How to Choose the Size of a Motorcycle Suit

Choosing the right size of a motorcycle suit is crucial for both comfort and safety while riding. A well-fitted suit not only enhances your riding experience but also provides essential protection in case of an accident. In this blog post, we will explore how to choose the size of a motorcycle suit, focusing on the importance of trying it on in the correct riding position and other factors that contribute to a perfect fit.

Understanding Fit - Standing vs Riding Position

When you’re in the market for a new motorcycle suit, it’s easy to get caught up in how it feels while standing. However, it’s essential to remember that you will be wearing this suit primarily when riding. Therefore, always try on the suit in a riding position. This means sitting on a motorcycle or using a mock-up saddle if available.

Many riders experience discomfort when they first try on a new suit, particularly around the shoulders and upper body. This sensation of “pulling” is normal and should not be cause for concern. The key here is to assess how the suit feels when you are in your natural riding posture rather than when standing upright.

The Importance of Trying Before You Buy

At Dainese Centres, we understand that finding the right fit can be challenging. That’s why we offer customers the unique opportunity to try on suits while seated on an actual motorcycle at our race leathers store in Darwen. This experience allows you to evaluate how well the suit accommodates your body shape and movement while simulating real-world conditions.

When trying on your motorcycle suit, pay attention to several areas:

• Shoulders: Ensure there is enough room for movement without feeling constricted.
• Chest: The chest area should feel snug but not tight.
• Arms: Check that you can comfortably reach out without any pulling or restriction.
• Legs: Make sure there’s enough length so that when seated, your knees are covered without excess material bunching up.

Leather Stretch Over Time

One common misconception about leather suits is that they should fit perfectly from day one. While leather does provide some initial stiffness, it’s important to remember that it will stretch and conform to your body over time with regular use. This means that even if a new suit feels slightly tight initially—especially around areas like shoulders or thighs—it may become more comfortable as you wear it.

However, this doesn’t mean you should buy something that feels excessively tight or uncomfortable at first glance; rather, look for something that fits well overall but may need slight adjustments as it breaks in.

Accessories Matter - Boots, Back Protectors, and Gloves

When determining how to choose the size of a motorcycle suit effectively, don’t forget about accessories! It’s vital to try on your new suit with all relevant gear—including boots, gloves, and back protectors—to ensure everything integrates seamlessly.

For instance:

• Boots: Your boots can affect how pants fit around your ankles; make sure there isn’t any excess material bunching up.
• Back Protector: If you're wearing a back protector (which we highly recommend), ensure it's compatible with your chosen suit so that it doesn’t create additional pressure points.
• Gloves: Wearing gloves while trying on suits helps gauge arm length and cuff fit accurately.

By considering these elements together during fitting sessions, you'll achieve maximum comfort and total freedom of movement once you're out on the road.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Motorcycle Suits

While selecting the right size may seem straightforward, many riders make common mistakes:

1. Ignoring Movement: Focusing solely on how good a suit looks instead of its functionality can lead to discomfort later.
2. Overlooking Layering Needs: If you plan to wear thermal layers beneath your jacket during colder months or additional padding for summer rides—factor this into sizing!
3. Settling for “Close Enough”: Don’t compromise! If something doesn’t feel just right during fitting sessions—keep searching until you find what works best!

Choosing the right size of a motorcycle suit is an essential step towards ensuring both comfort and safety while riding. Always prioritise trying on suits in their intended riding position rather than just standing still; this small adjustment can significantly impact overall satisfaction with your purchase.

Remember also that leather will stretch over time, so don’t shy away from slightly snug fits as long as they allow for proper movement! Finally, always consider wearing all necessary accessories during fittings so everything integrates perfectly together.

By following these guidelines and utilising resources like Dainese Motorcycle Clothing Centres’ unique fitting experiences at our Darwen store you’ll be well-equipped with knowledge about how to choose the size of a motorcycle suit tailored specifically for YOU! Safe travels!