Here, every article is written by those who believe that the motorcycle jacket can be reinvented: welcome to VEST PARIS , where elegance, safety and innovation meet discreetly.
Wearing a waterproof motorcycle jacket with SAS TEC protection in the summer when it's hot can seem like a hassle. However, if there's one situation where a jacket is essential for safety reasons, it's on a motorcycle or bicycle.
Wearing a jacket in 30°C isn't exactly appealing. At VEST PARIS, we know this well, as our customers have challenged us to find solutions that combine breathability and safety. Challenge accepted.
In this article, we will therefore lift the veil on a problem that haunts the mind of every "rider" concerned about their safety and comfort by answering this question: can we, should we, dare to wear a jacket on a motorbike or bicycle in the summer?
The mistake not to make
In summer, it's tempting to swap a protective garment for the lightweight feel of a simple t-shirt. However, whether you're cruising the streets on a bike or racking up the miles on a motorbike, the asphalt remains unforgiving in the event of a fall.
So, how do you reconcile the call of the summer breeze with the vital need to protect yourself? The answer lies in an informed choice of equipment, where technical materials, intelligent design, and an understanding of the specificities of each sport play a crucial role.
Motorcycle and bicycle, two worlds and the same safety imperative
While the need for protection is a constant for all two-wheeler users, it is crucial to distinguish between the risks and requirements specific to motorcycles and bicycles.
The motorcycle: speed and vulnerability
On a motorcycle, speed and weight mean significantly higher impact forces in the event of an accident. Abrasion from contact with the asphalt is also a major risk. A decent summer motorcycle jacket should therefore offer proven abrasion resistance (CE standards), approved elbow and shoulder protectors, and often a back protector.
The key to summer is choosing technical materials that maximize ventilation while providing safety. These include textiles like lightweight yet durable Cordura, breathable mesh that promotes airflow, and strategically placed perforated leather inserts for durability and breathability.
Membranes like Gore-Tex or Majocchi's RESCUE, which we use at VEST PARIS, can also be integrated to provide protection against light rain without sacrificing ventilation.
The trick is often "layering": a ventilated jacket combined with a breathable technical underlayer that wicks away perspiration allows you to stay cool while being protected.
The Bicycle: Agility and Mobility
Cycling generally involves slower speeds, but falls can still result in scrapes, bruises, and even broken bones. The top priorities for a summer cycling jacket are lightweight, freedom of movement, and excellent breathability.
Technical materials such as polyester and polyamide with anti-humidity treatments are preferred.
Discreet reinforcements in key areas (shoulders, elbows) can provide additional protection without hampering performance.
The integration of mesh for maximum ventilation is essential, as are reflective elements for visibility, especially in urban environments.
The idea isn't necessarily to wear "armor," but rather a protective second skin that goes unnoticed while still providing a barrier in the event of a fall. VEST PARIS understands this well by offering jackets with an elegant urban design incorporating discreet protection and breathable technical fabrics, perfect for cycling in the city.
Summer's Miracle Materials
Textile science has made significant advances, offering amazing solutions for combining protection and summer comfort. Since our founding in 2012, we've tested numerous materials and technologies that combine safety and breathability:
Breathable technical textiles
Fibers like polyester and polyamide, thanks to specific weave structures (micro-perforations, 3D mesh), allow optimal air circulation. These fabrics also have the ability to wick perspiration to the outside, where it can evaporate, leaving the skin dry and reducing the feeling of heat and discomfort.
Smart membranes: no sauna effect
Membranes like Gore-Tex, RESCUE, Storm System by Loro Piana or others like Paclite, Infinium or Windstopper, are true technological feats.
They are designed to be waterproof and windproof, yet highly breathable, allowing water vapor (perspiration) to escape. For summer, the lighter, more breathable versions are preferred.
Thermoregulation, lasting freshness
For 10 years, VEST PARIS has been working with the American supplier Outlast, a NASA partner. Outlast has developed a revolutionary thermoregulation technology that allows the jackets to remain at room temperature at all times.
Loro Piana and Majocchi, with whom VEST also works, have developed their own thermoregulating technologies based on graphene, a natural material derived from graphite.
Other fabrics incorporate thermoregulating treatments, such as ceramic particles or technologies like Coolblack, which reflect the sun's rays and reduce the fabric's heat absorption. This can make a significant difference on the hottest days.
Motorcycle protection against falls
For motorcycling, aramid fiber or Cordura reinforcements in impact zones (elbows, shoulders, back) provide exceptional shock resistance without necessarily making the entire jacket heavy and stifling. The V1, V2 and V4 jackets from the VEST PARIS brand are equipped with SAS TEC protections, a revolutionary technology due to its lightness and discretion.
For cycling, these reinforcements are highly recommended even if traditionally it is not the first reflex of cyclists who do not see the danger, until the day when...
The ideal summer jacket: the subtle balance between safety and breathability
At VEST PARIS (vestparis.com), we firmly believe that you don't have to sacrifice style or comfort for safety when cycling or riding a motorcycle in the summer.
Our approach focuses on designing jackets that discreetly integrate high-performance technical materials and intelligent protection solutions, with an elegant and timeless urban design.
For the urban biker, the V4 jacket or the V68-02 jacket are ideal for summer travel. Details like additional ventilation zips and mesh linings are more comfortable against the skin in warmer weather.
For the urban cyclist, our jackets are designed to offer maximum freedom of movement and exceptional breathability. Lightweight technical fabrics with moisture-wicking treatments, discreet reinforcements at the shoulders and elbows, and reflective elements for nighttime visibility are key features.