Protect yourself forthe ride and the weather with this waterproof bike gear chosen by MCN

If you live in a place where “slight chance of precipitation” regularly turns into buckets of rain, it might be time to invest in a dedicated textile rain suit. We’ve covered over suits, which fit over existing gear, but if you frequently ride in the wet, dedicated rain gear, with laminated textiles or treated denim riding jeans might be a better option.

Why do I need a motorcycle rain suit?

If you’ve ridden through rain without proper gear, you know exactly why you need a rain suit. At highway speeds, “uncomfortably damp” quickly becomes “bone-chilling”. Your motorcycle leathers or  bike jacket can only keep you warm if they’re dry.

A dedicated textile rain suit is the ultimate way to stay dry no matter what the forecast. And that’s the other selling point. They’re designed for sunny days too. They have sealed seams and laminated material to keep moisture out, plus insulation, vents and armor placement. Textile rain suits aren’t cheap, but they do it all.

How to ride your motorcycle in the wet

What to look for when buying motorcycle textile rain suits

Most textile rain suits are one-piece (sometimes called a Mono Suit) for obvious reasons. They tend to be more watertight and warmer. Regardless, keep an eye out for a CE safety rating of AA or more, and make sure it has accommodations for armor, preferably Level 2.

You’ll want a generous amount of pockets that stay closed when riding, whether they have zipper or velcro enclosures. Keep in mind pockets should be accessible with heavy gloves on. You may want a suit with a removable inner liner. And no matter what, you’ll want proper vents and breathability for when the weather turns fair. Remember, a textile rain suit should be a suit for almost all seasons.

Performance between models vary widely. Some are meant for extreme cold and double as snowmobile gear. Others are meant for the spring, summer and fall months. Let’s check out a few of our favorites.

Our Best Motorcycle Textile Rain Suits

Best budget waterproof jacket

Expert rating:

4.0
Tried and tested by Justin Hayzelden for six months and 3,620 miles

"The Pharao Cedar is essentially two separate suits – an outer Cordura shell for protection, with an inner Clime-Max liner designed to take care of moisture management and warmth. The jacket is cut in the typical long touring style, providing a significant overlap with the textile trousers, and they attach together with a full-length zip. The trousers are equipped with braces for those, like myself, who feel secure with a little extra support."

"The inner suit, or ‘membrane’ as Pharao call it, is fleece lined, and as such is suitably snug – most of the time. It’s fairly lightweight, so while not restricting mobility it does lose effective insulation below 41°, and on below freezing days left me feeling somewhat chilly. Despite that, I like the fact that I don’t look or feel like Bibendum in a sleeping bag when wearing it."

"Ventilation is excellent, with zipped intake panels on the chest, upper arm and along the thighs, with adjustable exhaust vents at the back. The lack of waterproofing in the outer layer means that it breathes far better than a laminate when worn on its own, but that same factor works against it in the cold."

Find the Pharao Cedar Trousers here

Read Justin's full Pharao Cedar Textile Suit review

Pros

  • Waterproof inner suit
  • It's comfortable to wear
  • Provides good protection

Cons

  • Not as warm as it could be
  • Outer pockets aren't waterproof
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Condura textile
Type Touring
CE rating AA
Armor CE level 2 shoulder and elbow
  • Full length connector zip
  • Back protector pocket
  • Zipped ventilation panels
  • Removable lining
  • Seven external and two internal pockets
  • Adjustable collar, arms, wrist and cuffs

Expert rating:

4.5
Tested by Michael Neeves for nine months and 3,000 miles

"I’ve been wearing this mid-range, three-layer, all-season Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket on new bike launches, group tests and commutes on adventure and touring bikes. I’ve used it in the stifling heat of southern Spain and Italy, under fresh Welsh Autumn skies, below freezing Scottish road trips, through a dark, dank British winter and everything in between.

"With its multiple layers it can be as warm and dry, or as cool and airy as you want it to be, depending on the conditions, which makes it hugely versatile. I wear it with summer base layers or winter base layers underneath and an Alpinestars Tech Air 5 airbag vest. I also use the matching Bogota Pro Drystar Pants ($299.95).

"Adventure jackets are without doubt the most practical around and the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Dystar (and matching trousers) is one of the best I’ve used. It’s light, stylish, easy to wear and has lots of useful features, like good length sleeves and back, big pockets and strong, easy to use zips and fasteners.

"The jacket and trousers have a quality feel, are sturdily made and cool to wear in the heat thanks to its superb ventilation panels. Best of all are the extra two inner jackets included in the price.

"Used together they keep me warm and dry in the depths of winter, the waterproof layer can be used over any clothing and the thermal jacket can be worn on its own when you’re off the bike. For big riding trips on or off-road in all kinds of weather conditions this jacket has been the perfect companion."

Read our full Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar review

Pros

  • It's versatile
  • Quality and well made
  • It's lightweight
  • Easy to wear
  • Well fitted
  • Cool in the summer, warm and waterproof in the winter
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Collar could be higher
  • Adventure style looks won’t be for everybody
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction 65% Polyamide/35% Polyester outer (450 and 600 Denier) outer jacket.<br>Polyester removable thermal inner jacket.<br>Polyester ‘Drystar’ removable waterproof jacket.
Type All-season uni-sex riding jacket
CE Rating AA (EN 17092-3:2020)
Armor Level 2, Type B (EN 1621-1:2012) Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder and elbow protectors.
  • Outer jacket: DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treated, four larger outer pockets (two zippable
  • Two Velcro fastened) to the front and one Velcro to the rear
  • Two large zippable front ventilation panels in the front, one in the rear and one in each arm
  • Stretch inserts around armpits and elbows
  • Adjustable waist and forearm straps
  • Drawstring bottom and Velcro cuff fastenings
  • Two inner pockets (one waterproof)
  • Chest and back protector pockets
  • Quilter thermal liner: two Velcro fastened inner pockets

Expert rating:

4.0
Tested by Justin Hayzelden for three months and 1,900 miles

"Both jacket and pants are lined with a fixed layer of fabric that uses Outlast, a space-age technology developed for NASA to help regulate body temperature. In essence this tech involves millions of microscopic natural wax capsules which capture, store and release heat by either liquefying or solidifying."

"The Gruven, does have an extra layer, a removable lining with additional heat retaining properties. It’s relatively thin and lightweight, but filled with Innoborne insulation, a synthetic fiber which is moisture wicking and quick drying. It’s claimed by the manufacturer to be more effective than wool at keeping you warm, and whilst I haven’t made a direct comparison, it seems to make a good case."

"The Gruven jacket and Laggan trousers make a strong case for a hard wearing, practical suit that should give years of service. It excels at comfort, is waterproof and warm, and the smart, understand looks have a universal appeal. Compared with similarly priced competition, it’s certainly worth considering – especially as the distributor has claimed that the issue of tight inner lining cuffs and a flighty magnetic storm collar claim are in hand."

Find the trousers here

Read Justin's full Gruven and Laggan review

Pros

  • Comfortable with adjustable fit
  • Waterproofing has been faultless
  • Warm with the thermals in
  • It is lightweight feeling

Cons

  • Thermal liner cuffs too small
  • Magnetic storm collar easy to lose
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Textile
Type Touring
CE Rating AA
Armor Level 2 for shoulder and elbow
  • DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treated Dryway+2.0 Laminated functional membrane
  • HI-ART reinforcement on shoulders and elbows
  • Detachable lining with heat reflecting properties
  • Outlast temperature regulating lining
  • Ventilation openings on chest and back
  • "Airbag Ready" prepared with expanding parts
  • Detachable collar in two color options
  • Long connection zip

Expert rating:

4.5
Tried and tested by Carl Stevens for three years and 5,000 miles

"As a textile jacket that not only looks smart, but holds up impressively well too, the Andes V3 Drystar has delivered. It’s just happy keeping me as cool as possible off-road in 77 degrees, as it is fighting the elements in the British wintertime, with a fit and feel that is comfortable enough to wear all day.

"But the best part, is that it’s survived thousands of miles, tens of washes and still looks and feels as good as new."

Read our full Alpinestars Andes V3 review

Pros

  • Good ventilation
  • Comfortable all day
  • Waterproof
  • Impressively sturdy
  • Thermal lining surprisingly warm

Cons

  • Not the cheapest
  • Light on armour
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Construction Reinforced polyfabric with a Drystar® waterproof, breathable membrane
Type Textile
CE Rating Garment<br> A
Armor CE Level 1 Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder and elbow
  • Integrated soft edge collar and 3D mesh construction
  • Premium YKK zipper
  • Direct ventilation system
  • Removable long-sleeve thermal liner
  • Hook and loop-closing waist adjustment belt
  • External zippered chest pockets and cargo pockets
  • Upper chest pockets
  • Front waterproof cargo pockets
  • Large, external utility pocket on lower back plus internal pockets and a waterproof wallet pocket for real-world practicality

Expert rating:

5.0
Tested by Ben Clarke for 1,000 miles

"Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for two months and 1,000 miles

"Textiles aren’t really my cup of tea but they are also an inevitable part of riding in the UK’s climate. If you commute year round or even plan a leisure trip outside of the hottest two weeks in August, waterproof textiles can be a life-saver.

"I like the stealthy look of the RSTs and they are also comfy, warm and keep you dry in the rain. What’s more, the venting is excellent once the temperature does rise.

"All of the practicality and reliability of the RST coupled with the low price mean I would consider the Commander for winter commuting."."

Read our full RST Pro Series Commander jacket review

Pros

  • The thermal layer keeps you warm and cosy in the colder months
  • This jacket has kept me dry even in heavy downpours
  • The collar and cuffs are soft and comfortable, though the armor feels a bit abrasive when the liner is out, but nothing you can't put up with
  • Practical aspects such as zips, pockets, adjusters and press studs are really well thought out
  • Lots of places to stash small stuff in the five inner and five outer pockets - just have to remember which pocket they're in
  • The venting is excellent once the temperature rises

Cons

  • When the thermal layer is added it feels quite heavy
  • Not the best looking in my opinion, but I quite like its understated look
  • The armour feels a bit abrasive when the liner is out, but nothing you can't put up with
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Construction Waterproof laminate textile
Type Touring, commuting
CE rating garment AA
Armor CE level 2 at elbows, shoulders and back
  • Attachment zips
  • Thermal
  • Waterproof
  • Vented
  • Adjustable at arms, wrists and waist
  • Five outer and five inner pockets

Most rugged waterproof jacket

Expert rating:

4.0
Tried and tested by Dan Sutherland for six months and 7,000 miles

"This is an extremely comfortable set of textiles. The jacket is the standout of the show, with triple adjustment straps on the arms, plus further toggles around the waist. The collar can also be closed, or pinned back for further ventilation, with sturdy zips also found at the cuffs."

"Although an undeniably expensive set of textiles, I am happy to say that they are some of the comfiest I have ever worn, with supple D3O armour in the shoulders, arms, back, plus plenty of adjustment points to get things just right. The finish feels quality and rugged, and whilst there’s a five-year warranty, I reckon it will live on far further than that. It’s also one of the few sets of textile kit I’ve used that remains waterproof during serious downpours."

Read our full Richa Atlantic 2 jacket and trousers review of the men's fit version

Pros

  • Nice secure fit
  • Good adjustment features
  • Has a rugged feel
  • Impressive waterproofing
  • Ventilation is practical
  • Day-long comfort

Cons

  • It's rather expensive
  • White shows dirt easily
  • Jacket could be warmer on winter rides
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    3.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Textile
Type Gore-Tex laminated fabric
CE Rating AA
Armor D3O Level one in shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees. Chest protector optional
  • Ventilation
  • Multiple pockets
  • Thermal lining
  • Stretch panels
  • Connecting zip
  • Abrasion resistant textile on joints

Best casual waterproof jacket

Expert rating:

4.0
Tried and tested by Saffron Wilson for 10 months and over 5,000 miles

"If you’re planning on riding in an urban environment in the British weather, then you’ll be on to a good shout with the Stella Neo Waterproof Hoodie. It’s a lovely lightweight jacket that is CE A rated, but also airy and comfortable enough to wear off the bike as well.

"The jacket comes equipped with shoulder and elbow armor, but you’ll have to purchase the back protector and chest protector separately, but the lack of armor here does make it easy to squash into a pannier if you don’t want to wear it at the end of your ride.

"With a detachable hood, you can stay dry on the bike as well as off it, and the thermal liner inside means that you can stay a touch warmer (or cooler) depending on how the weather is treating you."

Read our full Alpinestars Stella Neo review

Pros

  • It's nicely lightweight
  • Perfect for urban environments
  • Comfortable and casual enough for off the bike too

Cons

  • Not very protective as only A rated
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Construction Stretch softshell
CE Garment Rating A
Armor Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder and elbow protectors
  • Option for additional Level 2 back protector
  • Detachable thermal lining allows the jacket to be adapted to the weather conditions
  • Side ventilation pockets for enhanced airflow and breathability
  • Front chest pocket and side pockets
  • Detachable hood allows the jacket to be adapted to the conditions
  • Tech-Air® Airbag system ready

Best over jacket

Expert rating:

4.0
Tried and tested by Charlotte King for 5 months

"As someone who is typically more of a fair-weather rider, I wanted some waterproofs that could be stowed in a backpack and thrown over my normal bike gear should I get caught out. I ordered the Richa Rain waterproofs a size up from what I would usually choose to allow for plenty of room for kit underneath."

"The Rain Flare jacket is aptly named as it is entirely reflective, which gives great visibility in poor weather. I have worn it in torrential rain for several hours and I remained completely dry and I occasionally throw the jacket over as a wind break layer when it's chillier than I anticipated."

Find the trousers here
 

Pros

  • Easy to put on over your gear
  • Makes you very visible in bad weather
  • Jacket it entirely waterproof

Cons

  • Trousers leaked a little at the seat
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
Construction Aquashell waterproof membrane
Sizes Jacket S to 5XL Trousers M to 3XL
Type Waterproof over trousers and jacket
  • Designed to worn over motorcycle clothing
  • Jacket is fully reflective
  • Lightweight and easy to pack away
  • Trousers have side zips for ease of wearing

Expert rating:

4.5
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for Three months and 1,000 miles

"Yes, it needs more pockets and yes, you get cold if you don’t layer up underneath in winter, but the sheer quality, finish and convenience of the thing is hard to look past. And most of all, I absolutely know that whatever the weather throws at me, I’ll stay completely dry underneath for as long as I need to keep riding, and that’s priceless.

"Unfortunately, it’s very much not priceless. It’s rather priceful, in fact. But given the cost of top-spec kit these days and the fact that this really does deliver on its promises, I believe it’s worth every penny."

Read our full Rev'It Paramount review

Pros

  • It's completely waterproof
  • Protective with AA rating
  • Convenient for the commute
  • Has a great fit
  • Has extensive venting

Cons

  • Not as easy to put on as I had hoped
  • There is no lining
  • It's pretty expensive
  • Only one external pocket
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    5.0
Construction 3L 400D nylon Gore-Tex fabric, 500D PWR|Shell, and neoprene construction
Type One-piece laminated textile adventure/commuter suit
CE Garment Rating AA
Armor CE Level 2 at the shoulders, elbows and back Level 1 hips
  • Detachable storm collar
  • Three pockets (one inner)
  • Double textile seat
  • Suregrip seat
  • Reflective details

Frequently asked questions

Can I waterproof my gear myself?

Sprays and wash-in treatments are available for waterproofing fabrics, but results are mixed. They help the water bead on the surface, but at speed water always finds a way into seams and gaps, and eventually your skin. A quality textile rain suit, especially a one-piece type, is a much better option. And they’ll likely never need additional waterproofing with sprays or treatments.

Will I get sweaty in a textile rain suit?

Not if it has breathable linings. Additionally, proper vents will help dissipate sweat and moisture inside the suit.

Do I need to re-treat my gear to keep them effective?

Over time, any waterproofing becomes less effective. Most textile rain suits don’t require maintenance or periodic waterproofing, but check manufacturer recommendations for best practices.

How MCN tests over suits

The MCN team of expert journalists have decades of experience over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t torture test anything. We use it just like you do in the real world and in all conditions to deliver impartial textile rain suit buying advice.

MCN covers countless miles each week and tries lots of options in a short space of time. We quickly discover which textile rain suits feel great, which ones don’t and why.

We only feature textile rain suits we’ve extensively tested. Comparison textile rain suits will be included if deemed important and relevant. Testing is ongoing and we will continually add gear and products to our site.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

Scoring explained

Products are given a score from 1 to 5 stars. Beyond the ratings tab, you’ll find in-depth info on product and gear performance and attributes.

  • 1 Star – Avoid at all costs.
  • 2 Stars – Barely acceptable.
  • 3 Stars – Average or adequate.
  • 4 Stars – Above average.
  • 5 Stars – Excellent performance.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

NOTE: While MCN may receive commissions or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us.

- Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.