Jacket Safety Questions: Can a woman wear a man's jacket?

sargelee71 · Post by **sargelee71** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:23 am

OK, I'm really bummed (and TIRED OF) about the plethora of styles for men's jackets and the limited styles in women's jackets. I'm looking to purchase a mesh jacket, and just can't seem to find a simple and not too slim-fitting jacket styled for women. Two questions:

1) Have any of you wonderful scooterettes purchased a "man's" jacket in a size that fits you?

2) Does it compromise safety for me to buy a man's jacket?

#2 feels like a silly question, but I'd like to hear your feedback.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:31 am

It should be fine, provided it fits. The big concern would be the fabric being too loose anywhere, which would cause the armor to shift. I'd say the shoulders and arms would be the places to look for. Some jackets have adjustable sides and straps on the arms; this might help.

weaseltamer · Post by **weaseltamer** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:47 am

i was wearing a jacket that was too large for me (i'd say it was 40" around the chest and i'm 34") i had some scratches from where the jacket scratched my side on impact. Certainly that was really minor, but i do think a better fitted jacket would have not done that. I was in a really minor accident (rear ended). In a more serious accident maybe it would be less effective at shoulder protection, and you'd have a more damaged dislocation.

I'd say its like the helmet, and its an insurance policy. I did ok with my cheaper and too big jacket, it did it's job. but less than a year later i found a great deal on a *NICE* leather jacket (from newenough.com) that does fit perfectly. Like so many things about life and safety in general you should weigh your options.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Mon May 12, 2008 6:00 am

+1 on "as long as it fits." depending on how you're built, a men's jacket may be *better* than a woman's. If it's snug and the armor is in the right places, you're A-OK.

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:48 pm

i'm a woman who also wears men's overpants (first gear); they just fit me better than women sizes. it has to do with the option of lengths and where they sit on the hips/waist.

kilted texan · Post by **kilted texan** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:05 pm

My wife just got hers, it is the gray with black stripes. Very nice & not to hot. Remember to compare what comes with the jackets. When we were researching which vented jacket to get we noticed quite a few DID NOT come with back armor, just a pad.

http://www.vansonleathers.com/product_p ... ts/vx3.htm

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:14 pm

it comes to fit. try it on and make sure the shoulder and elbow pads are where they should be. make sure the sleeves are the right length and that the jacket isnt too big anywhere.

if it fits, then i don't think it matters at all if it's a ladies or mens jacket.

heavypetting · Post by **heavypetting** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:59 pm

It's much easier to find a great fit in Women's sizes. Usually the hips aren't wide enough and the jacket rides up to the waist. I have a Men's mesh that is almost useless. The shoulder armour flairs off my arms~ it's a mess! Just make sure if you order online you consult the measurement chart!