Should You Wear a Vest While Riding a Motorcycle? Pros and Cons

The Motorcycle Vest, a statement of rebellion, an identity of Brotherhood. They show the road that fearless riders are about to tear it up. But is there another purpose for Vests on a Motorcycle as well? Here is a look at the Pros and Cons of wearing a Vest while riding a Motorcycle.

Types of Motorcycle Vests

There are now many types of vests, and they all vary in style and practicality. If you are thinking about wearing a vest riding, here are some different types:

Leather Motorcycle Vests – The classic leather vest has come a long way. Leather vests can have a rugged or vintage look but also a very classic look. They can give off a hardcore rider look or be fit for a classy wedding off the bike. Alot of vests also come with pockets so you don't need to carry unwanted baggage.

Textile Vests – Best for summer riding, these vests are a great option as they are lightweight and breathable. If they are just for the look, putting one of these over a Motorcycle Jacket really screams biker as well.

Armoured Vests- Some vests also have amour in the chest and back. Great for those that want a bit more protection.

Reflective Vest- More for when visibility is low, reflective vests make you more visible in the dark.

Pros of Wearing a Motorcycle Vest

Not just for making a statement, there are many reasons why wearing a vest while riding a Motorcycle is a big plus. Let's have a look:

PROS:

Another Layer of Protection- Even though a vest will never be as protective as a Leather Jacket, it is still a layer between you and the road. A vest will shield any debris in case of a fall, will give you that extra durability on your skin.

Functionality and Style – Most vests come with pockets; the right vest comes with lots of them. You can look Bad Ass and ride solo or with your crew and have your phone, wallet and keys come along for the ride without being visible and in the way.

Comfort in Weather Changes- In the cold, a vest gives you an extra layer of warmth. In the heat, if your jacket is too much to bear, then a vest is another option while still giving you coverage.

Can Customize- If you like making a statement or want to customize your Motorcycle gear, a lot of vests have wide panels at the back so you can do just this. Sew or iron on your favourite patches or logos.

Convenient for Casual Riders – Easy to slip on and off. For those that want a quick ride without the hassle but still have coverage.

CONS:

Vests are great but unfortunately, they do have a couple of things going against them-

Less Protection – Vests have no arms or shoulder protection if worn on their own. Better for casual slower riding, if you want to hit the freeways and ride at high speeds, a vest won't give the full protection you need.

Not great for all seasons – Unless you run hot, then a vest may leave you cold and wet on a rainy winter day.

When Should You Wear a Vest?

Let's face it, you can wear a vest anytime or place that you want. But here are some riding scenarios that suit a vest to a tee.

Casual Rides – Ideal for a casual ride around town or a quick meet up with friends, wherever you are going, if it is close and casual, a vest is great without overdoing it.

Hot weather – A cooler alternative when a jacket is just too much in the sweltering heat. It still gives some protection and keeps you sweat free.

Group Rides- If you have a group of riders that love doing your thing, then a vest shows brotherhood bond and trust. Especially if your club has patches on the vest.

How to Choose the Right Vest

Choosing a vest that is right for you come down to what you are looking for and your style. Here is a few points:

Material and Durability: For a vest that is durable and strong, and you plan to keep for a long time, leather is the best material. If you prefer lightweight with more ventilation, maybe look for a textile vest.

Check out RhinoLeathers Denim Atlas Vest, looks Bad-Ass over a jacket or without. 

Fit and Comfort: A vest should be comfortable but not loose. It needs to feel snug but not tight. You should still be able to have easy movement. Some vests have straps if you want to have the choice of loosening or tightening and if you plan to wear it over a jacket, maybe size it up.

Functionality and Storage: Look for a vest that suits your needs. If you do need to carry a few things without wanting to take a lot with you, vests that have pockets and storage are great. You will be able to even fit a small toolkit in there.

Conclusion

So, should you wear a vest while riding? They look awesome, have storage and give you an extra protective layer. If you are worried about safety, a vest over a jacket is mint, not worried so much? Then it gives you more protection than what you usually have. It's stylish on or off the bike and can be classy to rugged, the choice is yours.

Answer is Yes, you can't go wrong with a sturdy vest.