I just started riding and was wondering how many wear, or recommend protective clothing when you ride.  In the class they told us to always ride with boots, long pants, gloves and a tough jacket, or at least a thick long sleeve shirt.

When my husband rides, in the nice weather, he normally wears a t-shirt or tank top.  He told me to wear what ever I feel comfortable with.

I am ok with everything except the jacket or thick shirt.  Do most of you keep your arms covered when you ride?

I did when I first started riding. It all depends on the weather and what I feel like. I always wear my full face helmet. I do ride the freeway to and from work in just a t-shirt though if it is worm. My doughters have to have all of there gear to ride with me. I can get hurt but I wnat them to be as safe as they can be.

Boots, Gloves, glasses, and a helmet at all times..... Chaps, leather jacket as weather permits, as well as a face mask..............

I dress for weather and not for “Safety”. The exception is I always wear jeans and boots, (nylon GI combat boots for warm days and leather insulated combat boots for cold days.) BTW I have found them to be the best boots ever since Uncle Sam gave me my first pair.  Once I tried to move my bike from the driveway into the garage wearing only slippers and damn near dropped it when my foot came out of the slipper.

Here is how not to dress...

I always wear jeans, 3/4 helmet, leather gloves and boots. Our club wears colors on a heavy leather vest. I keep a pair of chaps hany (usually for when it's cold).

Tammy,

I wear every thing you described except the long sleave shirt or jacket. I only where those when the weather demands, or I am on the crowded highway and I don't want the little rocks and road debris hitting my arms.

Probably not a bad idea for you to wear all the recommended protective clothing at first. There is a good chance that if you do fall, it is going to be at a slow speed fall, like stopping awkwardly, or forgetting to put your feet down. So the long sleeve shirt or jacket will keep you from getting all scratched up.

Thanks for all the input. I will take the advice and wear a jacket for a bit, just in case. Once I get a little more comfortable, I will go with short sleeves. Will always wear long pants, boots, gloves, and of course a helmet.

the full race leathers ,u have to over hear in scotland .

It can get pretty hot here and Arizona. I must admit that sometimes, against my better judgement I do go for comfort over safety. Since we don't have a required helmet law here, I go out occasionally with no helmet, tank top, and light sneakers. I really don't recommend that for a new rider - or an experienced rider for that mater. But I never said I was the sharpest tool in the shed!

I ride to work in street clothes, short gloves and of course my helmet (1/2). When I go "out on the road" I wear boots, Levi's and if it's cooler a jacket and chaps. Been down once (in street clothes, on lunchbreak) damage sustained to vertebra wouldn't have been helped by wearing full race gear. I say ride in what you're comfortable with. Don't complain about the heat or the scrapes. Just ride!

I'm kinda like the pic above with the red circles, except I don't wear a helmet in the summer.Who knows what I wear in the winter,what ever I'm comfortable with.Don't be like me, you probably have more brains.I figure some will comment on my stupidity,but you asked,Respects-Dave

Dave although I disagree with you I have to say it isn't stupidity but a matter of choice. I posted the photo you mentioned as a point merely from my perspective. One thing I always say if it doens't hurt anyone else we should have freedom of choice, not someone else telling us what to do, wear or eat.

In July I hit a dear and went down at about 55mph. My left arm and left leg are still healing. Just got the bike back from the shop this past Thursday. I rode yesterday and wore jeans, chaps, boots, t-shirt, leather jacket, and full helmet. After trashing a 3 month old bike plus both my arms and my left leg I've learned. I'm not going out again without full protective gear.

Glad to hear you are on the heal Victorcreative. I guess we all live an learn. I always try the less is more on the bike, but is seems that I end up sorry. I do ride with a tank top, but the jeans and boots are really a must. I hate the gravel that hits the legs constantly if you don't.

After my years in the rodeo ring I've learn that your gear that protects you is key. So I ride with your stand protective gear: helment, leather jacket (with pads), full fingered gloves, jean, some time I'll wear my chaps over them, and boots.... You've really got to much to lose when you think about it.

Jeans, boots, helmet, and short thick leather gloves always.....I minor fall can put you out of commision for a long time if you scrape your hands....your feet are so delicate, and we never think about it, but if you are
wearing sandals, or short shoes, sneakers etc, and drop it, you could have a life changing injury ....jacket only if it's cold. On the highway and long trips, jacket and chaps always ....have you been hit by a bee or a June
bug at 80mph? Never mind a rock thrown by a semi......

chap's ?? what do they actually do ??

apart from making u look like slash from guns n rose's ?

I rarely wear protective clothing unless it is a cold day. Seems how we live in San Diego... those are few. Normally I wear high heels, jeans sometimes a skirt and a tank top. But i do wear gloves and a vest just in case.

RR always wears his gloves, jeans, boots and usually a tee shirt. He always has his vest on.