Icon Overlord Riding Pants (Tall Inseam)

Below you will see the sizing chart that Icon publishes for their pants. We measured a selection of sizes and the waist measures out correctly. The inseam length however is about 2” longer than the published size, which puts them squarely into “tall” territory. The pants have the fixed armor on the knee and also a removable D3O armor insert which can be positioned for varying leg length. From what I see with a tape and from trying them on, the position of the knee armor is consistent with the overall actual inseam. This is good news if you are taller than average, but if you use a shorter inseam and buy them with the idea you’d hem them, you’ll likely find the knee armor sits below the knee.

Like most motorcycle pants, these are made to ride higher on the waist than regular jeans, so I would encourage you to measure yourself around the waist just under the navel and buy based on the size you get with a tape. If you buy based solely on a jean size, you may get a pair that are too small if your jeans are “vanity” sized, or if you have a bit of a belly.

Icon’s published chart:

Need help measuring? Get it here.

We took some good close-up pics of these pants in our studio so you’d be able to see what an “actual” pair looks like. Chris is wearing a size 30” which is about one size small on him, but please overlook that because at the time we took the pics, that is the only size we had and he is skinnier than me (by a lot) :).

Anyway, the overall cut is “about right” in my view… not skinny and not baggy, and would be appropriate for riding and being comfortable, but also having a reasonable chance of keeping the knee armor in proximity to your knee in case you fall (baggy pants don’t do so well in this regard).

The denim is un-faded, but will break in like the old fashioned Levis, and I would bet you’ll get plenty of use out of these pants. I included an “inside out” shot in the photo gallery so you could see where the Aramid abrasion-resistant fabric is located. You can see it in the rear shot clearly over the seat/thighs. In front, it isn’t so clear since there is a nylon mesh liner over the Aramid, but it covers the knee/shin area.

I like this style overall. They cost a bit more than other jeans like this, but the knee armor arrangement with the external armor and the D3O removable pieces is a bit more robust than most other riding jeans. I also like the style and the idea that they aren’t pre-worn out and should give long life. :: Paul, 09-11-14