Back length for motorcycle jacket?

jimmer_5 · Nov 15, 2018

Hey all,

I am finishing up a custom order with Aero, and I am wondering how you determine the proper back length for a jacket? I see a wide range, and I know that this is a subjective thing, but how do you even measure (meaning, what relationships to your body do you consider)? Currently I think the right length is where it covers my belt, but doesn't cover the top of my jeans pockets. I am curious to hear other opinions.

This is the jacket that I am currently basing the length on (Aero Baord Racer, 26.5" back). For the record, I know it's big in the waist - I'm hoping to correct that in the order.

Aero Board Racer 46 - Seal Vicenza - unzipped by jimmacnair, on Flickr

Aero Board Racer 46 - Seal Vicenza - zipped with side view by jimmacnair, on Flickr

ton312 · Nov 15, 2018

I think with the large splay in the zipper (like what you have pictured with your BR) you could keep the length as is. The key is really where the zipper starts. You don't want the jacket riding up into your neck and face when seated on an M/C. For longer styles you need the splay before the start or a two way zipper.

Guppy · Nov 15, 2018

ton312 said:
I think with the large splay in the zipper (like what you have pictured with your BR) you could keep the length as is. The key is really where the zipper starts. You don't want the jacket riding up into your neck and face when seated on an M/C. For longer styles you need the splay before the start or a two way zipper.

That's relevant to the front length, not the back. Typically the back length is an inch or two below the front. I think a back length of 26" is typical for someone of average height and torso length, in many crosszip style mc jackets. Consult with the maker.

ton312 · Nov 15, 2018

Guppy said:
That's relevant to the front length, not the back. Typically the back length is an inch or two below the front. I think a back length of 26" is typical for someone of average height and torso length, in many crosszip style mc jackets. Consult with the maker.

Good point. I guess I never consider back length as much an issue on an M/C jacket as the front is where problems arise (literally). I agree tho 26" is about standard for most with Schott and Vanson offering some shorter models @ 24"

Peacoat · Nov 15, 2018

You are right to want the back to not cover your rear pockets. I think the jacket in the pictures is a little too long. It makes getting to the rear pockets too difficult when the jacket is zipped.

jimmer_5 · Nov 15, 2018

ton312 said:
I think with the large splay in the zipper (like what you have pictured with your BR) you could keep the length as is. The key is really where the zipper starts. You don't want the jacket riding up into your neck and face when seated on an M/C. For longer styles you need the splay before the start or a two way zipper.

I agree, the location where the zipper starts is key. Sitting in a car, that portion at the bottom before the zipper starts is able to splay and fold upward, keeping the jacket from riding up too much. I intend to use the same zipper placement.

Guppy said:
That's relevant to the front length, not the back. Typically the back length is an inch or two below the front. I think a back length of 26" is typical for someone of average height and torso length, in many crosszip style mc jackets. Consult with the maker.

In fairness to Ton, I didn't really specify because the Aero Cafe Racer (what I am ordering) and the Board Racer (what I am wearing) both seem to have an even bottom hem. The back doesn't dip down below the front.

Peacoat said:
You are right to want the back to not cover your rear pockets. I think the jacket in the pictures is a little too long. It makes getting to the rear pockets too difficult when the jacket is zipped.

I am actually referring to the front pockets being covered, but good point on the back pockets. This is as long as I would go, but I might keep it this long to keep the wind out of my lower back when I bend and move.

HoosierDaddy · Nov 16, 2018

My advice is take an inch off the body length.
HD

Psant25 · Nov 16, 2018

I would ask the maker. usually jackets are made for a certain height average. i think most newer model schott jackets are trim shoulders and too long for my liking. i had vanson model Bs in size 40 with a back around 24.5 inches. i have three johnson motorcycle jackets with a 23.5 back length. it covers my belt plus some. im 5 ft 11. if i added length the front would be too long in my opinion. some lower back panels dip down to 25 to 27 inches and look fine. i had an aero type 3 i added length. they continued the taper and the bottom was so tight i could barely button it. i guess im just prefering shorter jackets these days.

take a look at a thread i did. johnson leather m200 remake or similar title. i had alan make the m200 with a back of 26. similar to aeros i had. the back and front was so long it looked ridiculous. like wearing a leather tube sock.

take a measurement from the base of your neck (back side) to just below your belt. it might surprise you. i think langlitz asks for this measurement and add 5. but langlitz columbia for example dips in the back probably 3 inches or more compared to front.

handymike · Nov 16, 2018

Here:

handymike · Nov 16, 2018

Psant25 said:
I would ask the maker. usually jackets are made for a certain height average. i think most newer model schott jackets are trim shoulders and too long for my liking. i had vanson model Bs in size 40 with a back around 24.5 inches. i have three johnson motorcycle jackets with a 23.5 back length. it covers my belt plus some. im 5 ft 11. if i added length the front would be too long in my opinion. some lower back panels dip down to 25 to 27 inches and look fine. i had an aero type 3 i added length. they continued the taper and the bottom was so tight i could barely button it. i guess im just prefering shorter jackets these days.

take a look at a thread i did. johnson leather m200 remake or similar title. i had alan make the m200 with a back of 26. similar to aeros i had. the back and front was so long it looked ridiculous. like wearing a leather tube sock.

take a measurement from the base of your neck (back side) to just below your belt. it might surprise you. i think langlitz asks for this measurement and add 5. but langlitz columbia for example dips in the back probably 3 inches or more compared to front.

I'm 5'11" and take 24.5" from most makers.

bluesmandan · Nov 16, 2018

It depends a little bit on how you sit when you’re riding. You don’t want the bottom of the jacket to pull up over the top edge of your pants when riding. On a cruiser you can get away with a little shorter back, but on a sportbike in a tuck the jacket will ride up a little more. There’s more to consider than aesthetics if this is a legit functioning motorcycle jacket.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

roadking04 · Nov 16, 2018

bluesmandan said:
It depends a little bit on how you sit when you’re riding. You don’t want the bottom of the jacket to pull up over the top edge of your pants when riding. On a cruiser you can get away with a little shorter back, but on a sportbike in a tuck the jacket will ride up a little more. There’s more to consider than aesthetics if this is a legit functioning motorcycle jacket.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree with Blues. A proper fitting m/c jacket makes all the difference in less than ideal weather conditions. I believe a "proper" m/c jacket should be a little shorter in the front, and not push up into your chin. A little longer in the back to seal out drafts and rain.

miglan30 · Nov 18, 2018

ton312 said:
I think with the large splay in the zipper (like what you have pictured with your BR) you could keep the length as is. The key is really where the zipper starts. You don't want the jacket riding up into your neck and face when seated on an M/C. For longer styles you need the splay before the start or a two way zipper.

I agree with all of this. The front zipper splay will allow the current length to be fine for riding. I rather have the jacket a hair long then too short. Nothing worse then the back of the jacket riding up. With that said, looks like you could go up a tad. I find that 26" is perfect for me in the 3/4 cafe position.

Back length for motorcycle jacket?

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