Continuing to prove that it’s possible to be protected from both mishaps and the elements while still looking great, Swiss apparel manufacturer iXS’s 2019 catalog includes this attractive women’s Gore-Tex jacket, the Samira. The 3-layer waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane is sewn in rather than laminated, making the Samira just a bit bulkier than a single-layer jacket might be, but the upshot is that, at $299, it’s also less expensive. It also doesn’t look like a “sensible” waterproof touring jacket with 15 pockets, which appeals to my personal taste and makes the Samira look at home on just about any type of motorcycle, from a cruiser to a sportbike.
The tailored polyamide (nylon) outer jacket includes zippered hip gussets for fit, a dual-zipper fold-over front closure that effectively seals out wind, zipper and hook-and-loop closure at the wrists and a multi-position snap at the neck. Shiny silver zippers accent the waist pockets and main closure, while inside are a cell phone pocket and a large zippered pocket. Small vents at the shoulders only flow a hint of air, with larger back vents for exhaust; because of the limited airflow the Samira is best worn as a “shoulder season” or milder weather jacket.
My favorite feature is the Samira’s quilted inner liner, which can be worn independently off the bike as a fashionable teal-colored “puffy” jacket. It has its own zippered waist, cell phone and large inner pockets and is made of a silky, durable material that won’t easily tear. Worn in combination with the outer jacket, the Samira is toasty warm and a perfect foil for those cold, damp mornings. Elemental protection: check. And mishaps? The Samira includes CE level 1-approved shoulder, elbow and back armor.
As with most iXS products we’ve tested, fit is European (read: snugly tailored), so I would advise ordering up a size if you prefer a looser fit. Sizes run from S-3XL, and you can have any color you want so long as it’s black with white accents.
For more information, see your dealer or visit moto.ixs.com.
