When selecting a Letterman Jacket Black that best suits you and your riding style, the jacket's key feature should be its ability to protect you in case you fall or have a motorcycle accident.

Your jacket should also keep you comfortable when you ride.

And I bet you want a jacket that looks good and makes you look good, too.

I know I do...

To narrow down your choices and zero-in on a jacket that works well for you, first consider the...

• Types of riding you enjoy most
• Type of motorcycle you ride
• Usual number of daily biking miles you travel
• Weather conditions in which you ride
• Seasons when you like to ride
• Types of roads or trails you enjoy most

Do you ride year-round in all sorts of weather -- hot or cold, rain or shine? If so, you need a very versatile jacket -- one with a warm, removable lining you can put in or take out to match the seasons.

Your best bet might be two jackets. Consider getting a lightweight, hot-weather jacket, and one you can wear on cool or even frigid days.

Or do you ride only a few months out of the year when the temperatures are warmer and the days are bright and clear.

If so, you don't need a jacket with lots of multi-temperature/weather versatility.

Go for a light- to mid-weight jacket that will protect you but won't make you uncomfortably warm.

Here are the major jacket styles for you to consider...

• Classic Style

When anyone mentions "motorcycle jacket," they're usually speaking about this classic, heavy-weight, belted, waist-length, leather garment.

Features on this snug-fitting icon typically include a...

* Large snap-down collar...

* Slanted front zipper...

* Zippered pockets and cuffs...

* Shoulder epaulets...

* A wide, big-buckled belt...

* Snap-flap change pocket

• Cruising Style

The casual fitting, waist-length cruising style jacket is best suited for slow, easy rides down country roads on comfortable days.

The cruising jacket's Oxford collar functions a little like the classic jacket's snap-down collar and a little like the rigid Mandarin collar seen on sportier jackets.

Cruising jackets range from no frills versions to those featuring decorative braid, form-fitting stretch panels, fancy embroidery and leather fringe.

• Touring Style

For most riders, the touring style jacket's most attractive feature is its versatility.

This is the garment of choice for riders who spend lots of time on the road in all sorts of weather. It gives them lots of comfort, unrestricted movement and good protection from harsh weather.

The jacket's full-cut, three-quarter length design covers the rider's lower-back and keeps out drafts.

Most have a removable cold-weather lining and can accommodate extra layers of clothes.

Adjustable straps on the arms, cuffs and on your waist let you snug everything down.

Other features typically include...

* Many easy-access pockets -- inside and out...

* Zippered vents to let the air flow through on hot days...

* Rain proofing

• Off-Road Style

This lightweight jacket gives off-road riders lots of physical flexibility.

The garment provides weather protection along with crash protecting body armor -- including reinforced elbows and shoulders.

Look for a jacket with water-proof zippers and seams.

Also, it's important for moisture to escape from the inside out. So your off-road jacket should have effective ventilation.

You can convert some jackets into a vest when you really want to stay cool.

• Racing Style

Close-fitting, waist-length racing jackets traditionally are made of leather.

They're designed to slide easily on asphalt or dirt without bunching or tearing. That's how they protect your skin and bones if you have a high-speed accident.

Other safeguards include body armor on your elbows and shoulders; and a flexible back protector to absorb the impact of hard falls, flying projectiles or getting hit by a tumbling motorcycle.

Some racing jackets are perforated and vented to allow high-speed air to help keep you cool.

The final test

After you've...

* Determined which jacket style and features suit you best...

* Tried on many jackets for fit and comfort...

* Zeroed-in on your final choice...

...it is important to make sure the garment you're considering will fit properly when you're riding.

The best way to do this is to put it on, sit on your bike, grab the handle bars and move around on the seat as you would when riding.

By "seat testing" a jacket, you'll know for sure if it will fit and feel right when you need it most.

Gathering information, sorting out your options and choosing the motorcycle jacket that's best for you may take time.

But it's fun.

Enjoy the process.

Then pull on your new jacket and go for a ride.