VFRDiscussion ARCHIVE / READ-ONLYREAD-ONLY

Looking For Leathers That Fit

14 posts Started 11 Aug 2006 Last recovered post 28 Aug 2006 Wayback Machine snapshot 24 Oct 2006

#1
Heres my problem, I'm 5-8" with a 33" waist.
I can't seem to find leather pants that will fit me in the knee.
It seems as though every one that I try on the knee pad is way too low.
Any ideas on what to do or where to go?
TJ. beer.gif
#2
tjclyde, Aug 11 2006, 07:45 PM
Heres my problem, I'm 5-8" with a 33" waist.
I can't seem to find leather pants that will fit me in the knee.
It seems as though every one that I try on the knee pad is way too low.
Any ideas on what to do or where to go?
TJ. beer.gif

I don't know your finances, but custom tayloring is the way to go---start searching the web, their are a few shops in Calif., Also you could buy an inexpensive set and have the knee repositioned by a taylor, several of the mfg's offer this service.
#3
Barnacle Bills Leathers... 900 bucks gets you a custom suit, with the good armor, with your name, in the color of your choice...

I've had three sets, they've all needed some adjustment, and none have been near as nice as what I've seen him make for a couple hundred more than retail off the shelf units... one of these days I'll get a custom bill suit! biggrin.gif
#4
Shove the legs in a boot, pull them up a little in the upper leg, and try sitting on a bike with them on. The first set of leathers I had I thought the knee caps were kind of low as well. As I got used to them and tried them when sitting on a bike, they felt a lot better. Remember, you have to go by the knee armor itself, not the sliders that sit well below the knee cap.

What length inseam do you need?? Most 33" waist pants at New Enough seem to have a 29" or 30" inseam.

If that still doesn't work, custom is the way to go.
#5
I can't seem to find leather pants that will fit me in the knee.
It seems as though every one that I try on the knee pad is way too low.


Hahah. My exact issue. One of these times I'm going to go to Z Custom leathers, and get fitted. beer.gif
There's other makers too, but I think custom fit is the way to go. Why the off the rack stuff is sized only by waist size, I don't know. OK, it's probably a much smaller market than Levis or other jeans where they sell by waist AND inseam. wink.gif
#6
Vanson Leathers. They make amazing stuff and will try most nearly anything you want.

You can get custom measurements taken at a few dealers around the US. I went to Pro-Italia in Glendale. Chuckled at the price Ducati asks for their stuff, but PI is a really clean, nice, dedicated shop.

http://www.vansonleathers.com/stock_dealer...ia%20(Southern)
#7
wera803, Aug 11 2006, 09:46 PM
Shove the legs in a boot, pull them up a little in the upper leg, and try sitting on a bike with them on. The first set of leathers I had I thought the knee caps were kind of low as well. As I got used to them and tried them when sitting on a bike, they felt a lot better. Remember, you have to go by the knee armor itself, not the sliders that sit well below the knee cap.

What length inseam do you need?? Most 33" waist pants at New Enough seem to have a 29" or 30" inseam.

If that still doesn't work, custom is the way to go.

+1.gif
5'9 here, 32's. The knee looks like its low standing up, but its meant to be in the right place while sitting on the bike. It will move up some while your leg is bent. I have the JR speedmaster pants and they fit reasonably well.
#8
OP,

Is there any particular reason you're shopping for leather? Consider kevlar instead, because it offers better tear and abrasion strength, and it lasts longer.

www.motoport.com will custom make you a suit if you send them your measurements. Each suit is hand made, not mass produced, so custom orders are no more complex than going with a standard size. There's a waiting list, but it's well worth it.
#9
+1.gif +1.gif +1.gif
#10
I'm 6' 33", I have Teknic Sport pants 34" and the knees are way high they are too tight on the kneecaps sitting down. I tried on some Spyke pants the other day and they fit great but were $549 sad.gif
Seems hard to get fit off the shelf.
#11
Update on my pants.
I massaged them with lots of leather softning oil and they are very good now although they stick to the seat a bit.
#12
5'7"x31"waist x30" inseam. Finally bought Joe Rocket 32's. Off the bike the seat looks like a pair of pampers carrying a "full load" and the knees are almost where my crotch should be...but on the bike they fit great!!! My dealer let me try sizes sitting on a bike...helped a lot in finding the right "riding" size. On the bike (where it really counts) they're comfortable and off the bike, add chin dribble and I look my age.... goofy.gif
#13
skuuter, Aug 28 2006, 04:13 PM 5'7"x31"waist x30" inseam. Finally bought Joe Rocket 32's. Off the bike the seat looks like a pair of pampers carrying a "full load" and the knees are almost where my crotch should be...but on the bike they fit great!!! My dealer let me try sizes sitting on a bike...helped a lot in finding the right "riding" size. On the bike (where it really counts) they're comfortable and off the bike, add chin dribble and I look my age.... goofy.gif

Wish I could find some that fit, but at 6'3" with 36" inseam the knee pads are in my crotch when I get on a bike.
#14
jeremy556, Aug 28 2006, 04:39 PM
Wish I could find some that fit, but at 6'3" with 36" inseam the knee pads are in my crotch when I get on a bike.

36"inseam...I could add sleeves at the pockets/ back protector in the butt and have 1pc leathers...... goofy.gif
End of thread · 14 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 24 Oct 2006