Alpinestars Topanga Leather Jacket (Small Only)

This jacket is fitting sung like many other Alpinestars casual leather jackets. It is more of a vintage/cruiser fit, so the drop from chest to waist is only about 2” which is typical of non-sport style jackets. But the fit of the chest and shoulders is noticeably snug as compared to other jackets in Alpinestars lineup. In the smaller sizes it’s not too noticeable, but it progressively becomes more of an issue in the larger sizes.

Firstly, I’d advise that if you have a wide shoulder build and a thin waist, this is probably not the jacket for you. But if you have an average build or if you have slim shoulders and somewhat of a gut, this may be the jacket cut you’ve been looking for. To help you choose a size, I’ve put together a chart below that shows you Alpinestars chest size estimate for each jacket size, and also our estimate of the actual max chest of this jacket. In the very small sizes, the jackets are close to what you might expect… maybe a half size small, but in the larger sizes, they are one full size smaller (maybe even a bit more in the multi-X sizes).

The best thing to do to choose a size is to measure your chest and belly and choose a jacket size that will be big enough to accommodate both, and for most, that will put you in a jacket that is about one size bigger than you normally wear.

As you can see from the chart, the belly is consistently about 2” smaller than the chest which is more relaxed than most riding jacket styles (most are 4” “drop” and more sport cuts are 6”-8” drop). If your belly is smaller than the max size listed, you can use the side waist tabs to snug up the waist of the jacket to fit. Max adjustability is about 1.5” on each side.

Note: If you plan to add a back protector, add 1” to your chest and belly measurements before choosing a size. Add another inch if you plan to add chest protectors.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Alpinestars Topanga leather jacket is a good looking, simply styled leather jacket for street riders. This jacket can be equipped with a significant amount of protection and the shell is made of tough buffalo hide.

I like the overall look of this jacket. There isn’t a “sport” vibe at all… its just a classically styled leather jacket. It is short waisted, so it will work for general street riding, city riding, etc. The neutral styling could work well for any style bike too. And if you aren’t into jackets with brand logos etc, this is the one for you. I see only one discreet Alpinestars “A” logo on the shoulder that is hardly even noticeable.

The armor supplied with this jacket is a new Nucleon Flex Plus Level 1 armor in shoulders and elbows. Please visit our armor department where this armor is sold separately if you are interested in a more detailed description, but just briefly the armor is a very flexible and low profile design that sits flatter on the body and is less noticeable than traditional molded rubber armor. The jacket has a pocket for an optional back protector. I’ve listed the Nucleon type options below. You’ll find MANY details on the back protector product pages, but for this jacket, I’d recommend the Nucleon KR-CELLi model for its lighter weight. You can also add check protector units too. I’ve listed a link to those as well. With all the armor installed, and considering the toughness of the Buffalo hide, you’ll have a very protective leather jacket.

This jacket, being heavy leather and with no provisions for venting, won’t be your friend in hot summer weather. But for mild to cold weather use, it should be great. Wet weather? No way. The fine leather will likely soak up water and the results won’t be pretty, so don’t take this one out if you expect rain (not without a rain jacket on board anyway). Overall, I’d say three seasons… fall, winter and spring, will be the best time to enjoy this style.

Loops are provided inside down low in back to hook to belt loops or the belt of your jeans to hold the tail down. Two zip-close hand warmer pockets are fitted in front and the liner has two large inside patch pockets. Sorry, no waterproof pocket… remember I warned you not to get this beauty wet, right? :: Paul, 06-08-20

Alpinestars says: A classically-styled leather jacket constructed from a buffalo oil timber leather for an authentic heritage aesthetic. The Topanga leather Jacket is equipped with Nucleon Flex Plus armor on the shoulders and elbows for effective impact protection in key areas.