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!