Motorcycle Trousers

Motorcycle trousers should fit securely, keep the armour in the correct position and suit the riding you actually do. A pair of leather sports trousers, waterproof touring trousers and protective riding jeans may all be made for motorcycling, but they are designed for very different jobs.

At RaceLeathers, you can browse motorcycle trousers for commuting, touring, adventure riding, sports bikes, track use and everyday road riding. Our range includes waterproof textile trousers, laminated touring trousers, leather motorcycle trousers, vented summer trousers, protective motorcycle jeans, cargo trousers, joggers and leggings for men and women riders.

Browse our men's motorcycle trousers, women's motorcycle trousers or protective motorcycle jeans, or continue through the complete range below.

Why Wear Proper Motorcycle Trousers?

Ordinary jeans and casual trousers are made for everyday wear rather than sliding along a road. Purpose-built motorcycle trousers can use stronger materials, reinforced seams, abrasion-resistant construction and impact protectors around areas such as the knees and hips.

The exact protection varies considerably between products. Some trousers are substantial AAA-rated leather or textile garments, while others are lighter Class A clothing designed to provide greater comfort and flexibility. Knee armour may be included, hip armour may be supplied or optional, and waterproofing is certainly not standard across the entire range.

Motorcycle trousers cannot prevent every injury. They are designed to help reduce the risk or severity of abrasion and impact injuries while still allowing the rider to operate the motorcycle properly.

Although specialist motorcycle trousers are not a legal requirement for ordinary road riding in Great Britain, the Highway Code advises riders to wear suitable clothing because it may help protect them if they are involved in a collision.

Waterproof Textile Motorcycle Trousers

Waterproof textile motorcycle trousers are a practical choice for commuting, touring and year-round road use. Depending on the model, they may include a fixed waterproof membrane, removable thermal lining, ventilation openings, waist adjustment, braces and connection zips for a matching motorcycle jacket.

The word “textile” does not automatically mean waterproof. Textile simply describes the general type of construction. Some textile trousers are designed for dry summer riding, some are only water-resistant and others use a proper waterproof membrane.

There are three common types of waterproof construction:

• Fixed waterproof liner: The membrane sits beneath the outer material. It can stop water reaching the rider, although the outer shell may still absorb water and become heavier during prolonged rain.
• Removable waterproof liner: The membrane can be taken out during warmer or drier weather. This gives greater 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 helps the trousers dry more quickly.

Laminated trousers are popular with year-round commuters and long-distance tourers, particularly when the kit is expected to deal with repeated wet journeys. They usually cost more, though, and not every rider needs that level of construction.

Check the waterproof design around the fly, pockets, ventilation openings and lower leg. Water has an irritating habit of finding whichever zip or flap was not closed properly.

Touring Motorcycle Trousers

Touring motorcycle trousers are intended for longer periods in the saddle and changing weather conditions. Comfort, weather protection, ventilation and adjustment become particularly important when the trousers are being worn for several hours rather than for a quick ride across town.

Common touring features include:

• A waterproof and breathable membrane.
• A removable thermal lining.
• Direct-opening ventilation panels or zips.
• Waist, calf and ankle adjustment.
• Adjustable or removable braces.
• Short and full-length jacket connection zips.
• Reflective detailing.
• Short, regular and long leg options.

Check how the trousers work with your usual motorcycle boots. The lower leg should close securely without being stretched excessively over the boot or leaving a large opening for water and cold air.

Also check the fit while sitting on a motorcycle. Trousers that feel the correct length when standing can pull upwards once your knees are bent, while overly long legs may bunch behind the knee or interfere with your boots.

Adventure Motorcycle Trousers

Adventure motorcycle trousers are generally designed for riders who may use a mixture of tarmac, gravel tracks and lighter off-road routes. They often provide substantial ventilation, multiple adjustment points and room for suitable base or mid-layers.

Some adventure trousers use a fixed or laminated waterproof membrane, while others have a removable waterproof layer. A removable membrane can be useful during hot or physically demanding riding, but it may need to be refitted when the rain arrives.

Check whether the ventilation opens directly through the waterproof layer. A zip in the outer shell may look impressive, but it will not provide much direct airflow if a fixed membrane remains behind it.

Adventure trousers can also have larger pockets, reinforced inner-leg panels and wide lower openings designed to fit over substantial boots. Make sure those features work with your particular motorcycle rather than catching against the tank, seat or controls.

Leather Motorcycle Trousers

Leather motorcycle trousers are commonly chosen for sports bikes, fast road riding and track use. They usually have a close fit, pre-curved knees and stretch panels designed to work when the rider is leaning forwards.

Depending on the model, leather trousers may include:

• Knee and hip armour.
• External knee sliders or slider mounting panels.
• Stretch panels above the knees and around the seat.
• Perforated leather for warm-weather airflow.
• Calf expansion panels for different boot sizes.
• A full connection zip for a compatible leather jacket.
• Replaceable protective components.

Not every pair of leather motorcycle trousers is built to the same standard. The type and thickness of leather, stitching, reinforcement, garment classification, armour and overall construction all matter.

Leather trousers normally need to fit fairly closely so that the armour and protective panels remain in place. They should not be so tight that they restrict movement, crush the knees or make climbing onto the motorcycle resemble an unsuccessful escape attempt.

Leather will generally soften slightly with wear, but it will not become several sizes larger. Buy trousers that fit properly rather than relying on an ambitious breaking-in process to create the missing room.

Motorcycle Jeans

Motorcycle jeans provide a more casual alternative to conventional leather or textile trousers. They are popular for commuting, urban riding, shorter journeys and riders who want protective clothing that looks reasonably normal when they get off the bike.

Modern motorcycle jeans use several different forms of construction:

• Part-lined jeans: Protective material is added behind selected areas of the denim.
• Fully lined jeans: A separate protective layer covers most or all of the inside of the garment.
• Single-layer jeans: Protective fibres are blended or woven into the main outer material.

Single-layer construction can reduce bulk and improve airflow, but it does not automatically make a pair of jeans more protective than a lined design. The garment classification and complete construction provide more useful information than the number of layers alone.

Knee armour is commonly supplied, while hip protection may be included or available separately. Check whether the knee protectors can be adjusted vertically because the correct position can vary with leg length and riding posture.

Motorcycle jeans are available in traditional denim cuts as well as chinos, cargo trousers, joggers and leggings. Whatever style you choose, check that the complete garment is certified for motorcycle use rather than assuming a few reinforced patches and a motorbike-shaped label make ordinary fashion jeans protective.

Motorcycle Cargo Trousers, Joggers and Leggings

Protective cargo trousers, motorcycle joggers and riding leggings provide alternatives for riders who do not want traditional blue denim or technical touring clothing.

Cargo trousers can offer useful storage and a more relaxed appearance, while protective joggers use stretch fabrics and elasticated sections for comfort. Motorcycle leggings are particularly popular with women riders because they can provide a close fit without the bulk of traditional textile trousers.

These styles can still achieve recognised A, AA or AAA garment classifications, depending on their construction. A casual appearance does not automatically mean poor protection, just as an aggressive-looking pair of trousers covered in panels and logos does not guarantee a high rating.

Check the restraint at the waist and ankles, particularly with stretch trousers. The garment needs to remain securely in position rather than sliding or riding upwards during use.

Summer and Vented Motorcycle Trousers

Summer motorcycle trousers use mesh panels, direct ventilation openings or lighter materials to increase airflow. They can be considerably more comfortable during warm weather than heavily insulated waterproof touring equipment.

Some summer trousers use large mesh areas, while others retain solid protective material in higher-risk zones and place ventilation elsewhere. Check the complete garment classification and construction rather than judging the trousers only by how much air appears to pass through them.

A removable waterproof liner can make summer trousers more versatile, although the outer garment may still become wet during rain. Carrying lightweight motorcycle waterproof overtrousers can be a more convenient option when rain is possible but not certain.

Highly vented trousers may become cold surprisingly quickly when the temperature drops or the rider joins a faster road. British summer weather has never shown much respect for what the forecast said that morning.

Motorcycle Waterproof Overtrousers

Waterproof overtrousers are designed to be pulled over your normal motorcycle clothing when the rain arrives. They are lightweight, relatively compact and useful for riders whose main trousers are protective but not fully waterproof.

Most lightweight rain overtrousers are primarily weather protection rather than a replacement for proper protective motorcycle trousers. Unless the product is specifically certified as a protective motorcycle garment, it should normally be worn over suitable riding clothing.

Check that there is enough room to fit over your trousers without restricting movement. The lower leg should also open wide enough to pass over your motorcycle boots without requiring you to remove half your kit beside the road.

Long side zips, elasticated waists, ankle adjustment and heat-resistant inner-leg panels can make overtrousers easier to use. Bright or reflective sections may also improve visibility in poor weather.

Browse our full motorcycle waterproofs range for overtrousers, jackets and one-piece rain suits.

How Should Motorcycle Trousers Fit?

Motorcycle trousers should feel secure around the waist, hips and legs without restricting movement or circulation. Most importantly, the knee and hip armour must cover the correct areas when you are sitting in a riding position.

When trying motorcycle trousers, check that:

• The waistband remains secure without cutting into you.
• The trousers do not pull excessively across the seat or thighs.
• The knee protectors sit over the kneecaps when your legs are bent.
• The hip protectors cover the sides of the hips correctly.
• The legs remain long enough when sitting on the motorcycle.
• The material does not bunch painfully behind the knees.
• The ankle openings work with your usual motorcycle boots.
• You can operate the gear lever and rear brake freely.
• The jacket connection zip can be reached and fastened without strain.

Trying trousers while standing upright only tells half the story. Bend your knees, sit in a riding position and check where the armour moves. Knee protectors that look perfectly positioned while standing can end up halfway down the shin once you are on the bike.

Think about what you will wear underneath. Thermal base layers, heated clothing and ordinary work trousers all require additional room. Buying trousers that fit closely over thin summer clothing may leave very little space during winter.

Short, Regular and Long Leg Motorcycle Trousers

Many motorcycle trousers are available in short, regular and long leg lengths. This is not only about preventing the hem from dragging along the floor. The position of the knee armour and shaping around the leg also need to suit the rider.

A shorter rider should not simply roll up a pair of long protective trousers if doing so causes the armour to sit below the knee or creates a large lump above the boot. Likewise, trousers that are too short may pull above the top of the boots when the knees are bent.

Some trousers include adjustable knee-armour pockets, allowing the protectors to be moved upwards or downwards. Check the available adjustment before assuming that the standard position will work.

Different brands use different definitions of short, regular and long. Check the individual size information rather than assuming every manufacturer uses the same inside-leg measurement.

Motorcycle Trouser Armour

Many motorcycle trousers are supplied with knee armour. Hip armour may also be included, but some products provide only empty pockets for an optional protector.

Always check the individual description because phrases such as “hip-armour ready” or “prepared for hip protection” normally mean the protectors are not supplied.

Knee and hip armour may be tested to Level 1 or Level 2 under the standard for motorcycle limb and joint protectors. Level 2 uses more demanding impact-transmission limits, although the thickness, weight, ventilation and flexibility of the protector can also affect comfort.

The armour rating is separate from the garment classification. A pair of AA trousers containing Level 2 knee armour has an AA rating for the complete garment and a Level 2 rating for the individual protectors. The two systems should not be mixed together.

Armour only works properly when it remains over the intended area. Look for adjustable knee pockets and check the position while your legs are bent on the motorcycle.

Browse our motorcycle body armour collection for replacement and upgrade knee and hip protectors.

What Do A, AA and AAA Ratings Mean?

Where stated, road motorcycle trousers may be classified under the BS EN 17092 series as A, AA or AAA protective garments.

• Class A: Uses materials and construction meeting the least demanding requirements of these three commonly seen garment classes. Class A clothing can generally offer lower weight and fewer ergonomic restrictions.
• Class AA: Uses more demanding construction and performance requirements than Class A and is commonly found across touring, commuting and general road-riding clothing.
• Class AAA: Uses materials and construction meeting the most demanding requirements of the three classes, although the resulting garment may be heavier, warmer or more restrictive.

A higher class does not automatically make a garment the most practical choice for every journey. A heavy AAA leather trouser may make sense for sports riding or track use, while a lighter garment could be more comfortable during a slow summer commute.

The rating helps compare tested protective performance, but fit, armour position, weather protection, ventilation and comfort still matter. Protective trousers left at home because they are unbearable to wear are providing remarkably little protection.

Connecting Motorcycle Trousers to a Jacket

Many leather and textile motorcycle trousers include a zip for connecting them to a compatible jacket. This can reduce the gap between the two garments and help keep them together during riding.

A short rear connection zip is useful for everyday road use, while sports leather garments often use a zip extending around most or all of the waist. The exact design varies by manufacturer and product.

Connection zips are not universally interchangeable. Two garments made by different brands may use different zip lengths, tooth sizes or directions. Even products from the same manufacturer may not always connect if they belong to different ranges or generations.

Where available, a separate connecting belt or zip adapter may allow trousers to attach to a jacket, but it should be the correct component for the garments. Check compatibility before ordering rather than discovering the problem while dressed and ready to leave.

Browse our motorcycle jackets to find matching and compatible options.

Motorcycle Trousers for Men and Women Riders

Our main motorcycle trousers collection includes clothing for both men and women riders. The correct choice is the pair that fits properly, keeps the armour correctly positioned and works with the rider's body shape and motorcycle.

Women-specific trousers may use different shaping around the waist, hips, thighs and legs, while men's trousers generally use a straighter cut. The exact fit still varies considerably between manufacturers and individual products.

Some garments are sold as unisex, particularly waterproof overtrousers and certain adventure or off-road clothing. Check the measurements, leg length and armour position rather than relying entirely on the label.

Browse the dedicated men's motorcycle trousers and women's motorcycle trousers collections to narrow down the range.

Motorcycle Trouser Brands at RaceLeathers

RaceLeathers stocks motorcycle trousers from established touring, adventure, road, denim and sports-clothing manufacturers. Depending on current availability, the range includes Alpinestars, Bering, Dainese, Halvarssons, Klim, Merlin, Oxford, PMJ, Richa, Rukka, Trilobite, Weise and more.

Different manufacturers use different cuts, leg lengths, waterproof systems, connection zips and armour positions. There is no single best brand for every rider.

Start by deciding what type of riding the trousers need to handle. Then compare the fit, garment classification, included armour, weather construction, ventilation and leg-length options rather than choosing entirely by badge.

Expert Motorcycle Trouser Fitting in Darwen

Visit RaceLeathers at Britannia Mill in Darwen, Lancashire, to compare motorcycle trousers properly. We can help check the waist and hip fit, leg length, knee-armour position, boot compatibility and connection to your motorcycle jacket.

Bring the boots and jacket you normally ride in where practical. Trying the complete combination makes it much easier to spot gaps, bunching, incompatible zips and armour sitting in the wrong place.

Tell us what motorcycle you use and what sort of riding you do. A daily commuter, long-distance tourer, summer rider and track-day regular all need different things from a pair of trousers.

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

Complete your riding kit with our motorcycle jackets, motorcycle boots and complete motorcycle clothing range.

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