What do you think of when someone mentions the word “motorcyclist” to you? Is it different from a “biker”? What about a “woman rider,” a “biker chick,” or a “biker babe”?
The truth is, whether from television, movies, or social media reels, people have an image in mind for who you are and what you should look like within the motorcycling community. Often, these perceptions come from those outside the community who don’t understand that different styles of riding—from racing a Ducati to cruising on a cafe racer—require very different attire.
Recently, a new acquaintance told me, “Wow, you don’t look like a biker!” And depending on what a “biker” is supposed to look like, I guess I don’t. Even though I have the basic equipment—jacket, gloves, helmet, reinforced jeans (read more: Motorcycle Armor Ratings Explained), and boots—I’ve realized that having the gear isn’t the same as feeling comfortable in it.
The Comfort Gap
Motorcycle attire looks cool, and on some people, it fits perfectly. But for me, the lack of comfort in my gear makes me hesitant to do anything once I reach my destination. If I can’t comfortably walk around, it limits the joy of the ride. Here are the specific challenges I’m still trying to solve.
The Search for the Perfect Fit
Finding Moto Jeans for Curvy Riders
Motorcycle pants are essential for safety, featuring Kevlar lining and protective pads for knees and hips. However, finding a brand that caters to a curvy, hourglass figure is a major challenge.
To prepare for my riding class, I had to drive an hour away just to find a pair that I could actually try on. I ended up buying a size too large just to fit my hips and had to use a borrowed belt to cinch the waist so they wouldn’t fall down while I was riding.
The Jacket Struggle: Shoulders vs. Hips
Jackets present their own set of problems. Men’s jackets often fit my broad shoulders but fail to close over my hips. Conversely, women’s jackets that should be my size often can’t even zip at the top.
I eventually found a jacket I love, but I had to buy it a size larger than I’d like, which was a hit to my confidence all summer. Because many stores don’t stock a full range of sizes, finding the right fit often requires the hassle of ordering multiple sizes online and returning what doesn’t work.
Bringing Color to a Sea of Black
A few years ago, I gave up on wearing black clothing. I found that black and grey made me look and feel tired. While I prefer my brown boots and blue jeans, the industry seems stuck on black for almost everything—from boots to helmets.
I would love to see more colorful options in motorcycle clothing and equipment lines that reflect a rider’s personality rather than just a standard “biker” aesthetic. (I have found a couple of vendors, but I haven’t tried them out yet: Wind & Throttle or ViVeloci both for women riders)
Join the Conversation
I haven’t solved these equipment issues just yet, but as more women enter the world of motorcycling, I hope the industry begins to catch up with more inclusive designs.
What are some of the challenges you are facing while looking for the right equipment for yourself? Let me know in the comments!
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