So, after 20 years of having a bike licence, I decided to get a set of Dianese leathers Until now I've worn leather jackets and kevlar jeans, so I'm a '2piece newbie' The question I have is, how tight should they be? I tried a similar 2 piece on in a shop, but they seemed a bit on the loose side (54). I could grab an inch or 2 on the thighs and there would be room to wear a thin jumper over my back protector too. I asked how much they relax and the lad said up to 10% of the leather will stretch with use. They didn't have a 52 set for me to try, so I followed the size guides to confirm that I should have the smaller size and ordered them online. They came today all wrapped in plastic and proper new and even though all the zips do up .... fook me they're a bit on the neat side The size 54 I tried in the shop I could wear my back protector in and still have a bit of wiggle room, but these ones, no chance. And the trousers have no give on the thighs (which is right I guess?) I can sit down in them (just), but getting back up is a bit of a challenge and they do pinch a bit in the middle. I'm not used to wearing tight clothing, so is this about right for new leathers? Should they be really tight when brand new and relax fairly quickly or do you recon I should return them and go up to the baggy size 54? P.S. In the time it's taken me to write this, they've eased off a wee bit (or I've acclimatised to being squeezed), but still ....
They should be snug, and if you are comfortable enough on the bike when they are new they will be just fine. I personally never found a 2 piece I was comfirtable in, and therefore it's romper suits for me all the way.
Ideally, for track days (where, unlike riding on public roads, you won't be spending time performing the 'life-saver' over the shoulder look behind manoeuvre) they need to be a couple of 'notches' up from the point where they restrict your ability to breath, your vision is affected and you eventually lose consciousness. For everyday road riding and with colder seasons ahead I'd be considering a loser fit suit with a detachable inner lining.
Cheers all. I can breathe in them ok, but it's just like being hugged by a really pretty cow. I'll just wait until it's dark then go out to ride in them for a few hours to see how they feel. That way, if I can't move and fall off at a set of traffic lights then no-one will be around to see
They will stretch with use so should be on the tight side when new otherwise could end up too loose after 6 months
Bloody hell that sounds like torture, be getting your feet bound next, to aid aerodynamics. I'm sticking to the afghan coat and moon boots. I suppose the three hand maidens with baby oil, getting you into them might be okay tho.
I had to go up a few sizes to accommodate for height, so my leathers are definitely too big, yes lanky streaky of piss is one word for it! Im hoping I can get them adjusted if anyone knows anyone south of England? They don't cause any problems, no flapping on road or track, just look a bit baggy!
My Leathers wear on the tight side when they were new so I took out a few protectors until they gave a little.. BTW. there`s nowt worse than a baggy bum.. No pain no gain.. !!
I got RST 2 piece and they were a nice fit until I wore my Forcefield back protector Now when there on!... It looks like my arses has fainted A bit like those morbidly obese people that lose my bodyweight in a fortnight with all that loose skin! I look one of those, naked with RST tattoos I did take the jackets own back protector out before doning the forcefield but it didn't make any odds! but I'm really fancying one of them there Alpinestars 1 piece suits
Keep em tight they will give after a while. But if they are so tight that you are struggling to breath or they restrict movement consider exchange. (no sexual innuendo intended on either statement !)
I have just visited someone who will get my leathers too fit properly. I am slim 31 waist and most leathers are just too baggy on the arse. Check out "love my leathers" in suffolk. Also i also found out that CE protection sometimes only relates to the armour and not the leather so check this.
Love the feeling of protection a close fitting set of leathers give you compared to textiles Didn't love the light headedness and black spots on my vision trying to squeeze into them last spring after a winter of indulgence
