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

[Pete_Tallahassee]

Originally Posted by Goldburg

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

[AviatorTroy]

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.

[squish]

Originally Posted by lnewqban

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.

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

[indr]

Being loose, is the armour inside the 3/4 jackets still snug enough to not move around in a crash? I wear a leather jacket that's one size too large and the armour inserts are useless (because the jacket isn't snug).

[markk53]

Originally Posted by StuartV

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.

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.

[Foot dragger]

Originally Posted by indr

3/4 is for people 40+

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.

[Foot dragger]

Originally Posted by markk53

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.

Then you keep your dual 6 shooters under the duster?

[Foot dragger]

Originally Posted by indr

Being loose, is the armour inside the 3/4 jackets still snug enough to not move around in a crash? I wear a leather jacket that's one size too large and the armour inserts are useless (because the jacket isn't snug).

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.

[max384]

Originally Posted by indr

3/4 is for people 40+

Damn it. I just turned 30 and ordered a 3/4... My wife has told me that I'm prematurely turning into an old fart. Maybe there's something to her ramblings after all...

[wingnut11]

Originally Posted by max384

Damn it. I just turned 30 and ordered a 3/4... My wife has told me that I'm prematurely turning into an old fart. Maybe there's something to her ramblings after all...

Nope, nothing to it at all. Don't feel bad, I've been riding for a decade, turned 30 last year and have never had anything but a 3/4 length jacket. Maybe I'm just ahead of my time? Or a dork! Well at least I'm not overweight.

[indr]

Originally Posted by Foot dragger

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.

I picked it up because it was on sale. But, I'd still like to know if the armour inside 3/4 jackets snug.

Example:







The jackets/pants in these (and many other pics I see here) don't look snug. Looks like the armour would move around as it did in my 1 size too big leather jacket. So, is there a point in having armour in these tex suits unless you buy them very close fitting to your body?

[max384]

Originally Posted by indr

I picked it up because it was on sale. But, I'd still like to know if the armour inside 3/4 jackets snug.

Example:







The jackets/pants in these (and many other pics I see here) don't look snug. Looks like the armour would move around as it did in my 1 size too big leather jacket. So, is there a point in having armour in these tex suits unless you buy them very close fitting to your body?

Each of these pictures is of a one piece suit, not a 3/4 length jacket.

This being said, of course there is a point to having armor. Even if the jacket (or pants) is 10 sizes too big, having any armor is better than no armor. Obviously buying gear that is your size is best, but I'd rather have armor on gear that is a size too large than not having armor on gear that fits me.

[squish]

The armor on my 3/4 length is more loose then on my onesie leather suit or my onesie road crafter. Doesn't matter to me I'm not too worried the comfort and function balance work out.

[YJake]

Originally Posted by max384

Damn it. I just turned 30 and ordered a 3/4... My wife has told me that I'm prematurely turning into an old fart. Maybe there's something to her ramblings after all...

I'm in my mid 20's and own a leather Belstaff 3/4 and a Barbour International... Maybe I'm aged well beyond my years?

Originally Posted by squish

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

I don't own a BMW either

-Jake

[Flydream]

I'm over 46 , but I still use a short jacket ( nice weather ) for a coffee, and a 3/4 for serious stuff