10 Tips On Purchasing Apparel
When choosing apparel, look for the best combination of function – i.e. safety, fit and fashion. You want to be comfortable, look good and know that your apparel is going to protect you should the need arise. There's a wide variety out there – including helmets, jackets, gloves, pants and boots and it's important.
There are too many possibilities to get too detailed so the tips below are general guidelines that you can apply to whatever you're purchasing. Research, ask questions and make an informed decision.
- Wear gear that's designed for riding. Whether you're purchasing leather or synthetic fabrics, understand the abrasion resistant properties. There are lots of clothes out there that look great – but they may not do a very good job of protecting you.
- When trying on apparel, sit on a bike (or the next best thing), put yourself in the riding position. You want to make sure that the length of your jacket, sleeves and pants is adequate to keep you covered in this position and that any armour is covering the area it's intended to protect. You also want to make sure that there's enough room across the back (jacket or pants) so that you're not constrained while riding. Consider the weather conditions you'll be riding through. You may need to layer clothing so make sure there's ample room to do this.
- It's hard to find one riding outfit to meet all the conditions you're going to encounter in a riding season. Look for versatility. There are jackets and pants with zip in/out liners which extend the time you can be comfortable in them. Or you can have several jackets. It's kind of hard to layer gloves so you'll likely need 3 pairs of good gloves – for warm weather, cold weather and rain.
- Look for breathability if you're purchasing jacket, pants or boots that are “waterproof”. Unless it says that it's breathable, it likely won't be and you'll feel like you're wearing a plastic bag – even in cooler weather.
- The more ventilation options the better. It can get pretty hot and lots of flow through ventilation is important particularly for jackets and full face helmets.
- Make yourself as conspicuous as possible at all times. Black looks great – but it can be hard to see. Look for reflective strips on pants, jackets, boots, and gloves that increase visibility at night or in fog or rain.
- Apparel that is uncomfortable or doesn't fit properly can compromise your safety. Not being able to easily reach the controls can be a big problem. If you do have occasion to meet the road you want to make sure that your gear is going to stay in place and protect you.
- Helmets need fit the shape of your head and be snug. You may have to search for the right one that fits your unique head. Wear it for 5 minutes at the shop – if it's uncomfortable at the end of this time, it's only going to get worse while riding.
- Boots should cover your ankles and have an oil and gas resistant sole. It's an awful feeling when you put your foot down and find there's no traction.
- Understand how to care for your purchase. Proper care can extend the longevity - and protect you.
Bonus Tip: Research. There are a ton of product reviews out there. Read them. Talk to other riders and retailers. Hopefully you never have to call your gear into action but if you do, you want to know that it's there for you.