Gone are the days when women riders had to make do with riding gear made for men. More and more apparel manufacturers are catering to the special needs of female riders with special designs and materials––and the inevitable dash of style. Here are 10 women’s leather sport jackets to make you the envy of your male riding buddies.
The Lotus is made of 1.0-1.1mm cowhide and comes with a washable and removable quilted vest liner that zips in over a permanent mesh lining. CE-certified armor at the elbows and shoulders, and a two-stage 10mm rubber back protector, provide impact protection. Pre-curved arms give a perfect look and fit, and overlaid shoulders offer freedom of movement. Two hand-warmer pockets and one inside pocket are standard. (XS-XL, black, $219.00, agvsport.com)
Made from 1.3mm leather with multi-panel construction for abrasion resistance, and reinforced stitching for tear resistance, the Stella GP Plus R also comes with CE-approved Bio-Armor in the shoulders and elbows. Dual-density polymer shoulder sliders are ergonomically incorporated for added abrasion resistance. Chest and back-pad compartments come with PE padding. Poly-fabric accordion stretch inserts improve fit and reduce weight. (38-50, two colors, $439.95, www.alpinestars.com)
The LNX is made of 1.2-1.3mm drum-dyed perforated and non-perforated leather. It comes with removable CE armor in the shoulders and elbows, and full-circumference and 8-inch jacket/pant attachment zippers. A removable insulated liner has 100g insulation in the body and 50g in the removable sleeves. Accordion-style panels at the shoulder and waist provide added flexibility and better fit. Reflective material adds nighttime visibility. (XS-LG Plus, black, $259.99, www.cortech.net)
The retro-styled Michelle has a waxy leather finish and comes with hip adjustment, a jacket-to-trousers fastening system, and a TechFrame internal liner. There are two outer pockets and one inner, and a pocket for an optional back protector. Reflective inserts increase nighttime visibility. (40-52, two colors, $499.95, www.dainese.com)
The Fairlady is made of 1.1-1.3mm select grain leather and comes with an insulated and removable SatinCore vest liner. It also comes with D3O impact protectors at the shoulders, elbows, and back. Other features include tactical black-oxide metal zippers, perforation for venting, adjustment straps, and embroidered sleeve logos. (XS-3XL, two colors, $535.00, www.rideicon.com)
The Classic '92 is made of 1.0-1.2mm top-stitched, drum-dyed cowhide tailored specially for a relaxed fit. It comes with pockets for optional armor at the elbows, shoulders, and back, and includes a zip-in quilted full-sleeve liner. The waist and cuffs are adjustable, and there are five inside pockets and four outside. An adjustable neoprene-lined mandarin collar is standard. (XS-"2 Diva," two colors, $299.99, joerocket.com)
The Bellecour's vintage look is enhanced by the diagonal front zipper. The jacket is made of vintage cowhide and comes with a polyamide lining. Armor in the elbows and shoulders is standard, and there's a pocket for an optional back protector. Slit outer pockets and an inner pocket provide storage. (34-44, two colors, $479.99, www.revitsport.com)
The Vixen is made from perforated and non-perforated 1.2-1.4mm Monaco top-grain leather. CE armor in the elbows and shoulder team with a PE foam back protector for impact protection. Reflective piping aids nighttime visibility. Stretch panels in the elbows, sides, sleeves, and underarms improve the fit. A washable and removable insulated quilted liner and flexible neoprene collar trim are standard. (XS-2XL, $399.95-$409.95, black, scorpionusa.com)
The Speed Society is made of 1.0-1.1mm premium cowhide leather with fashion-fit poly side panels and CE elbow, shoulder, and back armor. Perforated leather panels improve ventilation, and the jacket comes with belt loops for pant attachment. Waist and sleeve adjusters are included. (S-2XL, two colors, $349.95, ssgear.com)
The Café Race is made of soft 0.7-0.9mm sheep leather and comes with a quilted 80g thermal liner. Multitech CE protectors on the shoulders and elbows are standard. There's a snap system to connect the jacket to riding jeans, an adjustable waist, and a pocket for an optional Women' Warrior Back Protector. (40-50, black, $529.90, www.spidi.com)