After researching options, I decided to test the Street and Steel Madison Women’s Motorcycle Jacket.
In this review, I’ll share my experience testing the Madison jacket over several weeks and hundreds of miles.
I’ll cover the fit, construction, protection, and features that make this an excellent choice for women looking for a classic leather motorcycle jacket.
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!
Street & Steel Madison Women’s Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Comfortable fit and good protection
- Affordable, protective, and stylish jacket
- Water-resistant, versatile 3-season design
Our Verdict on the Street & Steel Madison Women’s Jacket
After hundreds of miles on my Triumph Bonneville, I’m impressed by how the Street & Steel Madison jacket has held up.
The classic biker style pairs well with my bike, and the jacket breaks in comfortably. Leather provides great abrasion resistance, and the included armor boosts protection.
Comfort really sets this jacket apart from cheaper brands. The tailored cut flatters the body while allowing a full range of motion.
For cooler weather, the removable liner provides ample warmth for 50°F and up. It transitions nicely into warmer temps once you remove the liner.
At around $250, the Madison punches far above its class with premium features, quality construction, versatility, and timeless styling.
For women seeking a robust leather jacket, the Madison deserves strong consideration. I’m very happy with my purchase and expect to enjoy many more miles of riding protected by this jacket.
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Jacket | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Firstgear Kilimanjaro 2.0 Women’s Jacket | Waterproof and breathable outer shell, CE armor, reflective detailing |
| Alpinestars Stella Bogota Drystar Jacket | Waterproof and breathable Drystar material, CE armor, high-visibility color options |
| Spidi 4Season H2Out Women’s Jacket | Waterproof and breathable, many vents for airflow, CE armor |
| Roland Sands Cambria CE Women’s Jacket | 100% wool construction, armor on shoulders & elbows, vintage styling |
Why I Chose the Madison Jacket
When shopping for a new motorcycle jacket, I had a few key criteria in mind:
- Classic biker style: I love the look of traditional leather moto jackets. The Madison fits the bill with its asymmetrical front zipper and snap-down lapels.
- Affordable price: Quality leather jackets can be pricey. At around $250, the Madison hits a nice sweet spot.
- Versatile 3-season design: Living in the Midwest, I need a jacket suitable for cool spring and fall riding but not too hot in the summer. The Madison fits the bill.
- Armor for protection: Impact protection is a must for safety. The Madison includes CE-approved armor in the elbows and shoulders.
- Flattering feminine fit: As a woman, I want a jacket made specifically for the female figure, not just a smaller version of a men’s jacket. The Madison is designed for women.
The Madison checked all my boxes, so I was eager to put it to the test.
Madison Jacket Features and Benefits
The Madison jacket packs a lot of value into its very reasonable price point. Here are some of the standout features I appreciated during testing:
Protective armor – CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows provides impact protection in key areas. I felt reassured knowing I had an extra layer of safety while riding.
Abrasion-resistant leather – The aniline cowhide leather held up well to daily use without signs of wear. Leather is ideal for slide protection.
Water-resistant construction – Leather resists light rain, and water beads up and rolls off the surface of the Madison jacket. A lighter liner makes it suitable for warmer weather.
Removable insulated liner – The full-sleeve quilted liner adds warmth on cooler days. It can be removed when the temps climb.
Adjustable fit – Waist adjusters and zippered cuffs allow you to customize the fit. I stayed comfortable in different riding positions.
Storage pockets – Convenient internal and external pockets hold essentials securely. The pockets lie flat and don’t add bulk.
Flattering feminine fit – Designed specifically for a woman’s proportions, the jacket flatters your shape without binding or gaping.
Protective collar and cuffs – The collar and cuffs are durable to prevent stretching out. These high-wear areas will maintain their structure.
Subtle reflective details – Piping and reflective logos provide some visibility for night riding. I’d like to see more reflective elements for additional safety.
How the Madison Jacket Performed
Over three months of testing, I wore the Madison jacket on 20+ rides, ranging from short errands around town to 400+ mile days on the highway. Here’s how it performed in key areas:
Fit and Sizing – I typically wear a size medium jacket, and the Madison in medium fit me true to size. The tailored cut flatters without binding.
Comfort – The supple leather has a soft feel and breaks in quickly. The sleeves don’t pinch, and the jacket moves easily in different riding positions.
Weather Protection – The jacket provided good wind protection down to about 50°F with just a base layer underneath. Below 50°, the insulated liner adds noticeable warmth.
Ventilation – Airflow is limited, as expected for leather. But the lighter liner prevents overheating on warmer spring and fall rides.
Armor Protection – The CE-approved armor offers reassuring impact protection without limiting mobility. It sits comfortably in the elbows and shoulders.
Abrasion Resistance – Even after hundreds of miles, the jacket showed minimal signs of wear. The leather provides good slide protection.
Convenience – Useful pockets let me securely carry my essentials. The zippered cuffs, collar snaps, and waist adjusters allow me to customize the fit.
Style – I get compliments on this jacket all the time! The classic asymmetrical zipper and tailored shape have a timeless biker look.
Overall, the Madison exceeded my expectations for the price. I plan to wear it as my go-to spring and fall jacket.
Madison Jacket: Room for Improvement
While I’m very impressed with the Madison jacket overall, a few small changes would enhance the design:
- Add reflective piping or details to improve visibility for night riding. Safety should be a top priority.
- Offer more sizes for a broader fit range. Expanding size availability improves inclusiveness.
- Allow armor to be upgraded. Providing an option to upgrade to higher-level CE armor would be ideal.
- Add belt loops to connect the jacket to the pants. This helps prevent airflow and weather elements from going up the waist.
- Improve collar stiffness to hold shape better over time. The collar is prone to wrinkling after some use.
Every product is flawed, but Street & Steel could enhance the Madison jacket with these minor tweaks. Overall, though, it offers tremendous value at its very reasonable price point.
Who is the Madison Jacket Best Suited For?
The Madison hits a nice sweet spot that will appeal to many female riders. Here are some of its standout qualities:
- Budget-friendly price – Quality leather at around $250 makes it accessible for most budgets
- Classic, versatile style – The traditional biker look works for cruiser, standard, and touring bike styles
- Comfortable 3-season design – Transitions from cooler weather into warmer temps; suitable for many climates
- Sportbike-inspired protection – Includes armor for impact protection reminiscent of sportbike jackets
- Flattering feminine fit – Tailored specifically for a woman’s figure; sleek and comfortable
The Madison is great for women seeking a reasonably-priced, protective leather jacket suitable for multiple seasons. It provides a flattering fit with premium features at a very attractive price point.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Madison Jacket
How does the sizing run on the Madison jacket?
The Madison leather jacket runs true to size. I normally wear a medium size, and the medium Madison perfectly fits me. Refer to Street & Steel’s sizing chart and order your usual jacket size.
Is the Madison a fully waterproof jacket?
No, the leather construction provides water resistance but not full waterproofing like a textile jacket. Light rain will bead up and run off, but heavy downpours will soak through over time.
Does the Madison come in tall sizes?
Unfortunately, there are no tall-size options currently. However, Standard sizes run a bit long, accounting for the riding position. For the best fit, contact Street & Steel if you need a tall size recommendation.
Can I upgrade the armor in the Madison jacket?
The jacket includes CE-approved armor, but there is no option currently to upgrade the armor. Many riders choose to insert their own upgraded armor for even greater protection.
Is the thermal liner in the Madison jacket removable?
Yes, the full-sleeve quilted liner can be easily removed when you want less warmth from the jacket. Zip it out to ride in warmer temperatures.
Conclusion
The Street & Steel Madison jacket delivers exceptional value for riders seeking a stylish, versatile, and protective leather motorcycle jacket.
I was impressed by the quality and performance packed into its very reasonable $250 price tag. Comfortable, 3-season design and included armor make the Madison a fantastic riding companion mile after mile.
The Madison deserves strong consideration for women looking for a classic leather moto jacket. I’m thrilled to add this jacket to my riding gear closet!
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