Kit: How to choose leather trousers

As important as your leather jacket, leather trousers serve the same purpose (that of protection), albeit with slightly less style if you’re riding to the pub. 

• Compare and buy leather trousers

The theory behind choosing the right pair is similar to buying a jacket. 

1. Make sure they fit
It’s blindingly obvious, but you’re going to be in the saddle for a long time with your first pair of trousers so it makes sense to make sure they’ll be all-day comfy. As with your jacket, there should be no tight spots where the leather is pinching your skin. Most people wear their trousers either over their underwear or an undersuit, so it’s a good idea to find a showroom with a changing room!

2. Look for armour
And make sure that any armour in the knees, hips and shins doesn’t move around or hurt you when you assume your normal riding position. It’s also worth having a walk around in them, to make sure nothing’s rubbing.

3. Fit them to your jacket
Make sure there is a full-circumference zip around the waist of the trousers – this will allow you to zip them to your leather jacket (providing it too has a zip). Buying trousers and a jacket of the same brand will ensure they fit together, but many zips are universal. If you already own a leather jacket, take it with you so you can try the trousers in conjunction with it.

4. Don’t be blinded by racing-style trousers
These will be cut into a race crouch and may well be uncomfortable if you own an upright bike. Kneesliders look cool but are not a prerequisite. It’s much better to concentrate on improving your riding before you try getting your knee down! If you still have your trousers in years to come, you can always buy sitck-on Velcro patches that will allow you to add kneesliders at a later date.

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