Plus Size Motorcycle Gear for Women | Fit & Safety First

Shopping for motorcycle gear when you wear plus sizes often starts with frustration: size 14 in street clothes doesn’t guarantee the same fit in a riding jacket, and sizing up for a larger bust can leave the shoulders and arms swimming in fabric. The real answer depends on knowing your measurements, comparing brand-specific size charts, and choosing gear with certified armor and adjustable features. This guide covers what matters — the measurements, the safety standards, and how to avoid the common mistakes that leave you uncomfortable or unprotected.

What Does “Plus Size” Mean in Motorcycle Gear?

In motorcycle apparel, plus size generally refers to US dress sizes above 14, often covering 16–20+. The critical difference from street clothes is that riding gear must fit in the seated riding position — arms forward, knees bent — not just while standing. A jacket that feels fine in the store may gap at the lower back or pull across the shoulders the moment you’re on the bike. This is why measuring yourself before buying is essential, and why many riders rely on adjustable features like waist belts and stretch panels rather than just going up a size.

How to Measure Yourself Correctly

Before you look at any jacket or pair of pants, take your own measurements with a cloth tape. The core measurements you need are bust, waist, hips, and inseam. Some custom-gear makers, such as Bohn Armor, provide direct phone or email assistance (704-663-0351) for riders who need guidance on their specific body type. If you’re shopping for a jacket, also check that the collar doesn’t gape when fastened, the sleeves reach your wrists with arms extended, and the jacket hem hits at your hips. Comparing each brand’s size chart is critical — sizing is not standardized across manufacturers.

Understanding Safety Standards for Plus-Size Gear

A women’s plus-size riding jacket isn’t truly protective unless it includes certified armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back — or at least pockets for you to add it. The baseline to look for is D3O CE EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1 impact protection. Jackets should also carry a CE/UKCA certification to EN 17092:2020 with an AAA, AA, or A classification for abrasion resistance. These European standards are the benchmarks used even in the US market. It is entirely possible to buy a plus-size jacket that looks the part but lacks the armor pockets or abrasion rating to actually protect you in a slide.

Where to Start Your Search

The best approach is to measure yourself first, then compare the size charts of brands that explicitly offer plus-size women’s motorcycle gear. Bohn Armor provides protective clothing for plus-size riders with direct measurement support. D3O also supplies armor and fit guidance for women’s motorcycle jackets. For a detailed product-by-product comparison, our tested roundup of the best women’s plus-size motorcycle gear covers specific jackets, pants, and armored layers that have been vetted for fit and protection. When buying online, choose a retailer with a strong return policy so you can test the gear in riding position and send it back if it binds, rides up, or gaps anywhere.

FAQs

Can I just buy a larger men’s jacket instead?

Men’s jackets tend to be cut wider in the shoulders and narrower in the hips, which creates a different fit issue for most women. Going one size up in a men’s jacket may work for some body shapes, but it often results in sleeves that are too long and a torso that is too boxy.

How do I know if a jacket is actually safe?

Look for the CE/UKCA certification label referencing EN 17092:2020 with an A, AA, or AAA rating for abrasion resistance, and check that the shoulder, elbow, and back armor is rated at least EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1. If the gear lists no certification, treat it as a fashion piece rather than protective equipment.

What if my measurements fall between two sizes?

Choose the larger size and use adjustable waist belts, zip-open vents, and stretch panels to dial in the fit. Some brands also offer custom or semi-custom production where you submit your full measurements and they build the garment to your dimensions.