A proper motorcycle jacket is crucial for comfort, protection, and that badass biker style. If you’re a lady looking to get your first bike or upgrade your threads, the Icon Overlord Women’s Leather Jacket might just be the perfect choice. This ruggedly cool jacket has the features you need to ride in total confidence.
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!
Icon Overlord Women’s Leather Jacket
Icon Builds Serious Moto Gear
Before we dive deeper, let’s look at why the Icon brand stands out. Icon is all about functional, durable gear for the motorcycle enthusiast.
Founded in 2002, they focus solely on manufacturing high-performance protective wear. Icon controls every aspect of development in-house, from designing to sourcing materials to constructing the gear in their own factory. This gives them complete quality control.
They’ve also partnered with elite athletes and professionals. This provides valuable input on making functionally superior products.
Whether you ride motocross, venture off-road, or carve canyon roads, Icon aims to create the highest quality gear. Their expertise in protection and performance makes the Overlord jacket a standout choice.
Leather Makes All the Difference
One of the key factors that sets the Overlord apart is the leather construction. The entire chassis of this jacket is made from premium-grade cowhide leather.
This provides serious abrasion resistance in case the unthinkable happens. Leather is one of the most durable protective materials out there.
The 1.2mm – 1.4mm thick cowhide used on the Overlord is no joke. Icon really didn’t cut corners on the quality.
Leather also has a supple, soft feel that forms to your body over time. It just gets better with age. With the right care, a leather jacket like the Overlord can last years and become a second skin.
Nothing elevates a biker look quite like a well-loved leather jacket. The Overlord brings heritage style into the 21st century.
Armor Up for Hard Impacts
While leather handles abrasions, you also need protection from impacts. The Overlord comes fully equipped with premium armor. Let’s look at what’s included:
- D3O Viper Back Protector – This CE Level 1 articulated back pad provides high-impact absorption to protect your spine.
- D3O Viper Pro Shoulder – These adjustable CE Level 1 shoulder pads cushion critical impact zones.
- D3O Viper Elbow – More CE Level 1 guards shield your elbows from hits.
This armor uses D3O molecular technology. Special molecules lock together on impact to absorb and disperse energy.
This reduces transmitted force through intelligent material, not bulk. D3O lets Icon provide serious protection without restricting comfort. Premium components like this really elevate the Overlord for real-world riding.
Ventilation, Where You Sweat
Leather jackets aren’t known for breathing well, but Icon built-in strategic ventilation. Zippered shoulder vents and bicep vents channel air through the jacket.
Perforated panels on the underarms allow airflow. Exhaust vents along the back and sides let air exit. With the front vents open, the perforations really help draw air through. You get the abrasion resistance of leather without turning into a sweatbox.
Stretch Panels Amp Flexibility
Another smart design choice is using textile fabric panels. The sides of the torso, elbows, and back of the shoulders feature a 4-way stretch poly textile material.
This adds both comfort and mobility. You can easily reach forward to the bars or look behind you without restriction. The jacket feels snug but not tight. The stretch panels move effortlessly with you.
This combination of leather and textile fabric really enhances the fit for a woman’s form. The Overlord is cut specifically for a female body, avoiding a bulky, boxy fit.
The textile at the waist can be cinched in for a slimmer silhouette. Icon blended materials intelligently to create a jacket that is protective yet comfortable on long rides.
Other Notable Features
Beyond the major elements we’ve covered, the Overlord has other rider-focused details:
- YKK zippers for smooth function
- Zippered chest, side, and interior pockets
- Reflective accents on sleeves and back for visibility
- Neoprene-lined collar and cuffs for comfort
- Adjustable waist straps and zippered forearm vents
- Polyester lining that enables easy on/off
You can really see how Icon optimized this jacket for performance, protection, and functionality. They didn’t cut corners on any component. It’s designed for real-world demands.
How Does the Overlord Fit?
Finding the right size jacket is crucial for safety and comfort. According to reviews, the Overlord runs true to size.
It has an athletic fit curving in at the waist. Icon provides detailed sizing guidance based on height and measurements.
You want leather to fit snugly to benefit from the material. But also roomy enough to layer underneath. If ordering online, measure twice to ensure the best fit. Lean toward a size up if between measurements. Keep in mind leather does break in a bit after wearing.
The Overlord Can Handle Any Ride
Now that we’ve looked under the hood, let’s discuss who this jacket is for. The Overlord is versatile enough for all types of riding.
Cruisers and standards will love the heritage biker look. Retro detailing gives it street style even off the bike.
Sportbike and ADV riders will appreciate the performance features. Protection, ventilation, articulation – this jacket delivers.
New and experienced riders alike can benefit from the Overlord’s capabilities. For daily commuting or just learning, the premium protection provides peace of mind.
More advanced riders will value the jacket’s quality construction on long hauls. And the neutral black colorway works with any bike and gear.
How The Icon Overlord Compares
| Jacket | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Icon Overlord | Premium leather construction, D3O armor, ventilation zippers |
| Spidi 4Season H2Out | Waterproof and breathable membrane, removable thermal liner, adjustable vents |
| Rev’it Sand 4 H2O | Waterproof outer shell, multiple layers for weather adaptability, CE armor |
| Roland Sands Cambria | Full-grain leather chassis, CE armor, action-stretch panels for flexibility |
| Klim Artemis | Cordura exterior, Gore-Tex waterproofing, D3O armor, extensive venting |
Final Thoughts on a Future Classic
Finding the perfect leather motorcycle jacket is no easy task. It needs to check many boxes: protection, comfort, quality, style, and value.
Very few jackets on the market today manage to deliver on all fronts. After closely evaluating its construction and components, the Icon Overlord stands out as a leading choice. This future classic balances form and function better than most.
While not inexpensive, the Overlord provides a lot of value, given its premium protection. This jacket should last years, if not decades, with proper care.
It’s a piece of gear you won’t outgrow. Few things feel as uniquely empowering as throwing on a well-made leather motorcycle jacket.
If you’ve been dreaming of finding your perfect leather companion, the Icon Overlord deserves serious consideration. Let us know if you have any other questions!
FAQ
How often should you condition a leather jacket?
Leather jackets should be conditioned at least a few times per year. Conditioner moisturizes and protects the leather. For heavy use or riding in poor weather, consider conditioning more frequently.
Is leather better than textiles for motorcycle jackets?
Leather generally provides the most abrasion resistance, so it offers the best protection. But textile jackets are more affordable and can still be highly protective with armor. Leather requires more care but lasts longer.
What’s the difference between cowhide and kangaroo leather?
Kangaroo leather is lighter, thinner, and more tear-resistant than cowhide. But it’s less durable and more expensive.
Cowhide is excellent for motorcycle use and is the most common. It provides a good balance of protection, cost, and quality.
In Closing
In closing, a purpose-built motorcycle jacket does more than just look cool. It’s your primary protection from the elements and the unthinkable.
A jacket like the Icon Overlord could literally save your skin. While no single jacket is perfect for every rider, the Overlord hits that sweet spot.
Its versatility, durability, and protection make this jacket stand tall above the competition. If your quest is to find a single leather jacket to handle any ride, look no further than the Overlord.
Icon built this future classic to protect you for miles to come. Throw on this biker armor and unleash your inner speed demon!
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