Leather or fabric trousers? Let's find out the differences
When choosing motorcycle trousers you will have to decide whether to opt for fabric or leather. Both materials are excellent choices for durable motorcycle trousers that can withstand an accident, but they have very different characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. The ones right for you will depend on the kind of driving you do and what features are most important to you. Fabrics are cheaper than leather, but good quality leather can usually survive more than one fall. It’s generally accepted that fabrics need to be replaced after an accident. Fabric trousers can be washed normally, while leather requires special care such as treatment with a leather conditioner and it must be taken to the dry cleaner when they are really dirty. Comfort is subjective, so you should try both and see which one of them suits you best. Leather fits very well, but it’s heavy and it’s not really breathable; fabrics can be light and breathable or stiff and heavy depending on the materials. Regarding the adaptability to weather conditions, fabrics are the clear winner. They have nozzles for when it's hot, linings for when it's cold and water-resistant materials or coatings to keep you dry in the rain or snow. On the other hand, leather has a great advantage in terms of protection. It’s much more resistant to abrasion than fabric and it won’t melt by friction, it can usually survive more abrasions and it can often be repaired. The best motorcycle pants can't help you if they don’t stay still during an accident or fall. The key information you need to know when buying motorcycle pants, especially online, is the waist measurements. Avoid the temptation to use the size of the normal jeans you wear and take a measuring tape. For the waist, take the measurement of the circumference just below the navel, and for your inseam, take the measure from the heel to the highest point of your inseam. The size may change depending on the manufacturer and style, so always use the sizing table of the manufacturer before placing an order. Motorcycle trousers should generally fit perfectly. If you are looking at a style without size adjustments, like many motorcycle jeans, it’s not a bad idea to order two sizes and return back the one that doesn’t fit you properly.