Merlin Hamlin Hoodie

The Hamlin Hoodie from Merlin has a very aggressive taper, in fact it is one of the most aggressive tapers that we have seen, even more so than most sport/race jackets. We measured a size XL for example and the taper was almost 8 inches (typically we see 5-6 inches in a sport jacket) so keep that in mind when looking at sizing, this hoodies might end up fitting a little lose in the chest in order to get the waist/belly to fit.

Below is the Merlin-published chest size for each jacket’s alpha size along with our estimate of max chest and max waist/belly.

Note: Add about 1” to your chest and belly measurements if you plan to add a back protector.

Need help measuring? Get it here

The Hamlin Riding Hoodie from Merlin is a part of Merlin’s Leisure Moto collection and is meant to look like a regular hoodie while providing protection to the rider. Much like their Axe riding shirt, the Hamlin riding hoodie features 220gsm DuPont™ Kevlar® Fibre Lining throughout which allows it to earn a CE Level A abrasion resistance rating. CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor is included and is removable (though it is fairly basic and not super comfortable armor, might be a good place to upgrade and get armor that is more flexible and breathable) and the hoodie does come with a pocket for the back protector but the protector itself needs to be purchased separately.

A few things that I am not fond of whit the Hamlin riding hoodie from Merlin is that the hood itself is free to flap around while riding, other brands that I have seen make a riding hoodie include a small button on the back to keep the hood pinned to your back and away from catching wind while riding. Second, pockets are minimal, you have the two regular, split, front hoodie pockets that have no way of staying closed (no zipper or button so they are wide open while riding, this basically makes them unusable while riding as things would easily fall out or them) and then there is one pocket on the inside that does have a hook and loop enclosure, but once agin a zipper would be preferred as it is the only closable pocket. Lastly this hoodie has a fairly aggressive taper, for me my usual size XL fits, but feels almost loose in the chest but almost too tight in the belly. The Hamlin Riding hoodie features one of the most aggressive tapers that I have measured to date going from a 50 inch chest to a 42 inch belly in a size XL, typically that would be closer to something like 46 inch chest to 42 inch belly.

Additional features include a jacket to jean connection zipper, a Euro jacket to jean connector hoop, and ribbed cotton cuffs and hem as well as a mesh liner for additional comfort. Overall the Hamlin riding hoodie looks like a normal hoodie and minus the armor wears like a normal hoodie too, but, like the Axe riding shirt I do worry about its level of protection. Like I said for the Axe riding shirt, if you are an aesthetic first, protection second kind of rider then this might be a great choice for you, but if your primary concern is protection above all else you may not be pleased with the level of protection that this jacket offers and may need to look elsewhere. :: Damir 4/22/24