Joe Rocket Ladies Classic ’92 Leather Jacket Review | Retro Winner

May 10, 2016

Joe Rocket Ladies Classic ’92 Leather Jacket Review

One year shy of being a classic itself–the company was founded 24 years ago–the Joe Rocket Ladies Classic ’92 leather jacket is that perfect versatile piece that goes with a variety of retro bikes in your garage, from cruiser to café racer, from standard to sport. The vintage look, quality construction, and functional elements make it a winner.

The drum dyed cowhide has a soft, supple, worn in feel that is immediately welcoming when you slide your arms into the fully mesh-lined jacket. The fit of the Classic ’92 (sans armor and liner) is relaxed, as the design of the jacket, while feminine, is not form hugging. This is exactly the right style for the unhurried, self-assured riding this jacket will most likely see. Minor customization at the waist, cuffs and collar come courtesy of snap tabs.

Basic in design, but with attention to detail, Joe Rocket focuses on style and the essential fundamentals. Inside the Ladies Classic ’92 there are two decent-sized patch pockets secured by Velcro, as well as a zippered Napoleon pocket. When this vertical chest pocket is zipped closed, the zipper’s slider body slips into a tiny pocket designed to protect you from the hard metal piece–nice touch.

Outside, you’ll find the standard hand pockets, plus two upper chest pockets; the latter large enough for a Wojo wallet or an iPhone 5 (but not a 6). You’re unlikely to use the space for either, however, as storage at the top of the chest isn’t ideal for women; this would have been the perfect place for Joe Rocket to have a couple of zippered vents on an otherwise ventless jacket. There is also a small utility pocket on the right forearm where you can tuck a key. Zippers on all the outer pockets are quality YKK items, and have stylish and functional soft leather pulls.

Temperature-versatile by way of a full zip-in quilted liner, I wore the Classic ’92 comfortably in 60-degree weather at freeway speeds wearing just a long sleeved tee. The interior patch pockets are repeated on the liner, so you don’t lose any carrying capacity with the extra layer installed. This might not seem worth mentioning, yet inexplicably, some liners have no pockets. A storm flap under the sturdy front zipper keeps the wind at bay.

In its standard configuration, the Joe Rocket Ladies Classic ’92 is not a fully technical jacket, as doesn’t come with any protective armor. For those of us who demand protection with style, there are pockets in the shoulders, elbows and back should you wish to add CE-rated armor from Joe Rocket or another supplier. Some discrete reflective material would be welcome for when one is caught out after dark, but the white leather racing stripes will have to do.

The vintage styling of the Ladies Classic ’92 is understated but unmistakable. From the top stitched quilted shoulders, to the Mandarin collar, to the racing stripes on the back and biceps, as well as subtle design details like rocket-etched snaps on the collar and waist snaps (cool!) and tasteful badging on the shoulders, this is a superb execution of a vintage-styled motorcycle jacket.

You can easily wear the Joe Rocket Ladies Classic ’92 jacket under the radar in non-motorcycle environments, and its classic good looks will turn heads and elicit nods of approval. On the bike, the jacket (with added armor) is perfect for riding and looking great while doing it.