The secret to its coolness is the 2mm holes and lining! I tried running in the PL-SW XC.

More than just apparel, KADOYA's manufacturing philosophy is rooted in continuously providing "gear" that supports rider safety and style.

In this series, motorcycle writer Aikyō, who possesses a keen eye for aesthetics, personally wears KADOYA's main products and delves deep into everything from their design philosophy to their practicality.

This time, we introduce a perforated leather jacket designed to make summer riding more comfortable. Through Aikyō's detailed impressions, unique to someone who knows motorcycles inside and out, we will explore the depths of quality that KADOYA pursues.

Text and Photos by Masayuki Aikyō
Edited by KADOYA MAGAZINE Editorial Team

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Hello, this is Aikyō.

Do you understand the advantages of choosing a perforated leather jacket for midsummer?

There are two advantages to choosing a perforated leather jacket instead of a mesh one.

One is its superior abrasion resistance compared to mesh materials.
Mesh materials are vulnerable to friction, so if you slide on the road during a fall, they can melt, leading to abrasions.
As anyone who has slid on the road during an accident knows, abrasions take a long time to heal and cause continuous pain and stress.
Leather, even when perforated, offers excellent abrasion resistance, so the fabric itself provides superior protection.

The other is the weight unique to leather.
Its weight prevents flapping at high speeds, which helps reduce fatigue.
Given Japan's recent climate, the season when a leather jacket feels comfortable is extremely short, but with a perforated leather jacket, you might be able to extend the season for wearing leather, depending on how you style it.

Now, let's look at the details.

Detail: PL-SW XC

Product Name: PL-SW XC
Colors: Black, Ivory, Gray
*Protector pockets on shoulders, elbows, and back

While classic black is available, ivory and gray are also recommended.
Of course, black goes well with various motorcycle types and outfits, but ivory and gray are also easy to coordinate colors that match any pant color.

The main point is that it uses cowhide with 2mm perforations.

Cowhide has thickness and strength, allowing for 2mm holes.

I use perforated deerskin gloves in hot weather, but the hole diameter is completely different when compared.

As a further cooling measure, the mesh lining is treated with moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, so if you wear a moisture-wicking and quick-drying inner layer, it will feel dry and reduce discomfort.

The center of the back is switched to a three-dimensional mesh fabric to create a space between the jacket and the body, improving ventilation.

The shape is a stand-collar semi-double, but when the zipper is opened slightly, the left front panel can be secured with a button, while the right cannot.
 
While one side is sufficient for ventilation, some might feel that both sides could be secured. However, this exquisite specification is likely the result of prioritizing the overall beautiful design balance.

The zippers are lightweight aluminum, and the main zipper, which is used most often, has a leather pull tab, making it easy to operate even with gloves on, which is a welcome feature.

There are two side pockets and one inner pocket, all large enough to fit a large smartphone. Having a leather pull tab on the pockets would be convenient for toll booths where IC cards are used, so it might be a good idea to customize it yourself. 

In terms of functionality, another key feature is the reinforcement leather panels on the shoulders and elbows, areas prone to impact during a fall.

The length is short, but it has a cycling cut to prevent the back from showing.

In terms of design, there's a Kadoya 90th anniversary patch on the shoulder, but since it's the same color, it doesn't stand out excessively.

The XYRS2C logo is embroidered on the back, signifying "10 years to Century."

The patch is also placed on the inside of the body, clearly indicating that it is an anniversary model and satisfying the desire for ownership.

Below that, there's space to write the serial number from factory production, your name, and blood type, a thoughtful touch from a motorcycle apparel manufacturer that considers potential emergencies.

PL-SW XC Sizing

I am 164cm tall, weigh 62kg, and have a muscular build. The M size fits perfectly.

I usually choose size S for outerwear, but I feel like an S size would restrict movement.

If you wear it in early spring or early autumn, layering a windbreaker underneath will significantly extend its usable period. Among Kadoya's lineup, the WIND BLOCK MDL is recommended because it can be stored compactly.

Riding with the PL-SW XC

I wore it over a moisture-wicking, quick-drying inner layer on a day when the temperature was 26 degrees Celsius and the humidity was at maximum discomfort. I could feel bundles of wind hitting my body through the 2mm holes.

While mesh feels like a surface, perforated leather feels like individual points, but the coolness is the same.

At 26 degrees Celsius, you might feel cold on long rides on expressways or at slightly higher altitudes if you don't carry a windbreaker.

The moisture-wicking and quick-drying lining is also a plus; humidity doesn't get trapped inside the jacket, and thanks to the three-dimensional mesh on the back, air flows all the way through to the back.

While it's heavier than a mesh jacket, once worn, the weight isn't noticeable. In fact, it provides a strong sense of security, feeling like I'm well protected by the sturdy material.

Summary

Compared to a mesh jacket, its protective capabilities are definitely higher, and I found it cooler than expected, thanks to the 2mm holes and the moisture-wicking lining.

While it can be worn in midsummer with proper innerwear, I personally find gray or ivory visually cooler.

Using a windbreaker can extend the usable season, so the comfortable temperature range might actually be wider than with a regular leather jacket.