How to Stay Warm on a Motorcycle?

Look Cool While Staying Warm on Your Ride

Driving a motorcycle is an impressive feat. It takes grit, athleticism, and of course, a passion for the fast lane. Riding on the back of one isn’t easy, either. Whether you’re a driver or a passenger on a bike, staying warm can be a challenge, especially in the winter. And even in warmer climates, the wind can really get you.

Are you wondering how to stay warm on a motorcycle? If so, Affliction Clothing has you covered –– literally. Believe it or not, it’s totally possible to look cool in your motorcycle gear while maintaining a sufficient body temperature on your ride. We’ll go over weather-proof motorcycle outfits and how to find the right statement pieces to keep you stylishly covered and warm from head to toe. 

How to Stay Warm on a Motorcycle?

Depending on where you live and the time of year, it can be extremely difficult to stay warm on a bike. Not only that but when you’re not warm, you’re not comfortable –– and remaining safe on the road is a lot harder when you’re physically uncomfortable.

When it comes to warm motorcycle outfits, there are a few key things you need to remember. These are our best tips for staying toasty out there.

Start with Your Head

Whether you’re on a motorcycle, hiking up a snowy mountain, or standing outside at a football game, full-body warmth starts with your head. Simply put, when your dome is cold, it’s extremely tough for the rest of your body to heat up. That’s why hats, scarves, and sometimes ski masks are so crucial for winter.

When you’re driving (or riding on) a motorcycle, you’ll definitely need a helmet for protecting your head and keeping wind and debris out of your face. That said, if it’s freezing outside, a bare-bones bike helmet might not cut it. Luckily, there are plenty of insulated helmets on the market with ventilation and breath guards to prevent fogging. You can also get a helmet liner or mask made from fleece or sherpa to use with your current helmet.

Then Focus on Your Torso

Once you have your head covered, focus on heating up your torso. When you ride a motorcycle, edgy long-sleeve shirts, men’s button-down shirts, and warm, protective jackets are the name of the game. Make sure you layer with at least two shirts. You can always start with an edgy base layer like a tattoo print long sleeve shirt and layer it with a graphic t-shirt, or you might even want to get a heated vest –– some have special features that radiate heat through your chest, back, and core.

Then you’ll need to find a coat that can keep you warm on extra-cold rides. As you’re probably aware, leather jackets are the ultimate go-to outerwear for motorcycle outfits. A leather jacket actually stays pretty warm in freezing temperatures. The material isn’t breathable, so it traps heat. Some will come lined with sherpa or another type of insulation for added warmth. If you’re riding in the rain, you’ll want to get some type of waterproof shell, too.

Keep Your Arms and Legs Warm

Next, you’ll need to figure out how to keep your arms and legs warm. For your legs, you can find insulated riding pants or wear insulated lining under your regular pants. Similar to jackets, leather pants hold heat and can keep you extra warm on a motorcycle. Another option is to get motorcycle-specific leather chaps to wear over denim urban jeans or riding pants. Make sure you also wear a pair (or two) of wool socks to help keep your ankles and feet heated. For chilly rides, we recommend wearing a pair of leather lace-up boots. 

Your arms should be covered up pretty good with your shirts and jacket, but some bikers opt for arm or hand warmers. When it’s extra-cold out, your body tends to pump most of your blood to your heart, lungs, and head –– keeping these areas warm is critical for survival. That’s why you’ll often notice that your fingers feel like they’re going to freeze off. Needless to say, gloves are essential. If you’re the one driving, it’s really important to keep your fingers warm so they remain flexible and able to grip the handles and gear on your bike. Warm gloves are a must for riders, too.

Motorcycle Long-Sleeve Shirts and Outerwear from Affliction Clothing

As most motorcyclists are well aware, the effects of cold weather intensify as your speed increases. When this happens, it’s a lot harder to control your bike. Not only that but being uncomfortably cold just makes riding a motorcycle less enjoyable.

With wintertime motorcycle outfits, it’s better to have too many layers than not enough layers –– you can always take something off if you get too hot. We recommend wearing at least two long-sleeve shirts underneath your jacket on super cold days. Try layering an oversized shirt with a long-sleeve shirt underneath. Or, if it’s snowing or the temperature is below freezing, go for three shirts.

Affliction Clothing has a massive selection of full sleeve t-shirts for men and women that can be layered or worn on their own. We also carry a wide range of outerwear, including several badass jackets. When you shop at Affliction Clothing, you don’t have to sacrifice your edgy style in order to stay warm in the colder climates.

Start curating your cold-weather motorcycle look today, so you can ride in warmth and style.