Waist length or 3/4 jackets? Could anybody explain the differences to me?

Besides the evident difference in length, what are the differences between waist length and 3/4 jackets regarding usage, performance, specific functions, etc.?

I would appreciate any explanation.

Some would say the style. Alot will depend on your build and the type of riding you will do....yes,folks will argue this,of course.The length of a garment can add or detract from your riding.3/4 length jackets offer a bit more protection than waist length....waist length should be zippered or buttoned to the pants so it will not "ride-up" on the rider in a crash.Waist length are usually more form fitting ( a tighter fit) than 3/4 length. A 3/4 length "may" have more pocket space than a waist length.Sometimes if your a "bigger" person,a waist length jacket may ride up on you and the collar will rub your neck while riding....again, your build comes into play here.
I wear Motoport gear,and on their site,they have a reasonable explanation of this very thing.

When I ride a bike with a forward leaning seating position, e.g. a sportbike, the extra material in the front of a 3/4 jacket is annoyingly bulky.

For me 3/4 = warmer and dryer

All jackets will ride up if you slide on the pavement feet first unless you zip them to your pants.

For rain, waist-length jackets require better waterproofing and layers for the fly of the pants. 3/4 jackets MAY cover the fly enough so that the flaps or gussets don't have to always handle a puddle of water.

For me, no matter how well a fly is gusseted, preventing a puddle is better planning than keeping a puddle and hoping it doesn't get through.

Sit up riding position allows me to wear a 2/4 length, and lets me enoy the slightly increased warmth, weather and wind protection . ..

semi-race crouch dictates a waist length jacket -- if not zipped to pants, more wind hitting your lower back, greater chance of weather incursion, all things being equal.

At least with my Darien, I can unzip a portion of the bottom to allow this to smooth out. Good thing someone invented the two sided zipper.

Oh, if that was the only annoyingly bulky thing I had to worry about when leaning forward...

I tuck the front of mine up and under sometimes if I am bothered by the extra material.

Aimed at me, but accurate.

So true.... 3/4 hides beer gut better

<------ over 40!

3/4 provides better rain and wind protection.


Over 40 means wiser and faster

Most consider waist length to be more stylish. Seems these days 80% of the jackets out there are of this style.

I find the 3/4 length to be far, far more practical. More pocket space, more comfortable, doesn't ride up above my plumbers crack, and if I were to crash,covers my hips.

Here's my take on it.
Waist length:
Cut short to give more freedom of movement
Meant to be zipped to bottoms
More stylish, more racy
Typically more trim and cut to fit closer to the body with fewer if any pockets.
Target wearer is riding a sportbike.

3/4 length.
Longer, more material, looser cut
More and bigger pockets
Target wearer is riding a KLR with a milk crate on the back.

Unless said 3/4 length jacket is a Belstaff then the target customer is shaggy haired guy in over-sized aviators driving a M3

Not bad with a dual action zipper...

Besides the longer enduro style coat covers your ass!

I actually use both types... and just picked up a duster for general winter use not associated with the motorcycle, but looks kinda cool and is waxed cotton.

3/4 length is for people who dont want wind creeping up their back on cold rides. waist length is shorter,you lean forward a little and a draft will start creeping in, get colder as you go.
waist length = summer gear. 3/4 length = wintery gear.

Then you keep your dual 6 shooters under the duster?

Conceivably you could get one your size? Leather that is too loose will give some mean burns flapping against you during those frequent slides on el pavemento.