Motorcycle Shirts: What You Gotta Know, Ya Hear?

Alright, so you’re lookin’ for a motorcycle shirt, huh? Well, let me tell ya, it ain’t just about lookin’ cool, though that’s important too, I reckon. You gotta think about keepin’ yourself safe out there on them roads. Them cars, they don’t always see ya, and when things go south, you wanna be wearin’ somethin’ that’ll help ya out, not just some flimsy old thing.
First off, let’s talk about what kinda ridin’ you do. Just cruisin’ around town? Or maybe you’re hittin’ the highway, goin’ fast and furious? This makes a big difference, see? If you’re just poppin’ down to the store, a regular t-shirt under a light jacket might be okay. But if you’re gonna be goin’ fast, you need somethin’ tougher. Somethin’ that’ll protect you if you, God forbid, take a tumble.
Now, there’s these fancy ridin’ shirts out there. They call ‘em “riding shirts” or “motorcycle shirts,” sounds all highfalutin, don’t it? But some of ’em are real good. They got this extra stuff in ’em, like armor or somethin’. Not like a knight in shinin’ armor, mind you, but tough pads in the elbows and shoulders. Some even got back protectors. That’s important, ya know? Protectin’ your back. You only get one, and you don’t want it all messed up.
- Think about the material: You want somethin’ strong, somethin’ that won’t tear apart easy if you hit the ground. Leather’s always good, but it can get hot in the summer. Then there’s these other fancy fabrics they make now, tough but breathable. Look for stuff that says “abrasion resistant.” That means it’ll hold up if you slide on the asphalt. ‘Cause asphalt ain’t kind, let me tell ya.
- Pockets are good: I always like a shirt with good pockets. Gotta have somewhere to put your keys and your phone. And maybe a little somethin’ extra for a snack on the road. You never know when you’ll get hungry, right?
- Fit is important: You don’t want a shirt that’s too loose, flappin’ around in the wind. And you don’t want it too tight either, makin’ it hard to move. Gotta find somethin’ that’s just right, comfortable enough to ride in all day, but snug enough to stay put if things get hairy. Try it on, move around in it, make sure you can reach the handlebars without feelin’ all bunched up.
And don’t forget about lookin’ good! I mean, who wants to look like a scarecrow out there? You can find motorcycle shirts in all sorts of colors and styles. Some look like regular shirts, just with the extra protection hidden inside. Others are more flashy, lettin’ everyone know you’re a biker. It’s all about what you like. But remember, safety first, then style. That’s what I always say.
Prices? Well, them fancy shirts can cost a pretty penny. I’ve seen ’em go for hundreds of dollars. But you get what you pay for, I reckon. A cheap shirt might not do much good in a crash. You gotta decide what your budget is, and what’s important to you. Maybe you can find a good deal on a used shirt, somethin’ that’s still got plenty of life left in it. Just check it over good, make sure there ain’t no tears or worn-out spots.
Now, some folks, they like to wear just a t-shirt under a mesh jacket. That’s alright for short trips, I guess, when it’s hot. But if you’re goin’ far or goin’ fast, you really oughta consider somethin’ more substantial. A proper motorcycle shirt, with that armor stuff I was talkin’ about. It could save your skin, literally. And ain’t nothin’ more important than that, is there?
So, there you have it. Just my two cents on motorcycle shirts. Stay safe out there, and keep the rubber side down! And remember, a good shirt is like a good friend – it’ll have your back when you need it most.
And one more thing! Don’t just buy the first shirt you see. Shop around, read some reviews, see what other folks are sayin’. And always, always try it on before you buy it. That’s the only way to know if it really fits and if it feels right. Good luck, and happy ridin’!
Tags: Motorcycle shirts, Riding gear, Motorcycle apparel, Protective clothing, Motorcycle safety, Biker shirts, Riding shirts, Abrasion resistant, Armor, Motorcycle jackets, Motorcycle clothing.