How to Measure a Custom Leather Motorcycle Suit
Getting the right fit for your motorcycle leather racing suit requires precise body measurements. This is particularly important because many products are labeled in American or European sizing, making it challenging to select the correct size online. Here’s a guide to help you measure your leather motorcycle suit, including measurements for your chest, belly, waist, hips, inseam, and pants length.
Preparation Before Measuring
- Wear Proper Base Layers
Wear the type of clothing you intend to use under the suit, such as compression wear or light base layers. This ensures the measurements reflect how the custom track motogp suit will fit in actual use.
- Use a Flexible Measuring Tape
Ensure the measuring tape is soft and flexible so it contours easily to your body for accurate results.
- Maintain a Neutral Posture
Stand naturally with a relaxed posture during measurements. Avoid tensing or slouching.
- Seek Assistance
Having someone help you with measurements can improve accuracy, especially for harder-to-reach areas.
1. Chest Measurement
To accurately measure your chest size:
- Lay a jacket on a flat surface with the front side facing up and fully zip it closed.
- Smooth out the torso to remove any wrinkles. Flatten the material as much as possible.
- Lift the arms of the jacket out of the way to measure from one armpit to the other at the widest part of the chest.
- Take the measurement slightly inside the outer edge to account for the thickness of the shell material and liner.
Adjustments by motorcycle Leather racing Jacket Type:
- For slim-fit jackets, subtract about 1/2 inch from each side.
- For regular-fit jackets, subtract about 3/4 inch per side.
- Double the measurement to get the total chest size in inches or centimeters.
2. Belly Measurement
For an accurate belly size:
- Stand straight and avoid wearing tight clothing or other motorcycle gear.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your belly, crossing your back to form a circle.
- Record the measurement at the starting point.
3. Waist Measurement
Follow these steps for waist measurement:
- Stand upright and locate the point where you normally wear your pants.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, starting and ending at the same spot.
- Ensure the tape is snug but not too tight for an accurate result.
4. Hip Measurement
To measure your hips:
- Place the measuring tape at the widest part of your hips and bum.
- Wrap the tape around to the top of your hips to complete the circle.
- Leave a small allowance of about 1 to 1.5 inches for comfort.
5. Thigh
- How to Measure: Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your thigh.
- Why It Matters: Ensures freedom of movement and comfort while riding.
6. Knee
- How to Measure: Measure around the circumference of your knee at its widest point.
- Why It Matters: Provides room for knee protectors and allows comfortable flexion.
7. Calf
- How to Measure: Measure around the widest part of your calf.
- Why It Matters: Ensures the suit accommodates boots and doesn’t restrict blood flow.
8. Shoulder Width
- How to Measure: Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other across your back.
- Why It Matters: Aligns the shoulder armor and ensures comfort.
9. Sleeve Length
- How to Measure: Measure from the tip of your shoulder to your wrist, following the contour of your bent arm.
- Why It Matters: Prevents sleeves from riding up during movement or while riding.
10. Neck
- How to Measure: Measure around the base of your neck where a shirt collar typically sits.
- Why It Matters: Ensures the collar doesn’t chafe or feel restrictive.
11. Torso Length
- How to Measure: Measure from the base of your neck (front) to your groin.
- Why It Matters: Accommodates your torso length for comfort and fit in the riding position.
12. Arm Circumference
- How to Measure: Measure around the fullest part of your bicep and forearm.
- Why It Matters: Ensures a snug fit without restricting movement or circulation.
13. Inseam Measurement
The inseam is the distance from the highest point of your inner leg to your ankle bone. Here’s how to measure it:
- Have someone assist you, if possible, for accurate results.
- Alternatively, hold a book snugly in the crook of your leg while standing against a wall.
- Mark the top edge of the book on the wall with a highlighter.
- Measure the distance from the floor to the mark to get your inseam measurement.
14. Outseam
- How to Measure: Measure from the top of your waist to the bottom of your ankle along the outside of your leg.
- Why It Matters: Helps achieve the correct overall length for the Motorbike racing suit pants.
15. Pants Length Measurement
For pants length:
- Use a pair of slim-fit pants that fit you well.
- Measure from the waistband to the bottom edge of the pant leg.
- Alternatively, use a measuring tape to measure from the bottom of your foot to your waistline while standing.
Additional Considerations
1. Riding Position
Keep in mind your posture on the bike. Some measurements may need adjustments to account for a crouched or leaned-forward position.
2. Protective Gear
Factor in the additional bulk of protective gear like shoulder pads, knee armor, and back protectors.
3. Stretch Panels
Many authentic race suits include stretch panels in key areas. These may influence the snugness of the fit, so consider their presence when choosing a size.
Final Steps Before Ordering: How to Measure for a Motorcycle Suit
1. Double-Check Measurements
Take the time to re-measure critical areas, such as chest, waist, and inseam, to ensure accuracy.
2. Consult the Manufacturer’s Size Chart
Match your measurements with the brand’s specific sizing guide. Sizes can vary significantly between manufacturers.
3. Opt for Custom Tailoring If Needed
If your measurements don’t align with standard sizes, consider investing in a custom-made suit for the best fit.
If you have done your one piece motorcycle race suit or two piece motorcycle race suit then you also know about its care. You should also learn how to clean motorcycle leather suits.