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Waist Cut VS ¾ Length Jackets

by | Oct 27, 2015 | Articles

  1. Waist-Cut Jacket – Pros

    • Excellent for riders who lean forward, such as sport bike riders and road racers

    • Closer, more fitted appearance—many riders prefer the style over a 3/4 length

    • Less likely to bunch up and press against the neck when seated (Note: a properly sized and broken-in 3/4 jacket won’t have this issue)

    • When zipped to pants using a full-circumference zipper, it functions like a one-piece suit

    Waist-Cut Jacket – Cons

    • Fit is size-specific—changes in body weight can affect comfort and usability

    • Difficult to layer for cold weather while still fitting well for hot-weather riding unless paired with Aero-Tex Liners

    • Not ideal for certain body types:

      • Chest size 50”+

      • Waist size 46”+

      • Belly measurements that exceed waist by 2” or more
        In these cases, a 3/4 length jacket is a better choice (see: Ultra II or Marathon Jackets, available in various materials)

    • Jacket must be zipped to pants to stay in position while riding or during a fall

    • Can restrict movement—less ideal for off-road riding

    • Cannot accommodate a back protector as long as those in 3/4 length jackets

      • Note: Optional Sacrum Armor is available for the lower back area and can be added to pants via a Velcro-secured pocket (see the Options Section on all pants)

    3/4-Length Jacket (Including Marathon Jacket) – Pros

    • Most versatile fit—ideal for layering in cold weather or wearing minimal gear in the heat

    • Allows for fluctuations in body weight (gain or lose up to 30 pounds and still fit well)

    • Does not require connection to pants to stay in place—jacket will not ride up

      • Note: Jacket should extend at least 2 inches below the waist belt line; if shorter, use a pant-zip connection

    • Includes more pockets (even the full Aero-Tex liner fits into the large internal back pocket)

    • Excellent for off-road riding

    • Typically accommodates a longer back protector for enhanced protection

    3/4-Length Jacket – Cons

    • Some riders don’t prefer the appearance—may feel too bulky

      • To address this, upper cargo pockets can be removed and replaced with a sleek, zippered map pocket on the chest (see photos of Marathon and Ultra II Air Mesh Jackets for pocket variations)

    • These jackets are not meant to fit snugly—they’re designed for a broad range of body types

      • If a snug fit is preferred, waist-cut jackets or jean-style pants made with Stretch materials are better choices

    • If the jacket is too long, it can push against the neck—particularly with new or stiffer materials

      • Tip: Unzip the front zipper slightly from the bottom to relieve pressure

      • We offer custom tailoring on all jackets for optimal length

    • If the jacket length falls close to the waistline, it may ride up during a ride or tumble

    • 3/4 length jackets aren’t ideal for use with full pant zippers—unless the jacket is shorter than 2” below the belt line

      • A 13” zipper is the maximum we can install for these jackets to maintain comfort while bending

      • Track Day riders are typically required to zip jackets to pants—this option can be added to our 3/4 length jackets if needed

    The Marathon Jacket: A Hybrid Fit

    • Available in both Mesh and Stretch materials

    • Standard length falls between the waist-cut and 3/4 length Ultra II jackets

    • Offers all the benefits of the 3/4 length but in a more streamlined, stylish silhouette preferred by many riders

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