Motorcycle Jackets Side Adjustments 101

A smoother read on keeping your jacket dialed-in for every ride.

Full-grain American cowhide. Lifetime-guaranteed hardware. Hand-built craftsmanship. All of it matters only if the jacket fits snug—never restrictive. Side-adjustment systems make a single jacket feel perfect over a July T-shirt and an October heated vest, keeping armor locked in place and leather where it belongs if you slide. Below is an easy-skim tour of the three systems we offer—each with one hard number, a clear use-case, and the nuance you need to decide.

Laced Sides — Classic Range

Rawhide laces thread through nickel-plated grommets from ribcage to waist. Tighten or loosen them and you can expand or contract the jacket by up to 3 inches—roughly a full size. That infinite micro-tuning makes laces the most versatile option for a lifetime fit. Best for riders who layer heavily, expect body changes, and love an iconic MC silhouette. Set the tension once per season, lace evenly top-to-bottom, and condition the rawhide when you treat the leather.

Popular models featuring laced sides include the Men's Vented Racing Jacket, Classic Motorcycle Jacket I and Classic Motorcycle Jacket II.

Snap Tabs — Fast & Clean

Two or three solid-brass snaps on each side give you preset positions that shift the waist by about 1 inch in either direction. Flip the tab, click a new snap, and you’re done—glove-handed, in seconds. Best for commuters or day-trippers who shed a fleece at lunchtime and want a sleek profile without dangling hardware. Because range is limited to those stops, snaps suit modest layer changes rather than full winter bulk.

Popular models featuring snap tabs include the Grayson Motorcycle Jacket, FCL Cafe Racer and the Commander Jacket.

Zippered Gussets — Made for the Saddle

Vertical YKK zips at the hem hide a leather gusset that adds about 2 inches of flare when opened. Pop them before you sit and the “jacket balloon” at your waist disappears; close them for a trim street profile. Best for long-distance riders who feel their jacket creep toward the chin when seated—and anyone who’ll welcome a bonus vent on hot days. Stand, zip closed; mount, zip open; ride, no distraction.

Popular models featuring zippered gussets are the Men’s Summer Riding Jacket and Women’s Summer Riding Jacket.

Choosing Your Perfect System—A Quick Gut-Check

1- Do my layers swing wildly with the seasons?
If the answer is yes, the deep adjustment range of Laced Sides is your ally.

2- Do I need glove-on, five-second tweaks?
Snap Tabs deliver click-fast convenience.

3- Is waist bunching my No. 1 gripe?
Zippered Gussets solve it with one pull—and double as big vents.

For more info check our guide on how a motorcycle jacket is supposed to fit.

Side-by-Side Snapshot

System	Adjustment Range	Everyday Ease	Visual Style	Ideal Scenario
Laced	Up to ~3 in of micro-tuning	Slow, set-and-forget	Heritage / Iconic	Four-season, long-term ownership
Snap	±1 in in preset steps	Lightning quick	Clean / Minimalist	Commutes & day trips
Zippered	+2 in when open	Quick on/off bike	Technical	Seated-comfort focus

The Fox Creek Advantage

Whichever system you choose, you get USA-made craftsmanship, direct-to-rider pricing, and our Lifetime Guarantee on every snap, zip, seam, and grommet. Need custom sleeve length or pocket placement? We’ll tailor it right here in Virginia before it ships.

Have questions about fit or sizing? Our team is here to help you choose the jacket that fits just right—no guesswork needed.

Looking for the right fit across our full range? Browse our complete collection of men’s motorcycle jackets and women’s motorcycle jackets—each handcrafted in the USA and built for a lifetime on the road.

Ride safe. Ride fitted.