Proper jacket fit...

[gitarjunky]

so, my jacket that i ordered online, finally came today. i was just wondering what the proper fit is? its a little big through the chest, but it fits everywhere else (goes down to my waist at the right point, and the arms are a good length)....i'm figuring there are going to be times when i am wearing a hoodie underneath so i don't want it to fit super tight. and i guess i could get the chest part altered, or brought in a little...whatever...just wondering...

[NCRonB]

Maybe a few months in the gym will take care of the chest.

Seriously, though, mine fits more or less the same. I'm a thin guy, so it's not too snug around the chest, but the rest of the fit is just right. I don't think I could get a better fit if I tried.

[storysunfolding]

I'd be very careful about having it altered. One of the key parts to a motorcycle jacket is the quality of the stitching. It doesn't matter if you have the ultimate protective fabric yet revealed to science if the stitching is weak and it's just going to fall apart.

Jackets are sized based on an average standard. Most americans are overweight and many others work out so the skinny guy is left in out in the minority. If the jacket fits snugg other places than the chest you should be alright. If it's sliding around on your arms and waist then get another one.

[jstark47]

Imagine the unthinkable: you lowside at speed and do some asphalt bodysurfing. Is that jacket going to stay in place, or is it going to wiggle around, ride up, and expose flesh? If it's not going to stay put when you need it, exchange it for something that fits more snugly.

[Gadjet]

are there adjustment tabs on the side of the jacket to take it in a little?

A little bit of looseness in the chest is welcome, especially if you anticipate wearing heavier clothing under the jacket when the weather gets cooler. It's amazing how much bulk even a simple sweatshirt will add underneath your jacket. The jacket that I have for all season riding has a removeable liner, and with that liner in place it gets very snug if I try to wear a loose sweatshirt underneath. Tight fitting longsleeves only, thank you very much. A jacket that fits too snugly might restrict your movement a little too much when you need it the most.

[swatter555]

My brother helped me pick out my first jacket. He emphasized that the jacket must fit snuggly, especially around the arms. If your sliding on the asphalt you dont want your sleeves rolling up on you. Also, pick out a jacket that has matching pants that attach to the back by a zipper.

[gitarjunky]

yeah, i definitely don't think it would roll up on me if i went pavement body surfing....the only places it is a little big is the chest and the uppper arms..but it does have tabs on the sides to take it in, and sleeves go down to a little past my wrist (and my gloves go up way past my wrist) so, i think i'm covered...its just annoying, i'm not a small guy 6'1" and 195, but i'm shaped funny guess....broad shouldered but not fat....like an upside down triangle, so things are always either too short in the sleeves or too big...but it sounds like i'll be alright with this one...thanks for the input guys!

oh, and i'm going to look at a 2005 gsf500f on wednesday night (used from a guy, 1300 miles for 3500, sounds like a good deal), i'll let you all know how it turns out!