Buying a Jacket

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lunchmeat · #1 Unread post by **lunchmeat** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:05 am

I just bought a Joe Rocket Phoenix Jacket and it's nice...but I had to wait for a while to get it off of back order due to odd sizing (Large Tall). I've got it now but it's a size too big. So, some tips for sizing (because you will always want to try before you buy, unless you can't because they don't have the size you need):

-Make sure the jacket comes to your waist. When you sit down, you shouldn't be sitting on your jacket.

-Make sure that when you zip it up, there isn't excess play around the chest or shoulder area - this won't be a huge nuisance on heavier jackets, but it's supposed to be snug anyway. You don't want it slipping around, and if it's a lighter jacket it will blow around.

-The sleeves shouldn't ride up on your wrists when you hold your arms out on your bike, but they shouldn't be too long either. This is important - when you try on the jacket, undo all the forearm clasps and wrist straps, and see if it's too long. If you can only make the jacket fit by pulling in the straps all the way and hooking the wrist clasps, then you might need to go a size smaller. (This is my current situation, and I'm stuck with it.)

-More about sleeves. A lot of jackets have sleeve armor - make sure that when you have the jacket on the way you will wear it (clasps, hooks, whatever) that the forearm armor will not move around on your arm. It's there for a reason - you want it to stay there.

-I suppose it's worth mentioning, although it may be obvious - different brands of jackets fit differently, so try everything.

-Make sure there's not a lot of play in the neck area. This will get annoying.

I guess that's it - feel free to add comments or contest anything - these are just the things I've found to look for when looking at jacket sizing. I now know that with Joe Rocket, I should probably go for a medium tall. (Beware - some places might not have odd sizes in stock, so you'll have to wait for the item to arrive before you try it, and it's hit-or-miss. I missed, but didn't want to wait until August for a mesh jacket in 90-degree weather.)

This might help new people looking for a jacket. If you're not sure, ask the people you're buying from - they should be able to help you size accordingly.

paul1149 · #2 Unread post by **paul1149** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:23 am

Nice summary. I just sent back my third jacket ordered over the Internet, for sizing reasons each time. $40 of shipping costs later, I think I'm cured of trying to shop this way, because MC jacket fit is too important.

I want to support the local guy, but selection is not great.

p.

beardking · #3 Unread post by **beardking** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:24 pm

paul1149 wrote:I want to support the local guy, but selection is not great.

p.

You should be a short, fat guy like myself. Went to a local shop that seemed to have tons of jackets, tried on everything from a 2x all the way up to a 5x but the way they were cut, nothing fit. Not "oh, it's too tight and I like loose fitting," but "holy h*ll, how am I supposed to zip it if the zippers won't even meet, dear GOD I need to lose weight....let's go get ice cream!"

I finally did find a Joe Rocket Phoenix that fits, unfortunately haven't had the funds to buy it yet. Luckily, haven't gotten the carbs tuned up yet either.

paul1149 · #4 Unread post by **paul1149** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:43 am

I went shopping again yesterday. Again the selection wasn't great. Then at one place I found a Shift mesh jacket for $129 when I knew the list price was $99. That was it. I went home and ordered over the Net again. Que sera, sera; this one I will keep.

About weight - I fit pretty much in the center of things, but shopping jackets is great incentive to tone up. I need to lose a few and convert a few more (fat to muscle). I started lifting again this week, and I've been walking every day.

slimcolo · #5 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:17 am

I spent 3 years trying to find a new 3/4 length leather. (same brand,style and size may fit different) Finally decided that I could not be fit. Then I met Dan, who custom builds heavy duty leather coats and bibs. (limited styles) Expensive, and took 2 months, but well worth it. I've had mine for 11 years.

www.stonelakeleatherworks.com

Also remember to try on a jacket in riding position not standing up!