WWhile trying out an unusual product, we recently came across an even more unusual one: the pants adapter. This was unknown to us until then. The sight of the pants adapter, however, was a reminder that the inventive spirit that prevails in some places should never be underestimated. But first the part that started it all. This is a jacket. Not just any jacket, but a jacket for motorcyclists. The Louis company, known in two-wheeler circles as a supplier of all kinds of clothing and accessories, has brought this product to the market. Even if it doesn’t look like it: The men’s jacket DL-JM-9, figure-hugging cut, is a motorcycle jacket, tested for tear and abrasion resistance according to the EN 17092-3:2020 standard.
So not just a gag. Perhaps an option for motorcyclists who are tired of being stared at when they pull up to the office. Or for those who generally want to set a counterpoint in terms of image. You can imagine the dark jacket with a Triumph classic, with some Harleys and BMWs, even with a Ducati Scrambler. Or to the Vespa, the Yamaha TMax or a similarly chic scooter that is parked in the center of Milan or in the financial district of Frankfurt.
The single-breasted jacket, which costs 300 euros, is of course not a high-security garment, but a certain protective effect is certified by its classification in the second highest protection class, AA. The soft, unobtrusive Sas-Tech-Air protectors on the shoulders and elbows, which are hardly noticeable when worn, are surprisingly large. A Supershield back protector can be retrofitted for 23 euros, only 15 centimeters wide, but better than nothing. According to Louis, there are safety seams according to ISO 4916 at the “fall positions”.
There are protectors in the jacket
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Image: manufacturer
The jacket is not waterproof, but it is stretchy and correspondingly comfortable, pleasant in summer temperatures, and at two kilos including all protectors it is a bearable weight. Its outer material consists of 87 percent polyamide and 13 percent elastane, the permanent inner lining consists of about half polyester and half viscose. To close there are three buttons and a short zipper. The removable softshell collar is essential for use as a motorcycle jacket. It is a requirement for AA certification and also protects the upper body from drafts, but should fit a little tighter around the neck.
Now finally to the pants adapter or belt adapter, as Louis calls the ingenious thing for 10 euros. It serves as a connection between jacket and pants and thus helps to prevent cold kidneys and possibly also to reduce the consequences of accidents. The approximately 20 centimeter wide adapter, optionally made of leather or denim, docks onto the trousers above the buttocks. To do this, the trouser belt is threaded through the loops of jeans or chinos and the adapter at the same time. The jacket and trousers can then be connected with a zipper.
Important note: If you take off the jacket, you should definitely also remove the pants adapter. Otherwise it would look really stupid. The show effect with the jacket would be gone.