One Piece Riding Suits vs. Separates

The need to look good when you’re riding is universal, whether you’re getting ready to purchase your first road bike or you’ve got a garage full of Harley-Davidsons. In addition to choosing from hundreds of flashy motorcycle jerseys, you’ll also need to decide if you want a one-piece riding suit or if you prefer separates. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of each option.  

Benefits of One-Piece Riding Suits

One-piece riding suits are commonly seen on the racetrack, but many casual riders wear them, too. Here are a few of the benefits a one-piece suit can offer you:

• Maximum protection
• Superior longevity
• Attractive design (especially when combined with sleek-looking motorcycle helmets)

Image Source: Pixabay

If you want other riders to take you seriously, wearing a one-piece is a great way to achieve your goal (as long as you’ve got the skills to back up your impressive look).

Drawbacks of One-Piece Riding Suits

One-piece suits come with their challenges, especially when you need to use the bathroom. But for many people, the advantages are worth the following drawbacks:

• Inconvenience (they’re harder to put on and take off)
• Potential for discomfort
• No pockets in some designs

A final note worth mentioning is that one-piece suits are generally made to fit tighter, which doesn’t give you a lot of leeway if you want to eat a few extra donuts over the weekend.

Benefits of Separates

While separates may not be allowed on some race tracks, they’re preferred by many casual riders for the following reasons:

• Convenience
• Versatility
• Attractive design
• Pockets

Separates can also be easily mixed-and-matched to find the perfect fit for your body.

Drawbacks of Separates

Despite their many benefits, separates do come with their own set of drawbacks, including:

• Less protection than one-piece suits
• Shorter jackets can be uncomfortable
• Increased likelihood of tears on separates that zip together

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of riding gear you want to buy. Try on multiple pairs of one-piece suits and separates to figure out which type you prefer.