Custom Leather Motorcycle Vests: What You Can Personalize

Short answer: when you order a custom leather motorcycle vest you decide on six things: the leather and its weight, the pocket layout, the lining, the closure (zip, snaps or lacing), how much space you need for patches, and the fit. Decide these before you start, and have your measurements ready. You can start from the custom motorcycle vests page.

The exact options on each design are set on the product or order page, and they differ by design. Use this article as a planning list, not a promise that every option is offered.

1. Leather and weight

Most vests are cowhide, because it is thick and holds a structured shape. Some riders prefer a heavier, stiffer hide for a classic look and a lighter hide for a softer, more flexible vest. Thicker leather is harder to break in but lasts longer under patches and harness wear. Thinner leather is more comfortable on a warm day and moves with you.

Think about three things: how often you will wear it, whether you will carry weight in the pockets, and whether you will sew patches. For more on hides, see cowhide vs sheepskin vs kangaroo.

2. Pockets

• Exterior pockets: deep front pockets hold keys, phone and wallet. See the biker vest with deep front pockets for what depth to look for.
• Interior pockets: good for a phone or documents, and out of sight.
• Concealed-carry pockets: some vests include a dedicated holster pocket on the inside. Laws on carrying firearms differ by state and country, so check local rules and use official sources. Our post on the vest with a concealed snap front closure covers one construction.

3. Closure: zip, snaps or lacing

4. Lining

An unlined vest is lighter and cooler. A lined vest slides over a shirt more easily and feels warmer. A printed lining is a custom option on some vests, to add a design or color on the inside. Check how lining affects fit; a lined vest uses up some room inside, so size accordingly.

5. Patch space and back panel

If you plan to add club or personal patches, plan the layout before you order.

1. Decide how many patches and where they go: back panel, chest, shoulders.
2. Measure the patches. Allow a margin of at least a finger width around each one.
3. Choose a plain back panel with no stitched details that would interfere.
4. Decide whether you will supply the patches or want custom ones. Our workshop sews on patches you send, and can also make custom patches to your design.
5. Consider the weight. A back full of large patches adds weight and needs thicker leather to carry it.

6. Fit and measurements

A vest has no sleeves, so the fit comes from the chest, waist and length. Measure over the layers you normally wear on the bike. Take the chest at the fullest part, the waist at the narrowest, and the length from the base of the neck down your back to where you want the hem to fall. Our leather vest size chart and measuring guide walks through each figure. If you are between sizes, think about how many layers you will wear under the vest in winter. Custom Size takes 3-4 weeks and Custom Made 4-6 weeks, then delivery takes 3-10 working days.

Order checklist

• Riding vest or style vest?
• Leather type and weight.
• Closure: zip, snaps, lacing or open.
• Pockets: number, depth, interior, concealed.
• Lining: none, standard or printed.
• Patches: number, sizes, placement.
• Measurements: chest, waist, length, and the layers they were taken over.
• Color and hardware finish.

When a leather vest is not the right choice

A vest does not protect your arms or upper body in a fall. If you want protection, look for a riding jacket with armor, such as custom motorcycle jackets, and see leather motorcycle vests for men: fit, function and fashion for how vests fit into a riding setup.

Women's vests

Women's vests are cut with more shaping at the bust and waist. See the women's leather vests for ready-to-wear options, and compare with the men's leather vests.

FAQs

What can I customize on a leather motorcycle vest?

Typically the leather, color, pockets, lining, closure, patch space and measurements. Check the product page for what each design allows.

Can I add patches to a custom vest?

Yes, but plan the layout and the leather weight first. Our workshop sews on patches you supply and can also make custom patches to your design.

Are concealed-carry vests legal?

Laws vary by state and country. Check your local rules with an official source before carrying.

How do I measure for a custom vest?

Measure chest, waist and back length over the layers you will wear. See the vest size chart guide for details.

Zipper, snaps or lacing?

Zippers are quick and clean, snaps give a classic look, and lacing lets you adjust the fit.

Ready to begin? Visit custom motorcycle vests and have your measurements ready.