Cortech The Relic Leather Jacket

We checked the fit on these jackets with our size mannequins and we also spot checked a few different size jackets with a tape. We feel this model runs true to size, if not a little on the snug side. The jackets are sold in ordinary “alpha” sizes, so you can choose the size you normally wear in men’s clothing. If you are between sizes, we’d suggest going with the larger.

For those that want to check the size based upon their chest measurement, I put together the chart below. Check both your chest and belly and make sure the size you choose is big enough for both. The overall cut of this jacket is ideal for street riding. It is more relaxed through the torso and not as “forward leaning” as a sport bike/race jacket so you’ll be able to wear this jacket comfortably on or off the bike. Sleeve lengths are average. If you normally have trouble with sleeves being too short, this probably isn’t the jacket for you, but if you are average or short in the sleeve length department, you’ll probably like this one.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Cortech Relic leather jacket is new for the fall of 2019 and is part of Cortech’s “Boulevard Collection” which are all aimed at street/cruiser/retro/vintage riders. Cortech had traditionally been the “sport” apparel sister brand to Tour Master, which are both made by the same folks. This new collection looks nice! These are higher quality products for reasonable prices.

This Relic leather jacket is very similar to the Idol leather jacket, but this one has panels of perforated leather across the chest and down the insides of the arms and across the back of the chest too. So this jacket will be a bit more comfortable in warmer weather than the other solid leather designs. Also, it comes standard with a vest type thermal liner you can use in cooler weather. This jacket has a couple thin vertical stripes down the left chest area, which is definitely a retro styling queue.

This jacket is fitted with armor in the shoulders and elbows and has a pocket for the addition of a back protector. The shoulder and elbow armor is a rubberized type by SAS-TEC which is a good brand. I’m not a fan of the elbow armor though. It may work fine for some, but the rubber compound is firm and it seems to dig into my bony elbows. Ouch! If this is an issue for you as well, I’d suggest swapping the elbows armor with D3O armor which is a much softer compound (see link below), and I recommend the CE 1 version for this jacket. The stock shoulder elbow is just fine for me. As of this writing, Cortech hasn’t offered their own back protector option so I’m suggesting the D3O unit in CE Level 1 for the back as well, so take the link below to order that as well.

For a cruiser/leather jacket style, this one has a good selection of pockets. I see three outside and three inside. One of the pockets inside is positioned down low on the left side and is big enough for a concealed carry. Cortech doesn’t mention this, but It looks like that’s what they had in mind. I also see little loops to manage wires from phones, etc to your helmet, which is a nice touch. The Relic doesn’t have the “action back” features like the Marquis and Relic styles. The overall fit of this jacket “feels” a little trimmer too. I’d recommend this jacket to those with a trimmer build since it fits a little more snug through the shoulders. Those with broad shoulders might like the fit of the other two styles best. :: Paul, 09-20-19

Cortech says: The Relic men’s jacket will instantly transport you back in time and add 20mph to every story you tell. Taking its styling cues from the café racers of yesteryear, “The Relic” premium leather jacket will keep you cool, calm, and collected, no matter what ride you’re on.