I just bought a new jacket today. I'm trying to gauge whether or not it's too small. I was hoping some of you guys could post pics of your riding gear (especially jackets) so I could get a general idea. I bought an "Icon Strong Arm" jacket. It fits snug enough that I don't have room to carry my pistol on my belt (legally carrying). I like to have the jacket fairl snug so that it doesn't flap in the wind on the interstate.

 

The primary test for me is how it feels when I am on my bike. A jacket that is slightly loose when I am standing up will tighten up considerably when it is zipped up and I am sitting on my bike with my arms extended. I recently found the perfect jacket, fits perfectly both on and off the bike. Good luck.

Rick

 

if you can breath it isn't too tight / if your boobies turn into the uniboob then it is too tight ( ladies)

 

I like to be able to wear a T-shirt, thermal shirt and sweat shirt and my leather jacket fit not to snug while riding. If your in the colder climate give yourself some room for warmer clothing underneath or it'll fit too tight.
Just sayin...

 

There's no one answer to your question. Most depends on the style of the jacket. I have a Hein Gerick V Pilot which is a raciang style jacket, with armor, that fits snug. It has a removable lining and with the lining in, it just does make it !! I also have a first gear jacket, without armor. It's designed more like a varsity jacket and fits looser.

Choice of jacket has alot to do with your style of riding and the style of bike you ride. For example, you don't want coat collars flapping you in the face.

 

Zipper it and try to raise your arms over your head. If you can't it's too tight.

 

There are a few ways to tell if it is too tight.
1)Is it hard to zip?
2)With arms extended,do the cuffs raise up to your forearms?
3)When riding,does the wiast line of jacket go to the middle of your back?
The jacket i bought does not fit snug,I can wear a sweatshirt under if needed.It also doesnt flap in the wind.

 

Thats a good rule of thumb. Don't forget, if it is leather, is will streach a little bit after time.

 

Assuming you're wearing the jacket for protection, then a snug fit is good as long as you're comfortable in your riding position. Relatively tight leathers are less likely to snag / tear than loose fitting ones (given the same quality /thickness) in the event of an unscheduledmeeting with the road.

As someon else has said they do stretch, although over the past 40 years I seem to have bought ones that shrunk over time .... [sm=headbang.gif]

 

I'm with Paulca - mine seem to have shrunk over the last several years!

Another good test is to zip the jacket up and see if you can cross your arms and touch your shoulders easily. I like my jackets loose enough that I can wear a sweater under them in the winter, but snug enough that without the sweater they aren't baggy. Check to make sure that the sleeves don't pinch your underarms.