First MFG Jacket Styles Materials Buying Guide

A First MFG jacket belongs in the motorcycle apparel world leather, riding specific features, and a few style and fit differences from plain old fashion jackets make it fall into that category. First Manufacturing Co. started selling motorcycle related apparel in 1987 and now its assortment offers several different-leather types, fits and riding related features to choose from. Buyers may be asking a different question if they want a leather jacket: Not just “What jacket do I think looks best?” but rather, “What combination of leather, fit, construction and features best suit my use?”

First MFG Jacket Leather Options

Overall, the samples varied considerably in thickness. Leather thickness serves as a valuable benchmark to guide comparision of the different models.

Firstly MFG shows various specifications of leather used for its collection. Titan is made of 0.8 0.9 mm premium weight light cowhide, Wrath is 1.0 1.1 mm drum-dyed naked cowhide, superstar is 1.1 1.2 mm top-grain milled cowhide and Commuter is 1.2 1.3 mm vintage naked cowhide.

These characteristics can influence the way the jacket feels. Light weight leather is more comfortable for movement and weighs less, heavy weight leather adds heaviness and form.

The type of Leather: top-grain milled cowhide, drum-dyed naked cowhide, and vintage-finished also make different feeling and appearance. Buyers should check the actual material specification.

Different models appeal to different preferences.

Superstar also heads toward a more classic motorcycle style, with an off-center zipper, snap-down lapels, epaulets, half-belt, action back, quilted lining, and zippered sleeve design. And the 1.1–1.2 mm top-grain milled cowhide makes it feel pretty serious.

Titan: a lighter sheet (0.8-0.9 mm cowhide)and a center zipper is another option. For a shopper who is looking for a lighter weight leather jacket, it can be a decent step down without shunning all motorcycle-inspired styling.

Indy has a more varied option. The specifications quoted for it are 1.1-1.2 mm drum-dyed naked cowhide, center zipper, action back, underarm gussets, chest and back vents, mesh lining, Kevlar shoulder and elbow reinforcement, CE armor pockets.

Wrath mixes 1.0-1.1 mm naked cowhide with accordion stretch panels, an action back, underarm gussets, back vents, a zip-out thermal liner and armor pockets. The result is more mobility and season-to-season adaptability for the rider.

Rather than selecting a model just because it looks good, should really weigh up thebuild of the model comparing it to their own riding.

Fit Matters With Leather Motorcycle Jackets

More attention to sizing is necessary since leather is not the same as a light fashion fabric.

First MFG also said that the customer should call the size chart for the particular jacket. As the product the measurements also could be different between different products, for some models also offer the Made To Measure model as shown below:

Take measurements of your chest, waist, shoulders, and sleeve length prior to ordering. Think about what you would normally wear underneath the jacket. A T-shirt will need less room than a hoodie or any other protective layer.

Your riding position. Shift your arms forward and bend your elbows. Reach around and look at the shoulder/upper-back area. The jacket may be nice to stand in, but then cause restriction when you‘re riding your bike.

Check the Riding Features

The type of motorcycle jacket you buy should depend on where it is you‘re riding.

Action backs and underarm gussets can enhance mobility. Pneus may be beneficial in warmer weather. Zip-out thermal liners offer versatility in cooler conditions. Armor pockets allow for the inclusion of compatible protective inserts.

Indy, like Wrath, integrates ventilation and mesh lining, Kevlar reinforcement, and CE armor pockets. Wrath, additionally, includes stretch panels and a thermal liner.

Do not conclude that all First MFG jackets will come packed out with the same equipment. Double check the product specification and verify if armor is already included with the jacket or not.

Customization Changes the Buying Decision

Tailor-made allows you to go beyond the specifications of a maximum jacket when neither the measurements nor the style style fits.

First MFG now sells motorcycles jackets that are built to order, and other things to add to select leather models. The options change by product, but generally include full sizes, colors, patches, artwork, and many other features.

If you use custom sized jackets it can solve problems that normal sizes just can‘t. Artwork and patches can also help differentiate a club or team, and are a means of making it a statement about the individual or club, not just a jacket.

The other issue is with the ordering. As the product is a custom product, it takes longer than a stock product, First MFG presently has a Five to Four week in order time for its Custom MC Jacket.

It is advisable for buyers to inspect measurements and pieces of artwork before ordering it custom made.

Compare Price With the Specification

The number makes more sense in context with the entire jacket, not just the face value of the number.

All other aspects including leather weight, leather type, lining, hardware, pocket, air vents, armor compatibility and customizations can influence the value. A lighter weight leather jacket can be priced the same as a heavier weight version because of different material spec and construction/ hardware/ lining/ pockets.

Price: At present, first MFG product pages display large price discrepancies between models and therefore the shopper should always visit the live product page before they consider any price to be a reference guide. Custom jackets also have their own price points.

Check Warranty and Leather Care

Most buying decisions involve evaluating the long term value as well. The long term value too is influenced by how the manufacture handles a defect and the effort you take in maintaining the leather.

First MFG makes statement of life-time warranty on its leather goods when the product‘s defect is from the manufacturing process for the following: lining, zippers, snaps, stitching, seams, and any areas in the material of its lumber processes. Wear due to normal use and scratches, cuts, burns and any damage caused by poor maintenance are excluded.

The importance of taking the correct care leather can alter greatly through use, so storing and cleaning as recommended by the manufacturer should be followed instead of putting it through the washing machine or heating it excessively.

Is a First MFG Jacket Right for You

The correct answer is whichever style you prefer. This is dependent on how you want the jacket to be worn.

The shopped for in a conventional way might like the heavier weight leather, and the more conservative construction of the Superstar. Anyone wanting lighter weight leather might consider the Titan. Indy combines motorcycle amenities with all-around fashion; Wrath emphasizes how much the package moves, and how well it breathes and transitions between seasons.

To the casual buyer who simply prefers a stylish leather jacket, the extra-cost of these motorcycle-specific features might be unnecessary. For the veteran rider, however, the extra construction detail could be a real boon.

Brands may find the following category interesting too. When developing a motorcycle-inspired jacket, leather, pattern, fit, hardware, lining, ornament and quality control should be of concern. JiuvelWear, a division of Dongguan Jiuzuo Clothing Co., Ltd., offers material sourcing, sample development, garment production and quality control for apparel brands.

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