MCN's guide to the best waterproof motorcycle jeans and trousers that we've tested

When we talk about waterproof motorcycle jeans, we don’t necessarily mean that they are made from denim. Riding jeans are motorcycle trousers that are more jeans-like in their cut and fit rather than larger and more adjustable touring-style trousers, for example. In some online stores the term motorcycle jeans is used for all motorcycle trousers.

Jump to:

• Why waterproof jeans and trousers are useful
• What makes a waterproof jean or trouser
• What to consider when buying waterproof jeans
• Our best reviewed waterproof jeans and trousers
• Frequently asked questions
• How we test waterproof jeans and trousers

Why waterproof jeans and trousers are useful

If you are a UK based rider, you are probably very aware that our weather is changeable, meaning there is a strong possibility of being caught out in the rain on a ride and therefore, waterproof motorcycle clothing is a must. For this reason a pair of waterproof motorcycle jeans or trousers are a great addition to your riding wardrobe as they don’t require you to carry a pair of over-trousers in your luggage.

What makes a waterproof jean or trouser?

Waterproof jeans can be made from reinforced denim, textile material or even leather. Leather is rarely fully waterproof however, it can be paired with textile material, membranes or use hydrophobic coatings to achieve decent level of water repellence.

A pair of truly waterproof denim jeans or leathers are going to be hard to find, however there are some options that boast water resistant properties. For genuine waterproofing that will withstand torrential downpours, you will likely need to find some textile trousers.

What to look for when buying waterproof jeans

As with all motorcycle clothing, look for the CE safety certification to show that the waterproof jeans you’re considering have been approved as PPE (personal protective equipment). The highest level is AAA, offering the greatest resistance to abrasion and impacts, which drops to AA, then A. Knee and hip protectors should also be CE approved, and be either Level 1 or the higher Level 2.

Consider the fit, waterproof trousers will need to fit over your motorcycle boots, because otherwise the water will run down your legs and collect in your boots, resulting in soggy feet. Also keep in mind if the pockets are waterproof, many will not be, so if you are keeping anything vulnerable to water in these pockets, it will likely be damaged.

Our best tried and tested waterproof jeans and trousers

Waterproof Jeans

These are the classic denim type waterproof jeans that we have tested and reviewed, and found to be a good option.

Waterproof textiles

These are our favourite textile waterproof jeans that we have tried and tested so far. Below are options for both ends of the budget scale to help you find the right pair for you.

Ladies waterproof trousers

Ladies waterproof trousers are cut differently with the female shape in mind. Below are our favourite waterproof trousers that we have reviewed so far.

Frequently asked questions

Can I waterproof my jeans myself?

Technically yes you can, using waterproof sprays or wash in waterproof treatments, however these are usually not as effective as purpose made waterproof trousers with specifically manufactured membranes etc. One of the reasons is because the seams will not have been taped to keep water out.

How should I wash waterproof trousers?

It’s best to read the label from the manufacturer, some waterproof jeans and trousers will need to be washed with a specific tech wash to maintain the waterproof treatments.

What boots should I wear with waterproof trousers?

Any that you like. Just be mindful that tucking jeans or trousers bottoms into boots will result in wet feet from run off, so ideally a pair of boots that fit inside of your trouser hem.

How MCN tests waterproof jeans and trousers

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, waterproof jeans and trousers must have been worn for hundreds or thousands of miles by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, and meet modern safety standards as well as offering decent value for money. 

Each of our expert reviewers tests their waterproof jeans and trousers for a variety of things, both subjective and objective. Factors assessed include the protection levels, whether there is a thermal liner, if they are genuinely waterproof, how heavy they are and if they include details such as zipped ventilation, waterproof pocket and adjustable fit.

However, we also assess how they fit, their perceived build quality, how many pockets there are and how comfortable they are for long rides in the saddle.

We cover thousands of miles in these waterproof jeans and trousers 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 pair of waterproof jeans or trousers on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested them 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.

Here’s a brief run-down of the star rating system we use, and what each 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. It might be lacking safety features, be poorly built or far too expensive to recommend.
• 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 helmet 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 about our kit testing, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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