Lusso Leather Review: Is this THE Perfect Fitting Motorcycle Jacket?
Evan Rally
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If there’s one thing that drives me crazy about motorcycle jackets, it’s the fit.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve found a jacket that checks all the boxes on paper—highly protective for both impact and slide, well-ventilated, practical, and great colorway—only to try it on and realize it fits like a cardboard box.
And when I do find a jacket that fits right? I’m usually in a department store, and that jacket skimps on all the important stuff that makes a motorcycle jacket what it is.
So you can imagine my excitement when I found out the custom leather jacket company Lusso Leather makes custom-fit motorcycle jackets.
Specify the exact design you want from materials, pockets, cuffs, patterns and more or share pictures of a jacket you want recreated. Options for armor pockets, mesh and kevlar linings, and more for added safety. If the fit is wrong, they'll redo it.
Now, before you yell at me in the comments: “That’s not CE rated! Pantyhose over my head provide more protection!” First off, I’m sorry your mommy won’t let you ride a real bike, otherwise you’d have processed those hormones and would act like a normal adult human.
I know it’s not CE rated, hence why I reserve this jacket for riding around town or just going out to dinner (not even on the bike). I also own a Bowtex Elite undershirt that is CE AAA rated which means it’ll withstand a slide at 70mph on the highway. I’ll often wear that underneath this jacket.
Another option I’m looking to try soon is the Pando Moto Commando UH undershirt, a similar CE AAA rated undershirt. I’ve already tried Pando’s leggings and LOVE them. Review coming soon.
Back to the review of Lusso Leathers’ custom jackets…
Since I spend most of my time riding Thailand’s sweltering streets, I stay away from wearing leather jackets. I’m well aware of the tried-and-true protection leather provides, but I also know heatstroke is a killer on a motorcycle. So when Lusso’s founder Hannan told me they can make a kevlar-lined denim jacket for me, I snapped at the opportunity.
I’ve had a few months to test out this jacket, and from Thailand’s hot and humid plains to cool mountain rain, I’ve already put it through a lot. And ironed some patches on it!
Let me tell you—it’s the first time I’ve found a jacket that fits perfectly and actually holds up to real-world riding demands. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the comfort, fit, and airflow this jacket provides.
In fact, as I write this I am sitting in a hotel lobby in Amsterdam, where it is cold and rainy, and I am wearing this jacket. It is so comfortable and looks so good I am wearing it as a standard jacket, and it’s performing just as well at keeping me cool in 90+ F Thai weather as it is in 50 F Amsterdam fall weather.
So let me solve your fit problems once and for all and show you why the Lusso Leather custom denim jacket is an excellent option for a light motorcycle jacket. And most importantly, I’ll go through how Lusso Leather delivers on the finer details, not just to fit this jacket to your exact measurements but to make a garment that can hold up in a crash.
Even if you don’t ride in it, a leather or denim jacket from Lusso Leathers will be a great addition to your wardrobe.
Let’s go through:
- Style, Fit, and Comfort: How Lusso gets it right
- Protection: What Lusso puts in to every motorcycle jacket
- Limitations: What I don’t like about my custom jacket
Style, Fit, and Comfort with this Custom Jacket
Right off the bat, let’s talk about the most stand-out feature of Lusso’s jackets: custom fit. The experience of wearing something designed specifically for you is unmatched. No more choosing between baggy stomach or pinched shoulders.
I sent Lusso Leather my measurements (waist, chest, torso length, sleeve length at least), and they came back with a jacket that fits like a glove on the first try. And I got to specify a bunch more details…
What style? What color and shade? Buttons or zipper? How many pockets? What type of liner?
With Lusso, you get standard templates for inspiration but you aren’t limited to them. Want to recreate the look of an old jacket you had to retire? Send them a photo, and they’ll replicate it, adding your choice of materials and finishes. This is exactly what I did with an old jacket I wanted to replace.
In this case, I opted for denim with a Kevlar lining, but they also offer a range of leather options (and they know which leathers to avoid for motorcycling). You can tweak every detail, from button vs. zipper closures to cuff style to pocket designs and liner materials.
For my jacket, I surfed Pinterest for 10 minutes and screenshotted a couple jackets. Sent one email with two pictures of the best example I found and said, “Make me something like these”. What I got was spot on and completely custom. I got the look I was going for even though I am nowhere near a fashion designer.
Trying it on, I found a denim jacket that looks just as sharp off the bike as it feels comfortable on it. After I wore it a few times I noticed I was picking up a lot of compliments; the relaxed style means I don’t look like I’m wearing a heavy-duty motorcycle jacket. Now I probably wear this jacket more off the bike than on it!
But how does the jacket perform when riding? It’s easy to find a jacket that fits when you’re having a beer. But what about on the bike?
I had a chance to really test this jacket on a five-day ride through Thailand’s mix of heat, mountain cold, and rain, I found the jacket to be surprisingly adaptable to the different climates.
While it’s not waterproof, the thick denim and kevlar did a good job of keeping me dry in the brief downpours we rode through.
But I was most surprised by how well the jacket flows air. I was expecting it to be a bit stuffy, like my older and much thinner standard denim jacket. However, the mesh liner created a nice space between my body and the jacket where wind could flow in, so I found it very comfortable in the heat.
Had I opted for elastic cuffs or a different cinch style than buttons, I could probably seal that off and design a jacket equally perfect for cold weather riding.
Protection: Is this a Real Motorcycle Jacket?
If you’ve ever been in a motorcycle crash, you know that fashion means nothing in the hospital.
A custom jacket is all well and good in the bar, but to be a real motorcycle jacket a garment has to be able to withstand the extreme forces of a motorcycle jacket. Forces that rub away thick materials like they’re toilet paper, tear seams like cotton candy and snap bones like toothpicks.
Let’s get the obvious part out of the way first: Lusso Leathers’ custom motorcycle jackets are not CE rated for safety. However, what I can say is that the founder Hannan knows his stuff. He’s a sportbike rider himself, and when I quizzed him on the spot over the phone on different aspects of jacket construction he schooled me right back on a couple points.
First comes the material: Lusso Leathers usually uses 1mm+ thick cowhide for their leather jackets, still the best material on the market for abrasion resistance. For my denim jacket, they lined it with kevlar for similar abrasion and heat resistance to leather.
Second comes the seams: Lusso Leathers uses high-tensile strength ballistic nylon thread that’s triple stitched on the protective material to withstand tearing.
Third comes the impact protectors: The jacket also features pockets for adding your own armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back, which is essential for impact protection. I’ve fitted mine with D3O armor—thin, flexible, and nearly invisible, so you don’t sacrifice style for safety.
Another often-overlooked factor in safety is of course the fit. An ill-fitting jacket can shift around during a crash, leaving you vulnerable. Lusso’s tailored fit ensures the jacket stays put, so the armor remains correctly positioned. Also, if you opt for visibility upgrades like reflective piping or brighter fabric panels, you’re adding another layer of passive protection for night rides.
Limitations of this Lusso Leather Custom Jacket
As great as this jacket is, it’s not without its limitations. First and foremost, these jackets are not CE-rated, which might be a dealbreaker for you. However, I have a solution…
Recommendation: If you love the idea of an affordable, perfectly fit and custom-styled motorcycle jacket but don’t want to sacrifice protection, consider wearing this jacket over a protective underlayer like the Bowtex Elite. The Bowtex Elite is a base layer made of Dyneema (a special Kevlar) that’s CE AAA rated to withstand highway-speed slides, giving you the best of both worlds: Lusso’s perfect fit and design with high-level protection underneath. It’s an easy upgrade that keeps your favorite custom jacket functional for serious rides.
The Bowtex Elite is a strong, abrasion resistant and slim-fitting armored underlayer that's also breathable and lightweight. The best in its category that I've tried. CE AAA rated for slide and impact resistance - same as a MotoGP race suit.
- CE AAA safety rated - same as MotoGP race suit
- CE Level 2 armor at elbows, shoulders, knees, hips
- Wear over a t-shirt, under a jacket
- Mesh all around for airflow
- Belt loops to hold the shirt down
- Meant to be layered - weird to wear alone
Still wouldn’t wear this combo to the track, but I feel a lot better on the highway with the Bowtex underneath. There’s also the Pando Moto Commando UH if you want an option that ships for free in the US. And you can get 15% off with code road15.
If there’s one other nitpick I have, it’s with the button closure. This was completely my fault, I specifically called out I wanted buttons to match the jacket I was replacing. While buttons add a vintage denim aesthetic, they are not secure in a crash. For my next custom motorcycle jacket, I’ll definitely opt for a reinforced zipper closure. This is a big part of why I mostly wear this jacket around town and not out on longer rides on bigger bikes.
Is a Lusso Leather’s Custom Jacket Right for You?
If you’re looking for a versatile, stylish, and protective motorcycle jacket that looks just as good off the bike, Lusso Leather’s custom jackets are an excellent choice. If you’re in a hot climate like me, the denim jacket is a big win.
It’s perfect for riders who prioritize comfort and fit for casual riding. While it may not be your go-to track-day jacket, it excels in city commutes and relaxed rides. The fact that it’s custom-made means it fits better than any jacket you’ll pull off a rack. It’s also remarkably affordable for what you get.
The custom fit alone makes it hard to go back to standard jackets, and the Kevlar lining gives you that extra peace of mind without compromising on style. For me, it’s a staple I’ll be wearing on and off the bike for years to come.
Specify the exact design you want from materials, pockets, cuffs, patterns and more or share pictures of a jacket you want recreated. Options for armor pockets, mesh and kevlar linings, and more for added safety. If the fit is wrong, they'll redo it.
Pros:
- Perfect, tailored fit for great style on and off the bike
- Incredible customization options: Basically get anything you want made
- Mesh inside is great for airflow in the heat (90F+)
- Decent jacket off the bike for any weather (depending on your customization choices)
Cons:
- Not CE-rated
- Button closure isn’t crash-friendly (my fault)
If you’re after a jacket that perfectly suits your body and riding style, I’d recommend reaching out to Lusso Leather for a custom order. It’s a piece you won’t regret adding to your gear closet.