and thus pretty good for longer rides. Many textile pants have reinforced zones, such as knee and seat areas, for added protection.
  • Textile pants often come with stretch panels for flexibility and comfort. Many textile fabrics incorporate internal waterproof membranes.

Also read: 8 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Motorcycle Boots

Armour and Padding

Next, we have armour padding. Always be mindful of the protection features in high-impact areas to save yourself. Consider the points given below;

  • CE-Rated Armour: Look for pants with removable CE-rated armour at the knees and hips for enhanced protection.
  • Impact Areas: Certain pants have additional padding on the bottom back and thighs for added impact areas.
  • Adjustable Armour: Prefer pants that have adjustable armour pockets so you can place the armour to ensure a comfortable fit.

    Motorcycle pants with adjustable armour pockets
  • Integrated Padding: The built-in padding in these pants helps in cushioning a fall.
  • Variations in Thickness: These pants are available in varying levels of thickness based on the level of protection desired. The more padded it is, the better comfort it provides.

Comfort Factors

Whether you are roaming around short city rides, doing daily commutes, or travelling long distances, comfort must be prioritised for your well-being.

Check for size availability to ensure the right fit. Look for pants with vents and opt for flexible ones.

  • Sizing Charts: You can check the manufacturer's sizing chart to ascertain your correct size. It might differ in the different brands. Consider picking a size based on the body shape you are, slim, athletic, or curvy.
  • Riding Position: Try the pants on when sitting on your motorcycle to see if they will bunch around the waist or be resistant to movement. Pay attention to the fit in the thigh and the calf.
  • Adjustable Features: Buy your pants with a waistband or cuff that can be adjusted to fit the needs of the various body types of users.
  • Ventilation: Select pants are designed with zippered vents that can be left open in warmer seasons to create more airflow, further assisting in controlling body heat.
  • Reflective Materials: Check if there is reflective material involved in the pants so that you can be easily noticed at night.
  • Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Pants made with moisture-wicking fabrics will keep you dry and cool for long rides.
  • Stretch Panels: Look for pants that incorporate stretch panels into the fabric or have articulated knees, which add to the flexibility and comfort of riding.
  • Pre-Curved Design: Some pants are made pre-curved to fit your riding position to minimise fatigue.

Style and Design

Even though functionality and comfort are the most important aspects, the look of your motorcycle pants matters too.

Motorcycle pants come in a variety of styles and designs to choose from. Select the ones that seem the best for you.

Different Styles

  • Timeless Look: These motorcycle riding pants give a very rugged and classic look that most riders would love.
  • Variety of Cuts: Available in many cuts, starting from the slim, the relaxed fit, and tapered cuts to fit different tastes.
  • Modern Designs: Some modern leather pants are vibrantly coloured and slickly designed with a younger taste in mind.
  • Customised Options: Some brands come in removable liners and modular designs, giving you the option to customize the pants for your purpose.
  • Multiseason Use: Invest in a pair of pants that enable you to change between shifting seasons. Most designs also come with removable liners to support versatility.

Many riders personalize their pants with custom patches or embroidery to make them stand out. There are several colour options and finishes to choose from so you can express yourself.

Weather Considerations

Motorcycle pants can be designed for specific conditions of weather, and considering the environment is the key to buying the best one.

  • Waterproof Liners: Many pants are lined with a waterproof option that can be removed if not required. This makes the rider flexible as the weather changes.
  • Seam Sealing: Watershell pants have sealed seams to ensure that water from the outside does not enter through the seams at critical junctions such as pockets and zippers.

    seam sealing on waterproof motorcycle pants
  • UPF Ratings: Choose pants with UV protection that protect the skin against the harmful rays of the sun on long rides.

Consider Budget

Set a budget, and narrow down your choices, to make the most out of the money invested.

  • Affordable Brands: Look for a brand that provides decent protection within your budget.
  • Advanced Technology: The more costly pants feature the most elaborate material used, superior cooling and ventilation, and armour. Some pants also come with inbuilt hydration systems or even other communication equipment.
  • Investment for the Long Term: Invest in a high-quality pair that will cost you more upfront but can serve you longer and protect you better. You pay more money initially, but you save more money since you won't have to waste your money replacing several pairs of pants later down the road.

Trying Before You Buy

Where possible, try on your pants before you purchase them as it has a lot to do with comfort and fit.

Try on the pants to see how comfortable, and fitted they feel to move in. See how the material feels against your skin and whether or not it hinders movement.

When shopping online, be sure to read reviews about sizing and fit. Ensure that a convenient return policy can be made where exchanges are easily done. Check websites that use virtual fitting tools or size guides.

Tuff Gear Motorcycle Pants

Tuff Gear is your one-stop destination, that provides the best quality motorcycle pants with CE-approved knee armours, and also comes in varied sizes to fit just right. These include multiple pockets, with proper vents. Additionally, they are 100% waterproof and also have detachable thermal liners to perfectly suit all kinds of weather conditions.

Conclusion

Considering all the mentioned factors, understand your needs and choose the most suitable pair of pants. Moreover, be sure to try out different kinds and see which ones fit right, and always ensure you maintain a good care plan for your pants to maximise their lifetime.

Whether you are an old hand at riding or a beginner, it will provide ample opportunities to make smarter decisions, thereby improving the overall experience of riding. Time invested here will pay off as one will be assured of safety and comfort as well as a stylishly rolled-up look on the road.