The Best Motorcycle Jackets
When it comes to motorcycling, choosing your bike is the most crucial decision you have to make, but a close second is your jacket. Motorcycle jackets are obviously an important style statement for any biker, but they're also vital when it comes to keeping you safe while you ride. Some motorcycle jackets have impact protectors that shield your body from harm should a collision occur. Other jackets feature enhanced ventilation or bright colors for safety reflection. No matter what your needs are, our list of the best motorcycle jackets around is here to be your guide. And a note: if you're a serious motorcyclist, always opt for a high-end jacket (ideally one with armor and extra padding) so it can protect you from road-rash if you ever do hit the pavement.
HWK Textile Motorcycle Jacket
Hit the Road
If you feel daunted by the prospect of choosing a motorcycle jacket, it’s understandable — the market is filled with great choices. That said, this jacket from HWK is one of the best. Considering the low price, this thing really punches above its weight in terms of quality. The primary material used in this jacket is Cordura, which is a durable military-grade fabric that’s heat-resistant and tough as nails. Not to mention, it’s also waterproof and breathable. HWK offers a wide variety of sizes and colors for this jacket, as well. There’s an all-black option alongside jackets that feature brightly colored reflective strips for extra visibility. For experienced bikers or newbies, you can’t go wrong with this beauty from HWK.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Made from highly durable Cordura material
- Offers five different colors and eight different sizes
Cons:
- No protective armor included
HWK Armored Textile Motorcycle Jacket
Safety First
Looking good while biking is a plus, but there’s nothing more important than protection. That’s why this armored motorcycle jacket from HWK is such an essential buy. HWK provides strong armored protection in the back, shoulders, and elbows of the jacket. The armor pads are also removable, making it easy to convert into a street jacket. This jacket is made from Cordura and features effective ventilation pockets that keep you cool when the sun starts beating down on you and reflecting off of the hot pavement. There are plenty of armored Cordura jackets on the market that are a lot more expensive than this one without being much nicer, so this pick from HWK is a true steal.
Pros:
- Good ventilation
- Armored back, elbows, and shoulders
- Eight sizes and four color options
Cons:
- Not the most stylish jacket for streetwear
HWK Women’s Armored Motorcycle Jacket
Rev it Up
Attention to all the women bikers out there: this is the motorcycle jacket you’ve been waiting for. This jacket from HWK is very sleek and stylish with a form-fitting design that’ll keep you protected and fashionable out on the road. Not only does this jacket look great, but it also features removable padded armor for extra protection. This Cordura jacket is 100% waterproof, which means you don’t have to worry about getting drenched if you get caught in a rainstorm. With a mesh lining underneath the outer layer, this jacket is eminently breathable and comfy. What’s more, HWK offers two different color options and seven size options, so everyone should be able to find the jacket that suits them. For any ladies looking to hit the road safely and in style, snatch up this motorcycle jacket quickly.
Pros:
- Armored protection
- Form-fitting design
- Cool paisley design on one side that doubles as a reflective strip
Cons:
- The inner lining could be more durable
Flavor Brown Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Classic Leather
If you’re looking for a jacket that’s both stylish and strong enough to protect you if you crash, this motorcycle jacket from Flavor is sure to pique your interest. This stylish leather jacket has “classic” written all over it. The 100% genuine imported leather is tough and excellent for breaking the wind on long nighttime rides. Flavor also includes a removable zip-up hood with your purchase to keep your head and neck warm. There are four different styles on offer, including classic black and a rustic light brown.
Pros:
- A classic and cool leather jacket perfect for streetwear or on the road
- Features a removable hood insert
- Four different styles offered
Cons:
- Not much in the way of ventilation or reflective stripping
- Quite pricy
Crysully Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Speedy Savings
Leather motorcycle jackets are some of the coolest jackets money can buy. Unfortunately, you usually have to spend a pretty penny to grab one. This faux-leather jacket from Crysully, however, is far less expensive and just as stylish. This one is highly affordable while still managing to be cool, classy, and functional. The inner lining of the jacket is 100% polyester and the hood insert is easy to remove. One thing we love about this pick is how there’s no shortage of zippers and pockets. When you’re on the road, it’s convenient having a variety of pockets to help you organize your carry-along items.
As we mentioned, this isn’t a genuine leather jacket, which may be a big turnoff for some. But if you’re willing to look past that, this high-quality jacket will provide you with a long lifespan of faithful service.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Looks just as cool as real leather
- Plenty of pockets and zippers
Cons:
- Not real leather
- Not much protection offered
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best outer material for a motorcycle jacket?
There are many different materials that companies use for their jackets. Leather is the most popular with the longest history of use. Leather motorcycle jackets provide style, protection, warmth, and they help shield you from wind. Some other notable materials are kevlar (infused with cotton or other materials), Cordura, and waxed cotton. Each of these materials can provide varying degrees of protection, so it’s just a matter of preference. Be sure to do extensive research to find the best fit for you.
Does a motorcycle jacket offer protection in the event of a crash?
Many motorcycle jackets provide some protection in case of collisions. Some companies put hard padded inserts on the inside of the jacket and reinforce the outer layer with a durable material like leather. However, not all jackets provide these protections, and even the ones that do will not guarantee that you won’t get hurt while riding.
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