When you go for a ride, you must have some safety gear, and a jacket is one of those essentials. On a long ride or a short ride, a jacket gives you a lot of protection. Whether you are a new rider or an experienced one, you must have a jacket. For all types of rides, safety comes first.
I think we should agree on a few key things before you read this ultimate guide to motorcycle jackets. Your body is pretty important to living a full life, and you would like to be able to use it for the rest of your life.
Protecting it is key to being able to do that. The big takeaway here is that you have to wear a motorcycle jacket. Like a helmet, a good motorcycle jacket isn’t a nice-to-have; it is a must-have if you want to protect your precious body.
The second thing to remember is that not all jackets are created equal. There is a large difference between merely wearing a jacket and wearing a specific jacket to match your riding style—as well as riding conditions, weather, and other factors.
In this guide, I cover the following:
- Affordable Motorcycle Jackets for Beginners
- Different Types of Motorcycle Jackets
- Best Motorcycle Jackets for Each Use Case
- Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Motorcycle Jacket
- Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets
- Things to Think About When Buying a Motorcycle Jacket
- Motorcycle Jackets Are Hugely Important
- What Are Motorcycle Jackets Made From?
When creating this motorcycle jacket guide, I wanted to really go into detail about what to look for when buying a jacket. I want you to understand the types of jackets on the market, know the right questions to ask when shopping, and look for the right features. As you will see, there’s a lot more to motorcycle jackets than whether they look cool. You need to consider comfort, function, durability, protection, materials, and much more.
For new motorcycle riders, please make sure to spend time reading and researching your motorcycle jacket. Experienced riders may find that some of this is obvious, but we think education is a huge part of protecting yourself and enjoying riding for a long time.
Different Types of Motorcycle Jackets
Just like anything else these days, motorcycle jacket manufacturers have very specialized options for every riding style, type, and condition. One jacket is not necessarily suitable for every type of riding style or condition, so it is important to understand the differences and make the right choice.
I’ve added all the categories I could think of below. Note that there may be some repetition in features and types, as different people refer to these jacket types in unique ways. Always remember that your goal when choosing a motorcycle jacket is to match the jacket to your riding style, the type of riding you do, the weather you ride in—and ultimately, the safety it provides for your body in case of an accident. Clearly, we all have budgets too, so you may have to make tradeoffs. There is nothing wrong with that; just make sure you understand them and make an informed decision.
The list below is ranked according to features and protection, from worst to best.
When it comes to motorcycle gear, one of the most crucial pieces is the motorcycle jacket. It not only adds to your overall style but also provides essential protection. Motorcycle jackets come in various styles, each designed to cater to different riding needs, weather conditions, and personal preferences. Here, we’ll dive into the different types of motorcycle jackets, so you can make an informed decision about which one suits your riding style best.
- Leather Jackets
- Durability: Leather is extremely tough and can withstand years of wear and tear.
- Protection: Provides superior abrasion resistance and often includes armor inserts for additional protection.
- Style: Offers a classic, timeless look that many riders love.
- Textile Jackets
- Versatility: Suitable for various weather conditions, often featuring removable liners for warmth and ventilation options for hot weather.
- Lightweight: Generally lighter than leather jackets, making them comfortable for long rides.
- Waterproofing: Many textile jackets come with built-in waterproof or water-resistant features, making them ideal for riding in the rain.
- Mesh Jackets
- Breathability: Maximum airflow helps to keep you cool in hot conditions.
- Lightweight: Extremely light, offering comfort during long rides in the heat.
- Protection: While not as protective as leather or textile, many mesh jackets include armor inserts at critical points.
- Adventure/Touring Jackets
- Multi-Season Use: Often come with removable thermal and waterproof liners to adapt to changing weather.
- Storage: Plenty of pockets and storage options for carrying essentials during long trips.
- Durability: Made from tough materials with reinforced stitching to withstand rugged conditions.
- Race Jackets
- Armor: Heavy-duty armor inserts at the shoulders, elbows, and back for maximum protection.
- Fit: Snug fit to reduce wind resistance and improve aerodynamics.
- Material: Typically made from high-quality leather with additional Kevlar or reinforced stitching for extra durability.
- Cruiser Jackets
- Style: Emphasizes a classic, vintage look with features like metal studs, patches, and fringe.
- Comfort: Designed for comfort during long, relaxed rides.
- Protection: While stylish, they still offer good protection with thick leather and sometimes armor inserts.
Choosing the Right Jacket
When choosing a motorcycle jacket, consider your riding style, the typical weather conditions you’ll be riding in, and the level of protection you need. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What kind of riding do I do? (commuting, touring, racing, etc.)
- What weather conditions do I typically ride in? (hot, cold, rainy, etc.)
- How much protection do I need? (basic protection, advanced armor, abrasion resistance, etc.)
5 Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets
- Dainese Racing 3 Perforated Leather Jacket
- Material: Made from full-grain cowhide leather, known for its durability and premium feel.
- Protection: Equipped with CE-certified composite protectors and aluminum inserts at the shoulders.
- Comfort: Features perforated panels for superior ventilation, elasticated inserts for better movement, and a removable thermal liner for versatility in different weather conditions.
- Additional Features: Aerodynamic hump, adjustable fit, and a sleek, aggressive design that appeals to sport riders.
- Ideal For: Sport riders looking for a high-performance jacket with top-notch protection and ventilation.
- Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Rideknit Leather Jacket
- Material: Crafted from premium bovine leather, offering excellent abrasion resistance.
- Protection: CE Level 1 Bio-Armor protectors at the shoulders and elbows, with compartments for additional chest and back protection.
- Comfort: Rideknit stretch panels provide flexibility and ventilation, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
- Additional Features: Removable thermal liner, advanced reinforced stitching, and a sporty design.
- Ideal For: Riders who prioritize protection and comfort in a sleek, modern design suitable for various riding conditions.
- REV’IT! Glide Vintage Jacket
- Material: High-quality buffalo leather that offers a classic vintage look with modern safety features.
- Protection: Comes with SEEFLEX™ CE-level 2 protectors on the shoulders and elbows, and is prepared for SEESOFT™ CE-level 2 back protector.
- Comfort: Adjustable waist straps and ventilation zippers enhance comfort and fit.
- Additional Features: Removable thermal liner, safety stitching, and reflective panels for increased visibility.
- Ideal For: Riders who appreciate a blend of vintage style and modern protection, suitable for various weather conditions.
- Roland Sands Design Ronin Jacket
- Material: Made from Airborne leather, which is both waxed and oiled for a unique, stylish appearance.
- Protection: Optional pockets for shoulder, elbow, and back armor provide customizable protection.
- Comfort: Features a relaxed riding fit, with perforated leather trim details for improved breathability.
- Additional Features: Satin poly lining with custom RSD emboss, classic cafe racer design, and high-quality craftsmanship.
- Ideal For: Riders who want a jacket that looks as good off the bike as it does on, combining style with practicality.
- Schott NYC Perfecto Jacket
- Material: Heavyweight cowhide leather that offers excellent durability and classic biker aesthetics.
- Protection: While it doesn’t come with modern armor, the thick leather provides superb abrasion resistance.
- Comfort: Bi-swing back design for enhanced range of motion, with an insulated lining for added warmth.
- Additional Features: Iconic asymmetrical zip design, snap-down lapels, and shoulder epaulets.
- Ideal For: Riders seeking a timeless, rugged jacket that embodies classic motorcycle culture.
I am not a professional who can judge everything, but I have a lot of experience wearing a motorcycle jacket.