The warm season is approaching, so let's have a look at how to choose the most suitable clothing, the one that allows us not to suffer from the heat and at the same time to be comfortable if the temperature drops. Considering, first of all, that we are talking about technical garments, not only designed to ensure maximum comfort but also safety, i.e. made with abrasion-resistant fabrics and with the protective padding in the most exposed parts, from head to foot.
Let's first consider the most complex case of a journey, but also a simple trip, where temperatures vary considerably, for example from the heat of a plain to the peaks of a mountain pass. Before you decide what to buy, you need to be fully aware of the situations you might come across, and consider the fact that it might rain.
The basic concept, however, remains a classic: wear layers. This means wearing layered clothing, which can be taken off or put on as needed. So let's start with the first layer, which is generally neglected but which is actually very important: underwear.
Suitable underwear for motorcyclists
Today, clothing technology is very advanced. There are technical fabrics designed for very specific purposes, and some relate precisely to underwear. A classic T-shirt is usually worn in summer, but it is not the best choice, as cotton absorbs and retains sweat, which should be removed from the body. This is why many companies offer garments made with technical yarns that “extract” sweat, leaving the body dry while providing an immediate feeling of well-being. For maximum comfort, it is therefore crucial to start from the first layer in contact with the skin, choosing a technical T-shirt, even with long sleeves, which avoids any rubbing with possible protective pads in the jacket.
The summer jacket
A motorcycle jacket is the most complex garment to make, but years of experience have enabled many manufacturers of technical clothing to offer very versatile, comfortable and protective models. There are a few basic features to keep in mind when choosing a good summer jacket:
1) it must be made from a breathable fabric;
2) it must give you the possibility of adjusting the air flow according to needs, with areas that can be exposed or covered (with adjustable flaps that do up with zip-fasteners or Velcro), or be highly breathable (some even have mesh parts) but have a protective internal layer to be worn at cooler temperatures;
3) it must be protective, and therefore have a robust construction to support the protective pads (on the shoulders and elbows and back), resist abrasion in exposed areas and be adjustable to fit tightly, particularly on the arms, otherwise the protective pads move around and become useless;
4) for greater comfort it is a good idea to have elasticated areas to facilitate movement.
Do you prefer riding in jeans or technical trousers?
As for trousers, we have two options: jeans or technical wear. Jeans are fine for a day trip; a knowledgeable traveller will choose a technical garment instead. The same observations made for jackets apply to trousers too, so you should prefer a breathable garment, with ventilation flaps, adjustable in the fit and, of course, with protective pads, on the knees and also on the hips.
Technical biker jeans do exist and are designed specifically to be worn on motorcycles; they are made with reinforced fabrics which are resistant to abrasion and with protective pads. In terms of safety they are more effective than regular jeans, but the level of protection is not up to that of technical biker trousers.
Motorcycle shoes: ankle-high or low?
These days, the line-up of motorcycle shoes and boots on offer is very wide, ranging from sneakers to calf-high boots, and even specific footwear for riding on the track and motocross (topics that we have not covered in this Article). Motorcycle sneakers, which are generally summer shoes, can also be worn in your free time and are comfortable despite the thicker or thinner protections that are usually found in the toe, ankle and heel areas. They are good for a light ride but do not protect the ankle; boots are better suited for longer journeys. Although significantly heavier than sneakers, biker boots also exist in a summer version, with wide areas of breathable fabric.
Both boots and sneakers are offered in a waterproof version, with an internal waterproof membrane, which is comfortable because it protects against water but lets your feet breathe.
Motorcycle gloves
Designing a good pair of summer motorcycle gloves is not easy, since protection needs to be combined with good ventilation. Leather is generally used, as it is soft and resistant to abrasion, but in this case too there are technical fabrics that can combine the two qualities. It is important that the gloves are elasticated, to ensure precision riding and avoid straining your hands, and they must protect the knuckles and palm, these are the areas exposed in case of a fall. An inner membrane can make them waterproof, which is important as your hands are the most exposed to rain and air.
Helmet with ventilation system
The helmet is the only piece of clothing that does not change with the seasons. It is true that there are models which open to a greater or lesser extent, but it is the full-face helmet that guarantees maximum safety. In this case, you need to check that there is a good ventilation system, so make sure there are air intakes on the chin and also on the head. They must also all be equipped with flaps or a flow-regulating mechanism, so that they can be opened in summer and closed in winter.
What to do if it rains?
A summer downpour is always uncomfortable, even in the heat, as it is annoying to travel in wet clothing. To avoid this problem, one solution is to carry a waterproof full-body suit with you, but it takes up space, which is not always available on all motorcycles (for example a naked bike), and also forces you to stop to put it on.
The most convenient solution is to ear waterproof clothing. If the garments are high quality there is no contraindication to wearing them in the rain, since these days there are very thin membranes that make the garment waterproof and at the same time do not prevent breathability, which is essential for comfort (bear in mind what we mentioned about underwear), this applies not only for summer. It is therefore important to consider this aspect when purchasing clothing, jackets, trousers, shoes and gloves.
Don't scrimp on motorcycle clothing
Today the motorcycle clothing offer is extensive, comprising multiple articles at all prices. Ranging from basic to highly specialised garments, in this field technology is important because in addition to the increasingly advanced protective pads and fabrics, motorcycling garment designs are the result of long and careful studies in the field. So if you go to a major brand, it's true that you might spend more, but it's also true that you will get more in terms comfort and safety. What's more, a great garment has almost infinite durability, and you won't replace it because it has a tear or a worn seam, but because you're buying an even more advanced version. Research just does not stop in this field.
