Total chick question...

[MadDuck]

I am not particularly tall and nor am I a skinny bean so its tough to find gear that doesnt make one look like Mr Blobby!

My first choice is protection ....then looks. Having said that I have a Qmoto ladies jacket which I love and I think looks ok - no doubt one of the lads will dispute this.... It is very comfy too!

The only leather pants I could get that fit were mens ones. They are not the most flattering and a bit long in the leg but I dont really mind that.

As has already been said try on all sorts. You will now when you find what works for you.

[Quasi]

@subike - there are pics on my profile but as i mentioned not the best..... don't say you weren't warned.

@Quasi - thanks. haven't heard of those brands... avaiable most bike shops?

@hawkeye - yeah, leather is a real pain in the arse....almost as bad as skinny jeans. You just can't take those things off elegantly!

Qmoto - right here from good ol NZ - www.quasimoto.co.nz
Dainese is Italian and I got my jacket through Trademe

Hawkeye's eagle eye on my paints huh You a hunny kenny me ole matey

[sinned]

IF off the rack gear doesn't fit well or display your good features then have gear made for you. Sam at Celtic made gear for me and I am please with it.

Custom made is mid range in cost; - a little more than good quality stuff like Quasi but less than top name brands (which are no better and some less in quality).

[gatch]

PM "rachprice", her gear looks rather swell on her

[quickbuck]

IF off the rack gear doesn't fit well or display your good features then have gear made for you. Sam at Celtic made gear for me and I am please with it.

Custom made is mid range in cost; - a little more than good quality stuff like Quasi but less than top name brands (which are no better and some less in quality).

+1 for a Plug for Sam from Celtic.
Good bugger that I yak randomly to at the track from time to time, but never actually buy anything!
Will one day though.....

[PrincessBandit]

Also remember when trying gear on, especially leather, the initial fit isn't always representative of what it will feel like once it gives a bit and moulds to your shape.

Cordura is good for all year round; I started with just that (removable liners and all that) then added leather as I could afford to do so.

[rachprice]

haha thanks gatch you perv

Yeah you will have no trouble getting the rev'it stuff in NZ, thats exactly what I have

That jacket in the link that Genie posted is currently in stock at Wellington motorcycles and I got my pants which match from ANZA

Motorad in wellington have Dainese

[Trudes]

I like the look of the Revit gear, have some of their gloves which have held up to two years of riding (no crashes tho, thankfully) including in the rain and cold.
I also like Shift gear, have a Shift jacket and it is very comfy and has all the right bits in the right places.
Don't forget to add a back protector to your wish list.

[Jaxi]

Different brands of gear seem to fit different shapes, so I agree, go and try loads of stuff on, see how it feels... but don't forget to sit on a bike with the gear on, I've made that mistake!!!

I've found my ultimate brand / size - Dainese fit me like glove, gotta love those short ass italians!

I don't wear my full leathers all that much, mostly for big trips and sometimes when I put them on they can feel rather snug at first, but after a few miles they feel sweet as.

[Jaxi]

If I was commuting all the time (or doing a big trip), maybe I'd go for cordura, but for a feel good blast on the bike, nothing feels as good as a nice set of leathers....

[crazyhorse]

Haven't yet found any clothes suitable for my riding style that wouldn't make me look like a mitchelin man! LOL

Although I do need new leathers, mine have absolutely no padding in them. WHen I first starting riding, women were generally on the back, and didn't need the extra padding the guys have - utter rot!

So, be interested in your findings.........

[allycatz]

Ive got two jackets....a lighter summer one thats a curvier fit and slightly shorter fit. Was just a cheaper one (Mohsin) from TM but is extremely windproof, though slightly thinner armour in the back. I also have an Rjays one thats roomier, thicker and longer and can wear a jersey under it for cold days. Both mine fit nicely around the bottom of the sleeves and no draughts with gloves on. I agree with the comment above, whatever you wear has to be comfortable getting on and off the bike and sitting for long periods time...pants especially

[pritch]

Sam at Celtic made gear for me and I am please with it.

I'll second the vote for Sam. He ain't superfast (he's busy) but he's good.

[Mandy]

http://www.alpinestars.com/Stella_Si.../p/321657.html

I have this Alpinestars jacket which I love. It wasn't cheap, but it has a super warm removable lining that just zips out and the outter bit has vents for when it gets hot in summer (also good if you need a bit more room accross the chest).

I saw some of these Shift jackets when I was in Oz last time, I tried them on and they were really comfy, cheap too! They come in cool designs, so you can look like a girl with a bit of pink and stuff without having to wear flowers and butterflys and sparkles

http://shop.shiftracing.com/ecomm/Pr...=70134018F.jpg

[Genie]

http://www.alpinestars.com/Stella_Si.../p/321657.html

I have this Alpinestars jacket which I love. It wasn't cheap, but it has a super warm removable lining that just zips out and the outter bit has vents for when it gets hot in summer (also good if you need a bit more room accross the chest).

I saw some of these Shift jackets when I was in Oz last time, I tried them on and they were really comfy, cheap too! They come in cool designs, so you can look like a girl with a bit of pink and stufs without having to wear flowers and butterflys and sparkles

http://shop.shiftracing.com/ecomm/Pr...=70134018F.jpg

cheers for that...I'm looking too!