Women's Motorcycle Apparel Says A Lot About Who's Wearing It
Women’s motorcycle apparel is more about the way it fits and the way it looks than it is about safety when riding, that that is a factored in as an afterthought. A lady biker wants black leather jackets, some like fringe, some don’t, tank tops or other tight fitting, collarless top, tight blue jeans, and a good pair of boots. Boots need to be sexy as well as functional. The whole look is about being sexy and saying, “Hey, I’m proud to be a biker!”.
Other than a good pair of boots, there is really no need for functionality in ladies biker wear. It does have to fit well and it is necessary to be able to move freely within the clothing, particularly if she is driving and not a rider. Women bikers don’t care much about the latest fall styles, either, so you won’t see them shopping too much at the popular mall stores each season. You’re more likely to see them shopping for women’s motorcycle apparel at the leather outlet stores or looking for closeout sales at the local bike shop.
The status of women’s motorcycle apparel lies mostly in the coats they wear. The women’s coats have to be black and some type of leather, or a jean jacket is appropriate in the hot summer months. Leather can be suede, lamb shearling, or just plain old black leather. Coats can be plain or decorated with fringe or lots of zippered pockets. Most importantly, though, it has to look good and fit well, whether the biker is petite or plus size, she still needs to look and feel sexy in her biker jacket. You are not likely to see a lady biker wearing a down ski coat.
Leather jackets take a lot of care. They must be coated with a waterproof substance in case the biker gets caught in the rain. They need to be buffed periodically to maintain shine and softness. A biker will spend at least a couple of hours every week or two caring for her leathers. This is a short time, however, compared to the several hours a week she will spend caring for her bike.
Women’s motorcycle apparel also includes helmets and safety apparel for some women. This is not because it is sexy, or even because it is safe. This is because many states require the use of helmets and certain safety equipment for all motorcycle riders. Other states only require sunglasses be worn, but bikers in their first year must provide a helmet for any riders they have with them. Helmets are just a matter of taste for a woman, but many will have one custom made to match her bike or her personality. Many will have their helmets painted to match a tattoo or with their nicknames on them.
Regardless of where she shops, what size she is, or what type of leather she chooses for her jacket, women’s motorcycle apparel is unique to her because it makes the statement that she is not just any woman, she is a biker. |
