There are a plethora of motorbike jackets out there, which one is for you?
A motorcycle jacket is almost as important as a helmet!
The protection a jacket gives not only can save your skin but can also give you more enjoyment and confidence when riding. When purchasing a motorbike jacket it is important to consider the protection, visibility, comfort and style (and in that order).
There is no law in the UK stating that you have to wear a jacket or any other item of clothing (with the exception of a helmet and I guess underwear unless you want to be arrested for indecent exposure), but it is very advisable to do so.
A motorbike jacket is not just about keeping you safe, they keep you warm and dry, they stop the wind from turning you into a shivering wreck at high speeds.
The ideal motorbike jacket is safe, sturdy and comfortable, made from materials that give you protection from weather and collisions. It should have additional padding and armour in key areas such as elbows and shoulders, some have space for back protection.
You should always consider the type of riding that you do as well as the climates of where your going or intending to go.
This guide is only focussing on road style jackets.
Leather jacket:
A leather jacket will always look cool, recently dipped in popularity since the boom of textile jackets, many riders still prefer the feel of them.
A leather jacket will generally be more abrasion resistant, leather is a tough fabric and in the event of a crash, your skin will be well protected. If your focus is on safety, then a strong leather jacket is probably the way to go.
Comfort may be an issue, some riders love them, while other riders feel that they are restricted. It is important to try leathers on yourself so you can determine how they feel. You should be able to tell straight away whether they are for you or not. Keep in mind that leather breaks in over time and can become a little more comfortable.
Leather jackets can be quite limited when it comes to dealing with weather conditions, leather is also quite heavy so you may find yourself hot and bothered in the summer.
Leather jackets if looked after can last a very long time.
Textile jacket:
The big strength of a textile jacket is its versatility, you will have plenty of options like airflow and waterproofing to match your requirements.
Textile jackets can be lined with various fabrics like Kevlar and Dyneema and even made from mesh to keep you cool.
Modern textile jackets have a lot to offer thanks to technology improvements, whilst leather generally provides better abrasion protection, new fibres like Dyneema (which is used to make bullet proof armour) make the difference minimal.
Textile jackets are usually the cheaper option, they also tend to look like normal every day jackets. You can find a decant jacket that looks natural once your off the bike as well as when riding.
Textile jackets offer good water resistance but no jacket will be fully waterproof.
Shirt jacket:
The big strength of a shirt is its look, you will have plenty of options like airflow and design to match your look and requirements.
Shirt jackets can be lined with various fabrics like Kevlar and Dyneema with armour where its required and even made from mesh to keep you cool.
Modern shirts have a lot to offer thanks to technology improvements, whilst leather generally provides better abrasion protection, new fibres like Kevlar make the difference minimal.
Rain jacket:
An over jacket, designed to compact small to fit in a tank bag etc.
These offer no protection from a collision but should keep you dry in the rain.
Article written by Nige.
Last update: September 2025
Nige has toured most of the UK and Europe, he also commutes to work daily on a motorbike.
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