Fashion tried to define motorcycling…YA…
In the near seven years I have been riding, I have been a visual voyeur as the fashion industry has show us many incarnations of motorcycle gear gone couture. The crazier the fashion, the higher the price tag and the more likely to be seen in either magazine or on the street, but never involving actually riding a motorbike. This is a pure fashion statement that has nothing to do with riders or riding and all to do with making a tall slender model look tough and hip in black leather, straps, cinches, zippers and corseted shapes. But it doesn’t end here. Somehow the moto-industry, creating women’s gear has picked right up on this image and added some safety constraints to the clothing and dubbed it official motorcycle gear. We are now. finally in fashion!
Fashion makes a statement using moto-styled gear…
Susie Crippen, creative director of J Brand and designer of its Racer X skinny pant, summed it up best: “We’re not claiming by any stretch of the imagination that if you buy our motocross jeans that you’re going to be a better motorcycle rider or get a boyfriend who has a motorcycle. But you will look really good on a motorcycle.” Oh ya, and btw, Suzie doesn’t ride!
J Brand Racer X legging…are they serious about using these riding??
The line between safety and fashion is like one drawn in the sand. We real riders all want to be safe, but who doesn’t also want to look good? Sadly the manufacturers of “real” motorcycle gear don’t seem to make the looking part part so easy, although it’s probably better than it’s ever been. There are companies like Joe Rocket that are making some damned good looking women’s gear that combines fashion and safety in a stylish way. It’s out there, but we really do have to do some research and then there is the matter of fit. Joe Rocket, now has women designers that actually ride motorcycles and have taken fashion and safety to the limits. They make some great looking leather, textile and mesh gear that is not only stylish for the female form, but also offers a great deal of protection for that same form. There are other companies, Olympia being one, that has created jackets and pants that offer protection, style and fit. It’s nice to see gear offered in colors other than the usual pink or baby blue gear as well. I have also found that GoGo Gear has some items, that go beyond scooter gear, allowing motorcycle riders some alternative looks and protection, although I am not sure of the sizing of their gear and whether or not it takes a more “womanly” figure in to account. I’ll be researching this arena.
The bottom line, for me is that I am protected. PERIOD. I love looking good, but moreso, I want to keep looking good, on and off my motorbike, that said, I continue to wear gear that I feel offers the MOST protection and best fit. Suddenly, looking good takes a back seat to feeling safe.
I’d love to read any commments or thoughts others have regarding women’s moto-gear. Let’s hear from you!
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I am more of a blog writer than a reader but stumbled upon your site by checking out a commenter’s blog. I have never ridden a bike in the US but have driven many backroads and visited many national parks while traveling with my Thai wife around the western states, from Canada to Arizona and as far east as Denver.
I really enjoyed your photography and storytelling, which put me onsite and remembering things we had seen and places we had been. I ride a Ninja 650r in Thailand and would no doubt find the restrictive nature of motorcycle riding in the US difficult, since I am used to the unregulated and somewhat lawless nature Northern Thailand’s back roads.
In the heavily testosterone laden world of biking, it was refreshing to get a different and somewhat more introspective take on riding. In a way I am sorry your latest trip is over. It was so nice to ride those roads and see those amazing sights again through your blog.
Sorry for being completely off topic so by way of apology I will say women look hot on a motorcycle no matter what they are wearing.
Thanks VF for your insightful comments. I certainly welcome you to the site and please jump in wherever and comment.
I have another friend who rides in Thailand and has the same take as you do. He did not love riding here in the US for many reasons, but mostly due to the huge gaps between sights. He felt it was trying to get from point a to b which involved lots of highway riding. You can check out his blog here http://dswarthout.blogspot.com/2011/04/motorcycling-eugene-to-new-mexico.html and his perspective of our ride to the SW.
Again, welcome!!
Hmmm…this video kinda sums it up…
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6550847/female-armor-sucks
Hahahaha….that is a riot, Geoff!! And very close to home!
In case you hadn’t guessed, that is where I came across you link to begin with.
That’s awesome…I am a bit slow on the uptake and just put it all together. Ironically, I sent you Dave’s site to check out…that’s actually pretty funny!! Anyhow welcome over here!!
Couldn’t get the video to play, but from the other pics you posted plus your monologue, I tend to agree with you. I have found some things fit better than others but also found that alot of the leather items don’t have the same quality of protection as the mens do (like suits, for the most blatant example) I have 6-7 jackets where I’d say 4 are “duds”! I find finding something to fit me VERY hard to do as most seem to be made for “full figures” and I am not. I have this same problem with reg street clothes, too. My Joe Rocket jacket is a tad big around the middle but if I went to an x-small, then the arms would be too short. Stuff I’m happiest with fit-wise (that’s protective) are my Rev’it pants and my Alpinestars leather jacket!
I must comment on some of those m/c style fashions going “mainstream”. Some remind me of what us Goths in the ’80′s wore! Yep, I was a Siouxsie clone but with my own look! Wish I still had the pics but I tossed em years ago!
@ Suzi…I bet the video didn’t play because there isn’t one!!
I agree that motorcycle protective wear is difficult to fit, but find most of the brands run SMALL not large. Many petits have little problem finding several brands of gear to choose from, where other’s with a more voluptuous figures have a darned difficult time just figuring out what size they need be wearing since the sizes are grossly exaggerated.
I’m glad you found a company that fits you. You are lucky. Some women have to look forever, to find an acceptable fit.
hahahah…i agree about the goth look in gear…it’s pretty fun.