The Roland Sands Design Women’s Maven Leather Jacket Review

A leather jacket tends to be the first investment, besides a helmet, that motorcyclists make within their riding gear arsenal. As a Woman, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find a riding jacket that is functional, fits well, and still has some fashion sense to it. And by fashion, I’m not talking about rhinestones and pink accents. The team at Roland Sands Design has been cranking out premium riding jackets for years, with the Maven jacket being a staple in the lineup for nearly a decade. Since I’ve owned this jacket since 2016 and have thousands of miles of wear on it, I figured now would be a great time to give an in depth review of the Roland Sands Design Maven Leather Jacket.

Fashion and Function: The Roland Sands Design Maven Jacket Has Both.

Fashion & Styling Features

If there’s anything to know about a product from Roland Sands, it’s that the details are never overlooked on any product their team designs. From safety and riding features, to styling details, there wasn’t a single thing sacrificed when designing this jacket. Mind you, this jacket was styled after their popular Men’s Ronin leather jacket. Attention to detail, in order to alter this to a woman’s fit, was priority number one from the get-go.

While the RSD site may call the Maven leather jacket a “simplistic cafe racer style jacket,” I’d highly disagree. From the stitching patterns and panels on the sleeves, subtle RSD branding on the buttons, YKK zippers, and satin inner lining (um…the best feeling ever inside a jacket by the way), and the form fitted panels that give this jacket a feminine look without sacrificing any functionality, there’s a handful of detailed specs that make the Maven leather jacket anything but simple. Those details are what make this jacket stand out in a room, making this jacket fashionable beyond your time on the bike.

Riding & Function Features

The most notable feature on the Roland Sands Maven Jacket is the mesh panels that allow for ventilation/increased airflow under the arms. This can be a make or break for some people. If you intend to wear this jacket in colder months, it may not be the right choice for you if you are trying to keep your layers to a minimum. However, I have ridden with this jacket in 40 degree temperatures, with heated gear, and have been fine. I’ve also worn this jacket without layers in mid 80 degree days and have been fine. It’s something to be aware of and to consider when investing in a leather jacket, though.

The elasticated panels underneath the arm, in conjunction with the precurved sleeves, allow for the rider to have a more comfortable seating position without getting that “hunched” feeling that you would from wearing a fashion leather jacket on a motorcycle. In addition, the dropped back panel allows for more coverage when on the bike. You won’t have to worry about a chilly lower back on any rides!

The expandable waistline and sleeve cuffs allow you to loosen your jacket for added layers, too many scoops of ice cream at lunch, or a slightly looser fitment for those toasty summer days. For the ladies like myself who have an hourglass figure, the waistline zippers are extremely useful.

Pockets Galore!

HOLY POCKETS! I love pockets, y’all. Especially inner pockets. There are two mesh pockets inside the jacket that can hold plenty of things. With a tiny bit of talent, you can definitely fit a six pack of beer between the two pockets (ask me how I know). There’s also two exterior hip pockets and one chest pocket that are satin lined like the jacket’s interior, with the left exterior hip pocket featuring a built in carabiner for your keys. There’s an additional forearm “stash” pocket, which allows you to keep your hand on the throttle if necessary, and to dig in for whatever you have hidden in there. Maybe it’s a copy of your motorcycle insurance, maybe it’s where you hide your chapstick or gas receipts. 

Additionally, if you’re interested in taking your riding gear to the next level, the Roland Sands Maven Jacket also features pockets for back, elbow, and shoulder armour. You can swoop the RSD branded, CE approved, body armour for an additional $100.

Leather

The cowhide leather used for this jacket is heavy duty. RSD calls it their Airbone leather. But what you need to know, is that it’s thick. Measuring in at 1.3mm, the standard for most riding jackets that are categorized as such, the Maven is a true riding jacket, built for the slide. Unlike a fashion jacket made of lambskin, pleather, or other thin leathers, the weight of this jacket is going to keep you safe. If you’ve never had the unfortunate luck of sliding your body across concrete before, just know that it’s not fun. Your upper body will definitely thank you after getting the “treatment” in one of these jackets.

Due to its thickness, the Maven doesn’t break in easy. Once it does, you’ll love the way this jacket contours to your body. Currently, the Roland Sands Maven Jacket comes in Black, Tobacco, and Oxblood color options. The Oxblood is a true purple-red hue, and with sun and general weather exposure, the jacket will slowly fade over time to more of a red tone. All Roland Sands Design leather jackets go through a lengthy treatment process and hand waxing finish to give it a vintage look with age.

Sizing and Fitment

For starters, let’s talk about my actual size. I’m 5’4” with a 31” pant inseam, currently measuring at a 43” Hip, 33” waist, and a 36D Bra size. I’d like to say I fit the “average” female build for someone that typically wears a Large in American size standards. I own a Large in this jacket, and at my current size, have some wiggle room without any layers or armor added. Once I stuff elbow and shoulder armor in the sleeves, my arm mobility is drastically decreased. Add in a few layers for warmth, I feel like a stuffed sausage rolling down the highway. A warm stuffed sausage, though.

I’ve owned this jacket for quite a few years and my weight has fluctuated during that time. I would say that it runs fairly true to size, and I’m currently at the higher end of the jacket’s size functionality. Second, if you intend on purchasing armour to be placed in the back, shoulder, or elbow pockets, you’ll also want to consider the slight difference in fitment this will make when paired with layers.

Currently, the Roland Sands Maven Jacket is offered in sizes Small-2XL for roughly $580 (Shop on Amazon // Shop on Revzilla // Shop on J&P Cycles). This jacket is as functional as it is fashionable, and is one of my favorite leather jackets I own. So whether you’re wanting to wear this on or off the bike, you won’t be screaming “Hey! Look at me! I ride motorcycles!” at someone solely from your clothing choices. Stay safe, stay babely, and ride fast.