Let’s face it – leather and motorcycles are like peanut butter and jelly. It’s hard to imagine one without the other.

Until, you start to look at the price of leather jackets and pants. Then you think – “Ummmm, yeah…. How about that far cheaper textile option?” But, your mouse still hovers over the leathers imagining how cool you’ll look wearing them while you sip a latte at the café and your eyes gaze lovingly through the window at your beloved bike.

There is no shame in your game to admit you want to look like a motorcyclist when you’re off your bike. How many of you purchased a motorcycle jacket long before you ever started riding?

But you’re different; because you also want to make sure that you’re protected while riding. It’s not enough to look good. You also want the peace of mind that you’ll be able to walk away from a crash with your skin intact. You are willing to invest in good gear to assure that.

Enter Atwyld.

I have been cyber-stalking Atwyld for a while. They are beautifully branded and it’s a joy to follow their Instagram account. (@atwyld) Their photo stream makes you want to put your phone away and jump on a bike. But, that’s not enough to let me know whether the gear is any good.

The designer in me has been so curious to know – Are they just a poser fashion label capitalizing on moto culture OR are they the real deal?

When my package arrived with the Alltime Moto jacket and Shred Moto jeans, I got all sorts of giddy. Finally, I would be able to test them out. As I opened the package, the smell of good quality leather ignited my senses. It was immediately apparent that the details of the pieces were well thought out and the construction is of high quality.

In fact, Atwyld is made in Los Angeles, California, USA. When was the last time you bought something made in the United States?

The Alltime Moto jacket feels like butter in your hands and is drop dead gorgeous in person. The leather is supple and the stitch details are on point. There is quilting along the sleeves and on the back panel. The jacket has an ‘80s vibe but is completely classic in style. Unzipping the double-breasted jacket, I was surprised and delighted by the burgundy colored lining. On the bottom left side there is a snap for you to hook your keys on, for safe keeping, while off the bike.

There is a deep interior pocket with two outside zippered pockets. I wish there was a second interior pocket. One of things about riding is that there never seems to be enough storage. When I ride, I like to keep my things close to my chest.

As I slipped the jacket on it was evident that this is truly a motorcycle jacket. The weight felt good and protective. The jacket is thickly lined and has 8.3oz DuPont Kevlar at all impact zones. There are also stretch panels at the back shoulders to make the reach for the handlebars more comfortable. I rode with this jacket in 90°F heat, which was a little much. Great for breaking the jacket in, but I was deliriously sweaty. At 60°F, I was perfectly warm with just a t-shirt underneath. I’d say the sweet spot for this type of jacket is 55-75°F.

The sleeve zippers are long enough to put a gauntlet style glove underneath instead of over the jacket sleeve. I wore the jacket like this because I didn’t want to cover any of the Alltime Moto’s sleeve detailing. The sleeves taper nicely to keep any wind from blowing up them, which can be a nuisance when riding.

It’s important to note that the cut of the Alltime Moto Jacket is slim, modern and more true to a fashion fit. If you want to wear anything more than a t-shirt underneath it, go up a size or two. I have a muscular build and the sleeves were tight around my biceps. Keep in mind however, that over time as leather breaks in it will relax and shape to your form. Make sure you know how you want to use it before you order.

The Shred Moto jeans are the perfect balance between leather pants, leggings and jeans. They are stylishly chic without being too loud in your face—“I’m wearing leathers!!” In fact, they’re so cool, I would wear them even if I wasn’t riding.

The biggest problem with full leather pants is the SBS (Saggy Butt Syndrome). They’re fine on the moto, but once you’re off and walking around they do nothing to enhance a female figure and usually feel a little uncomfortable because they never stretch in the right places when you move. Also, wearing full leather pants can be overkill when you’re just scooting around town and moving from different life events like work, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, etc.

The Shred Moto jeans address this problem by putting leather panels only on the front of your legs to block the wind and on the rear pockets for style, and using a Kevlar lining for the lion’s share of abrasion protection. Because they have plenty of stretch, they hug your derriere perfectly and allow for plenty of movement on and off the bike. The high waist ensures that your underwear isn’t poking out while you’re bent over riding and that you stay warmer with no breeze entering down your back.

The pants come with removable D3O knee and hip armor. The fit of the pants is true to size and like a high-waisted skinny jean. The problem with this is that it is hard to fit the armor in until the pants break in. If you know you’re always going to use armor, I would consider going up a size. Leather takes some time to break in and since the cut is so slim on these, you’ll probably feel more comfortable with a little room on a longer ride.

I have leather motorcycle jackets that I wouldn’t wear every day because they’re too stiff with armor and a little silly to wear with my street fashion. I have fashion motorcycle jackets that I would never dare to wear on a bike because they lack safety features and wouldn’t allow me to ride comfortably. The Atwyld designers thought about all of this and how/why we women ride, and they’ve designed their products accordingly.

The Alltime Moto jacket is the best combo of both worlds and worth the investment. I would wear it as my everyday staple and feel completely confident that it will protect, if needed, on the motorcycle. I feel the same way about the Shred Moto jeans. Not only are they stylish, they’re comfy and functional enough to wear everyday but tough enough to handle some hard riding. And the best part about leather motorcycle apparel is that it looks better and better over time.

Good gear is an investment, and Atwyld is the real deal.

The Alltime Moto Jacket is available in Black in women’s sizes XS-XL. The Shred Moto Jeans is available in women’s sizes 24-40.

Fit: Fashion

Sizing: Runs true to size

Armor: Removable D3O knee and hip armor

Alltime Moto Jacket Price: $650.00

Shred Moto Jeans Price: $389.00

For more information, visit atwyld.com.

Do own any Atwyld? Please share below.

I would love to get to know you and meet you on the road!

Annick Magac