Motorcycle Jackets

A motorcycle jacket needs to do more than look right next to the bike. It should fit securely, keep the armour where it belongs, suit your riding position and cope with the weather you actually ride in. At RaceLeathers, you can browse motorcycle jackets for commuting, touring, adventure riding, sports bikes, track days, summer use and year-round road riding.

Our range includes leather motorcycle jackets, waterproof textile jackets, laminated touring jackets, vented mesh jackets, protective riding shirts, armoured hoodies and casual-looking motorcycle gear for men and women riders. We stock jackets across a wide range of sizes, styles and prices from brands including Alpinestars, Bering, Dainese, Halvarssons, Klim, Merlin, Oxford, Richa, Rukka, Segura, Weise and more.

Browse our men's motorcycle jackets or ladies' motorcycle jackets, or continue through the complete range below.

Leather Motorcycle Jackets

Leather motorcycle jackets remain a popular choice for sports bikes, naked bikes, cruisers and riders who prefer a close, secure fit. Depending on the model, they can range from traditional road jackets with a fairly relaxed cut to focused sports jackets with pre-curved sleeves, stretch panels, shoulder sliders and connection zips for matching trousers.

Leather can provide strong abrasion resistance, but not every leather jacket offers the same level of protection. The complete construction matters, including the type and thickness of leather, stitching, reinforcement, garment classification, armour and how well the jacket stays in position.

A sports leather jacket should normally fit fairly closely so that the shoulder and elbow armour remains correctly positioned. Stretch panels and shaped sleeves can make that close fit more comfortable when leaning forward on the bike. A classic or touring leather jacket may have a more upright cut, allowing greater room through the body and space for suitable layers underneath.

Perforated leather can provide useful airflow in warm weather, while non-perforated leather normally offers greater protection from cold wind. Most leather jackets are not designed to be relied upon as long-term waterproof clothing, so check the individual product specification rather than assuming that a bit of rain will simply bounce off because the jacket looks tough.

Leather also needs appropriate care. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning and conditioning instructions, avoid placing wet leather directly against strong heat and allow it to dry naturally. A radiator may get it dry quickly, but it is not known for its gentle approach to leather.

Textile Motorcycle Jackets

Textile motorcycle jackets cover an enormous range of riding gear. They include lightweight summer jackets, everyday commuting equipment, waterproof touring jackets, premium laminated clothing and adventure jackets intended for long journeys in changing conditions.

The word “textile” describes the general construction, not the level of protection or weather resistance. A textile jacket is not automatically waterproof, warm or suitable for winter. Check the garment classification, outer materials, waterproof construction, ventilation and included armour for the particular model.

Depending on the jacket, useful features may include:

• Fixed or removable waterproof membranes.
• Laminated waterproof outer construction.
• Removable thermal linings.
• Direct-opening ventilation panels.
• Sleeve, waist and collar adjustment.
• Connection zips for compatible motorcycle trousers.
• Reflective detailing and external storm flaps.
• Pockets that may or may not hold all the things you thought you needed before setting off.

Some textile jackets provide a relaxed fit for upright touring bikes, while others have shorter fronts and shaped sleeves for a more forward riding position. Choose the jacket around the bike and riding you actually do rather than expecting one design to work equally well for everything.

Waterproof and Laminated Motorcycle Jackets

Not all waterproof motorcycle jackets are built in the same way. The position of the waterproof membrane affects how the jacket behaves in prolonged rain, how much water the outer shell absorbs and how quickly the garment dries afterwards.

• Fixed waterproof liner: The waterproof membrane sits beneath the outer shell. It can keep water from reaching the rider, although the outer material may still become wet and heavier during sustained rain.
• Removable waterproof liner: The membrane can be removed in warmer or drier conditions. This adds flexibility, although you may need to stop and refit it when the weather changes.
• Laminated construction: The waterproof membrane is bonded to the outer material. This normally reduces the amount of water absorbed by the outer shell and allows the jacket to dry more quickly.

Laminated motorcycle jackets are popular with year-round commuters and long-distance tourers because they are designed to deal efficiently with repeated wet-weather use. They usually cost more, however, and the best option depends on how often you ride in rain, how far you travel and how much flexibility you want during warmer weather.

Look at the closure around the collar, cuffs, vents, pockets and main zip as well as the membrane itself. Water has an irritating ability to find the one opening you forgot to fasten properly.

For additional protection that can be carried on the bike and pulled over your usual clothing, browse our motorcycle waterproofs and oversuits.

Summer and Mesh Motorcycle Jackets

Summer motorcycle jackets use mesh panels, perforated leather, vents or lightweight protective materials to increase airflow. A properly designed summer jacket provides a much more sensible alternative to riding in an ordinary T-shirt and hoping that nothing unexpected happens.

Mesh construction can allow large amounts of air through the jacket, particularly when the motorcycle is moving. Some models use mesh across much of the chest, back and sleeves, while others combine smaller ventilation panels with stronger solid material in higher-risk areas.

A summer jacket should still fit securely and keep its armour in the correct position. Check the complete garment rating rather than judging it only by how light it feels. Different summer jackets can achieve very different levels of protective performance.

Some vented jackets also include a removable waterproof or windproof layer. That can make them more versatile during a changeable British summer, although putting the waterproof layer behind a highly ventilated outer shell will not stop the outer jacket becoming wet.

Touring and Adventure Motorcycle Jackets

Touring motorcycle jackets are generally designed for longer periods in the saddle. Comfort, weather protection, ventilation, adjustment and useful storage become particularly important when a jacket is being worn for several hours rather than for a quick ride across town.

Adventure motorcycle jackets often have a longer cut, substantial ventilation, multiple adjustment points and enough room for appropriate base or mid-layers. Some use a fixed waterproof construction, while others have a removable membrane that can be taken out during hot or off-road riding.

Consider how the jacket works when both sitting and standing on the motorcycle. Large pockets, straps and adjustment buckles can be useful, but they should not interfere with a tank bag, hydration pack, backpack or the motorcycle's controls.

Matching trousers can provide more complete weather coverage and usually connect to the jacket with a zip. Check compatibility before mixing manufacturers because connection zips are not universally interchangeable.

Sports and Road Motorcycle Jackets

Sports motorcycle jackets tend to have a shorter front, longer rear, pre-curved arms and a closer fit intended for a forward riding position. Leather is common, although there are also textile sports jackets with waterproof membranes, thermal liners or large ventilation panels.

A jacket that feels slightly short at the front while standing may sit correctly when leaning over the tank. The rear should provide useful coverage without bunching excessively, and the sleeves should continue to cover the wrists when your arms are reaching towards the handlebars.

For track use, check the organiser's requirements before attending. Some track sessions require leather clothing, a full connection zip or a one-piece suit. A road jacket that looks sporty is not automatically accepted for every circuit or event.

Protective Riding Shirts and Motorcycle Hoodies

Protective riding shirts, overshirts and motorcycle hoodies offer a more casual appearance than traditional motorcycle jackets. They can work well for commuting, urban riding and shorter journeys, but they should not be confused with ordinary fashion clothing.

Check whether the complete garment has been tested and classified for motorcycle use, what armour is included and whether there is a pocket for a back protector. Some riding shirts achieve AA or even AAA classification, while others are lighter Class A garments. Appearance alone tells you very little about how the garment has been constructed.

The fit should still hold the elbow and shoulder armour securely. An oversized hoodie may feel comfortable while walking around, but loose armour that can move away from the joint is not doing you any favours.

How Should a Motorcycle Jacket Fit?

A motorcycle jacket should feel comfortable in a riding position without being so loose that the armour moves away from the shoulders or elbows. It should allow you to operate the controls freely and turn your head without the collar or shoulders pushing against your helmet.

When trying a jacket, check that:

• The shoulder armour sits over the shoulder joint rather than down the arm or towards the chest.
• The elbow armour remains over the elbow when your arms are bent.
• The sleeves reach the wrists when holding a riding position.
• The cuffs work properly with your usual motorcycle gloves.
• The jacket does not pull tightly across the shoulders or upper back.
• The collar remains comfortable when fastened.
• The rear provides suitable coverage without riding excessively upwards.
• Any connection zip works with the trousers you intend to wear.

Think about the layers you will genuinely use underneath. A jacket that fits perfectly over a T-shirt may become uncomfortably tight over winter clothing, while buying several sizes too large “just in case” can allow the jacket and armour to move too freely.

Motorcycle clothing sizes vary considerably between brands. The size in your everyday coat is useful as a rough starting point, but it is not a guarantee. Different manufacturers—and different models from the same manufacturer—can use noticeably different cuts.

Motorcycle Jacket Armour

Many motorcycle jackets are supplied with shoulder and elbow armour. A back protector may be included, available as an optional extra or replaced by a simple foam comfort pad, so check the individual product description carefully.

Shoulder, elbow and back protectors may be tested to Level 1 or Level 2 impact requirements. Level 2 armour meets more demanding impact-performance limits, although the shape, thickness, ventilation and flexibility of the protector can also affect comfort.

Armour only works properly when it covers the intended area and remains there. Some jackets have adjustable elbow protector pockets, allowing the armour position to be altered to suit different arm lengths.

For replacement protectors, upgraded inserts, chest protection and motorcycle airbag systems, browse our motorcycle body armour.

If you plan to wear an airbag under or over a motorcycle jacket, check the airbag manufacturer's compatibility and fitting requirements. Some systems need expansion space inside the jacket, while others are designed to be worn externally or with specific compatible clothing.

What Do A, AA and AAA Motorcycle Jacket Ratings Mean?

Where stated, motorcycle jackets may be classified under the EN 17092 series as A, AA or AAA garments. These ratings apply to the complete protective garment and should not be confused with the separate Level 1 or Level 2 ratings used for impact armour.

Within these commonly seen garment classes, AAA has the most demanding protective performance requirements, followed by AA and then A. A higher class can involve heavier, thicker or less ventilated construction, so the correct choice depends on the balance of protection, comfort, weather performance and mobility needed for your riding.

A lightweight Class A summer jacket may be far more wearable during a slow, hot commute than a heavy AAA leather jacket. Equally, a rider choosing equipment for high-speed road or track use may place greater importance on the more demanding garment class. The label provides useful information, but it does not replace proper fit or sensible judgement.

No motorcycle jacket can prevent every injury. Protective clothing is intended to help reduce the risk or severity of abrasion and impact injuries, not to make the rider indestructible.

Motorcycle Jackets for Men and Women Riders

Our main motorcycle jacket collection contains equipment for both men and women riders. The most suitable option is the one that fits the rider properly rather than whichever section of the shop somebody thinks they ought to stand in.

Women's motorcycle jackets generally use cuts intended to provide a better fit around the bust, waist and hips, while men's jackets usually follow a straighter body shape. That still varies between brands, so trying several models is often more useful than relying entirely on the size label.

Browse the dedicated men's motorcycle jackets and ladies' motorcycle jackets collections to narrow down the range.

Complete Your Motorcycle Clothing

A jacket should work as part of the rest of your riding kit. Browse our motorcycle trousers for leather, textile, waterproof and protective denim options. Check whether the jacket and trousers connect, particularly if you intend to use them for sports riding or longer journeys in poor weather.

For cold-weather riding, our heated motorcycle clothing includes heated jackets, gloves and other equipment designed to make winter journeys considerably less grim.

You can also browse the complete motorcycle clothing range, including trousers, riding jeans, suits, waterproofs and protective equipment.

Motorcycle Jacket Brands at RaceLeathers

RaceLeathers stocks motorcycle jackets from leading road, touring, adventure and sports clothing manufacturers. Depending on current availability, the range includes Alpinestars, Bering, Dainese, Halvarssons, Klim, Lindstrands, Merlin, Oxford, Richa, Rukka, Segura, Weise and other established brands.

Different manufacturers use different sizing, cuts, waterproof systems and armour. There is no single best brand for every rider. The right jacket is the one that fits you properly, suits your motorcycle and provides the combination of protection, weather performance and comfort you need.

Expert Motorcycle Jacket Fitting in Darwen

Visit RaceLeathers at Britannia Mill in Darwen, Lancashire, to compare motorcycle jackets properly. We can help you check the sleeve length, armour position, body fit, riding posture and space for layers rather than simply handing you the size you normally buy in an ordinary coat.

Tell us what bike you ride, how you use it and the weather you are prepared to go out in. Someone commuting through winter needs a very different jacket from somebody doing occasional summer rides or heading to a track day.

Browse our motorcycle jackets online with free UK delivery on orders over £30, visit our Darwen store for fitting advice, or call us on 01254 704000 if you need help before ordering.

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