Hooded Riding Fleece – Harley-Davidson Women’s Deflector 2.0 (98198-24VW)

Hoodie comfort and real riding protection don’t usually show up in the same garment. The Hooded Riding Fleece from Harley-Davidson’s Women’s Deflector 2.0 collection (98198-24VW) is built to be the exception, an upgraded style that keeps the soft, familiar feel of a fleece hoodie while quietly functioning as genuine motorcycle gear underneath.

According to Harley-Davidson’s own product description, this jacket pairs hoodie style with functional riding protection, remaining abrasion-resistant while adding D3O Ghost armor at the shoulders and elbows, an extended venting area, and a secure zippered pocket built into the right kangaroo pocket.

Why Fleece Became the Go-To Comfort Fabric

Fleece earning a permanent spot in outdoor and riding wardrobes isn’t an accident of fashion, it’s a fabric with a genuinely interesting origin story. Textile historians tracing the invention of polar fleece point to Malden Mills as the company behind the breakthrough, developing the fabric from recycled PET plastic as a lighter, more durable alternative to wool.

That breakthrough didn’t happen by accident either. Coverage of the mill that invented synthetic fleece explains that the 100% polyester fabric was specifically engineered to draw moisture away from the body, cut wind, and hold warmth all at once, exactly the combination a riding jacket needs. Malden Mills famously chose not to patent the invention, which historical retrospectives on fleece at 40 years old credit as the reason the fabric spread so quickly across the outdoor and performance apparel industry.

From Baby Blankets to Riding Gear

The fabric’s earliest form wasn’t even meant for jackets. Retrospectives on Polartec’s development process describe how the company started by experimenting with knitting techniques inspired by a baby blanket product, eventually landing on a lofty, insulating structure that could rival wool’s warmth without the weight or moisture retention.

Fabric historians documenting the history of polar fleece note that the material was engineered by converting polyester yarn into a dense structure resembling a lighter version of terrycloth, giving it both durability and a soft handfeel. Retrospective coverage marking 40 years since fleece’s invention points out that the fabric replaced heavier wool sweaters almost overnight among hikers, sailors, and mountaineers who needed warmth without the bulk, the same appeal that makes fleece such a natural fit for riders layering under a helmet and gloves.

Broader retrospectives on polar fleece’s rise in mainstream fashion describe how it moved from a niche outdoor fabric into mainstream apparel by the late 1990s, prized for retaining body heat, resisting moisture, and staying lightweight all at once Hooded Riding Fleece.

Riding Protection Built Into a Familiar Feel

The Deflector 2.0 doesn’t just borrow fleece’s comfort, it wraps genuine riding features around it. Retailer specification listings for the jacket confirm it includes torso venting for airflow, windproof construction, and abrasion resistance, along with EN 1621-1 certified D3O Ghost armor at the shoulders and elbows and 3M Scotchlite reflective material for visibility.

UK retailer listings for the jacket back up the same feature set, describing it as vented, windproof, hooded, and armor-included, with a two-way zipper front and pre-curved sleeves built for a proper riding fit rather than a loose, casual cut.

What Defines This Jacket

Key features:

• Polyester and cotton polar fleece construction with a breathable mesh lining
• Extended torso venting for improved airflow over the original Deflector design
• D3O Ghost armor at the shoulders and elbows, EN 1621-1 certified
• Windproof materials and construction to block wind chill at speed
• Adjustable hood for a secure, custom fit
• Kangaroo hand-warmer pocket with a hidden zippered stash pocket
• 3M Scotchlite reflective material for added visibility
• Two-way zipper front and pre-curved sleeves for fit and mobility
• Iconic Harley-Davidson branding on the back for classic styling

Spec Snapshot

A Hoodie That Happens to Ride Well

The reason a hooded fleece riding jacket works so well comes down to fabric behavior more than styling. Historical accounts of fleece’s rapid adoption across outdoor apparel point out that its combination of warmth, moisture resistance, and light weight made it functionally superior to wool for active use, not just more comfortable to wear casually. That same functional advantage is exactly what makes the Deflector 2.0 double as real protective gear instead of just a soft outer layer with a Harley-Davidson logo on it.

At Flick Leathers, we carry the Hooded Riding Fleece alongside the rest of our women’s riding lineup, including leather riding jackets for colder days and leather vests for layering. Shops looking to stock versatile, cold-weather riding gear can check our wholesale program.

Frequently Asked Questions Hooded Riding Fleece

Is the Hooded Riding Fleece actually safe for riding, or just a casual hoodie? It’s built as functional riding gear. It includes EN 1621-1 certified D3O Ghost armor at the shoulders and elbows and is constructed to be abrasion-resistant, not just styled to look rugged.

What is polar fleece made from? It’s a synthetic fabric, typically made from polyester, engineered to be lightweight, warm, and moisture-resistant, offering many of wool’s benefits without the added weight or bulk.

Does this Hooded Riding Fleece include armor? Yes. D3O Ghost armor is included at the shoulders and elbows, certified to the EN 1621-1 impact protection standard.

Is the Hooded Riding Fleece windproof? Yes. It’s built from windproof materials and construction specifically to block wind chill during riding.

Can I wear this Hooded Riding Fleece casually, off the bike? Yes. Its hoodie styling and soft fleece construction make it just as easy to wear as everyday casual outerwear.

How should I layer this Hooded Riding Fleece in cold weather? A moisture-wicking base layer underneath works well for most conditions, with the fleece’s windproof build handling the outer layer of protection against chill.

What part number should I look for when ordering? Confirm part number 98198-24VW to make sure you’re getting the correct Women’s Deflector 2.0 Hooded Riding Fleece.

Comfort With Real Purpose

The Hooded Riding Fleece takes a fabric with genuine engineering behind it and builds real riding protection into a shape that feels like your favorite hoodie. Windproof warmth, certified armor, and reflective visibility come together without sacrificing the comfort that made fleece a wardrobe staple in the first place. Explore the rest of our women’s riding gear at Flick Leathers and build a kit that’s as comfortable as it is capable.