What to Wear Under Your Motorcycle Gear
By Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to layer under motorcycle gear with Yoshimura apparel. From moisture-wicking tees to warm hoodies, get practical advice for every season.
Quick answer
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer like a cotton t-shirt, then add a mid-layer such as a hoodie for warmth, and finish with your protective riding jacket. The key is choosing pieces that fit snugly without bunching under your gear.
Why layering matters under riding gear
Your riding jacket is designed to protect you, but it can't do its job if what's underneath creates pressure points or restricts movement. A proper base layer wicks sweat, a mid-layer traps heat, and the outer shell blocks wind and abrasion. The trick is balancing comfort with mobility.
Cotton is fine for short rides in mild weather, but it holds moisture and gets heavy when wet. For longer days or variable conditions, consider a synthetic or wool blend. That said, a classic cotton tee like the Yoshimura "78" T-SHIRT works well for casual rides where you'll be off the bike as much as on it.
Hoodies as a mid-layer: pros and trade-offs
A pullover hoodie can serve as a comfortable mid-layer under a textile or leather jacket, especially in cooler weather. The extra fabric around the neck and hood can fill gaps, but it also adds bulk. If your jacket is already snug, a hoodie may restrict arm movement or make the jacket feel tight.
The Yoshimura Race Team Pull Over Hoodie Coal and Shades Pull Over Hoodie Black both feature true sizing and are made in the USA. They fit close to the body without being restrictive, which helps them layer cleanly under most jackets. Just be aware that a hoodie with a thick hood might not fit under a race-fit leather jacket.
How to layer under your riding gear
- Choose your base layer: Select a t-shirt or long-sleeve that fits close to the skin without sagging. Cotton is fine for short rides, but synthetic blends wick moisture better for longer days. The Yoshimura "78" T-SHIRT is a cotton option that will shrink about one size after washing, so plan accordingly. If you buy the tee, wash it once before wearing it under your gear to lock in the final fit.
- Add a mid-layer for warmth: When temperatures drop, a pullover hoodie adds insulation without excessive bulk. Look for one with true sizing so it layers predictably. Both the Race Team Pull Over Hoodie Coal and the Shades Pull Over Hoodie Black fit true to size and are made in the USA, which means the chest and length measurements match the size chart. Check your jacket's chest measurement against the hoodie size chart before buying. A hoodie that is too thick can make your jacket feel restrictive.
- Put on your riding jacket and check mobility: Zip up your jacket and move your arms in a full range of motion—reach for the handlebars, look over your shoulder, and stretch forward. If the jacket pulls at the shoulders or feels tight across the chest, the mid-layer may be too bulky. Adjust by removing the hoodie or swapping for a thinner layer. A common mistake is assuming a hoodie will fit under a race-fit jacket. Always test the combination before a long ride.
Yoshimura apparel that works under your gear
- Race Team Pull Over Hoodie Coal: This hoody has true sizing and is proudly made in the USA. Size chart measurements range from Small (chest 19-1/4 in, length 28-1/4 in) to XX-Large (chest 25-1/4 in, length 32-1/4 in). True sizing means you can order your usual size and expect a consistent fit under your jacket without guessing.
Race Team Pull Over Hoodie Coal - "78" T-SHIRT: This 1978 throwback tee is 100% cotton with a standard fit, and it will shrink approximately one size with a wash cycle. If you prefer a snug base layer, buy your normal size and let the first wash dial in the fit; if you want it looser, size up.
"78" T-SHIRT - Shades Pull Over Hoodie Black: This hoodie has true sizing and is proudly made in the USA. Size chart shows chest measurements from 20-1/2 in (Small) to 25-1/4 in (XX-Large) and lengths from 28-1/4 to 32-1/4 in. The consistent sizing makes it easy to pair with a jacket you already own, and the black color hides dirt from the road.
