Vests
About Vests
A riding vest covers the torso and leaves the arms free, so riders use it in a few different ways. Some vests are built around armor, like the ICON Field Armor vests in this category. Others are casual or club-style vests worn for looks and as an outer layer, and there are dual-sport and camo designs in between. Riders shop here to add protection without a full jacket, to get an extra layer for changing weather, or to finish a riding outfit.
Decide first what the vest has to do. If you want impact protection, choose a vest sold as armored and read what the armor covers, because a casual vest with no armor adds a layer of clothing and little else. For fit, check the size chart against your chest measurement. A vest should let you reach the bars without the armholes pulling, and an armored vest should sit close to the body so the armor stays where it belongs. The category includes women's and youth vests and extended sizes up to 3X.
Brands here include THOR, ICON, Alpinestars, Fly Racing and Biltwell. If you are building a full outfit, look at Motorcycle Jackets, Base Layers & Underwear, Armored Hoodies and Rain Wear, all part of Motorcycle & Powersports Gear.
FAQs on motorcycle vests
Does a motorcycle vest protect me in a crash?
Only if it has armor. A casual or club-style vest gives little impact protection, while a vest sold as armored carries armor. Read the listing to see what armor is included and where it sits, and do not treat a fashion vest as a replacement for a riding jacket.
How should a riding vest fit?
A riding vest should be snug without pulling across the shoulders when you reach for the handlebars. Armored vests should sit close to the body so the pads do not shift. Measure your chest, compare it with the maker's size chart, and try it over the layers you will wear.
Can I wear a vest under a jacket?
It depends on the design. Some vests are made as an outer layer, and others are slim enough to go under a jacket. The listing and the maker's instructions say which, and a vest worn under a jacket needs a jacket with enough room for both.
Are women's and youth vests cut differently?
Yes. Women's vests are shaped for a different chest and waist, and youth vests are scaled for smaller riders, so a men's size is not a safe substitute. Use the size chart on the listing and measure instead of guessing from your usual clothing size.
How do I clean a riding vest?
Follow the care label, because leather, textile and armored vests are cleaned differently. Wipe leather with a leather cleaner, and wash textile vests gently. If the armor is removable, take it out before cleaning and let everything dry fully before reassembling.
