Equipment for women bikers: How to choose your outfit?

Buying motorcycle equipment is both exciting and stressful. And while this step is a treat for the gentlemen, it can be more complicated for the ladies. Whose fault is that? Brands that pamper bikers and not so much women. So if you're a size 36 or looking for a pretty helmet without a candy-pink tribal motif, our two articles dedicated to women's motorcycle equipment might be of use to you.

Can you get your gear in the men's department? How to choose the right women's motorcycle gear? Which models should you choose, depending on your riding style (urban, vintage, adventurous, sporty, cross-country)? We'll answer all your questions and give you some ideas.

The legal minimum

Whether you're a Sunday biker, a long-distance adventurer or a passenger, there's a legal minimum to wear in all circumstances. What does it consist of? An approved helmet and certified gloves. And yes, legally, you can ride in flip-flops, Bermuda shorts and a T-shirt as long as your head and hands are protected.

It's all about safety, budget and style

Surely, like us, you attach some importance to your physical integrity? That's why we strongly recommend that you wear a motorcycle jacket and pants. In the event of a fall, they'll protect you from shocks and prevent your skin from turning into a margarita pizza. What's more, they insulate you from outside elements like wind, rain and cold. Not bad, eh? And let's not forget the shoes, whose role is above all to protect your ankles in the event of an impromptu waffle. Having your malleolus trapped between a bike and the ground is not a pleasant experience. So in the absence of dedicated motorcycle boots, hiking boots provide a minimum of protection.

Let's face it: men are pampered by equipment manufacturers. So what's to stop you going to the men's department? In short, are there any fundamental differences between men's and women's equipment?

When it comes to protection, the answers are the same (shock and abrasion). No scrunchies! Then it's all a question of morphology and style. For example, women's equipment generally has a smaller, slimmer cut. They also offer more adjustments to suit different body shapes (waist, hips, chest, slimmer fingers and leg length).

What about helmets? The shape of a woman's skull is not so different from that of a man's. On the other hand, female bikers have, on average, a smaller head circumference. That's why we now offer helmets in sizes up to XXS. The advantage? No need to make a detour to the children's department to find the headgear of your dreams. In short, there's no obvious difference between Michel and Michelle's full-face helmet (and vice versa).

The first question you need to ask yourself is how you're going to use it. It's up to you to define your needs in terms of versatility, frequency of use, options and aesthetics. What about budget? This is obviously a determining factor. It will influence the choice of brands, the level of overall quality, comfort, finish, available options, colors, etc...However, keep in mind that this equipment will follow you for a few years and possibly save your skin. You don't want to make any misplaced savings.

Motorcycle helmets: protection above all else

This is the most important piece of safety gear you'll ever own. There are several types of helmet. Jet helmets are best reserved for short urban trips, as they offer no jaw protection. Modular helmets, with their flip-up chinstrap, are seductive for their versatility. As for theintegral, the most widespread model, it offers a wide choice of sizes, colors, styles, etc... It's all a question of compromise between size, weight, ventilation, comfort and style. If you wear glasses, it's essential to choose a helmet designed for this purpose.

Motorcycle jacket, leather or textile?

First thing to know: this is themost important item after the helmet. So, leather or textile? In terms of protection, the level of safety is the same for both materials. Leather lasts a long time when properly cared for. Its drawback? It's not breathable, which is a concern in hot weather. Opting for textile means choosing versatility (weather, seasons, use, etc.). It's also generally more affordable than a cowhide jacket. The drawback? Lack of style. Yep, it's hard to combine protection and fashion.

From XS to XL, which model to choose? Because every woman has a unique morphology and every brand sizes differently, it's best to try before you buy. If you're in the Paris region, don't hesitate to drop by our showroom to try out the jacket you've been eyeing.

---> LADY BABYLONE leather motorcycle jacket

---> Bering LADY DARKO motorcycle jacket

Motorcycle gloves, the right pair for every season

1st thing to know: motorcycle gloves are seasonal. Unlike a motorcycle jacket, which can be lined and unlined according to the weather, this is unthinkable for a glove. Summer models are light and breathable, winter models are insulating and warm, and mid-season models are both waterproof and breathable. So the first question to ask yourself is: what time of year do you ride? This will help you choose the right season.

Next, leather or textile? Animal skin is the perfect combination of abrasion resistance and style. On the other hand, it's not strictly speaking waterproof, and leather gloves can be unpleasant to wear in hot weather. When it comes to textiles, we sacrifice aesthetics for practicality and efficiency. A final point to note: a leather glove is "made". It adapts to the shape of the hand as it is used, whereas a textile glove offers the same suppleness from the 1st to the 200th wear.

How to choose the right size? Too tight, and you'll lose freedom of movement. Too loose, and your hands may float over the controls. In both cases, your contact with the gas pedal, clutch and brake levers will be blurred. No matter what the season, they must fit snugly in the palm of your hand. What about finger length? For a winter model, we recommend leaving 2 cm at the nail tips, 1 cm for mid-season, while a summer glove should wrap you perfectly from thumb to little finger. The best of all? Try your gloves on your bike (even when stationary) to make sure they're adapted to your morphology and the controls of your two-wheeled beauty.

Motorcycle pants, watch out for connections

In the event of an impact, your favorite Levis won't protect your hips or knees. What's more, there are now many models of motorcycle pants available, far from the clichés of cosmonauts, minesweepers or leather-oriented BDSM. That said, how do you choose the right pants? First important point: 90% of the time, you'll be wearing them in a seated position. So trying them on while walking won't give you any useful clues. Except for how you look. We recommend testing it in squat mode, or even better, on your bike.

What should I look out for? To feel good, comfortable and not too cramped. Next, you need to be careful with the fittings. For example, try to reduce the gap between the bottom of your jacket and the top of your pants, otherwise unpleasant draughts will systematically tickle your lower back. The same goes for the cuff-shoe junction. Pants that stop just above your boots act like a gutter in the rain. Not great...

---> Bering LADY MARLOW Moto Jeans

---> Rev'it FACTOR 4 LADIES Motorcycle Pants

---> Furygan JEAN LADY Motorcycle Jeans

How do you choose the right women's motorcycle gear? We can sum it up as follows: define your use, target your budget, choose the right model according to the style/quality/options compromise. The good news? The biker woman of 2023 can now combine protection and looks. So whether you're an adventurer, a speed freak or an urban rider, you're spoilt for choice.