Leather Motorcycle Gear: How to Size, Break In, Clean & Store It

Good leather gear isn't cheap. But treat it right, and it'll outlast your bike. Get the size wrong or skip the care, though, and you'll be shopping again sooner than you'd like.

So here's everything you need to know in one place. First, how to measure and pick the right size online. Then, how to break in, clean, condition and store your leather so it looks better every year.

Part one: getting the size right

Sizing is where most online gear goes wrong. The fix is simple, though. Measure yourself, then trust the brand's chart, not your usual t-shirt size.

Why your normal size might not work

Here's the thing. A Large from one brand is not a Large from another. Even within one brand, a slim-fit racer jacket and a relaxed touring jacket can fit very differently.

That's why every product on Columbus Leather shows the official size chart from the brand that makes it. First MFG, Milwaukee Leather and Daytona each publish their own measurements. We show you those, not a generic table.

What you'll need

• A soft cloth tape measure (not a metal one).
• The shirt you usually wear under your jacket or vest.
• A friend, if you can grab one. It makes measuring much easier.

How to measure your chest

Stand relaxed with your arms down. Wrap the tape under your arms, around the fullest part of your chest. Keep it level all the way round. Don't pull it tight, and don't hold your breath.

How to measure your waist

Measure where you actually wear your jeans, not your "official" waist. For most riders, that's a little lower than the belly button.

How to measure your sleeve

Start at the centre back of your neck. Run the tape over your shoulder and down to your wrist, with your arm slightly bent. Riding jackets need a longer sleeve than street jackets, because your arms reach forward to the bars.

Body vs garment measurements

Many charts, including First MFG's, show two rows for chest and waist. Here's how to read them:

• Body: your own measurements. Match yourself to this row.
• Garment: the jacket or vest measured flat. It's bigger, because it includes room to move.

So always compare your tape measure numbers to the "body" row.

Armor, hoodies and layering

Will you wear CE armor inserts? A hoodie in winter? Then size up one, or at least check that the garment chest measurement gives you about 3 to 4 inches of breathing room over your body measurement.

Not sure? Send us your height, weight, chest and waist on (609) 840-2563, and we'll tell you what we'd order.

The riding-position test

When your gear arrives, don't just stand in front of the mirror. Sit on your bike, or a chair, and reach forward like you're holding the bars. Then check three things:

1. Sleeves still cover your wrists.
2. The back doesn't ride up and expose your lower back.
3. The shoulders don't pull tight across your upper back.

Pass all three? You've got your size. Keep the tags on until you're sure, so you can still use our 30-day returns.

Part two: breaking in new leather

New leather can feel stiff. That's normal, and it's a good sign. It means the hide is thick and protective.

The best way to break it in? Wear it. Ride in it, walk the dog in it, wear it around the house. Your body heat and movement soften the leather and shape it to you. Within a few weeks, it'll feel like it was made for you.

Avoid shortcuts like soaking it in water or blasting it with a hairdryer. Those can dry out the hide and cause cracks later.

Part three: cleaning your leather gear

Road grime, bug splatter and sweat all wear leather down over time. Luckily, cleaning is quick.

After every long ride

Wipe the outside with a soft, damp cloth. Get the bugs off before they dry and harden. Then let it air-dry on a hanger.

Every few months

Use a proper leather cleaner. Work it in gently with a soft cloth or horsehair brush, then wipe away the residue. Spot-test somewhere hidden first, especially on distressed or coloured leather.

What never to do

• Never machine wash leather.
• Never tumble dry it.
• Avoid harsh household cleaners, alcohol wipes or bleach.

Part four: conditioning

Cleaning removes dirt. But it also strips a little of the leather's natural oils. Conditioning puts them back and keeps the hide supple.

As a rule of thumb, condition every three to six months. Do it more often if you ride in hot, sunny or dry climates. Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth, let it soak in, then buff off any extra.

A little goes a long way. Too much conditioner can leave leather sticky and attract dust.

What to do if it gets soaked

Caught in the rain? Don't panic. Leather handles water better than you'd think.

1. Blot off the excess with a towel.
2. Hang it on a wide hanger at room temperature.
3. Keep it away from heaters, fires and direct sun.
4. Once it's dry, give it a light coat of conditioner.

Part five: storing leather in the off-season

Winter storage is where a lot of jackets get ruined. Damp garages cause mould. Plastic bags trap moisture. Wire hangers stretch shoulders.

Instead, store your gear like this:

• Clean and condition it first.
• Use a wide, padded hanger to keep the shoulders in shape.
• Cover it with a breathable cloth garment bag.
• Keep it somewhere cool, dry and dark, like a bedroom closet.

Common leather care mistakes

Even careful riders slip up. Here are the mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them.

Using too much product

More conditioner doesn't mean better results. A thin layer twice a year beats a thick coat once a year. Excess just sits on the surface and attracts dirt.

Drying leather with heat

It's tempting to hang a wet jacket by the heater. Don't. Fast heat pulls the oils out of the hide and leaves it stiff and cracked.

Ignoring the zippers

Salt and grit wear out zippers fast. Brush them clean now and then, and run a little zipper wax or a graphite pencil along the teeth to keep them smooth.

Folding instead of hanging

Folding leather leaves creases that can turn into cracks over time. Always hang jackets and vests on a wide hanger, and never pile heavy gear on top.

How long should good leather last?

With regular care, a quality leather jacket or vest can last 10 to 20 years, sometimes longer. In fact, a lot of riders say their gear only gets better with age. The leather softens, the colour deepens and it moulds to you over time.

Don't forget your helmet

Your helmet needs care too. Clean the shell and shield with a soft cloth and mild soap, never solvents. Many Daytona helmets have removable liners you can hand-wash. And a helmet care kit makes the job easier. For fit and replacement advice, read our helmet buying guide.

Quick recap

Measure yourself properly and use the brand's own chart. Test the fit in the riding position. Then break your gear in by wearing it, clean it gently, condition it a few times a year and store it somewhere cool and dry.

Do that, and your leather will look better every season. Shop men's leather jackets, women's jackets and vests, or check our fit & sizing help page anytime.