Best single layer motorcycle jeans | Thin feel but full on safety
![Best single layer motorcycle jeans](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/205248/822x548/best-single-layer-riding-jeans.jpg)
When it comes to riding jeans, single layer motorcycle jeans offer the best compromise between comfort, cooling and protection. Sure, a set of textiles are great if you’re going a long way and leathers make sense for sportier rides, but for shorter or more casual journeys, a jacket and jeans is hard to beat.
As their name implies, single layer motorcycle jeans are constructed without doubling up on fabric for reinforcement, so abrasion resistance is achieved by weaving aramid fibres into the denim itself. Recent developments in material technology means that a pair of single layer motorcycle jeans can achieve a CE rating of AAA, the highest possible for abrasion resistance and construction strength.
In addition to a robust construction, you should also expect armour at the knee, and ideally the hips as well, to protect from impact . As with all motorcycle clothing, this can either be rated CE Level 1 or the more shock-absorbent Level-2.
As with any form of clothing, sizing and style can vary, so trying a pair on before you commit is essential.
You should also consider the cut; straight-cut jeans tend to be a bit more generous in the legs, while skinny fit may not work for riders with chunkier legs. And you may also need to consider your footwear – if you really like skinny-fit jeans, you may need a pair of shorter, more casual boots to go under them.
Here is a selection of single layer motorcycle jeans that will keep you safe and feeling cool.
Tested by Dan Sutherland for five months and 1,000 miles
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/205248/820x0/rst-x-kevlar-jeans.jpg)
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/205248/820x0/rst-x-kevlar-jeans.jpg)
Pros
- CE Approved protection
- Stylish looks
Cons
- Only really work with short boots
CE Rating | AA |
Armour | Level 1 knee and hip |
Construction | Denim and Kevlar |
- Cotton front leg lining
- Classic five-pocket design
- Infinite adjustment armour system
- Contrast stitch detail
Alongside all this the Vaser jeans are a traditional 5 pocket design, so when off the bike you have somewhere for your phone and wallet, like you would ordinarily carry.
Construction | Kevlar jeans |
CE Rating | AA |
Armour | Hip and knee |
- YKK zips
- Double stitched seams
- Aramid Kevlar lining
Tried and tested by Joseph Wright for six months and 2,500 miles
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/239496/820x0/oxford-original-jeans.jpg)
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/239496/820x0/oxford-original-jeans.jpg)
their lightweight single-layer material, which is flexible on and off the bike, twinned with Level 2 CE hip/knee protectors which mould neatly around your joints all creating a fairly slim profile. I opted for the slim-fit style which exceeded expectations though the winter and spring but seem to have more restricted breathability in summer. A straight-leg fit is available and the looser fit may encourage more airflow
Pros
- Comfortable
- Look good
Cons
- Not very breathable in summer
Construction | Lightweight single layer Armourlite denim construction |
Armour | CE Level 2 knee and hip |
CE Rating | AA |
- Triple stitched seams
- Reinforced lined yolk
- Lined back pockets
Tried and tested by Richard Newland for three months and 1,200 miles
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/205248/820x0/bull-it-icon-ii-jeans.jpg)
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/205248/820x0/bull-it-icon-ii-jeans.jpg)
Read Richard's full Bull-It Tactical Icon review
Construction | Kevlar and denim |
Armour | CE Level 2 hip and knee |
CE Rating | AA |
- Covec high-performance AA stretch denim
- Water resistant finish
- Adjustable protector pockets
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for 12 months and 3,000 miles
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/239496/820x0/roadskin-taranis-elite-jeans.01.webp)
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/239496/820x0/roadskin-taranis-elite-jeans.01.webp)
No, they’re not the cheapest, but they look great on and off the bike and achieving a AAA rating for a denim garment should be applauded.
I would certainly spend my own money on a pair without thinking twice.
Read our full Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA review
Pros
- Comfy
- Look like normal jeans
- Peace of mind from AAA rating
Cons
- Not the cheapest
Construction | Cotton, Kevlar, PE, Cordura, Lycra |
Type | Denim riding jeans |
CE Rating | AAA |
Armour | CE-level 2 hip and knee |
- Available in three lengths
- Stretch fabric
- Single layer
- Mesh lining
PMJ Deux
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/205248/820x0/pmj.webp)
![](https://mcn-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/205248/820x0/pmj.webp)
The jeans are a traditional five-pocket design with availability in three leg lengths for each waist size with a casual fit and the Deux come with a leather belt. They also include Level-1 knee and hip armour.
Construction | Denim construction with T-Tex Pro and Twaron single layer technology |
CE Rating | AAA |
Armour | Hip and knee |
- Casual fit
- Leather belt included
- Adjustable and removable CE approved protectors at knees
- No external stitching
- Removable CE approved hip protectors
How MCN tests products
At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. 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.
Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.
If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items 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.
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