First Mfg Wildside Women’s Jacket Review: A Bikers Jacket With Attitude

I’ve been riding motorcycles for over ten years now, and in that time, I’ve gone through my fair share of motorcycle jackets.

I recently got to test out the First Manufacturing Wildside Women’s Motorcycle Jacket.

I’ll admit the bold styling and unique color scheme first drew me in. But after taking it out on the road, I was impressed by the overall quality and performance.

In this review, I’ll give you an in-depth look at this jacket’s key features and details. I’ll also share my thoughts on fit, comfort, protection, and more.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Wildside Jacket Overview

The Wildside is a woman’s specific motorcycle jacket from First Manufacturing, a company that’s been producing rider gear since 1969.

It has a midweight construction and a relaxed fit tailored for a feminine silhouette. The overall vibe is a low-key cruiser with a healthy dose of attitude.

Some key specs on the Wildside jacket:

• Outer shell constructed from 1.1-1.3mm cowhide leather
• Water-resistant outer shell
• Removable quilted full-sleeve thermal liner
• Heavy-duty front zipper closure
• Two zippered hand pockets
• Belt cinch adjustments at the waist
• Available in sizes XS-5XL

So, on paper, it ticks a lot of the essential boxes I look for in a riding jacket. Next, I’ll share my impressions of how it performs in the real world.

A Generous Size Range With A True-To-Size Fit

Finding a jacket that fits well is crucial for both comfort and safety. One thing I really appreciate about the Wildside is that it comes in an extensive size range, from XS all the way up to 5XL. There are a lot of options to get the ideal fit.

I typically take a size small in jackets, and the Wildside was true-to-size for me. According to the size chart, the extra small I tried on would fit someone with a 36-inch bust. It aligned with my proportions and had room for layering under – not too baggy but not constricting, either.

The sleeves had a nice slim cut that wasn’t overly tight. And the pre-curved shape allowed good mobility when I raised my arms.

I’d recommend ordering your usual size for a classic, comfy fit. If you prefer a roomier or more fitted silhouette, consider sizing up or down accordingly.

Bold Styling With Attitude To Spare

Let’s talk about aesthetics – because, honestly, looks matter when it comes to motorcycle gear. You want something that reflects your personal taste and attitude. One glance at the Wildside jacket, and you know it’s got edge to spare.

The asymmetrical front zipper and diagonal belt buckle cinchers make a bold stylistic statement. The eye-catching diagonal quilting on the shoulders adds to the moto-chic vibe.

And the combination of purple dye and black patina leather gives it a unique, well-worn look straight out of the box.

This isn’t a jacket for the faint of heart. The overall vibe is fiercely independent with a non-conformist edge.

It has just the right amount of tough to match its name. If you’re looking to cultivate a rebellious biker image, the Wildside has the visual impact to achieve it.

Versatility For Cruisers Or V-Twins

The Wildside has a versatile style that would look right at home on a cruiser or V-twin bike. It toes the line between badass bikers and everyday riders. So it’s a good choice whether you want to look the part or actually log some serious miles.

The midweight leather construction provides abrasion resistance without overheating. And the hidden thermal liner helps adapt it for cooler weather riding. I could see wearing it through a wide temperature range, from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to the 80s.

While ideal for cruisers, I think sportbike riders could pull it off, too. It has a certain tough sophistication that transcends bike type.

The relaxed fit accommodates wearing a back protector for some added impact protection. Overall, it’s flexible enough for everything from commuting to weekend joy rides.

Quality & Construction – Room for Improvement

Now, let’s get into some of the nitty-gritty construction details. The outer shell is made from 1.1-1.3mm cowhide leather.

It has a nice, pliable feel right out of the box. The zippers and snaps operated smoothly during testing. And the lining and insulation feel sturdy and durable.

However, I did notice a couple of rivets came loose across the multiple sizes I tried. So there are some small quality control issues to improve.

I’d suggest adding a bit of thread lock or glue as a preventative measure. But overall, it has a solid construction for the reasonable $260 price tag.

Protection & Safety Features

For riders, protection and safety are our top concerns when choosing gear. So, how does the Wildside stack up in this all-important category?

The jacket includes CE-approved armor on the elbows and shoulders. This armor is fairly lightweight and flexible but still offers impact absorption in a slide. It doesn’t come with a back protector, but there is a pocket to add one.

The heavy-duty zippers and adjustable waist cinchers help get a secure fit to keep the jacket in place in the event of a crash. And the leather construction provides abrasion resistance for some peace of mind.

There are reflective piping details on the front and back for increased visibility. However, the dark color scheme isn’t ideal for standing out on the road. So, I recommend wearing brightly colored protective gear underneath.

Overall, it provides solid protection for casual urban and highway riding. But I’d favor other options for aggressive sports riding or off-road adventures.

Comfort & Convenience Features

Beyond protection, comfort is a big factor for me when choosing gear. Nothing ruins a good ride faster than a jacket that doesn’t feel good!

The Wildside utilizes a soft, flexible leather that conforms well to the body. I found it quite comfortable even when sitting in a tucked sportbike position. The sleeves allow good freedom of movement without feeling restrictive.

The zip-out quilted thermal liner adds extra insulation on colder rides. It can be removed to prevent overheating in the warmer months.

However, there is minimal ventilation with no intake vents, just rear exhaust vents. So, airflow is limited.

I really appreciate the two zippered chest pockets for securely stashing small items close at hand. And the belt cinchers allow you to fine-tune the fit. Overall, it strikes a nice balance between comfort and protective coverage.

The Bottom Line: My Final Verdict

So, after taking the Wildside for a thorough test ride, what’s the final verdict? I have to say, it left me impressed.

You get a surprising amount of style, quality, and versatility for the price. If you’re looking for a midweight leather jacket with some street-tough edge, it’s an appealing option.

To quickly summarize:

Pros

• Eye-catching style with a rebellious edge
• Generous size range with a true-to-size fit
• Midweight leather provides abrasion resistance
• Removable liner extends seasonal versatility
• Secure zippered pockets

Cons

• Minimal airflow and ventilation
• Small quality control concerns
• It is not ideal for aggressive sports riding

At the end of the day, the right jacket comes down to your specific needs and preferences. But if you dig the Wildside’s bold aesthetics and versatile design, I think you’ll be thrilled with this choice. Considering the very reasonable price point, it’s impressive value for money.

So embrace your inner rebel and go a little wild with First Manufacturing’s Wildside jacket! This tough-as-nails biker jacket lets you ride in badass style without breaking the bank.

Comparison To Other Women’s Jackets

Comparison to Similar Jackets	Belstaff Bradshaw Women’s Jacket	Bering Lady April Jacket	Spidi Rock Women’s Jacket
Material	High-quality materials	Durable fabric	Abrasion-resistant
Design Style	Classic and stylish	Modern and feminine	Sporty and sleek
Weather Protection	All-weather versatility	Waterproof	Waterproof
Ventilation	Breathable and adjustable vents	Ventilated	Ventilation zippers
Armor Protection	CE-approved armor	CE-certified protection	CE-approved armor
Pockets	Multiple storage options	Functional pockets	Convenient pockets
Fit and Comfort	Adjustable fit and comfortable	Tailored fit	Comfortable and flexible
Brand Reputation	Well-known luxury brand	Established brand	Reputable brand

Frequently Asked Questions About the Wildside Motorcycle Jacket

Is the Wildside jacket good for hot weather riding?

Not especially. The Wildside is designed more for cool weather with its quilted thermal liner. There is minimal ventilation and airflow, so it would get quite hot in warmer climates or seasons. I’d look for other options if riding in consistently high temperatures.

What kind of armor does it include?

It comes equipped with basic CE-approved armor on the elbows and shoulders. This offers impact protection, but I would not consider it high-end armor. There is an additional pocket for adding a back protector separately.

Can you connect the pants to the Wildside jacket?

Unfortunately, there are no built-in belt loops or connections for attaching riding pants. So you cannot securely zip pants to this particular jacket. That’s one downside for riders looking for a jacket/pant combination.

Is the Wildside waterproof?

The Wildside is water resistant but not fully waterproof. The outer shell provides some protection from light rain and road spray.

But it will soak through in heavy rain. If you ride frequently in wet conditions, you’ll want to apply a waterproofing treatment or wear a separate rain layer.

What is the sizing like on the Wildside jacket?

According to First Manufacturing’s size chart, I found the sizing to run true-to-size. I usually take a small, and the small Wildside fits me well, with room for layering underneath.

Just be aware that leather relaxes over time, so take that into account when choosing your size. Order a size down if you want a very slim fit.

Conclusion: A Versatile Biker Jacket With Attitude

Well, there you have it – all the essential details and my in-depth impressions of the Wildside women’s motorcycle jacket. I hope this review gave you plenty of info to gauge if it could be the right addition to your riding wardrobe.

While not perfect, it hits a lot of sweet spots in terms of style, fit, quality, and value. For riders who want protective leather gear with a bold edge, the Wildside is certainly one to consider. It provides versatility to handle everything from commuting to weekend thrill rides.

At the end of the day, finding gear that fits your personality is a huge part of the riding experience. If you think this rebellious biker jacket reflects your inner spirit, I say go for it! The Wildside allows you to ride in comfort without sacrificing your unique sense of style.

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