How do I measure myself?

Woman in black base layer measuring her waist with a tape measure with a white background

Your simple guide to getting the right fit for motorcycle gear

Getting the right size for your motorcycle jacket, trousers, or suit isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about safety. Gear that’s too loose can move around in a crash, and gear that’s too tight can restrict movement and make riding uncomfortable.

The good news? You can take all the key measurements at home with just a flexible tape measure (the soft kind used for sewing), a mirror and, ideally, a friend to help.

Below we’ll show you how to measure:

  • Chest

  • Stomach / waist (5 cm below the navel)

  • Height

  • Inseam (to the anklebone)

  • Inner arm (armpit to wrist)

When measuring, wear what you plan to wear underneath the biker gear. For some this will be simply base layers, and for others it be heavier clothing, or even a set of armour. Take the measurements over the top of the clothing and stand naturally.

1. How to measure your chest

You’ll need:
A flexible tape measure, a mirror, and ideally someone to help.

Steps:

  1. Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.

  2. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest.

    • This is usually across the nipples and just under your armpits.

  3. Make sure the tape is:

    • Level all the way around your body (use a mirror or a helper to check).

    • Snug but not tight – it should touch your body without digging in.

  4. Inhale fully so your chest is at full expansion.

👉 Tip: If you’re between sizes on our chart, always round up, not down. Also, consider what you’ll wear underneath. If you plan to wear thick layers, wear them when taking the measurements.

2. How to measure your stomach / waist (5 cm below your navel)

For many motorcycle trousers and suits, we use a “stomach/waist” measurement taken 5 cm below the navel. This often sits closer to where the waistband of your riding trousers will be.

Steps:

  1. Stand up straight and relax your stomach – no sucking in.

  2. Find your belly button (navel).

  3. Place the tape measure 5 cm (about 2 inches) below your navel.

  4. Wrap the tape measure around your body at that level.

  5. Make sure:

    • The tape is horizontal and not dipping at the back.

    • It is snug but not tight – you should be able to slide a finger under it.

  6. Read the measurement where the tape meets.

👉 Tip: This is very likely to be a different measurement from your usual “jeans waist size”, so always use this exact stomach/waist measurement when choosing motorcycle trousers and suits from our store.

3. How to measure your height

Height helps us recommend the right overall size, especially for one-piece suits and textile gear.

Steps:

  1. Stand against a wall with your feet together and your heels touching the wall.

  2. Stand up straight, looking forward, with your shoulders relaxed.

  3. Place a flat object (like a book) on top of your head, keeping it horizontal, and slide it gently until it touches the wall.

  4. Mark the spot on the wall where the bottom of the book meets.

  5. Measure from the floor to that mark with a tape measure.

👉 Tip: Do this barefoot or in thin socks for the most accurate height measurement.

4. How to measure your inseam (to your anklebone)

The inseam is the distance from your crotch down to your anklebone. This tells you how long your motorcycle trousers should be so that they meet your boots properly but don’t bunch up.

Steps:

  1. Stand up straight with your feet about hip-width apart.

  2. Locate your anklebone (the bony bump on the inside of your ankle).

  3. Place the end of the tape measure high in your crotch, where your inner seams meet on a pair of trousers.

  4. Run the tape measure straight down the inside of your leg to your anklebone.

  5. Make sure the tape follows the line of your leg and stays straight, not wrapped around.

👉 Tip: It’s easier if someone else reads the tape at your anklebone while you stand still.

5. How to measure your inner arm (armpit to wrist)

This is especially important for jacket and suit sleeve lengths so that the cuffs sit correctly over your gloves when you’re in a riding position.

Steps:

  1. Stand naturally with your shoulders relaxed and your arm slightly bent (as if you’re holding a handlebar).

  2. Place the end of the tape measure high in your armpit.

  3. Run the tape along the inside of your arm, over the elbow, down to your wrist bone (the little bone on the outside of your wrist).

  4. Keep your arm slightly bent while measuring – this gives a more realistic riding position length.

👉 Tip: Don’t stretch your arm completely straight – sleeves that fit perfectly with a straight arm can feel too short when you bend your elbows on the bike.

General measurement tips

  • Don't just choose the sizes your 'normally' wear: Clothing varies considerably by brand, and casual clothing is notoriously unreliable. Just get your exact measurements and then be guided exclusively by our size chart.

  • Measure twice: If you get two different numbers, measure a third time and use the average.

  • Ask for help: Many measurements (especially inseam and inner arm) are much easier and more accurate with a second person.

  • Stand naturally: Don’t puff out your chest or suck in your stomach – your gear needs to fit you as you really are.

Need help choosing a size?

If you’re unsure between two sizes or your measurements don’t match perfectly, you’re not alone. Body shapes vary a lot.

If in doubt, just contact us.

  • Send us your measurements (chest, stomach/waist, height, inseam, inner arm).

We’ll be happy to suggest the best size and style to keep you comfortable, protected, and ready to ride. 🏍️