Ultimately I don't care who wears what. Forums are for exchanging ideas, thoughts and opinions about things, all of which are not definitive by any means especially mine. If you wear chaps..yeah for you.
I'm 57 years old, been riding since 13-14 years old on one motorcycle type(started on a 1960's something moto morini) or another. Consequently I find myself at this juncture preferring touring over any other form of riding and own a 2012 Ultra, while avoiding the large rally crowds.
Also I have several forms of gear. I have a nice 400$ leather jacket from the dealership that I wear to work and then a pair of Touring pants and jacket both with kevlar and both from Tourmaster for my day/weeks rides.
And again what works for me and the thoughts I share on it will be nite and day for others who find themsleves at various and different phases of their 2 wheeled experience.
At one time and in my 20's thru 30's and a little bit 40's I was willing to pay the price to look cool (I thought) and had the rigid Pan(antiquated and agrivating kick only technology), long ass hair, beard tattoos etc.. my have I changed and conformed. No regrets either. Got it out of my system and don't miss the harassing by LEO's that went with it or the unreliable older technology. Much prefer the newer reliability of the modern technology as well as the senior good citizen military vet look..no hassles. LEO's do be profiling and thats pretty stupid on there part, againi in my opinion.
So my conversations, thoughts and opinions are just a reflection of my lifetime 2 wheeled journey. Good for me but perhaps not so much for others. And if my experience varies from yours no offense bitchs.