Aether’s Mulholland motorcycle jacket is their latest offering in a line of distinctive riding protection. Mulholland Drive is a bucket list ride for motorcyclists, combining tortuous tarmac with ridge-top views of the ocean, mountains, and greater Los Angeles. Aether’s stylishly masculine, road-worthy garment is a paean to the road and its riders.
Meet the Mulholland
The Mulholland is Aether’s fifth jacket in their unique motorcycle clothing line. The company describes its mixture of contemporary looks and protection features as “quietly technical.” Aether sews the jacket body from the three-layer Japanese nylon fabric Dermizax, which features a polyurethane, hydrophilic non-porous membrane. Seam taping throughout ensures the breathable fabric remains waterproof. The 210D X 280D fabric is somewhat stretchy and exhibits the feel and heft of cotton canvas.
Aether endowed the Mulholland with an abundance of storage. An iPhone 15 Pro fits into the interior vest pocket, the exterior zippered pocket on the right chest, and a pair of snap-closure repositories at the bottom. Behind the lower pockets are zippered handwarmers featuring brushed tricot interiors. While cozy, their waterproof zip openings are a tight fit for my hands. All of the buttoned pockets incorporate soft material inside as well.
Protection: Subtle but Effective
Slipping into the Mulholland I felt right at home and ready to ride. A light synthetic material greets the torso while a slightly stretchy fabric in the sleeves allows unrestricted arm movement. Altogether, the Mulholland creates a welcoming space for long hours in the saddle. In addition, the D3O Ghost shoulder and forearm pads are comfortable on the inside and barely noticeable from the outside.
A friend of mine wasn’t satisfied that the Mulholland was indeed a motorcycle jacket until I showed him the armor. The flexible Type A limb protectors are certified to exceed EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1. Aether also fits a D3O back protector that meets EN 1621-2:2014. The inconspicuous protection allows a rider to park the motorcycle in town and leave the biker look at the curb.
On the Bike
Simple in design, yet effective in use, the Mulholland comports itself on the bike as well as any jacket I’ve worn. The body is cut close enough to shed wind without restricting the rider or requiring any waist adjusters. As well, the articulated arms don’t flap in the breeze yet are still comfortable when reaching to the bars. The leather-lined, snap-closure collar has a rich look and feel with short tabs on both sides that don’t flutter when open.
A Los Angeles based company, Aether apparently designed the Mulholland for their home turf, suggesting a comfort zone of 50 to 70 degrees. That range makes it a good choice for their annual spring get together in the California desert. When the weather turns cold, a good base layer and something like Aether’s Eco Insulated Vest (see below) will extend the jacket’s comfort zone. I increased the top end to over 80 degrees by wearing a T-shirt and short gloves, then opening the vents and cuffs to inhale the breeze.
The Last Word
I’ve tested dozens of jackets over the years and found Aether’s Mulholland to be a unique combination of style, comfort, and protection that works as well off the motorcycle as on.
Aether Eco Insulated Vest
The Eco vest measures up to its name with a full complement of sustainable materials. The company went all out making this garment as kind to the Earth as possible, from the inside out. The 60 gram PrimaLoft Bio insulation is both biodegradable and sourced from recycled material. The exterior is lightweight, breathable Pertex fabric created from 100 per cent recycled polyester. This is treated with a PFC-free C0 durable water repellent to shed rain while still allowing the garment to breathe. Aether sews it all together with thread made from 100 per cent recycled fiber, adding a YKK Natulon closure featuring zipper tape from recycled bottles.
The Eco Experience
The result is a warm, windproof, water-resistant garment. Amenities include a stand-up collar and roomy zippered pockets. Aether suggests a comfort zone of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which agrees with my experience wearing it over a base layer. However, as mentioned above it is also an ideal companion to the Mulholland Jacket. The high collar coddles the neck, sealing out the wind while the insulated body provides a welcome increase of torso warmth. The feel is silky smooth and elastic at the hem and sleeves keeps the heat where it belongs.
Aether’s Eco vest is so light there’s no excuse not to take it anywhere you might need an extra layer. Our size S review item registers just 7.5 ounces on my postal scale and feels like much less once on the body. And, it’s washable. Choose from four colors in sizes XS to XXL. Aether provides a lifetime guarantee on both products reviewed here.
$650 | Aether Mulholland Jacket
$295 | Aether Eco Insulated Vest
Read more: Aether Fall Collection
Images: Aether Apparel
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