Best motorcycle jackets tried and tested by MCN | An expert buying guide, whatever you ride

After a helmet, the most well known piece of kit that bikers wear is a good motorcycle jacket. Motorcyclists have been wearing leather jackets ever since riders first discovered that cow hide was better at resisting damage than tweed. Things have come along way since then…

From the fairly basic all-black jackets riders worn by the Rockers in the 1960s (black to hide the oil spots as the bikes’ engines were generally far from oil-tight), we now have multi-coloured jackets in a huge variety of different shapes, styles and colours, covering everything from casual to full on touring. Fabric technology has also moved on hugely over time with textile materials offering a lot of versatility and choice.

There are now options available that are specifically designed for summer or winter riding, whether you ride a sportsbike, a naked or adventure bike. There are even a few options that include the latest airbag protective technology. Which type of jacket you require will be largely determined by what, where and when you ride.

Jump straight to

Things to consider before you buy a motorcycle jacket

Before you put your hand in your pocket and buy a motorbike jacket, there are a few things you need to think about.

What bike you have, the kind of riding you do, where you ride and what conditions you face should all be taken into consideration first.

Jackets with a sporty cut, for example, fit the riding position on a sportsbike better than a cruiser or adventure bike. You’ll notice when you see a rack of leather sportsbike jackets in the shop that the arms all naturally hang forward in front of the torso. This is so they are comfortable when reaching forwards for clip-on handle bars.

That’s not to say they won’t work at all on other bike types, but it’s possible you’d be better off looking elsewhere.

Next, think about the kind of riding you do. If a bimble around town or to the pub on a sunny day is about as far as you get (or you want a jacket specifically for this) then you won’t need to think about weather protection. You could also consider a AA-standard safety level, too, or even a riding shirt or hoodie.

If you ride in all weathers, year-round and won’t get out of bed for less than a 300-mile route, then you will be looking at laminated textiles with thermal liners or a modular textile system with separate drop liners and wind-proof layers.

Leather is still the safest material in a slide and a AAA jacket with level 2 armour and back protector is most likely for you if you ride a sportsbike at or above a middleweight engine size. And if you fancy riding on track, go for one that can zip to matching trousers, too.

Style is less crucial than safety when it comes to motorbike jackets, but there’s a safety aspect to looking good in your clobber, too. If you think it looks good, you’ll always wear it.

Feeling comfortable is also a big deal on your bike – if you’re thinking about a chafe or pinch you’re not concentrating on the road properly. So, make sure you get the right size (order several and return the wrong ones) and resist wearing hand-me-down gear from a friend or family member if it doesn’t really fit (or it was made in the mid-20th century).

Leather Jackets

When people think about a motorcycle jacket, chances are the image of a leather jacket is what is conjured up in their mind. Leather was considered the best material to make jackets from for a long time as it had great abrasion resistance. These days typically leather jackets are for sportsbike riders and retro style riders due to the fact that leather jackets tend to be less practical than textile jackets. With less pockets and less versatility with varying weather conditions.

Full list of leather motorcycle jackets

Can be paired with trousers
Tried and tested by Emma Franklin for four months

"Made from full-grain leather and featuring a sporty cut with Level-1 internal protectors as well as external shoulder armour, the S-1 meets the highest AAA rating for abrasion protection.

At first, the thick cowhide leather comes as a bit of a shock after wearing soft, retro leather jackets which feel instantly comfortable. As a result, it took a full day of wear for the S-1 to 'break-in' and give a little, but after that, although the fit is still very snug and secure, l've found the jacket to be all-day comfortable.

Extremely solidly built, the quality of the S-1 is impressive. It feels like a proper protective garment thanks to the way it's been stitched and also the inclusion of double-layered leather at key impact areas, such as the elbows. The only slight disappointment is the absence of a back protector element although you can add a Level-2 insert for an extra £29.99 if you so wish.

With abrasion-resistant four-way stretch panels under the arms and concertinaed leather at the flanks combined with Velcro waist adjusters, this jacket allows plenty of movement and as a result doesn't feel restrictive. It's been designed to be worn with jeans meaning that it finishes just over the hips, and also features a neoprene-mounted full-circumference connection zip. Inside, there's a zip-out thermal gilet which is fairly thin but does just enough to keep off the early morning chill from the smattering of ventilation holes on the chest area. The S-1 is lined with a mesh fabric which helps with comfort on very warm days."

Pair with RST S-1 CE Sport trousers to make a suit.

Pros

  • AAA rated protection
  • Sports styling
  • Great price

Cons

  • Needs a bit of breaking in
  • Back protector not included
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Hard-wearing leather and 4 way stretch material
CE Garment Rating AAA
Armour Shoulder and elbow
  • Fixed quick dry mesh lining
  • Removable thermal liner
  • Pocket for optional back protector
  • Perforated leather for airflow
  • Available as a two piece suit as part of the S-1 Range

Textile Jackets

Textile jackets tend to be more versatile than leather jacket due to their larger pockets, removable liners and waterproof membranes. Almost all touring jackets will be made of a textile material but pretty much any type of motorcycle jacket, be it retro, sports or adventure, will have a textile option. Textile garments are usually machine washable and can be re waterproofed using special detergents, which can make them an easier option for some. For help with how to wash textile motorbike kit.

Full list of textile motorcycle jackets

Expert rating:

5.0
Tried and tested by Dan Sutherland for six months and 5,000 miles

"It’s comfortable, well-specced, and has kept me dry on multiple sodden motorway runs.
That said, the harsh rain and flash flooding at the end of September did prove too much to cope with - leaking onto my clothes underneath after around 30 minutes. However, it’s also kept me warm in single digit temperatures and is bearable (if sweaty) in hot conditions."

"It’s been the ideal commuting companion, and I’ve ditched the leather jackets this year in favour of just wearing this at the weekends. Afterall, it offers all the same benefits, except I also know it’ll keep my dry if the rain arrives. What’s not to like?"

"It also doesn’t ride up my back and is comfortable to wear off the bike. There’s no daft faux race humps to contend with either, helping it to fit in on a range of bike styles. There’s no doubt I’ll be using it into 2025, and I reckon it’s worth anyone’s consideration."

Read Dan's full RST TracTech Evo 5 review

Pros

  • Advanced armour from RST leather jackets
  • Highly water resistant
  • Sporty looks
  • Suitable for three season riding across multiple bike types

Cons

  • Bulky cuffs can make things awkward for gloves
  • Still warm with winter liner removed in peak summer riding conditions
  • Looks could be considered conservative
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    5.0
Construction 100 polyester 600d
Type Textile
CE rating AA
Armour Level two elbow, shoulder, and back
  • Waterproof liner
  • Six pockets
  • Removable winter liner
  • Adjustment straps
  • Intake and exhaust ports

Expert rating:

5.0
Tested by Ben Clarke for two months and 1,000 miles

"The RST Pro Series Commander jacket is the firm’s flagship textile motorcycle jacket. It’s a completely waterproof laminate jacket thanks to its SinAqua Pro technology – meaning you don’t have to mess around with waterproof linings – and is packed with vents for when the weather is good, too."

"The Commander is a jacket built for touring and so it’s crammed with practical touches like its five inner and five outer pockets, soft touch collar and removable thermal liner – plus a AA CE rating and CE level 2 armour for your back, shoulders and elbows."

"For riding large distances through all weathers or simply commuting through the winter, the Commander is a solid option and, at £284.99, it won’t break the bank either."

Full RST Pro Commander review

Pros

  • Warm
  • Dry
  • Comfy
  • Practical
  • Loads of pockets
  • Lots of venting

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Not the best-looking
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Construction Waterproof laminate textile
Type Touring, commuting
CE rating AA
Armour CE Level 2 at elbows, shoulders and back
  • Attachment zip
  • Thermal
  • Waterproof
  • Vented
  • Adjustable at arms, wrists and waist
  • Five outer and five inner pockets
Price: £341.99 (was £359.99)
Tested by Michael Neeves for nine months and 3,000 miles

Adventure jackets are without doubt the most practical around and the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Dystar (and matching trousers) is one of the best I’ve used. It’s light, stylish, easy to wear and has lots of useful features, like good length sleeves and back, big pockets and strong, easy to use zips and fasteners.

The jacket and trousers have a quality feel, are sturdily made and cool to wear in the heat thanks to its superb ventilation panels. Best of all are the extra two inner jackets included in the price.
Used together they keep me warm and dry in the depths of winter, the waterproof layer can be used over any clothing and the thermal jacket can be worn on its own when you’re off the bike. For big riding trips on or off-road in all kinds of weather conditions this jacket has been the perfect companion.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Well made
  • Light
  • Easy to wear
  • Well fitted
  • Cool in the summer, warm and waterproof in the winter
  • Reasonably priced.

Cons

  • Collar could be higher
  • Adventure style looks won’t be for everybody
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction 65% Polyamide/35% Polyester outer (450 and 600 Denier) outer jacket.<br>Polyester removable thermal inner jacket.<br>Polyester ‘Drystar’ removable waterproof jacket.
Type All-season uni-sex riding jacket
CE Rating AA (EN 17092-3:2020)
Armour Level 2, Type B (EN 1621-1:2012) Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder and elbow protectors.
  • Outer jacket: DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treated, four larger outer pockets (two zippable
  • Two Velcro fastened) to the front and one Velcro to the rear
  • Two large zippable front ventilation panels in the front, one in the rear and one in each arm
  • Stretch inserts around armpits and elbows
  • Adjustable waist and forearm straps
  • Drawstring bottom and Velcro cuff fastenings
  • Two inner pockets (one waterproof)
  • Chest and back protector pockets
  • Quilter thermal liner: two Velcro fastened inner pockets

Summer Jackets

Summer jackets are fairly self explanatory, they are jackets that are designed to keep you cooler in summer riding conditions. They tend to be either perforated leather or a textile with mesh inserts to allow airflow through the jacket.

Full list of summer motorcycle jackets

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie

"It's an impressively versatile garment that features highly breathable mesh panels and a water-and windproof drop liner in case the weather turns.

"In practise this means you can wear it without fear of a summer downpour, and even consider extending the season you wear it into the warmer weeks of spring and autumn.

"The HD polyester construction offers good abrasion resistance without being still and heavy to wear, while three colourways range from neutral silver and blue, off-road suitable green and (my favourite) grey camo.

"Whichever you end up with, you'll get a short, sporty cut and precurved arms that enable a more aggressive riding position without excess material bunching up.

"It's really comfy, incredibly lightweight and highly ventilated – perfect for hot summer blasts, urban rides and short commutes. Worn by itself you get a proper gust of wind flowing through the chest and arm panels and out of the back, to combat the dreaded boiler suit effect of traditional leather or textile jackets in warm weather."

Read our full Oxford Dakar Dry2Dry Air review

Pros

  • Really comfy and lightweight
  • Highly ventilated
  • Snug but tailored fit

Cons

  • No back protector included
  • Waterproof lining leaves some damp spots
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
CE Rating AA
Armour L1
Construction Nylon and mesh
  • Removable waterproof liner
  • Water resistant
  • Connection zip for trousers
  • Accordion panels at the elbow

Retro Jackets

With old being the new new, retro motorcycle styling is big these days. With detailing like diamond stitching and studs to give that vintage feel. These jackets tend to be either leather or waxed cotton. The perfect pairing for a classic motorcycle.

Full list of retro motorbike gear

Price: £299.99 (was 339.99)
Tried and tested by Richard Newland for three months and 2,150 miles

"I can’t tell you if you should like the looks, but I love it. Simple, timeless, chameleon-like in its multi-bike suitability – it’s an instant classic in my eyes. If you like the looks, but want something that feels more overtly like a retro jacket, go for the Brown option instead."

"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

Cons

  • AA not AAA rated
  • Overall
    4.0
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
Contruction Buffalo Leather
Protection D3O back, elbow and shoulder armour
CE Garment Rating AA
Zip attachment Short
  • Removable thermal liner
  • Retro shoulder stitching
  • Snap button neck closure
  • Available in black or brown
  • Unisex

Sportsbike Jackets

Sportsbike jackets are most often leather due to its abrasion resistance but are also available in textile. They have a shorter cut to avoid rucking up when leant over to the low bars of a sportsbike. You may find a race hump at the back to increase aerodynamics.

Full list of best sporty motorcycle gear

Can be paired with trousers
Price: £408.99 (was £429.99)
Tested by Joseph Wright for 6 months and 4,500 miles

"Initially, I was sceptical about the high price of this Alpinestars jacket and wondered how much of it was based on the brand name. But the more I wore it, the more I realised its thoughtful design, such as the collar with a soft fabric edge to prevent chafing and air vents that work like MotoGP brake disc scoops funnelling wind into the upper arm to stop you overheating.
While there may be cheaper options available, this jacket offers great value and is ideal for those seeking the ultimate in motorcycle clothing."

"The Alpinestars sports jacket is a premium and durable item with exceptional quality and attention to detail. It offers ample protection with flexible elbow and shoulder armour, but lacks a back protector. Its design strikes a balance between sporty and simplistic, making it a versatile choice that looks great on modern and retro bikes alike. Despite its high price, it's an ideal choice for those seeking the ultimate in motorcycle clothing."

Pair with Alpinestars Track V2 Trousers to create a full suit.

Read Joseph's Alpinestars Faster V2 review

Pros

  • Leather and mesh construction
  • Airflow zips are effective
  • Soft collar 

Cons

  • Elongated rear could be longer
  • Back protector should be included for the price
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Construction 1.3mm multi-panel leather
Liner Mesh
External armour TPU shoulder sliders
Armour CE level 2 Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder and elbow - optional back protector
Overall CE rating AA
  • Maximum ventilation
  • Stretch panels in non impact zones
  • Soft collar
  • Elongated rear
  • Available as part of a two piece suit

Ladies Jackets

Ladies jackets are obviously cut and tailored differently to accommodate the different body shape that women have. Other than the fit, ladies jackets don’t vary much from the mens’ versions.

Full list of ladies motorcycle jackets

Tried and tested by Emma Franklin for 12 months and 6,000 miles

"This buffalo leather jacket combines retro looks with a sporty twist, thanks to its detachable
cotton hood which fixes to the collar via poppers. The AA-rated Toulon 2 is my go-to jacket for dry spring and summer days, and even after considerable wear, it's still looking and performing as good as new.

"It comes with a full complement of D30 Level-1 soft armour in the back, elbows and shoulders that feel comfy and don't add too much bulk. Inside there's a detachable thermal gilet to help keep the chill away from your core on cooler days, but I have to admit to riding without it most of the time. I found the fit to be pretty much true to size, although you will need to go a size up if you're planning on wearing multiple layers underneath"

Available in sizes UK 8-20, and in mens' cut, too.

Pros

  • It's comfortable to wear
  • Still looks new after quite a bit of wear
  • Has a removable gilet for those chilly mornings
  • D3O armour at shoulders, elbows and back

Cons

  • May need to size up, especially if you're planning to wear layers
  • The hood won't be for everyone (although you can remove it)
  • Only AA-safety standard
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
Construction Buffalo leather
CE Garment Rating AA
Armour Level 1 back, shoulder and elbows
  • Detachable liner
  • Detachable hood
  • Handwarmer pockets

Casual Jackets

Casual or urban riding jackets are designed to look more like regular clothes, for instance hoodies or softshell jackets. Typically they don’t offer the highest level of protection as their intent is more aimed at city riding at slower speeds. It’s important to be mindful of the safety ratings that are offered by this type of clothing and think if it is the right choice for your riding style.

Full list of casual riding jackets

Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for eight months and 500 miles

'This AA rated riding hoodie from Roadskin is really comfortable on and off the bike and looks almost like a standard casual garment. It’s not the lightest or the coolest option out there, but that’s the compromise you make for improved safety. I’ve worn a few different riding hoodies over the years and one of the common complaints is that the soft fabric allows the armour to flap around in the breeze, leaving you wondering if it will be there to protect you in a crash. This isn’t the case at all with the Easyrider II, which uses an elasticated liner to hold everything in place as you ride. There are also hand hoops that keep the sleeves from riding up and a belt hoop at the back to keep your back covered. 

If you don’t want to ride with the hood attached then you can zip it off, but I don’t normally wear mine for long enough at high speeds for it to become an issue. I’ve worn this hoodie on everything from a BMW M1000R to a Triumph Scrambler 400 X and it’s been comfortable on everything. It also feels like it will hold together well over time.'

Read our full Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie review

Pros

  • Good level of protection
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not very lightweight
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
Armour Level 2 back, shoulders and elbows
CE Garment Rating AA
  • Waterproof membrane
  • Mesh lining
  • Detatchable hood
  • Belt loops
  • Two front external pockets

Things to consider when buying a motorcycle jacket

Safety Ratings

It’s generally considered a good idea to buy the safest gear that you can reasonably afford to, but it isn’t always that clear what is safe and what isn’t.

Motorcycle jackets in the UK should be certified to a safety standard, this is the CE rating. There are two types of ratings, one is for the abrasion resistance of the garment, rated from B to AAA and the other is for the armour. This will be rated at either level 1 or level 2, depending on the impact protection it provides.

Can it be zipped to a set of trousers?

Most jackets have a zip to allow them to be connected to a set of trousers (from the same manufacturer) to create a a suit where the back does not ride up and create a gap. Some jackets will have a full connection zip and others will only have a short zip the only zips the back.

Is the lining removable?

Most textile jackets will have a removable liner but not all leather ones will. If the lining isn’t removable, the jacket can become sweaty and a bit smelly, so buying one with a removable lining is generally a good idea, not only so they can be washed but also so they jacket can be worn in a wider variety of weather conditions.

Does it have vents?

The more vents, the cooler you will be! Some leather jackets are perforated, which is fine if the sun it out but less good when it rains, where textiles generally have zip-covered vents. If you are planning on touring hot areas, the more vents the merrier, but be aware that any zip is a potential weak point when it comes to water ingress so a waterproof zip is ideal.

Is it waterproof or water-resistant?

A lot of jackets are ‘water-resistant’ or ‘shower-proof’ which means they will resist a bit of rain but not a full-on deluge. A waterproof jacket should ensure that you stay dry in even the worst of the British rain.

What size do I need?

The fit you require from your jacket will depend on when you use it, winter jackets probably want to fit a little more loosely so there is room for layers underneath. A summer jacket can fit more snuggly as you will be unlikely to require layering up underneath, maybe just a summer baselayer. Some jackets are measured in sizes (XS to XXXL), others in EU measurements or UK sizes so check each firm’s size chart first what size will suit you.

Does it have a hump?

Some sporty leather jackets have an aerodynamic hump on their rear. They aren’t really necessary when riding on the road, but some like the race look, or maybe you plan to ride on the track.

Motorbikes

How MCN tests Jackets

At MCN, our team of expert journalists with decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles test as many jackets as we can get our hands on so we can tell you which is worth spending your money on.

We don’t test our kit to destruction or crash test it (not on purpose); 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.

Some of our testers specialise in sportier kit and ride a lot of sportsbikes on the road and track while other prefer touring in textiles or cruising the streets on a Harley with a retro leather jacket.

Whatever we’re riding and wearing, the testers are asked to think about certain aspects of their jacket when they are writing their review. These categories should be given a star rating out of five, with only jackets that are awarded four stars or more overall included in a buying guide.

Comfort

Is the jacket comfy? This may seem like a pretty basic need but it’s one of the most important factors. If you’re thinking about how uncomfortable you are, you’re not thinking about the road ahead! Comfort also covers aspects like the venting/insulation and the feel on and off the bike.

Practicality

It’ll be more of an issue with more complicated modular jacket systems but is it easy to put on/take off? The testers will also consider the number and location of pockets and versatility in this category.

Looks

The look of a jacket is completely subjective, but we like our testers to give an opinion. They know their onions after all!

Quality

How does it feel? You can often tell from the moment you pick up a jacket whether it’s likely to last a lifetime or barely a season. If it’s waterproof, does it stay dry? What are the zips like to use and are they sturdy?

Protection

This is an objective element to this category as we only test jackets that are designated as PPE and so meet the required CE testing criteria. The overall garment abrasion standard and the level of the armour is taken into consideration, but it’s not as simple as scoring a tougher jacket higher.

Some jackets are designed to be lightweight, cooling or casual-looking and so any CE rating is impressive. Similarly, a high-rated jacket could have armour that doesn’t stay in place as you move around.

Ultimately, we ask our testers if they would you feel confident crashing in it (or how it performed when they did crash in it).

Value

Is the asking price fair compared to other jackets on the market and the quality of garment you get. Cheap doesn’t mean the same as good value here.

Overall

An aggregate of the other scores that may be rounded up or down at the discretion of the tester. The big question is, would they spend their own money on the jacket?

If you can’t see a review against a jacket on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These jackets 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.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.


Our scores explained

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. 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.

- Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.