Motorcycle jeans buying guide | Everything you need to know about riding jeans from AAA to just A

If you’re honest, you’ve probably ridden a motorbike in normal denim jeans before (I certainly have). The ease and comfort of throwing on your favorite leather jacket, gloves and a helmet and heading out the door is very tempting.

The tl;dr? Here are the best riding jeans we tested

Most riders want both comfort and safety, but what’s the winning ratio? And what’s your budget? The good news is there’s plenty of choices. To start, three CE safety standards help buyers gauge protection against impact and abrasion (AAA, AA and A). After that, it’s up to you. Water resistant? Cool for summer riding? Or maybe style is king? Whatever your preference, there’s riding pants to fit your bottom line, pun intended.

The seasoned riders of MCN’s staff put in thousands of miles in good and bad weather to bring you these riding jeans reviews. Check it out.   

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AAA-rated motorbike jeans

Triple A jeans offer the best CE rating for riding jeans.Years ago, AAA meant heavy, bulky, and restrictive leather pants. But improved textile tech (along with a revised testing process) mean lighter, more comfortable denim options make the grade.

Find our full list of AAA-rated jeans

Single-layer with CE level 2 armor

Tested by Deputy Head of Digital, Ben Clarke for 12 months and 3000 miles

"To say that these single layer jeans from British firm Roadskin look and feel ‘just like jeans’ may seem like stating the obvious but it’s the highest praise I can think to give. Apart from the CE level 2 armour, there’s nothing to give these away as anything other than a comfy pair of denim trousers – and yet, they achieve the highest CE rating of AAA.

"When it comes to this kind of summer and casual kit I’ve always aired on the side of comfort – using the theory that if I’m comfortable I’ll be able to focus on the ride better. But the Roadskin Taranis jeans let me keep that level of comfort with the added peace of mind that they won’t fall to bits in a slide.

"My pair have got a few thousand miles on them now and still look like new. The zips fgeel sturdy and strong, as you’d expect with a AAA rating, and the buttons and rivets are good quality too.

"No, they’re not the cheapest, but they look great on and off the bike and achieving a AAA rating for a denim garment should be applauded. I would certainly spend my own money on a pair without thinking twice."

Read our full and in-depth Roadskin Taranis review

Pros

  • Comfortable on and off the bike
  • Look like normal jeans
  • Peace of mind from AAA rating

Cons

  • Not the cheapest but in line with similar spec alternatives
  • Partial liner a the top
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    3.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Abrasion resistance AAA
Hip armor Level 2
Knee armor Level 2
  • Available in three lengths
  • High and low knee armor positions
  • Stretch fabric
  • Single layer (partial mesh lining)

AA-rated motorbike jeans

If AAA-rated jeans are beyond your budget and you’re mostly a city rider, AA-rated riding jeans might fit the bill. They won’t perform like AAA-rated pants but can be fitted with level 2 armor and still represent a huge improvement from “civilian” pants.

Find our full list of AA-rated jeans

Single layer with CE level 2 armor

Tested by Deputy Head of Digital, Ben Clarke for three years/5000 miles

"I’ve reviewed a few of pairs of riding jeans for MCN now and, despite most looking pretty similar, there is a massive range of difference between them. Some use multiple layers to achieve a higher safety rating, which obviously improves their performance in a crash but also means they’re bulky looking, hot and heavy to wear.

"Others look pretty much like a normal pair of jeans but achieve this to the detriment of safety. This pair from Oxford manages to walk the line between the two perfectly – they don’t look strange when you’re off the bike, keep you cool in hot weather but still retain an AA safety rating.

"So, when I open my wardrobe to pick out gear before I go for a ride, these are usually the first pair I pick up. Over thousands of miles on various test bikes these have remained comfortable and aside from a little discolouration on the knees from crawling around securing chains and padlocks they look pretty much new.

"They come with CE level 2 armor at the knees and hips although for most of the time I must confess I do without the slightly bulky hip armor. This isn’t a criticism of these jeans in particular, though, as I do the same in other jeans too. The knee armor is sewn into a fixed position rather than the adjustable arrangement on some other pairs but they sit in the right place for me in my usual trouser size.

"Riding a motorbike requires a certain level of flexibility (quite a high level on some sport bikes) and the stretchy property of the denim used in these jeans means this is simple. Whether you’re swinging your leg over a tall bike seat, flexing to reach an awkward sidestand lug or unexpectedly chucking out a leg to steady yourself during slow speed maneuvres these jeans have got you covered.

"It also makes them very comfortable over distance as the fabric doesn’t constrict at the joints and cause any numbness. Over a very long distance – a whole day of riding - you start to get a little saddle sore in sensitive places but that is true of every pair of denim jeans I’ve ever worn on a bike (including Target’s finest)."

Pros

  • Balanced design that doesn't compromise on appearance or safety
  • Retain an AA safety rating while looking like normal jeans
  • Keep the wearer cool in hot weather
  • Include CE level 2 armor at knees and hips for enhanced protection
  • Stretchy denim provides flexibility and comfort during various riding maneuvers
  • Durable and maintains appearance over long-term use, with minimal discoloration
  • Comfortable for long-distance rides due to fabric flexibility

Cons

  • Hip armor is slightly bulky, often removed by the wearer
  • Knee armor is in a fixed position, which might not fit everyone ideally
  • Can cause saddle soreness over very long distances, similar to other denim jeans
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    3.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Abrasion resistance AA
Hip armor Level 2
Knee armor Level 2
  • Triple-needle stitched, fully felled seat
  • Durable twill pocketing
  • Riveted pockets
  • Ultra-secure belt loops
  • Reinforced lined yoke
  • Lined back pockets

A rated motorbike jeans

These offer the lowest abrasion and impact resistance  but for moped or scooter riders, they might be ideal. There are B and C-ratings for off-road riding pants, but we’ll focus on road riding jeans here.

Where’s the A-rated riding jeans? With the sheer number of AAA and AA options at great prices, we felt it wasn’t necessary to review less safe riding jeans only costing $25-$40 less. 


Waterproof motorbike jeans

Ordinarily, denim is a sponge for rain, but water resistant and even fully waterproof riding jeans options exist. Fully waterproof jeans aren’t exactly as comfortable as porous denim. But as any rider knows, a set of waterproofs in a backpack usually keeps the rain away.

Find our full list of waterproof jeans

Water-resistant

Price: $90.97 (closeout)
Tested by Editor, Rich Newland for three months/1200 miles

"The trade-off between protection, comfort, style and versatility is one that rages almost every time we get on a bike. I’ve tried to get the options down to two set choices over the years: Jacket and jeans, or a textile suit. Even I can usually make a fast decision between only two options. 

"My absolute default – even in winter when it’s dry – is riding jeans and a jacket, so having highly protective but comfortable jeans is crucial, especially as I often spend all day in them, either in the saddle or while wandering about having ridden to a destination. I’ve tested a large number over the years, and these Bull-It jobbies are definitely in my top three (Draggin and Spidi make the other two on my podium). 

"These Tactical Icon IIs were superbly comfortable from the moment I put them on. Much of that is thanks to the construction and stretchy feel of the material, and the fact that they’re single-layer, meaning they’re almost indistinguishable from normal jeans in terms of weight, flexibility and comfort. Where they differ, is that they’re certified AA rated for protection and, if you want to, they can be fitted with knee and hip armor as well. Personally, that’s one of my trade-off items, and I don’t have the armor fitted, but I have ridden with it fitted, and the armor is comfortable in position. The supplied protectors slot into sewn-in pockets within the jeans which fasten with Velcro closures.

"The armor doesn’t move, sculps well, and doesn’t look cumbersome beneath the material. The armor is CE161 Level 2 at both knee and hip. And while the jeans are single layer, there is a mesh liner to knee height on the front and the aforementioned pockets for armor, but all the extra bits are integrated without rough seams or scratchy panels – so they don’t detract from the feeling of a lightweight jean. On the bike they offer a good connection to the seat – they’re not overly sticky or slippy – and are stretchy enough to offer some give. In hot weather they stay appreciably cool, and they’re just like a normal jean to walk around in.

"They come in sizes 30-44 for men, with different leg lengths available. In my size, they’re ever so slightly large, so try them first. A ladies’ cut is also available (see Tactical Icona II below) in sizes 4-16. 

"After 1200 miles and four washes they still look new, and I really like the detailing in terms of the 5-pocket design, branded button – and the use of a proper YKK zip. They look and feel (and perform) like a quality high-end garment, for a price that feels like exceptionally good value."

Pros

  • Soft to the touch
  • Pliable material
  • Comfortable and protective to a high standard

Cons

  • Try before you buy to ensure a good fit – mine came up large
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Abrasion resistance AA
Hip armor Level 2
Knee armor Level 2
  • Tactical Oneskin outer shell with premium Covec stretch recovery yarns
  • Covec high-performance AA stretch denim CE Level II hip and knee armor included
  • Water resistant finish
  • Adjustable protector pockets

Women’s jeans and leggings

While pure rain gear can be unisex, womens’ riding jeans clearly need different fitment and sizing. Style considerations may vary as well. Women riders even have CE-rated leggings to consider if comfort and freedom (and good weather) are most important.

Find our full list of ladies’ jeans and leggings

Comfy and great protection

Price: $76.97 (closeout)
Tested by Deputy Editor, Emma Franklin for two months/1000 miles

"These AA-rated single-layer jeans have become my go-to pair because they fit so well and also are comfortable, even on warm days. Styled like slim-fit fashion jeans, I like how the Icona IIs (like all Bull-it jeans) feature a high waist to prevent your lower back from becoming exposed (low waist riding jeans are a pet hate).

"Abrasion-resistant stretchy denim ensures a good fit and has the bonus of holding the included Level-2 hip and knee armor perfectly in place. It’s a pretty clever trick Bull-it have pulled off here, as the jeans fit just as well with the armor as they do without, so I’ve got no reason not to wear the extra protection.

"As an added bonus, the jeans are also shower resistant. Bull-it were the first to make a product to pass the old, tougher (and largely ignored) CE abrasion standard, so making good protective product is at the core of their ideals."

Pros

  • AA-rated for safety
  • Comfortable fit, suitable for warm weather
  • High waist design prevents lower back exposure
  • Abrasion-resistant stretchy denim ensures a snug fit
  • Level-2 hip and knee armor fits perfectly and does not alter fit
  • Shower resistant fabric

Cons

  • 'Only' AA rated not AAA
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Abrasion resistance AA
Hip armor Level 2
Knee armor Level 2
  • Stretchy
  • Water-resistant finish
  • Adjustable protector pockets

Ladies’ leggings

No fear of a muffin-top

Price: $70 (closeout)
Tested by Office Manager, Alison Silcox for 3 months/1500 miles

"Getting riding jeans to fit has always been a nightmare because sizing is so out of step with non-riding gear. In ‘normal’ clothes I’m a size 12 with long leg length but over the years I’ve ended up with jeans ranging from 12 to 18, which does a lady’s ego no good! It was like a breath of fresh air trying on these super-stretchy leggings because the sizing is accurate.

"With aramid reinforcements, knee protectors and pockets for hip armor, they are CE approved but only to the lowest level (A) so they’re best used for lower-speed urban riding. However, being made from stretchy material means they fit perfectly. There’s a high waistband, so no awkward gap between jacket and jeans, plus no fear of a muffin top.

"You can also purchase a belt connector so that you can zip them to your riding jacket. Front pockets are large enough to stow keys or a phone when you’re off the bike. The leggings look stylish and can be worn with either short baseball-style riding boots or touring boots. They’ve been through the wash a few times and they haven’t lost shape or color.

"They don’t claim to be waterproof and I can absolutely confirm this is true. When I got caught in a shower, they absorbed water like a sponge. They come in a full range of sizes and three leg lengths, I opted for long and, for once, they’re slightly too long. Also available in khaki, grey and burgundy."

Pros

  • Accurate sizing matches non-riding apparel
  • Made with super-stretchy material for a perfect fit
  • Features aramid reinforcements and knee protectors
  • Optional pockets for hip armor
  • High waistband prevents gaps between jacket and jeans
  • Front pockets are functional for keys or phone
  • Stylish design compatible with various riding boots
  • Maintains shape and color after washing
  • Available in multiple colours and three leg lengths

Cons

  • Only CE approved to the lowest level (A), suitable for lower-speed urban riding
  • Not waterproof; absorbs water heavily in rain
  • Length may be too long, even in the correct size choice
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    3.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Abrasion resistance A
Hip armor Available separately
Knee armor Level 2
  • Designed for women
  • Casual-looking
  • Reinforced belt loops

Riding jeans cheat sheet for buyers

“Riding jeans” can mean anything constructed from denim reinforced with super materials like Kevlar, Covec, Aramid, Pekev, and others materials being trademarked at the time of this writing.

They’ll typically include armor at the knees and/or hips, made of the same materials as the riding jacket armor and can be CE Level 1 or Level 2-rated. Level 1 offers less protection but is less bulky while Level 2 is safer but takes up more space.

Safety ratings

It’s really up to you. You’re the decider of what protection is right for you. You may not want AAA jeans and CE Level 2 hip and knee armor for a scooter trip to the corner store. Comfort is related to safety, but so is confidence. Highway or performance riding will obviously tilt the scales towards safety, and all these metrics have budgetary concerns for some. But ultimately, every rider decides for themselves.

Riding jeans are tested against criteria that simulate crash impact and the subsequent slide. A full list of denim CE testing can be found here. A passing garment receives a rating under the EN 17092 testing standard.

The bottom line is, any level of reinforcement in your jeans offers better protection than normal jeans or pants. Consider buying a proper riding pants or jeans before you throw a leg over your bike, period.

Potential watch out: Some CE ratings refer to the fabric they’re made from rather than the riding jeans as a whole. Others mention CE Level 2 for the armor, but have no CE rating (AAA, AA or A) for the riding jeans themselves. 

Single layer or lined?

Once you’ve picked the safety rating, it’s time to think about the outer shell and inner liner. Some riding jeans use standard denim with protective liner. Though bulkier and hotter, they’re cheaper than comparable single-layer options.

Single-layer jeans use Kevlar (and other  super fabrics) for a lighter and cooler garment, like everyday jeans. They’re often more comfortable and cooler in summer. Between the two options, there’s plenty of lining choices available.

Do you wear your riding jeans after riding? Or all day?  Single-layer jeans will probably work better. Need something cooler? Lined jeans might be your best bet, especially if you stay on your bike for most of the day.

FAQs

How are single layer jeans different from lined jeans?

Single layer means abrasion-resistant material is woven directly into the outer layer. Conversely, lined jeans have a regular cotton denim outer shell with a separate inner lining made with abrasion-resistant material, usually aramid fibers or material like Kevlar.

How are riding jeans tested?

Riding jeans designated as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must earn certification through a range of EN 17092 standardized tests. These tests include:

Impact energy absorption

This covers the armor, which is mandatory in class AAA and AA apparel for shoulder, elbow, knee and hip. Hip protectors are optional for class A. Armor must cover the appropriate body part and be certified to EN 1621. There are two classes for armor, level 1 and 2, with the latter offering greater performance.

Impact abrasion resistance

This test measures how well apparel performs when worn by an average rider (weighing 165 lbs and measuring 5’ 6” tall) in a slide. Three samples of the same apparel are mounted in a rotating rig at different angles and impacted on an asphalt surface at a prescribed speed. Afterward, if the samples show no holes, they’re subjected to this twice more. To pass, no hole bigger than 5mm (just over 3/16 of an inch) can be present at the test’s conclusion.

Seam strength and structural closures

All seams, including those of the protector pockets, and zip fasteners are subjected to this test (EN 13594) to ensure that they have sufficient resistance to being torn apart.

Tear strength

A number of samples are taken from the garment to measure resistance to further tearing once they have been split.

Dimensional stability

To ensure that apparel is not affected by thorough washing, it is subjected to five separate controlled washing cycles. Any fixed armor must remain in place and the garment must not shrink any further than 5% during this process.

Innocuousness

In order to make sure that apparel is safe to wear against the skin in normal use, this test covers the chemicals and dyes used in the production process that remain in the fabric.

Fit and ergonomics

Apparel is tested by an assessor to ensure the necessary range of movements matches the application and that fit aligns with the manufacturer’s size guide.

Classification

Assuming a garment achieves a pass in all tests, classification is awarded according to the performance level as follows:

AAA (EN 17092-2:2020) The highest achievable for abrasion resistance.
AA (EN 17092-3:2020) A lower pass for abrasion resistance.
A (EN 17092-4:2020) The lowest classification for abrasion resistance.
B (EN 17092-5:2020) This is for garments which have no impact protection but do offer abrasion resistance.
C (EN 17092-6:2020) For garments offering solely impact protection without abrasion resistance, such as armored shorts or vests designed to be worn as a base layer.


How MCN tested these riding jeans

Riding motorbikes in protective jeans

At MCN, our team of expert journalists use decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles to make sure you spend your hard-earned dollars on the right bike kit.

We don’t test riding jeans to destruction, we use them exactly how you do; in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

We ask our testers to consider several parameters when they’re riding in jeans. They are the following:

Comfort

Are the jeans comfortable compared to other pairs we’ve tested but also compared to normal pants? Riding jeans can be worn for a day at work or when grabbing a drink on the way home and so they need to be comfortable both on and off the bike.

Practicality

A pair of riding jeans will never be as practical as, say, a pair of laminated textile pants, but they can still have pockets in the right places and some are even water resistant or claim to be waterproof.

Looks

The looks of any garment is purely subjective, but we still like our testers to give an opinion. They’ve got experience of the industry and have an eye for what people want, after all. With riding jeans in particular, testers can consider whether they look like ‘normal jeans’ or not.

Quality

When you’ve worn and handled a lot of kit you start to get a feeling for build quality. It’s sometimes obvious that a pair of jeans will start to wear through or fade in high friction zones but other pairs can feel like they’ll last a lifetime. It doesn’t mean we won’t put them through miles of testing, too, but it’s a good guide.

Protection

As outlined above, riding jeans have different levels of protection. This is an objective measure in terms of the testing standard the jeans have met, but has a subjective angle. Would the tester feel confident crashing in them?

Value

Value isn’t the same as cheapness. Our testers consider the quality of the product, the level of protection and also things like the warranty on offer when scoring for value.

Overall

An aggregate of the other scores.

All of the jeans in this page have been tested in the real world by a member of the team and scored at least four stars overall.

Our scores explained

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

  • 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
  • 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
  • 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
  • 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
  • 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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


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