Dainese Fit and Size Dilema

[mbopp]

So I ordered two Air Flux Dainese Jackets. One in a size 50, the other in a size 52.  And I'm having a really hard time deciding which one to keep and what I'll be happiest with. 

I am 6'0" 170lbs.  39" chest. 

The 50 is snug.  A little short at the waist.  But I'm not sure how snug is too snug.  It fit's like a glove... the only time it is restrictive is when I say... put my hands on opposite shoulders or something of that nature.  The jacket doesn't hang on me,  It fit's tight.  And while I like it I'm afraid I'll regret getting a larger size (the 52).  Which also fits well, and if it were any other jacket the 52 would be just right.  But since this is a motorcycle jacket, I know they should fit snug.  And you want it somewhat snug to hold the armor in place. 

A good way to say it is that the 50 fit's like I would want football pads and jersey to fit me.  The 52 is more of a "normal" jacket fit.

I know there are a few threads out there discussing jacket sizing, but wondered if my build was the same as anyone else and if they had a recommendation, or personal preference.

Thanks for the MFA (ref: http://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice) guys 

[danaid]

  Is there any difference in arm length between the two jackets? (Just checked for you,50 has a 59.5cm length and the 52 has a 60.4cm length.)     so go with the longer length.
If it was a leather jacket, I would say get the tighter one and it will stretch, but the textile jackets don't stretch and i would have to say go for the larger and some of the size will be taken up be the back protector you install. Dainese also makes a zip on attachment that ads about 6" length to the bottom of the jacket for us tall guys, I have them on all my jackets.

[1.21GW]

What he said: leather stretches; textile not.

Also:

- consider when you'll ride.  If you plan for cool/cold riding, you may want to have space to comfortably wear layers underneath, so in that case maybe the larger.

- snug when 'hands on opposite shoulders' doesn't matter because when are you going to do that on a bike?  Bike jackets (at least the good ones) are meant to be worn riding, so they are cut to fit with your arms forward, back a bit curved, etc.  In fact, when I wear my bike jacket and stand up normal with arms at side, it's a little snug across my chest because that is not the designed position.  But in riding position it's perfect.

[mbopp]

Yeah, I'm with you 1.21GW.  The smaller jacket feels okay in riding position, and it a little tight in the chest/shoulders when standing.  Which is why I was leaning that direction.  Obviously having hands on shoulders isn't normal and doesn't concern me too much.  More just a gauge of how snug it is.

It's good to know that the jacket doesn't stretch over time like leather.  That is a factor.

All good considerations... Still a tricky choice.  Pro's and Con's to either.

[bob795]

I would suggest to get the bigger one, that way if (when) you gain weight it will still fit.  
I just bought a Dainese air frame last week, I bought size 54 and it fits great but not snug fit. I do not like wearing a jacket that fit too tight that restricts my movement. Heck, I don't like wearing tight t-shirt, always wear loose t-shirt. So for jacket, I get one that fits but doesn't restrict my movement.

[mbopp]

FWIW, I went with the larger size of the two.  The size 52.  It seemed like the most practical choice.  And I think it still fit's snug enough. 

[DucHead]

Just be careful using Dainese's size for one jacket whilst choosing another Dainese jacket.

I have three Dainese size 52 leather jackets, and I purchased another and it was a bit too tight.  If I chose to wear it with only a t-shirt underneath, it would be OK but I want to wear it in more seasons than summer, so I returned it for a 54. 

...and "dilemma" has two ms.