Best summer motorcycle jackets so you can keep your cool, even when the heat rises
Everyone loves riding in the summer. The sun’s out, the temperature is up, and the beach is a perfect ride away – what can be better than a blast to the seaside for fish and chips or an ice cream.
We’ve all seen, and shivered in terror at, riders of motorcycles or scooters in summer wearing full-safety flip-flops, T-shirts and shorts as they whizz around enjoying the warm temperatures. My blood freezes when I see this kind of thing because, as romantic and cool as it looks, the damage even a low-speed off can do without a summer motorcycle jacket doesn’t bear thinking about.
Warm weather is no reason not to be properly protected so thankfully there are numerous summer motorcycle jackets that will keep you safe and protected while allowing you to enjoy the freedom and warmth of a summer ride. Paired with a great pair of summer gloves, a quality base layer and summer trousers, you’ll be set to head out and hit the roads in comfort and safety this summer.
Jump to
- Safety considerations
- What to consider
- Materials
- Features
- Styles
- Our favourite summer jackets
- Ladies summer jackets
- FAQ
- How we test kit
Safety first
First and foremost, you need to look for protection. As with any motorcycle clothing, summer jackets will have an overall CE rating which shows how protective it is. This is a measure of its abrasion resistance, to protect you in case you end up sliding along the road as well as its construction methods, so it won’t come apart in a crash.
All motorcycle gear is classified as PPE and must contain a CE label stating it’s protective rating in letters; from C, B, A, AA and AAA, the latter being the most protective.
Like all other protective clothing, summer motorcycle jackets should also include CE-approved armour. This can be either Level-1 or Level-2; the latter indicates a higher absorption of impact and hence, protection.
Look for armour in at least the shoulders and elbows and ideally, a back protector as well though even if a jacket is not supplied with one, there should be one available as an option from the manufacturer, usually either Level-1 or Level-2. You may also find that chest armour is available to add more protection.
What to consider with a summer riding jacket
One thing a summer jacket needs to do differently from say a year-round or a winter jacket is keep you cool, rather than warm.
You may find that some come with removable thermal liners and these can be handy for early-morning starts or late-evening finishes but generally, a summer jacket will either have mesh in the low-impact zones to allow huge amounts of air flow into the body or at least several vents that can be opened to do the same thing.
Leather jackets may have perforated sections to allow air in since they can retain heat more than textiles sometimes.
Materials
Think summer motorcycle jacket and a classic leather jacket may spring to mind. Leather is great for protection – that’s why racers and track day riders use leather suits – it offers the best abrasion resistance and generally, excellent construction too.
However, leather can be hot and heavy and doesn’t necessarily make the best summer jacket for very warm weather. Textiles can be better, as they can be lighter yet reinforced in key impact areas and can even be breathable without opening vents, if necessary.
Think about cleaning as well – insect roadkill can be a real issue in summer and you may find it easier to get dead bugs off textile material than say leather but conversely, you might feel the extra effort is worth it if you prefer cowhide, for example.
Features
Like any motorcycle jackets, summer versions will have a variety of features. A thermal liner, as we said, might be handy if you’re leaving home early or expected late back. While it may be nearly 30° at lunchtime, it could be much less as dawn approaches…
- Related: Best summer motorcycle trousers
You may also find waterproofing could be useful. British summers are notorious for unexpected rain and an element of rainproofing may go down well when an inevitable shower approaches. Alternatively, just keep a small waterproof overjacket under the seat in case.
Style
You can get a decent summer jacket in almost every style you would want; traditional touring, street or sports, casual or urban, adventure, classic or retro. Whatever your personal style or your bike, there is something out there for everyone.
Our pick of some of the best summer motorcycle jackets
"There's plenty to like for the wallet-friendly price of £129.99. Comfort is a strong point with the armour hugging my shoulders and elbows exactly as it should. The armour feels like it has been moulded with the rider in mind but with the mesh construction the jacket only reaches the basic CE A and Level 1 ratings. You also get a waterproof membrane, which has kept me dry in showery rides, plus reflective detailing for visibility and hoop adjustments on the arms and waist."
"There's no back protector as standard, although there is a pocket for one, and there's enough room to squeeze a chest and back protector vest inside - something I've come to favour on rides of any distance. Adjustable cuffs also allow me to make them nice and tight. What the S-1 doesn't get is an inside pocket, which is a shame. You get two external zipped compartments, but l like to have my phone in an inside space as it somehow feels more secure. But that's just my preference."
Pros
- It's comfortable to wear
- Has a waterproof membrane for summer showers
Cons
- Not the most protective at only A certification
| CE rating | A |
| Armour | Elbow and shoulder |
| Construction | MaxTex with mesh inserts |
- Short jacket to RST jeans connection zip
- Front intake and rear exhaust vents
- Pocket for additional back protector insert
- Reflective details
"There’s really nothing I can suggest to improve the Daytona 2 – beyond getting it up to the AAA CE rating to really deliver ultimate peace of mind. You’re getting a quality looking, quality feeling leather jacket that’s well lined, well spec’d, thoughtfully designed and well put together – with a decent AA CE safety rating – and all for a price that is entirely fair. It feels like it’ll last a decade, and I can’t imagine I’d be any less keen to wear it if it does."
Read Richard's full Richa Daytona 2 review
Pros
- Looks great
- Works on almost any bike
- Luxury feeling finish
Cons
- AA rated not AAA
| Construction | High-quality buffalo leather |
| Type | Retro classic |
| CE rating | AA |
| Armour | D3O back, elbow and shoulder |
- Short connection zip to attach to trousers
- Removable thermal liner ideal for colder rides
- Large front zip with snap button neck closure
- Stitched shoulder details
British kit brand Oxford Products has seemingly come up with the ideal summer jacket; it's a classic sports-style cut and the outer is formed in high-density polyester for an overall CE rating of AA.However, the chest features huge mesh panels that allow copious amounts of air in and the entire outer is treated to prevent the material becoming waterlogged in rain.
It comes with a waterproof and windproof inner jacket so that if the weather is cold or damp at the beginning or end of a ride, you can stay dry and it comes with Level-1 armour in the shoulders and elbows and a back protector pocket.
A short connection zip allows the jacket to be attached to a pair of trousers.
Check out our in depth review on the Oxford Dakar Air.
Pros
- Waterproof coating and removable liner
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
| CE Rating: | AA |
| Armour: | L1 (S, E) |
| Material: | Nylon |
| Cooling: | Mesh |
- Removable waterproof liner
- Water resistant
- Connection zip for trousers
- accordion panels at the elbow
"The Knox Urbane Pro can be worn on its own as a mesh jacket, and it performs very well when you do. It offers lots of ventilation in all the right areas to keep you cool. Only leather will beat if for protection too, with a CE AA safety rating, and level 2 armour in the shoulders, elbows, and back.
"But it's designed as an 'armoured shirt'; to be worn as a protective under-layer that you can wear anything you like on top of. It lets you approach your riding kit in a modular way, offering good impact and abrasion resistance to keep you safe, and nothing else. That means you'll need to add layers for extra abrasion resistance, waterproofing, or keeping warm, should you need it.
"But, there's little concession to safety as a result - the armour doesn't move out of place, since it's closer to the body than in a regular jacket. Plus you can wear any hoodie or non-motorcycle clothing you like on top, to get the best of both protection and style. I've tried the previous Mk2 version, and it is a seriously impressive bit of kit. It’s a very well thought-out and specified garment that offers excellent protection and versatility."
Read our full Knox Urbane Pro Mk2 review (previous version)
Pros
- Core base layer for protection
- Great airflow when worn alone
- Easily paired with specific waterproof or thermal clothing
Cons
- Primarily a summer garment in isolation
| CE rating: | AA |
| Armour rating: | L2 |
- CE Approved Micro-Lock Compact in the shoulders, back and elbows
- Security belt loop system to attach shirt to trousers
- Pocket for optional CE approved chest protector
- Stretch mesh panels added for flexibility and comfort
- Two exterior zipped pockets with reflective zip pullers
- Additional four interior low profile pockets
- Another two pockets inside for your phone and earplugs
Ladies summer jackets
"During the summer months, I love to have a vented jacket in my arsenal of riding kit. It’s one of those go-to bits of riding gear that I always feel is an extravagance to have hanging in the garage for much of the year, but it’s worth every penny. Over the years I’ve tested various, at varying price points and from different manufacturers and I’ve found this one from Oxford Products ticks all the right boxes.
"Made from polyester, the key areas are traditional fabric with around a third of the jacket made from perforated, air-tex style material, so it’s perfect for summer rides. It has a CE approved A-rating and comes fitted with CE approved protectors at the shoulders and elbows, with space for a back protector.
"The mandarin style collar is soft lined and comfortable and there are nice touches with adjusters at the hip and on the sleeves, which ensure a snug fit. A couple of zipped external pockets are large enough for keys, and an internal pocket will hold my mobile phone. I’ve opted for the black and grey version, that has subtle flashes of pink, not to my taste but it’s brighter than the black option. I wear a size 14 and it’s true to size."
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Nice and snug fit
Cons
- Minimum safety ratings
| CE rating: | AA |
| Armour rating: | L1 |
- Subtle black reflective elements give full humanoid profile
- CE approved armour at shoulders and elbows
- Mesh-lined handwarmer pockets
- Accordion stretch panels at elbows
"This armoured baselayer by Pando Moto has really impressed me, it's like a second skin, so fitted and lightweight feeling that you feel like you shouldn't be wearing it on a motorbike, yet somehow it is AA CE rated with level 1 armour at the elbow and shoulder. I have also added the level 2 back protector for additional safety."
"I've worn it numerous times on it's own when the weather has been above 26 degrees or so, and it has proven to be very cooling when riding. The only downside to wearing it as a standalone garment is that there are no pockets for my earplugs, but this is only a minor thing. Ive also worn it under a regular unarmoured hoodie as it is so snug that you can wear pretty much whatever you like over the top of it, pretty handy when you're out and about and the temperature changes throughout the day or into the evening."
"It's remarkable comfortable due to it's stretchy fit and flexible low profile armour and I find that I do opt for this baselayer and a hoodie in preference over my jackets due to how comfortable it is."
Pros
- Really lightweight and thin
- Versatile as can be worn under other clothing
- Impressively comfortable
Cons
- No pockets at all
| CE Rating | AA |
| Armour | Level 1 elbow and shoulder |
| Type | Armoured base layer |
| Gender | Unisex |
- Made of extremely durable power-stretch knitted BALISTEX® fabric (15 times stronger than steel)
- Highly heat-conducting fabric (cools down)
- Bi-stretch fabric gives maximum comfort and keeps armor in place
- Low profile protection for unrestricted movements
- Option to add a back protector
Frequently asked questions
Can a summer jacket really keep me safe in an accident?
As with all motorcycle gear, safety ratings are really important to pay attention to. Any mesh jacket should display a CE garment rating for the abrasion resistance that it offers and a level 1 or 2 CE rating for the armour that is fitted. AAA rated with level 2 armour will offer the best protection and A being the poorer level of protection. Due to the mesh insert areas this type of summer jacket is less likely to be able to offer the highest AAA level of protection but AA is often sufficient for normal road riding.
Can a summer jacket really keep me cool?
A mesh jacket is probably the most effective type of summer jacket for cooling, due to the amount of air that they allow to pass through them. Perforated leather can also be an option for the airflow is usually reduced and the leather will hold heat in direct sunlight more than some synthetic fabrics.
Is colour important in choosing a summer jacket?
Colour can play a role in a jackets ability to keep you cool, black is well known for absorbing heat while lighter colours will reflect a certain amount if the suns heat away from you. So if you really struggle with the heat a paler colour would likely be a better choice.
How MCN tests summer jackets
At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles in order to provide you with opinions and evaluations you can trust, alongside news of the most significant developments in motorcycling safety gear. We want you to stay safe, enjoy your riding and hopefully look great while doing so!
We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions.
That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on. To make it onto this list, these summer jackets must have been worn for hundreds of miles by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, meet current safety standards as well as offering decent value for money.
Each of our expert reviewers tests their products for a variety of things, both subjective and objective, and these summer jackets are no exception. Factors assessed include their ability to let air flow through, what level of protection they offer, how comfortable they are to wear, how they look, how cool they keep you while riding and anything other features they may have.
We cover hundreds of miles in these summer jackets and regularly compare them with one another in the office, so collectively we’ve built the sort of knowledge base you can trust.
If you can’t see a review against a summer jacket on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.
When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given summer jacket, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. We test against criteria like how comfortable it is, how protective is it, does it look good and if it is good value for it’s price tag. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:
- 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
- 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
- 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
- 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
- 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.
To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.
- Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
