Thin blue line: Best single layer motorcycle jeans

When it comes to riding jeans, single layer motorcycle jeans offer the best compromise between comfort, cooling and protection. Sure, a set of textiles are great if you’re going a long way and leathers make sense for sportier rides, but for shorter or more casual journeys, a jacket and jeans is hard to beat.

As their name implies, single layer motorcycle jeans are constructed without doubling up on fabric for reinforcement, so abrasion resistance is achieved by weaving aramid fibres into the denim itself. Recent developments in material technology means that a pair of single layer motorcycle jeans can achieve a CE rating of AAA, the highest possible for abrasion resistance and construction strength.

In addition to a robust construction, you should also expect armour at the knee, and ideally the hips as well, to protect from impact . As with all motorcycle clothing, this can either be rated CE Level 1 or the more shock-absorbent Level-2.

As with any form of clothing, sizing and style can vary, so trying a pair on before you commit is essential.

You should also consider the cut; straight-cut jeans tend to be a bit more generous in the legs, while skinny fit may not work for riders with chunkier legs. And you may also need to consider your footwear – if you really like skinny-fit jeans, you may need a pair of shorter, more casual boots to go under them.

Here is a selection of single layer motorcycle jeans that will keep you safe and feeling cool.

These fashionable jeans can be worn casual and come with free CE approved knee pads. Designed to distribute air evenly around your legs for comfort in the saddle. The 100% denim exterior is lined with Kevlar from hip to knee and come in a boot cut fit.

Alongside all this the Vaser jeans are a traditional 5 pocket design, so when off the bike you have somewhere for your phone and wallet, like you would ordinarily carry.

They are cut in a traditional five-pocket design and feature legs slimmer than a usual boot cut yet not quite at the skinny fit end of the spectrum. They use YKK zips for strength and reliability and come in a variety of colours and cuts.

CE rating: AA

Armour rating: L2

CE Rating: AA

Armour rating: L1

Using ultra strong denim fabric with stretchable flex panels in key areas to give you all day comfort on and off the bike, these all season single layer motorcycle jeans are a fashionable choice. Kevlar is placed on the rear, hips and shins of these jeans with armour pockets on the hips and knees for added protection.

Machine washable, they have zip and button up fly so that you’ve plenty of durability in the case of any slides off the bike. The Qaswa jeans are perfect on and off the bike so for quick trips about town, they could be your jeans of choice!

They are created in a classic five-pocket design and the material features a stretch element for additional comfort on the bike as well as off.

CE rating: AAA

Armour rating: L1

It also has water-repellent properties and helps to wick moisture away from the skin. They come with Knox’s Micro-Lock armour, rated at Level-1 in the knees and hips.

CE rating: AA

Armour rating: L1

The jeans are a traditional five-pocket design with availability in three leg lengths for each waist size with a casual fit and the Deux come with a leather belt. They also include Level-1 knee and hip armour.

CE rating: AAA

Armour rating: L1

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