Gear Review: Dainese Temporale D-Dry Ladies' Jacket
Dainese Temporale D Dry Ladies' Jacket (discontinued), On Sale locally at the D Store in Costa Mesa
Photographs by Dale Hameister Photography
I am very gear-centric so I will always be wearing something from head to toe. That said, not every article of motorcycle gear can attractively remain on my body when I am out and about. First and foremost, I put safety above sexy. Period. At the end of the day, I’d rather have enjoyed the ride, peeled away the gear, and changed into a little black dress – than have experienced an accident where I could have escaped injury to some extent had I worn protective gear. With respect to that little black dress, some folks have witnessed that happen in a parking lot, balancing on one stiletto. Panniers are your friend.
That said, it doesn’t take much to stand out as a manufacturer when the gear you produce has a streamlined, flattering fit. And don’t think that that sentiment is echoed only by women. Men are concerned with their appearance as well. You just won’t hear them talk about it amongst themselves. For women however, it is often a choice between safety or sexy, but you can never both. So when I had to do a photo shoot…over Christmas…with everyone in corporate offices gone for the holidays, I headed over to the “D” Store in Orange County to give the Dainese brand a try. I was hoping to achieve something a little less bulky than my current adventure gear that would perhaps signal from afar that I am female.
The Dainese D-Dry Temporale jacket has a streamlined look without the usual bulkiness of most jackets, but therein lies the compromise. Less bulk equates to less warmth. I would consider this jacket a medium weight two-season jacket (Fall/Spring), but not because the zip-out liner provides added warmth during the winter months.
With Dainese’s D-Dry technology, the waterproof liner is seamlessly integrated into the outer shell, which is a benefit to those who hate zip out liners. However, an integrated shell often means that extensive venting and pockets are sacrificed due to production costs associated with maintaining waterproofness while providing adequate zip venting. I don’t feel that this jacket is a good option for summer riding or if your internal temperature typically runs high. I am almost always cold, so please take that into account for this review. The fabric successfully stops wind and rain, but in my opinion would get stifling in 80+ degree temps.
There are two external chest zip pockets (which Dainese also lists as “vents”), an internal pocket, two flap button pockets at the hip, and two short zip vents below the armpit. There are no other zip vents on the jacket. There are two Velcro belt fasteners at the waistline to secure a more hourglass fit and two bicep and wrist securing options. The fit is slim/trim European, and if I was just ¼-inch more massive in the shoulders, I could not wear it. Definitely something to consider in terms of fit/build.
Overall, Dainese never disappoints on style, quality, and protection - so you can expect to look good and ride safe without bringing a change of clothes.
Fast Facts:
Flattering fit
Comfortable-ish to wear all day (material is a bit stiff)
Easy to remove back/shoulder/elbow armor
Easy to wash
Waterproof shell
Back protection sold separately.
