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.
As a preamble, let's define the notion of elegance, what we mean by "motorcycle protection" and specify who this article is intended for.
This article is aimed at urban and suburban users on motorbikes, scooters or even electric bikes, who have the greatest difficulty in finding elegant clothing, long jackets or well-cut jackets without unsightly logos, protecting them from shocks and falls when they travel.
This is exactly the typology of VEST PARIS users.
The challenge: combining elegance with safety
What a blessing and luxury to be able to leave well dressed for work while being protected on the journey there.
At VEST PARIS , for example, we welcome people every day who are looking for this combination. Their profiles: lawyers, financiers, real estate agents, managers, architects, executives, artists, journalists, and anyone else who, like them, wants to save time, with the certainty of presenting well in professional meetings while being protected while traveling.
These users are looking for rather timeless clothing with a simple design, a neutral and versatile color to wear over a suit, a shirt or a chic or casual outfit.
A certain vision of elegance
The dictionary definition of elegance is: “it is the aesthetic quality of being harmonious and graceful in simplicity.” In other words, a subtle design without frills or coarse details.
Based on this premise, we must de facto distance ourselves as much as possible from the very sporty world of motorcycling, which is the opposite of this definition. In saying this, we are not making any judgment on the usual motorcycle equipment, which also has many fans. We are simply providing a semantic clarification by clearly distinguishing the two worlds.
Approved motorcycle protections
Motorcycle protectors are safety items that are placed in a jacket around the joints and back to protect against falls and impacts. There are all kinds.
They can be rigid or flexible, thick or thin, heavy or light, but all must meet a very strict CE standard to be approved. This standard is CE 1621-1 established in 2012.
What is the CE 1621-1 standard?
As mentioned, this 2012 standard is essential for protection to be legally placed in a motorcycle jacket, for example. To obtain it, the manufacturer must have its technology certified by an approved center.
During the certification process, the company will have to choose between two levels: 1 and 2. Level 1 must deliver a force of less than 35 kiloNewtons during an impact. Level 2 must deliver less than 20 kN.
In short, level 2 is more protective and is recommended for road motorcycles. This is the one most commonly found in classic motorcycle jackets. Level 1 is more used for urban use.
Motorcycle protection, much more than an accessory
Even if it's for urban use, motorcycle protection is much more than just an accessory. It's an essential component of your safety, helping to minimize risks in the event of a fall or accident. Because even at low speeds, i.e., between 20 and 70 km/h, a fall can be violent enough to leave you disabled for a long time.
These users are looking for that rare gem because there aren't many brands that offer to combine elegance with safety. Brands that understand the need are so rare, despite the demand, that users always have to make a compromise. They either choose style or safety. Finding a jacket or vest that makes you feel desirable once you get out of your vehicle is nearly impossible.
Safety first
The level of protection offered by a motorcycle jacket or a jacket from VEST PARIS is a key element. The protective inserts integrated into these jackets are designed to protect vulnerable areas of the body in the event of an accident.
Elbow pads, shoulder pads, and back protectors are therefore essential elements to protect against trauma due to a fall or impact. It is important to ensure that these shells are certified and that they offer a level of safety that complies with current standards.
Choose flexible and thin motorcycle protections
This is rule number 1 if you want to preserve the aesthetics of your jacket: avoid heavy, thick, and bulky protection. You have to choose your supplier carefully because you can find everything on the market.
It's also important to understand that a lightweight, flexible, and thin protector will be just as protective as a rigid, bulky resin protector found in a motorcycle jacket. If they both meet the same standard, they will protect you in the same way. Thinking that the thicker and heavier it is, the more protective it is, is just a preconception.
Jackets also made for cyclists
Curiously, despite the explosion in the number of accidents among cyclists, the notion of safety has not yet become a major concern. And yet at VEST PARIS we have numerous testimonials from customers riding bicycles, particularly electric ones, whose elbows or shoulders we have saved. Electric bicycles used in urban areas today allow speeds similar to those of a scooter.
The little tune of protection and safety in your jacket when traveling by bike is starting to catch on. More and more users have understood that going to work by bike with just a shirt on is certainly pleasant when it's hot, but the slightest size difference can have serious consequences.
This awareness is especially noticeable among older people than among the younger generation.
When the motorcycle wants to get into fashion
One of the major challenges for motorcycle clothing manufacturers is to create outfits that offer an optimal level of protection while remaining stylish and suitable for everyday life.
Unfortunately, this is often a failure because these two worlds, fashion and motorcycles, collide and are antinomic. Some brands of motorcycle jackets that we find at retailers still try to take up the challenge, but there is always a detail that will spoil the overall project.
Leather and textile jacket
When choosing a jacket to wear over a suit, opt for a textile motorcycle jacket, not a leather one. Why?
Firstly, due to its weight, a leather motorcycle jacket is heavy and not designed to complement elegant work attire. The protections add to the weight and discomfort. For road trips and for true leather lovers, this will surely be the ideal material, but not for the urbanite who travels all day in light clothing; you should opt for textiles.
A textile motorcycle jacket will be lighter and often more effective against the elements. However, be careful with textiles such as Kevlar, which are often heavy and unsightly. A Kevlar jacket certainly has undeniable anti-abrasive properties that protect you in the event of a fall . However, there are materials that are almost as effective, lighter, and with a more attractive finish that do the "job" as they say. It's a significant difference when you appreciate beautiful things.
Comfort and functionality
Besides style and safety, comfort is a crucial element for a woman or man on two wheels or a bicycle. A jacket with motorcycle protection is designed to be as comfortable as possible, because its wearer must be comfortable to focus on the essentials: the road. Details such as the inner lining, ventilation zippers , and practical pockets help make these jackets ideal for everyday riding.
Functionality is common in a motorcycle jacket , but now fashion brands and sportswear also offer all the practicality needed to move better.
A more relevant solution than a simple motorcycle jacket
One of the distinguishing features of stylish motorcycle jackets with protectors is their versatility.
They are not just for your daily urban travels, they can also be worn when you go out, on vacation, on weekends.
These are completely "normal" jackets that you won't want to take off. Whether you're pedaling, riding your scooter, or going out with friends, these jackets are perfect for any occasion. This is a far cry from a jacket designed solely for motorcycling.
Women's cycling jacket with motorcycle protection
Studies show that a large number of women use bicycles for transportation, often using electric bicycles, which are very popular among them. However, very few of these users wear equipment that will protect them from impacts. And yet, here too, official figures show a significant increase in injuries.
It is not a reflex for them to protect themselves other than wearing a helmet and sometimes a waterproof cape.
Obviously, we don't ask them to wear a women's motorcycle jacket because the notion of elegance is even more pronounced for them than for men.
Elegance and safety: a winning duo
Ultimately, stylish motorcycle jackets with armor embody the perfect union of style and safety. More than just a piece of clothing, they're a symbol of a passion for fashion and an awareness that safety is essential because the risk is real. With these jackets, you can ride with confidence knowing you're protected during your ride and stylish once it's over.
The stylish motorcycle jacket with protective gear is much more than just a protective jacket. It meets a new need for both men and women, even if the latter has a harder time understanding the risks involved.