re-tailoring suede jackets and trenchcoats

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Apollofrost · Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:11 pm

Ok, I have two leather jackets that I am considering re-tailoring to make them into motorcycle jackets (i.e. adding padding and plastic guards, maybe even spine protection.) and I was wondering if anyone here had ever heard of anyone else doing that. The first one is a suede jacket thats about 35 years old, but in excellent condition. Its a little oversized so I would have no problem padding it and adding the guards. The second one is a little more complicated.

First and foremost its a full length black leather trenchcoat that I've had for about three years. Would it even be possible to wear one of those on a bike safely?I've heard different things from different people ranging from that it would be OK to that it would get sucked into the back tire and kill me. Does anyone here have any experience with trenchcoats?

Sev · #2 Unread post by **Sev** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:12 pm

Suede tends to grab asphault which will send you into a spin if you crash. And if you start spinning/rolling it's much more likely that you'll break a limb, or several limbs. So I'd say keep the suede as a designer piece.

As for a trench coat... well I'm of the opinion that you don't want crap flapping around while you ride, especially crap that can flap anywhere near the back tire. You only need to catch that coat tail in a spoke once... once and it's game over.

You are (imo) far better off to just go out and buy a motorycle jacket. They can be had fairly cheaply and still be safe. I've seen armored textile models for as little as $200 Canadian, and I would be willing to wear them while riding.

Apollofrost · Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:23 pm

I can just imagine it, I'm riding down the road with the back of the trenchcoat trailing behind me. "Wow look at that! How cool!" *the tails get sucked into the back tire* "Holy **** its like something out of Fargo!"

#4 Unread post by **Koss** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:16 pm

Yea, I wouldn't think having a trenchcoat while riding would be very safe... but then again, im sure someone somewhere in Asia is doing something worse on a motorcycle.

What about the Germans during World War II that rode their patrol bikes? Hrm... hahaha

Yea Sev's points are very good ones. But also something else that hasn't been mentioned yet so far, is that motorcycle leathers are usually thicker with higher quality, stronger, stitching than your normal leather apparal you get from a regular store.

But if you still want to use what you have right now, ever though about using Body Armor? It fits under whatever your going to wear. Here is some

Apollofrost · Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:25 pm

yes, I had. The only problem is that with the trench the arms might be too narrow to fit the elbow guards. But I could maybe put some on the outside if I chose to wear that jacket. What body armor do you recommend/use? And does it come in a small?

#6 Unread post by **Koss** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:39 pm

apollofrost wrote:yes, I had. The only problem is that with the trench the arms might be too narrow to fit the elbow guards. But I could maybe put some on the outside if I chose to wear that jacket. What body armor do you recommend/use? And does it come in a small?

I never used any, so I couldn't tell you. But search around on that link I put up... im sure they will have something in your size. They also have sizing charts to be extra sure they fit your dimensions.

Apollofrost · Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:04 pm

sweet. I'll have to try some on to see how they fit me. Sizeing is always and issue for me and I have a personal grudge against places that dont carry anything in small. Nothing like seeing an awesome shirt on sale, then finding out it looks like a circus tent. I'll have to take my measurements then see if anyone makes body armor in my size. Thanks for the tips by the way.

Lion_Lady · #8 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 4:27 am

Another thing with real motorcycle gear is that it's constructed with heavier weight THREAD holding the pieces together. You'd hate to have the sleeve come OFF if you hit pavement.

That 35 year old jacket probably has tougher thread than what gets used these days, but I'd worry about how AGE has affected that thread.

In my opinion, for what it would cost you to modify a garment quality leather item for motorcycle pads, etc. you could find a good full set up in either leather or textile if you shopped carefully.

Remember we're heading into Motorcycle Show season, which is when you can try on a gazillion different brands of gear all in one place. Chances are pretty good you may find SMALL sizes as well.

P

Loonette · #9 Unread post by **Loonette** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 6:48 am

Not only should the threading be thicker, but so should the leather itself. My leather riding jacket is about four times as thick as any "fashion" leather I've ever seen.

Cheers,
Loonette

TorontoBoy · Mon Dec 11, 2006 5:05 pm

It sounds like tons of work. You could use upholdstery thread as it's very strong. Deconstructing the garment would be a ton of work. Most garments have an outer and an inner shell sewn together, so you'll need to separate these layers before you can sew anything to the outer layer. Once all the outer layer stuff is sewn then the inner layer is sewn back to the outer layer for a clean, polished look. I'd be concerned about ensuring the padding doesn't move around when you crash. You could use old hockey padding.

Bike gear is purpose built. Even though I can deconstruct leather garments and resew the cut is different. The sewing method used on seams will be more rugged in bike gear than your average leather jacket. A trench is pretty roomy and great for soldiers but not on a bike.

If you have spare time and have the will then give it a go.