Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this denim motorcycle jacket idea for a while now, and I finally got something I’m pretty happy with. I wanted a jacket that looked cool but would also actually protect me if I took a spill on my bike. It’s a tough balance, you know?
First off, I started looking around online to see what was already out there. I saw some denim jackets that were marketed for motorcycle riders, but a lot of them seemed pretty flimsy. Like, they’d probably shred on impact, which is not what you want. Others were way too expensive. I found some good stuff about breaking in denim, and it got me thinking. I wanted something that would mold to my body over time, like a good pair of jeans.
- I started checking out different stores, both online and in person.
- I was looking for a jacket with a good, thick denim.
- The idea was to find something that looked like a regular denim jacket but had some hidden protection.
I ended up finding a decent denim jacket at a regular clothing store. It wasn’t specifically made for riding, but the denim felt pretty substantial. I figured I could modify it to make it more suitable for riding. This was the starting point, just a regular, off-the-rack denim jacket.
Next, I went online to find some protective padding. I found some that’s designed to be sewn into clothing, specifically for motorcycle gear. It’s made of this impact-absorbing material that hardens on impact but is otherwise pretty flexible. I ordered some for the shoulders, elbows, and back.
When the padding arrived, I started figuring out how to attach it to the jacket. I didn’t want it to be too bulky or noticeable, so I carefully opened up the seams in the lining of the jacket and inserted the padding. This was a bit of a pain, but totally worth it. I stitched it in place, making sure it was secure but still allowed for movement.
After sewing in the padding, I tried on the jacket. It felt a bit stiff at first, which is normal for new, high-quality denim, but I knew it would break in over time. The added padding made it feel a lot more substantial and gave me some peace of mind knowing I had some protection.
Here’s how it turned out:
- The jacket looks like a regular denim jacket, so it’s stylish enough to wear even when I’m not riding.
- It has hidden protection in the shoulders, elbows, and back, which is what I wanted.
- It’s comfortable enough to wear on long rides, and I know it’ll only get better as it breaks in.
Honestly, I’m pretty stoked with how this project turned out. It’s a unique jacket that combines style and safety. Plus, I saved some money by making it myself instead of buying a pre-made motorcycle jacket. It was a fun little project, and I’m happy to share the process.
I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now, and it’s starting to break in nicely. It’s definitely my go-to jacket for riding now. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! Just make sure you use good quality materials and take your time with the modifications. Ride safe, everyone!
