Standard motorcycle gear is sized for a standard rider. If you're taller than 6'2", carry a chest over 46", or wear above an XXL shirt, you've probably tried on a "Large" motorcycle jacket and watched the sleeves stop at your forearms. Big and tall motorcycle gear solves that — properly cut and sized apparel for riders who need extra length, extra room, or both. Chaparral Motorsports stocks jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets in 3XL through 5XL and tall sizes from the brands that actually make them, including Alpinestars, Klim, Cortech, Icon, and Fasthouse.
We've been fitting riders at our San Bernardino, CA dealership since 1980 — and that includes plenty of tall and big-and-tall riders who'd been told by other shops that "we don't carry your size." Our gear specialists know which brands' sizing actually accommodates larger riders, which run tight or short despite their tag size, and which require ordering up.
Big vs. Tall: They're Different Problems
Manufacturer "big and tall" sizing covers two separate fitment issues. Understanding which applies to you is the first step to picking the right gear.
- Big sizes (3XL, 4XL, 5XL): increased chest and waist measurement at the same torso length as a standard XL. Built for riders who need more room around the body without extra sleeve or torso length.
- Tall sizes (LT, XLT, 2XLT, 3XLT): longer torso and longer sleeves at the same chest width as the standard size. Built for riders 6'2"+ who need the jacket to actually cover the lower back in a riding position.
- Big and tall combined: some manufacturers offer combined "Big & Tall" sizing — longer AND wider than the same numeric size in regular cut. Less common but available from Cortech, Klim, and a handful of cruiser-focused brands.
- Sizing up the regular cut: sometimes works for shorter riders who just need more chest room. Almost never works for tall riders — going up two sizes in a regular cut gives you a tent that still has sleeves that stop at the wrist instead of the wrist bone.
Brands That Actually Cut for Bigger and Taller Riders
Most motorcycle gear brands offer sizes up to XXL and call it good. A smaller list extends genuine fit into 3XL+ and tall variants.
| Brand | Big Sizes | Tall Sizes | Strongest Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars | Up to 4XL (some lines) | Limited — European-cut runs shorter | Sport, sport-touring, ADV |
| Klim | Up to 5XL on touring/ADV lines | Tall offered on Badlands Pro, Carlsbad | Touring, ADV, premium technical apparel |
| Cortech | Up to 4XL | Yes — explicit tall sizing on jackets and pants | Sport-touring, commuter, mid-price |
| Icon | Up to 5XL on select models | Limited | Street, urban, cruiser-adjacent |
| Fasthouse | Up to 2XL standard, 3XL on select lines | Limited | Motocross, dirt, casual riding |
| Moose Racing | Up to 3XL standard | Limited | Dirt bike, ADV, dual-sport |
| Scorpion EXO | Helmets up to 3XL; jackets up to 3XL | Limited on apparel | Helmets (true big-head fit), street jackets |
How to Measure for Big & Tall Motorcycle Gear
The four critical measurements are the same as standard sizing — chest, waist, sleeve length, and torso length — but the order of importance shifts for larger and taller riders. See our full motorcycle jacket sizing guide for the detailed walkthrough.
- Sleeve length: the single most common complaint. Standard XL sleeves typically end at the wrist; tall riders need 1–3 inches more length so the cuff still covers the wrist bone with arms extended in riding position.
- Back length: a standard cut rides up in a tuck and exposes the lower back. Tall sizes add 1–2 inches at the rear hem to keep coverage in a riding position.
- Chest room around armor: CE-rated shoulder and back armor takes up internal volume. A "Large" with armor installed feels closer to a Medium. Big sizes account for armor and base layers.
- Pant inseam: motorcycle pants are typically cut for a 32" inseam. Tall versions add 2–4 inches. Verify before ordering — alterations on armored pants are difficult.
Always check the specific brand's size chart — Italian brands like Alpinestars typically run a half-size smaller than American or Japanese sizing. If you're between sizes and the chart suggests XL, plus-size riders should generally order the 2XL and exchange if necessary. Our return policy applies to unworn gear with tags attached.
Shop by Gear Category
Browse our broader gear inventory and filter to your size range:
- All motorcycle gear — full apparel inventory with size filters down to 5XL.
- Motorcycle helmets — including 2XL, 3XL, and big-head helmet options.
- Motorcycle parts — including fit-related upgrades (bar risers, lowered seats, taller windshields).
Motorcycle gear protection depends on proper fit. Armor positioned wrong won't be in place at the moment of impact. A jacket that's too big lets armor shift; a jacket that's too tight pulls armor out of position when you reach forward. Always try on big-and-tall sizing with the inner liner you'll actually wear — the difference between a winter touring jacket worn over a heated vest and the same jacket in summer kit can shift you a full size.
Talk to a Gear Specialist Before You Order
Big-and-tall motorcycle gear is harder to size correctly than standard gear, and returning a 4XL armored jacket through the mail is no fun. Call ahead with your chest, waist, sleeve, and inseam measurements and we'll pre-pull a couple of options to try on in person at our San Bernardino dealership. If you're online-ordering, our return policy gives you room to swap for the next size without penalty.
