Is a 13 oz Waxed Cotton Motorcycle Jacket Worth the Extra Weight?

Pick up a 13 oz waxed cotton jacket and you'll notice it's got some weight to it. The fabric feels quite firm, too. If you're used to lightweight riding jackets, it might feel a bit much at first. Then again, some people like a jacket that feels substantial rather than thin and flimsy.

Speedwear's Heavyweight jacket uses 13 oz British waxed cotton. The obvious question is whether that extra fabric weight makes a difference when you're actually wearing it, not just holding it in a shop.

That Number on the Label

The 13 oz figure refers to the fabric weight, not the entire jacket. A 12 oz fabric is lighter, but don't expect the finished jackets to differ by exactly one ounce. Lining, pockets, zips and all those metal fasteners add weight of their own.

It's easy to get caught up in the numbers when comparing Men's waxed jackets online. A heavier fabric might appeal to you, but there's no point choosing a jacket based on that figure alone.

How it feels on your body is another matter.

You'll Notice It When Riding

A heavier jacket has a certain feel to it. The sleeves may feel firmer, and the body of the garment can feel less flimsy when you pull it on. Whether that's a good thing depends on your preference.

Try sitting on the bike before deciding. Reach forward as you normally would to hold the handlebars. Check whether the shoulders pull, whether the sleeves creep up your wrists and whether you can turn comfortably to look behind you.

These are easy things to miss when you're trying a jacket on in the house.

The cut plays a big part here. So does the lining. A heavy outer fabric and a bulky lining can leave you feeling restricted, especially if you're wearing a thick jumper underneath. If you mainly ride short distances, you might not notice much. On a longer run, small annoyances tend to get old pretty quickly.

What About Carrying It Around?

Here's a situation worth thinking about. You ride to work, take the jacket off and carry it around for the rest of the day. A heavier jacket isn't going to ruin your morning, but it's another thing to lug about.

The same goes for packing. If you're heading away for a weekend and trying to fit everything into one bag, a bulky waxed jacket takes up room. That's the sort of thing you probably won't think about when ordering online.

Layering can be a bit awkward, too. You may want a jumper underneath on a cold morning, but a jacket that fits neatly over a T-shirt might feel tight with extra clothing. Check the fit with the sort of layers you actually wear.

And don't assume that heavier automatically means warmer. The lining, wind protection and clothing underneath all contribute to how warm you feel.

Would I Choose the 13 oz Version?

If you like traditional motorcycle jackets and prefer a heavier fabric, Speedwear's Heavyweight model is worth considering. It uses British waxed cotton, and that substantial feel is part of its appeal.

But if you're buying it simply because 13 oz sounds tougher than 12 oz, I'd take another look. Fabric weight doesn't tell you everything about fit, construction or riding comfort.

One point to check before buying: the Heavyweight jacket is listed without armour. Thick cotton isn't a substitute for motorcycle impact protection, so make sure the jacket and your other riding gear meet your needs.

Have a look at the other Men's waxed jackets in the range before settling on one. A lighter jacket may be easier for daily commuting, especially if you're constantly taking it off, carrying it around and putting it back on.

That extra weight might suit you perfectly. Or you might wear the lighter one far more often. You won't find that answer on the label alone.