• Armor & Padding: Motorcycle jackets usually include armor or padding in the shoulders, collarbone & elbows. Some motorcycle jackets include pockets for spine protection and occasionally built in kidney pads.
• Vents: Zippered vents are sometimes included in the sleeves to promote air circulation in warm weather riding. Leather motorcycle jackets have areas of perforated leather in the shoulder area for venting body heat.
• Riding Pants Connectivity: Motorcycle racers wear one piece riding suits for maximum protection. These usually aren’t practical for the average rider but some companies build zippers into motorcycle jackets and pants that allow them to zip together. This helps ensure that riding gear stays in place in the event of a crash. Different manufacturers use different configurations so if this option is important to you, double check to make sure that the connections are compatible before making a purchase.
• Over flaps: Many motorcycle jackets will have flaps that fasten over the zipper. These flaps serve a dual purpose: sealing the wind out of the jacket and protecting the motorcycle’s paint from being scratched by the metal of the zipper.
• Low Profile Collars: Motorcycle jackets have low cut collars to allow unrestricted head movement and minimize irritation from rubbing. Tall collars will flap in the breeze and create distractions for the rider. The collars on motorcycle jackets can have Velcro, snaps or buckles to close the collar to help seal out wind.
• Removable Lining: To help make motorcycle jackets more versatile they often include a lining that zips or snaps out. This insulation adds warmth and wind resistance to make the jacket practical for cold weather riding but can be removed for summer riding.
• Adjustable Cuffs and Waist: The cuffs on most motorcycle jackets are adjustable and can be tightened to keep out wind. Usually, the waist is adjustable as well to keep the jacket snug to the rider. Loose fitting gear will catch the wind while riding and parachute out.

     When riding in hot weather, wearing a heavy leather jacket can be warm and stifling. There is an old saying among riders, however: sweat wipes off, road rash doesn't. Generally, the protection of a high quality motorcycle jacket is worth a little discomfort. Now there is a compromise that can keep you cool as well as safe. Mesh motorcycle jackets allow ample airflow to help cool the rider. Like other styles of motorcycle jackets, armor is an important component to protect against impact injuries. The body of a mesh jacket is made up of a number synthetic (usually polyester) mesh layers. The multiple layers are designed to improve abrasion resistance of the jacket but generally they can not effectively compare to the protection of a leather jacket or standard textile jacket. Other complaints about mesh jackets are that the fabric of the mesh is easily snagged or torn. Many riders in hot weather climates swear by mesh motorcycle jackets since the are very effective in keeping the rider cool. While the protection of mesh jackets is not perfect, it is considerably better than a t-shirt. Ultimately, a motorcycle jacket can only offer crash protection if it is comfortable enough to be worn consistently.