Leather or textile, while we are familiar with the basics of both, it's important to dive deeper into the fabric knowledge to make the right investment. Performance, weather-resistance, and comfort are non-negotiable factors while buying a motorcycle jacket.
You might also have some individual aspects that influence your buying decision. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of both fabrics and compare leather vs textile jackets to help you make the appropriate choice as per your needs.
Leather Jackets: Pros & Cons
Leather jackets are preferred among riders due to their exceptional durability and wide range of choices. They have been a classic choice and have remained popular since the early days of riding. Cowhide and buffalo-hide leather are the most common when it comes to motorcycle gear. Other famous types include kangaroo and goat hides.
Pros
They offer ideal abrasion-resistance and protection, contour the body shape of the wearer, and are highly customisable. The best part of having a leather jacket is that it gets better with time. As time goes on, a leather jacket becomes more comfortable and moulds to your body shape.
If you care for them properly, they can last for longer durations, mainly up to a few good years. They come in a variety of options, like touring leather jackets, cruiser leather jackets, and racing leather jackets.
Read More: The Top 5 Benefits of Wearing a Motorcycle Leather Jacket
Cons
Having a lot of advantages, there are a few drawbacks associated with these jackets, including weather adaptability, waterproofing, and affordability. Not all leather jackets are waterproof, and you may have to compromise with limited options when it comes to waterproof leather jackets for motorcycle rides.
Typically, genuine leather can cost a bit higher as compared to textile options
Leather can lack breathability due to its heavy construction material, and feel wet during wet weather conditions and can be a little stiff on the skin in the beginning. Some leather jackets can be tough to wear in the heat, too.
Tuff Gear Motorcycle Leather Armour Jacket - Sport is made with premium A-grade cowhide leather to make your skin feel comfortable regardless of weather and journey type. It has perforated leather panels and mesh lining to wick the moisture away. With a compact and 360-degree attachment zipper to pair with matching pants, this jacket delivers all-around performance throughout the year.
Textile Jackets: Pros & Cons
Unlike leather, textile jackets are manufactured from fabrics like polyester blends, Gore-Tex, Kevlar, and Cordura. Moreover, you can find these textile motorcycle jackets much easier as compared to leather ones. Textile jackets are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility in designs, affordability and other pros that we will discuss below.
Pros
Textile jackets have a broad spectrum of style and design options available. First and foremost, they are all-weather adaptable. For hot and wet climates, you can buy textile jackets with removable thermal liners and waterproof membranes.
Usually, all textile jackets are lightweight, so you won't feel heavy in rain or sweaty conditions, giving you more flexibility to move while changing gear or doing other riding actions. They are quite easy to maintain and offer cost-effectiveness. They often come with ventilation panels to improve breathability and waterproof membranes to protect you from heavy rains.
Cons
When it comes to abrasion-resistance, textile jackets fall behind the leather ones during high-speed crashes or any unfortunate accidental conditions. Their lifespan is shorter, and they tend to wear out faster over time.
Unlike leather, they do not adjust themselves to the wearer's body shape and may feel less comfortable. However, this characteristic may change from person to person depending upon how frequently they wear and jacket and how much they maintain it.
Tuff Gear Motorcycle Touring Textile Jacket Titan is 100% waterproof and keeps you dry in hot and wet weather conditions. Made with premium-grade polyester textile materials, this jacket features a multi-vent system to add to the breathability, reflectors to make you more visible in dark conditions, and a detachable 100GSM thermal lining.
Leather vs. Textile Jackets: Which One Should You Consider
Choosing between leather vs textile motorcycle jackets depends on your personal requirements, budget, and weather conditions. Both options are good and provide distinctive characteristics.
While leather jackets take the lead in abrasion-resistance, passing the test of time, and giving superb aesthetics, textile jackets are often more affordable, come in a wide range of options, and can provide the rider with more ventilation.
You must consider other aspects into account before making a purchase. Try buying from a reputable brand to make a smart investment. Check your accurate size and try before you buy.
FAQs
-
Leather or textile, which one should I prefer for Australian summers?
Both leather and textile jackets can be preferred in Australian summers. But textile jackets are more lightweight and breathable as compared to leather jackets, keeping you cool and flexible in hot weather.
-
How do I measure the size of a motorcycle jacket?
You can take a measuring tape to measure your chest size at the widest point. Then measure your arm length from shoulder to wrist and your waist size. Now compare these measurements to the brand's size chart.
-
Which option is best for breathability?
While both leather and textile options are breathable, textile jackets with mesh panels and ventilation zippers can take a value-added advantage.
-
How long does a leather jacket typically last with regular use?
If you invest in a good quality leather motorcycle jacket, it can last up to 4 to 15 years, even with regular use and proper maintenance. Genuine leather can adapt to your body shape over time, feels more comfortable, and extends its lifespan with good care.
Mohammad Akhtar