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REVIEW: Armor for Those Who Hate Wearing Armor

New garment protects without all the bulk

By Genevieve Schmitt
8/1/2007

Presentation is everything. I was in love with the packaging before I even opened the box containing the garment that was shipped to me by Kristina Jones of Cameleon Power-Sport Apparel. This business owner/rider contacted me about testing a new piece of clothing she developed specifically for women riders. She wanted my feedback on a jacket she calls Invisible Armor that was just brought to market.
The Invisible Armor jacket can be worn under a jacket, or alone as a lightweight jacket for warmer days. If you plan to wear it alone like that, I'd opt for the lighter beige color as the black was very hot standing in the 90-degree sun shooting these pictures.
The Invisible Armor jacket can be worn under a jacket, or alone as a lightweight jacket for warmer days. If you plan to wear it alone like that, I'd opt for the lighter beige color as the black was very hot standing in the 90-degree sun shooting these pictures.

The black mesh jacket came wrapped in tissue paper and a box custom designed with her company's logo and colors. Printed notes about the care of the garment and her business card were presented in an elegant note card. Included was a sturdy cloth garment bag to protect the jacket as well as my leathers. Very classy from the start. I'm impressed already.

The Invisible Armor garment is a lightweight mesh, lycra (stretchy) jacket that is meant to be worn underneath an armor-less motorcycle jacket. Foam crash pads are sewn into the mesh in places where armor is needed -- elbows, shoulders, spine and ribs.

The elbow protection is flexible enough to bend with your arm without being restrictive.
The elbow protection is flexible enough to bend with your arm without being restrictive.

Seeing a Need
Kristina came up with the idea for the Invisible Armor jacket when she wore a motorcycle jacket with armor in it. She found the shoulder armor restricting when she went to turn her helmeted head; the elbow armor moved around in the loose sleeve, and the spine protector restricted her shoulder blade movement. She spent six months studying the ergonomics of women riders and 18 months designing the jacket. What she came up with is a garment designed to protect without all the bulk.

When I first put on the Invisible Armor jacket, I liked how it felt. It's lightweight and the foam pads are hardly noticeable. The morning was particularly cool so the "jacket" acted as another layer (albeit a thin layer) underneath my leather coat. I was wearing a fitted leather jacket that did not contain armor -- good chance to see how if the Invisible Armor was indeed invisible.

The shoulder pads in the Invisible Armor stay in place because they, like all the pads, are part of the jacket.
The shoulder pads in the Invisible Armor stay in place because they, like all the pads, are part of the jacket.

After a 170-mile day, I can report that I never "felt" the Invisible Armor underneath my fitted leather jacket all day. The foam pads conformed to my body. Not restrictive and not bulky. I've worn the Invisible Armor with a variety of other armor-less jackets and it felt just as good underneath all of them. I hardly knew I had it on. I did attempt to wear the Invisible Armor underneath my sport style leather jacket containing stiff CE-approved armor, but the added foam was just too much bulk under such a tight fitting jacket.

Protected In Style
Kristina wants women who don't normally wear armor to at least have some level of protection by wearing her Invisible Armor underneath their riding jacket. And for some women, that riding jacket may be their favorite leather fashion jacket bought at an upscale department store. Kristina's jacket offers women protection -- and peace of mind -- when they decide to wear that designer jacket on their motorcycle.

The back protection here does one better than traditional spine protectors covering the lower part of the back/ribs as well.
The back protection here does one better than traditional spine protectors covering the lower part of the back/ribs as well.

Speaking of protection, how does the jacket hold up in a crash? Well, I don't know because I didn't crash. However, Kristina did extensive research and partnered with a Crash Pads, Inc., company that designs protective padding for the bicycling, ski, and skating industries. The company uses only the highest quality materials, and that's evident in the construction of the garment. The seams are well put together -- there's no annoying threads, seams or labels that itch -- and the zipper is sturdy. Sizing is true. I wear a size medium motorcycle jacket; the medium Armor jacket fit perfectly.

I like the foam pads protecting the rib section because traditional armor doesn't normally cover that area.
I like the foam pads protecting the rib section because traditional armor doesn't normally cover that area.

Sometimes I wear armored jackets and sometimes I don't. Now that I have this Invisible Armor, I'll wear it whenever I slip on my armor-less jackets. It is truly invisible so why not wear it? Quite possibly, it could lessen the impact should I ever go down.

There is a wide size range: Small to 4XLarge. Price is $249 (add $20 for the 1XL-4XL sizes). Seems a bit steep, considering that's in addition to a jacket you'll purchase and wear, but protection -- good protection -- is a relative thing. Considering the versatility of the garment and that you'll have it virtually forever, the price is probably worth it. Comes in two colors: black or light beige.

I recommend visiting Cameleon Power-Sports Apparel Web site CameleonApparel.com to check out the other garments available -- stylish leather jackets, jeans, jewelry and T-shirts (I have the "Ride Safe" T made from the softest, flowy cotton -- feels so good on). There's free shipping on orders over $150. Kudos to Kristina, a former commercial airline pilot by the way, for seeing a need and filling out. Send her an email telling her you read about her product here on WRN.



Reader Comments


Fantastic product! I am wondering, however, if any thought has been given to the possibility of adding padding at the chest/breast areas?

Dawn
Columbus, WI
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Editor Response
You will have to contact the manufacturer directly with your question. Let her know you read the review on WRN.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
Is there any Velcro around the wrists? What's to keep it from riding up in event of a crash, if worn by itself? I had 10 stitches in my forearm when the plain leather jacket I had on rode up above my elbow.

Lauren
Central Arkansas
Monday, November 17, 2008
Editor Response
It does not have Velcro around the wrists.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
Hope to see this product at the IMS in Chicago on Feb 6-8. Would like to try it on. Looks great.

Marylynn
Omaha, NE
Monday, November 17, 2008
The article was very informative. I will go to her Web site. Thanks.

Margaret Lewis
Middletown, DE
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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