The Purpose of a Motorcycle Vest

Leather vests typically round out the layered, biker look.

Over the years, bikers popularized a specific style that includes layers of clothes and the practical and fashionable use of leather. Since you are exposed to the elements on a bike, protecting your core while keeping yourself nimble is key.

Warmth

The vest offers another layer of clothing to protect you from the elements without limiting you with extra sleeves. During long rides and more exposure to wind and cold, the vest preserves your core's body heat, which then radiates to your extremities.

Fabrics

Leather is animal hide treated for long-term wear. This adds another layer of "skin" between you and the elements, or even the road. Leather remains breathable while still maintaining the integrity of the strong fiber. For wet conditions, vests are also available in fleece, denim and nylon.

Options

Modern vests feature technological upgrades such as heating units to enhance the vest's natural benefit to conserve the body heat of your core. This is especially beneficial if you plan a long road trip through extreme weather conditions.

Style

Vests can be plain, especially if they are worn underneath other layers of clothes. They can also be very decorative to enhance your own personal sense of style. Patches and appliques are typical, fun additions to the plain vest.

References

• Leather Motorcycle Vest Plus: Leather Motorcycle Vest
• Reviews eBay Guides: Before You Buy a Biker/Motorcycle Jacket/Vest or Chaps
• Harley Davidson: Vests/MotorClothes