Best single layer motorcycle jeans | Thin feel but full on safety

Updated: Today 09:48

Rider wearing jeans on a triumph motorcycle

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.

Oxford Original AAA Jeans Slim

Expert rating:

5.0

Price: £179.99

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Tested by Ben Clarke for 2000 miles

“Riding jeans are a must-have piece of summer bike kit for me and so I’ve tested plenty, including a few generations of Oxford AA and AAA options. These are certainly up there with the best in terms of comfort, I can wear them in the office all day and forget they’re not normal jeans.

“The single layer design is unrestrictive but also keeps you cool, particularly walking around off the bike, but retains a AAA CE certification for peace of mind. It also has a slight stretch to it, which is great for swinging your leg over taller bikes.

“The Level 2 Dynamic armour is a little stiff at first but soon adapts to your contours and becomes extremely comfortable and subtle. I don’t use the hip armour as I prefer the jeans without it.

“It’s important for me that a riding jean can pass for a normal garment away from the bike and these pass that test. I like the look of them, and apart from a few subtle, tell-tale bits of stitching you wouldn’t guess they were riding jeans at all.

"My only criticism is that I could do with a couple more belt loops as I get some gaping of the waistband."

Pros

Comfortable on and off the motorbike
Meet the testing criteria for the highest AAA CE certification
Look just like normal jeans

Cons

Not cheap but a fair price in line with the market
I'd prefer a couple more belt loops to prevent gaping

Comfort

5.0
Practicality

4.0
Looks

5.0
Quality

5.0
Protection

5.0
Value

4.0
Verdict

5.0

Construction	Single layer Armourlite
CE certification	AAA
Knee armour	Level 2
Hip armour	Level 2

Reinforced impact abrasion zones.
Fully lined inside seat panel.
Internal overlock stitching reinforces all critical seams for improved seam strength.
Rivet reinforced side pockets.
Twin needle reinforced side seams.
Bar tack reinforced belt loops.

Bull-It Tactical Icon II Jeans

Expert rating:

5.0

Price: £89.99 (was £149.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Tested by 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 armour as well. Personally, that’s one of my trade-off items, and I don’t have the armour fitted, but I have ridden with it fitted, and the armour is comfortable in position. The supplied protectors slot into sewn-in pockets within the jeans which fasten with Velcro closures.

"The armour doesn’t move, sculps well, and doesn’t look cumbersome beneath the material. The armour 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 armour, 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

Construction	Lined Covec
CE rating	AA with level 2 armour at hips and knees

Tactical Oneskin outer shell with premium Covec stretch recovery yarns
Covec high-performance AA stretch denim CE Level II hip and knee armour included
Water resistant finish
Adjustable protector pockets

Bull-it Covert Evo

Expert rating:

5.0

Price: £99.99 (was £189.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Tested by Michael Neeves for two years, 10,000 miles:

"Bull-it’s latest jeans have new pockets to keep knee armour more snugly in place and denim that retains its stretchiness for longer through wash cycles. They still offer the highest level of abrasion protection (AAA), like the old Coverts, and have CE knee and hip armour, so it feels like riding in more than ‘just’ jeans. Reassuringly thick, robust, and showerproof."

Read Michael's full Bull-it Covert Evo jeans review

Pros

They're showerproof
They look great
Have not faded after several washes

Cons

None I cant think of

Quality

5.0
Value

5.0

Construction	Covec high-performance AA stretch denim
Type	Jeans
CE rating	AAA
Armour	Level 2 hip and knee

Covec "LITE" Reinforcement panels at High impact zones giving AAA rating
CE hip and knee armour included as standard
Water resistant finish
Adjustable protector pockets

Roadkskin Taranis Elite AAA Jeans

Price: £161.99 (was £179.99)

www.roadskin.co.uk

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Tested by Ben Clarke for 12 months, 3000 miles:

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.

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 Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA review

Pros

Comfy
Look like normal jeans
Peace of mind from AAA rating

Cons

Not the cheapest

Comfort

5.0
Practicality

3.0
Looks

5.0
Quality

5.0
Protection

5.0
Value

4.0
Overall

5.0

Construction	Cotton, Kevlar, PE, Cordura, Lycra
Type	Denim riding jeans
CE Rating	AAA
Armour	CE-level 2 hip and knee

Available in three lengths
Stretch fabric
Single layer
Mesh lining

Bull-it Icon II Easy Covec Jeans

Price: £89.99 (was £149.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Tested by Richard Newland for three months, 1200 miles:

The Bull it Tactical Icon jeans look and feel (and perform) like a quality high-end garment, for a price that feels like exceptionally good value. And while the Bull it Tactical Icon jeans are single layer, there is a mesh liner to knee height on the front and the aforementioned pockets for armour, 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 jeans to walk around in.

Read Richard's full Bull-It Tactical Icon review

Construction	Kevlar and denim
Armour	CE Level 2 hip and knee
CE Rating	AA

Covec high-performance AA stretch denim
Water resistant finish
Adjustable protector pockets

RST X Kevlar Jeans

Price: £127.49 (was £169.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Tested by Dan Sutherland for five months, 1000 miles

These are a great blend of safety and looks, offering a slim fit alongside an AA CE rating and Level 1 hip and knee armour. They feature five external pockets and room for adjustment for the hard protectors. I’ve made countless journeys in these on a range of motorcycles and always been comfortable – with the protection remaining exactly where it needs to be at all times. This is thanks to RST’ ‘Infinite Adjustment Armour System’, which holds the knee armour in place with a set of hook and loop fasteners. They still look as good as the day they arrived and there’s been no fraying, or discolouration. They don’t feel heavy on your legs like some other riding jeans, either, but I’ve managed to continue to wear them on single digit winter days with the addition of a thin set of base layers.

Pros

CE Approved protection
Stylish looks

Cons

Only really work with short boots

Value

4.0
Quality

4.0

CE Rating	AA
Armour	Level 1 knee and hip
Construction	Denim and Kevlar

Cotton front leg lining
Classic five-pocket design
Infinite adjustment armour system
Contrast stitch detail

Oxford Original Dynamic Jeans

Price: £99.99 ( was £149.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

View Offer

Tested by Joseph Wright for six months, 2500 miles

These are the first pair of proper riding jeans I have tried but with their knee and hip padding combined with stylish looks, l am now a convert. They offer a great balance of safety vs comfort from
their lightweight single-layer material, which is flexible on and off the bike, twinned with Level 2 CE hip/knee protectors which mould neatly around your joints all creating a fairly slim profile. I opted for the slim-fit style which exceeded expectations though the winter and spring but seem to have more restricted breathability in summer. A straight-leg fit is available and the looser fit may encourage more airflow

Pros

Comfortable
Look good

Cons

Not very breathable in summer

Quality

4.0
Value

5.0

Construction	Lightweight single layer Armourlite denim construction
Armour	CE Level 2 knee and hip
CE Rating	AA

Triple stitched seams
Reinforced lined yolk
Lined back pockets

How MCN tests products

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