Vests
Do you need one?
When it comes to Leather Vests, it's more of a statement rather than for safety.
Leather Vests are a traditional part of the motorcycle culture. A vest holds your colors or patches and represents a look.
Figure 1: Embossed Leather Vest
Leather Vests come in all types of leather, and although cowhide is the preferred leather for most vests, ladies tend to love soft pigskin leather or even lambskin for its richness and feel. Go ahead and get what you want.
Like all leather products, there are different leather grades. The better the leather, the more expensive. Leather vests can purchased from $25 all the way over $300 for a vest. What's the difference? The leather and where it is made. An expensive leather vest will probably outlast a cheap pigskin vest, but that may not be good for the person who likes to change styles. It is really your individual tastes and budget that determine what kind of a vest to wear.
Vests normally come in a couple diffent configurations, with or without side laces. Side Laces allow you to custom fit the vest to your waist but many people do not like the look of the laces. It's your choice so do what you want
Figure 2: Braided leather Vest
Whatever Vest you choose, you always have some options. Vest extenders are a perfect way to wear your vest but still stay cool on the bike. Vest extenders are usually chain with two opposing snaps on each end. When snapped to the vest, they open the vest up to allow air in when riding, but they won't allow the vest to blow back around you, leaving you uncomfortable.
Sew on Patches for your leather vest come in all different styles and colors. Most Motorcycle Clubs have their own patch design and style, also called colors. These patches are normally sewn onto a vest to represent the club. Patches are sold at most motorcycle apparel shops to compliment you club and to just be an individual. Patches for Veterans, Funny Sayings, and tatoo like insignias all can be purchased to wear on your leather vest.
A nice leather vest will offer some protection from a fall, but you will probably be all right without a vest. To wear your leather jacket or not? Most would prefer to wear their leather jacket when riding, but sometimes, it's just too hot! The answer seems to be a leather vest. The vest will help prevent those Bugs from hitting you in the chest, and you can wear your personality on the vest in the form of patches and sayings.
Figure 3: Vest Extendors
