When it comes to riding motorcycles, safety is top priority. Properly gearing up before riding will help ensure safety in the event of an accident. Unfortunately for us women, it’s difficult to find quality gear that also fits nicely to our diversified body types. Whereas some people choose form over function and others choose function over form, why not have both? The Alpinestars Renee Jacket ($399.95) has both practical function and aesthetic form.

Pros:

• Made out of durable, full grain leather with a stylish indigo denim center.
• Femininely tailored to fit a woman’s shape.
• Comes with removable low-profile CE certified elbow and shoulder armor.
• Three external zippered pockets with leather detail around the openings.
• Internal waterproof pocket to keep valuables safe from the rain.
• Auto-locking zippers with leather pull tabs stay securely zipped-up to keep belongings safe.
• Easy snap closures are located on low profile collar and cuffs.
• Reflective piping details on the front and back help make the rider more visible.
• Interior detail of the jacket is a classy champagne-colored, polyester lining that looks and feels soft on the skin.

• Interior zipper to add a back protector, and I suggest purchasing one- I added the Alpinestars Bio Armor Back Protector Insert, which breathes extremely well and fits nicely inside. **Size up if you are adding the back protector or if you want to have the option of wearing a thicker jacket underneath.

Cons:

• Non-perforated so it can get pretty warm. However once you ride, it cools down quickly. (I’d rather sweat than bleed.)
• Needs to be broken in, like any other motorcycle jacket.
• After about 4 years of daily commuting, it ripped a little on the back left arm, right next to the reflective piping. But, it was a quick and easy fix!
• Shoulders and arms have been known to initially fit a bit tight.
• If you keep the back protector in for extended periods of time, the denim will eventually fade a little where the back protector is located, and will make a little imprint of it’s shape. This personally doesn’t bother me much, since it adds to my worn jacket’s vintage look.

Sizing is pretty true-to-size, but I sized up because I like to wear layers during the cooler season. Standing at  5’3’’ and 115 lbs, I bought a size 40 EU in the Renee jacket. I’ve worn it over other jackets with the back protector insert and it’s a bit tight, but I am still able to bend down into the tuck position while riding.

Overall, I absolutely love this jacket and recommend it to any female rider looking for a stylish, comfortable jacket that also provides ample protection. It just looks and feels amazing and doesn’t look like the typical, bulky motorcycle jacket that makes you look like you’re playing in the Super Bowl. The compliments never stop and it looks even better broken in. I’ve had it for over 4 years, wearing it pretty much every day. Definitely one of my all-time favorite jackets!

Check out my video on the Redline Ravens channel for a more detailed review on the Alpinestars Renee Jacket: