Motorcycle Balaclava for Women: Why We Created It

I never used to wear a balaclava when riding my motorcycle, but I knew this would be the first product when starting Linda-Jean. Why? Because it’s visible, functional, and faster to develop than a full jacket, trousers or gloves. More importantly, hair and makeup are always a consideration for female riders, and a balaclava has multiple benefits for both. Today, I wouldn’t ride without one; it adds a level of comfort that, once experienced, is hard to go without. But the key is finding the right one for you.

To design the perfect balaclava, I tested different types, from Dainese’s top model to a random fleece one I found online. The results? None of them truly fit my needs.

• Dainese Balaclava: Despite being labeled as “stretch fabric,” it felt tight and restrictive, almost claustrophobic. The material was rough and heavy—not ideal for comfort.
• Arctiva Fleece Balaclava: Soft to the touch and comfortable around the neck, but the face opening was too large, defeating the purpose of full coverage.

Since neither of these options worked, I started thinking outside the box—what about head coverings designed for other activities?

Unexpected Inspiration – An Adidas Running Hijab

Instead of reinventing the wheel, I looked at existing solutions. That’s when I discovered the Adidas Running Hijab. The material was soft, lightweight, and breathable, without feeling constricting. It felt like the perfect foundation for what I had in mind.

The Prototyping Process

Combining the best features from these tests, we developed our prototype.

• Prototype 1: The fit was too tight—it was impossible to ride in it comfortably.
• Prototype 2: We made it looser, increasing space around the mouth, nose, and neck. This one was road-tested, and I realised the eye-opening needed slight adjustments.
• Prototype 3: We made the eye-opening a few millimeters bigger, and that was it—the perfect balaclava was born.

The Dolce Vita Inspiration

Beyond functionality, we wanted to bring a touch of elegance and nostalgia to our design. Think of the 1950s, when women wrapped colourful scarves around their hair while riding Vespas or driving cabriolets—effortless style while keeping their hair protected. That’s the feeling we wanted to capture.

Choosing the Right Material

We opted for 100% recycled PET (rPET)  made with Bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified materials for two reasons:

1. Sustainability: We wanted an eco-conscious material that aligns with our values.
2. Performance: This particular rPET fiber is moisture-wicking, breathable, and lightweight—gentle on your skin and ideal for every ride.

Thoughtful Labeling & Packaging

There was no desire to contribute to unnecessary waste with labels that get thrown away immediately. That’s why we used sublimation printing directly onto the fabric, inside the neck section. This means you’ll always have the care instructions without feeling any scratchy tags.

As for packaging, we’re fed up with excessive plastic—even when it’s labeled as recyclable or compostable. Instead, we created a multifunctional garment bag to package the balaclava. It’s practical, reusable, and perfect for storing small items during rides or carrying essentials in your handbag or backpack.

Of course, for the shipping, we had to opt for strong, waterproof packaging to protect your valuable balaclava. So, we chose an envelope made of recyclable plastic. 

Our wish was to use envelopes made of recycled plastic, but for this, we would have had to order several thousand, and as we are a boutique brand, we preferred to compromise on the type of material but order a reasonable quantity for our needs.

The Final Product

After six months of research and development, we created a balaclava that is:

• Designed with female riders in mind
• Comfortable and breathable
• Made with sustainable materials
• Packaged thoughtfully for reusability

Try it to believe it

The only way to truly appreciate the benefits of a motorcycle balaclava is to try one. You may even need to try several models from different brands and materials, but we are sure that you will be pleasantly surprised. Especially when considering the multiple benefits it brings with it:

• Keeps your helmet clean from hair, sweat and make-up stains
• Keeps your face and head warm/fresh depending on the season
• Helps keeping your hairstyle in place
• Makes it easier to put the helmet on and off
• Reduce the noise from the engine and wind

Please read our blog article about the benefits of wearing a motorcycle balaclava to get more detailed information

I’d love to hear from fellow female riders:

💬 What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to motorcycle gear?
Drop a comment or send me an email—your feedback helps shape the future of Linda-Jean.