REV'IT! Friction Jacket (Sold Out)

We measured and tried on all the sizes in this overshirt and developed the size chart below to help you buy the right size. The overall fit is trim… some call it a “European” cut, which means it is close fitting and will work best for those with a trim build. For most people, you’ll find that you have to buy one size larger than you usually wear in men’s clothing. The exception would be a person with a tall, trim built who prefers the European fit.

We put a Medium and XL on our two Fit Check mannequins Huey and Dewey. We generally buy test jackets in a Medium for Huey and an XL for Dewey (41” and 45” chest respectively) assuming these jackets would fit “normally”, and were able to get them on the two mannequins, but it was a very tight fit.

Sleeve lengths are noticeably generous. The arms are fairly trim so those with stout builds probably won’t like the overall cut, but taller and leaner cut people probably will love it.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Friction jacket by REVIT is something REALLY different… it’s made of suede goat skin with a camo print, and it’s styled like an overshirt, but due to the heft of the leather shell could also be called a jacket.

When I saw the Friction on the hanger of “new” products waiting to be reviewed, I was pretty excited. Wow, what a look! The lightest hue you see in the camo pattern is un-printed natural leather, and then the darker areas are printed or dyed in a darker tone to make the camo pattern you see. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

The functionality of the Friction is much like the current selection of reinforced shirts in REVIT’s lineup like the Tracer. It comes with SeeSmart armor in the shoulders and elbows which is extremely thin and flexible. More traditional armor just wouldn’t work well with a close-fit style like this, and so this armor works great. A short rear zipper to connect to REV’IT motorcycle pants is included in the back of the jacket. The short zipper can also work with REVIT’s Safeway 2 belt. If you use the belt with your jeans, it becomes a more secure connection than the two simple loops over your own belt.

Ok, as neat as I think this jacket is, I have to point out a couple of issues I see. Firstly, I’m afraid this jacket is going to get dirty FAST and will be very difficult to clean. It feels like suede, but a very fine grain suede, and with the light grey color I’m just not sure how you’d be able to clean it. Secondly, I notice one design flaw with the collar closure. There is a short tab that snaps close in front of the neck, but with the collar, tab snapped closed, you can snap down the collar tip over it. this might not be a big deal to some, but it is a flaw without a workaround.

I’d be tempted to buy this jacket to be used as a light jacket in the spring and fall over street clothes. And also as a motorcycle jacket on the bike in very fair weather. :: Paul, 03-29-19

Add a Back Protector: This jacket is made with a pocket to accept a Seesoft CE Level 2 Back Protector Insert type RV (RV refers to the shape). For sizes Small or Medium, choose size 4; for Large thru XXL, choose size 5 and for the XXXL, go with the size 6.

REVIT says: Introducing the new Friction jacket, a one-off product the motorcycle industry has never seen before. It’s comprised of extremely soft yet highly abrasion-resistant goat leather, then fortified with our SEESMART™ CE-level 1 protectors at the shoulders and elbows. While it might look like a high-end leather jacket, it’s 100% motorcycle ready. Around back, there is the incorporated short connection zipper that allows for a secure connection to the rider’s jeans via the Safeway 2 belt. And it’s also prepared for a safety upgrade through the SEESOFT™ CE-level 2 back protector insert.