Breaking In a New Leather Motorcycle Jacket

A new leather motorcycle jacket almost always feels a bit stiff at first. That's just how good leather is. If you've been looking at motorbike riding jackets, don't judge yours after one ride. Give it a little time and it'll gradually settle in.

Give It a Bit of Time

A leather jacket doesn't really break in overnight.

You wear it for a short ride. Then another one. A weekend trip comes along. Somewhere in between all that, it starts feeling different.

It's hard to explain, actually.

One day you suddenly notice you're reaching for it without even thinking. It just feels right.

That's how most good leather jackets earn their place.

Wear It. Don't Leave It Hanging

Some riders buy a nice jacket and end up saving it for "special rides."

Before long, it's been hanging in the wardrobe for months.

Leather doesn't work like that.

The more naturally you wear it, the better it usually feels. Those little creases around the elbows or shoulders? That's not the jacket wearing out. That's the leather slowly shaping itself around the way you ride.

Kind of nice when you think about it.

Get the Fit Right First

A leather jacket will become more comfortable over time, but it won't magically fix a sizing problem. If it already feels too tight, chances are it still will after a few rides.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

You don't have to spend hours looking after leather.

Just don't dry it beside a radiator after getting caught in the rain. Let it dry naturally instead. Every now and then, use a leather conditioner that's made for motorcycle gear. That's about it, really.

Those small habits help the jacket stay looking good for years.

The Best Jackets Tell a Story

Brand-new leather looks great.

Leather that's been on dozens of rides has something else about it.

A few marks. Soft creases. Maybe a memory attached to that weekend ride where the weather changed three times before lunch. That's part of owning leather. It picks up a bit of character as the miles add up.

Speedwear offers a carefully chosen collection of motorbike riding jackets, including heritage-style leather jackets, waxed cotton jackets, Kevlar riding shirts, Davida helmets, gloves, goggles and classic riding accessories. The focus isn't really on chasing trends. It's on gear that's comfortable to ride in and still feels right a good few years down the road.

The funny thing about a leather jacket is this.

The day you stop noticing it is usually the day it's finally become your favourite.