Bowtex - Belgian, locally designed and European manufactured - grew out of a need experienced by motorcyclists, after which they decided to just make what they needed. It's not a bad starting point for good motorcycle clothing and this Standard R Shirt from Bowtex certainly is.
Bowtex makes the Standard R to exist on its own or to be worn under (any) clothing. That doesn't have to be motorcycle clothing. Wearing this under a regular jacket is perfectly fine. The choice is really up to you. Do what's easy, feels good and what you feel like doing. Bowtex makes sure it stays safe. Sort of.
The café racers who founded Bowtex sometimes hang from a rope behind their bikes to check how durable their products really are. Although, of course, an independent lab is responsible for certification.
In any case, the STANDARD R shirt is a versatile product. Both as a protective under layer and when used on its own. There is no doubt about the durability. Nor is the comfort. Breathing capacity is sufficient. Waterproofing is not. That is something to take into account. But that's all it really is. And you just put on your raincoat and stay safe. Something makes us suspect that this is even a more comfortable way to go down the slopes under your ski suit. Could be perfect.
The base of this shirt is 100% Dupont™ Kevlar®, which is complemented by 87% High-Density-Polyamide and 13% Elastane. Stir well and the result is a close-fitting, lovely piece of outerwear that keeps your body temperature quite well under all circumstances, while still offering all the impact protection and abrasion resistance of a full-blown motorcycle jacket. Even more: this is AA-class certified.
It takes some getting used to, at first. Motorcyclists either wear many layers, or want to feel as much wind as possible. This is neither. One layer with everything in it. This is something new. The SAS-TEC® TRIPLEFLEX impact protection is also flexible and ultra-light. A little more than pajamas but not so much more - at least in feel. Elbow and shoulder protectors are standard in this shirt. Chest and back protection is an option.
It's light, flexible, easy (just a central zipper) and finished. The thumb loops and the tight cut make sure the shirt stays on as intended, and thanks to one central zipper, putting it on is never a chore.
On the hottest days you don't need anything extra. And on all other days you can do what you like. Shirt. Sweater. Jacket. Anything goes. The two zippered side pockets are another example of how the Standard R can be used as a shirt without anything else.
You can wear it all day long. Just wash it once in a while at 30° and hang it on the rack to dry. Not in direct sunlight. Take out the protectors beforehand.
The price? This is complete motorcycle clothing. High-tech. Comfortable. Versatile. Something to wear every day. After a year, that means less than a dollar a day.
