Motorcycle jackets buying advice and reviews

Welcome to our motorcycle jackets homepage, where you'll get the very latest in-depth reviews of the products we're testing. Our team put thousands of miles on each pair we test to ensure we can deliver verdicts you can trust.

But it doesn't stop there. Our motorcycle jacket buying guides deliver exactly what they say: helpful, essential information so you can make the right choice when you decide to take the plunge.

Adventure motorcycle jacket buying guide | Why globetrotters all wear them and how to find yours

Adventure motorcycle jacket buying guide | Why globetrotters all wear them and how to find yours

Your jacket is one of the most important pieces of adventure gear to consider. On any trip you’ll be basically living in, so it’s got to stand up to anything your trip throws at it. Fixing a flat in...

Motorcycle armor buying guide | The best ways to protect yourself on a motorcycle explained

Motorcycle armor buying guide | The best ways to protect yourself on a motorcycle explained

Wearing armor may not be comfortable, but it beats other types of protective gear like casts, slings, bandages and the like. Embrace the danger and manage the risks with the best armor choices on the...

The best motorcycle airbag vests | A critical layer of upper body safety in the event of an accident

The best motorcycle airbag vests | A critical layer of upper body safety in the event of an accident

Motorcyclists will always assume far greater risks than motorists. But that margin shrinks with every technological advance in terms of gear, materials and road design. And with the advent of...

These mesh motorcycle jackets are the best we’ve tested, so feel the breeze and stay cool with MCN

These mesh motorcycle jackets are the best we’ve tested, so feel the breeze and stay cool with MCN

Summer motorcycle clothing has come a long way, starting mesh motorcycle jackets. They’re a real game-changer in hot weather hits and can save your life in more ways that one. Summers are brutal in...

Best summer motorcycle jackets | keep your cool

Best summer motorcycle jackets | keep your cool

Ah, summertime. The living’s easy and nothing beats the riding. It’s tempting to skip heavy gear or go easy on safety habits. But if you’ve ever seen the results of a high speed get-off when wearing...

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

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...

MCN's expert guide to the best motorcycle jackets for all riders and bike types

MCN's expert guide to the best motorcycle jackets for all riders and bike types

Besides an actual bike, nothing says “I ride” better than the right motorcycle jacket. From classic leather to modern textiles and polymers, modern riding jackets come in a wide variety of styles to...

The best leather motorcycle jackets tried and tested by our MCN riders

The best leather motorcycle jackets tried and tested by our MCN riders

Leather jackets have come a long way since Irving Schott designed the “lancet-fronted” iconic leather motorcycle jacket named “Perfecto” in 1928. Today, they come in a whole range of styles, from...

The Oxford Hardy 2.0 is a cool looking wax jacket that’s practical and rugged at the same time

The Oxford Hardy 2.0 is a cool looking wax jacket that’s practical and rugged at the same time

The Oxford Hardy 2.0 is, as the name suggests, the second version of this waxed textile retro jacket from the UK bike kit firm. The new version gets a bit of a styling upgrade but the biggest change...

Halvarssons Gruven Ladies Jacket and Gnon trousers could be a five star product, if it weren't for one major fault

Halvarssons Gruven Ladies Jacket and Gnon trousers could be a five star product, if it weren't for one major fault

When I think of Sweden the trauma of Ikea flat-packed furniture, ‘70’s supergroup Abba and the hurdy-gurdy Swedish Chefs from the Muppets spring to mind. But for me, there’s also the thoughts of...

Vanucci's VAJ-1 ladies textile jacket, a logical answer to layering that ends up being too much faff

Vanucci's VAJ-1 ladies textile jacket, a logical answer to layering that ends up being too much faff

Having been primarily a leather jacket wearer when riding my motorcycles, I was on the hunt for a more practical textile jacket to commute in. Cue the VAJ-1 from Vanucci – no sniggering – the idea...

Read MCN's review of the Pando Moto armoured base layer - "It's like a second skin"

Read MCN's review of the Pando Moto armoured base layer - "It's like a second skin"

The idea behind this armoured base layer from Pando Moto is that it is close fitting and comfortable enough to be worn underneath other clothing, while providing protection to the rider. I wanted to...

Oxford Rockland textile jacket review | A good budget option for all-year riding, except in the wet

Oxford Rockland textile jacket review | A good budget option for all-year riding, except in the wet

Oxford Products are one of the first brands I think of when I’m looking for good value motorcycle kit, and the Rockland is their four-season motorcycle jacket and trousers aimed at all-weather...

Macna’s Synchrone All-Weather jacket | A quality 3-piece thoughtfully designed with top jacket tech

Macna’s Synchrone All-Weather jacket | A quality 3-piece thoughtfully designed with top jacket tech

The Macna Synchrone is a three-piece all-weather motorcycle jacket geared more toward touring and adventure riding than off-road or enduro. There’s a breathable mesh core jacket for the warmer months,...

Fox Ranger jacket & trousers review | Brilliant for leading the pack off-road, not so much on-road

Fox Ranger jacket & trousers review | Brilliant for leading the pack off-road, not so much on-road

FOX have been a big hitter in the world of off-road apparel and equipment for donkey’s years, but just recently they’ve stuck a toe into the touring market with a range of textiles aimed at adventure...

The Adventure Spec Linesman Jacket review | It's basic but brilliant

The Adventure Spec Linesman Jacket review | It's basic but brilliant

The Linesman Jacket is a lightweight soft-shell trail and dual sport riding garment built by British firm Adventure Spec. It’s geared more towards the off-road end of the spectrum than many...

RST TracTech Evo 5 textile jacket review | It’s been the ideal commuting companion

RST TracTech Evo 5 textile jacket review | It’s been the ideal commuting companion

The RST TracTech Evo 5 is the most complete three season textile jacket I have ever used. It’s unlikely to be your go-to protection on the coldest of winter mornings, but from spring to autumn, it’s...

Tucano Urbano Airscud Flex review | Adds airbag tech to your existing jacket, but for a price

Tucano Urbano Airscud Flex review | Adds airbag tech to your existing jacket, but for a price

The Airscud Flex is Tucano Urbano’s latest airbag-ready jacket, and is designed with dual use in mind: it can be worn over lightweight clothing for protection while riding in the city, or...

Pharao Cedar Textile Suit review | A waterproof textile suit that's punching above its price tag

Pharao Cedar Textile Suit review | A waterproof textile suit that's punching above its price tag

When it comes to textile touring gear, we’re all looking for that go anywhere, do anything outfit – the Swiss army knife of riding kit, that we can wear all year round and face any weather with total...

RST Sabre leather airbag jacket | Sporty, comfortable, airbag-packing bargain

RST Sabre leather airbag jacket | Sporty, comfortable, airbag-packing bargain

Sitting somewhere between RST’s S-1 and Tractech Evo 5 jackets in terms of cost and ethos, the RST Sabre is a sporty touring jacket designed with mass appeal in mind. More interestingly, because...

RST IOM TT Brandish 2 CE leather jacket | Comfortable and stylish both on and off the bike, but not spec’d for speed

RST IOM TT Brandish 2 CE leather jacket | Comfortable and stylish both on and off the bike, but not spec’d for speed

I’ve worn this leather jacket in a number of scenarios now, including in the baking heat of southern Spain on a bike launch, the less-than-boiling British springtime, with temperatures as low as 10...

Rev'It Restless review | Stylish leather jacket with a retro twist

Rev'It Restless review | Stylish leather jacket with a retro twist

The Rev’It Restless is a AA-rated retro-inspired, leather motorcycle jacket that the brand says is inspired by the West Coast moto culture of the 1940s in America. Retro jacket touches include...

Alpinestars Stella ST-7 | Ideal touring kit for the warmer months

Alpinestars Stella ST-7 | Ideal touring kit for the warmer months

Designed for female riders who want to the best comfort and protection in all weathers, Alpinestars’ range-topping touring suit, the Stella ST-7 is constructed from Gore-Tex laminated textile with...

Best waterproof motorcycle jackets | MCN's top tested wet weather jackets

Best waterproof motorcycle jackets | MCN's top tested wet weather jackets

Coping with changeable weather is a conundrum that faces all riders, but arm yourself with a waterproof motorcycle jacket and you’ll always be ready to face the worst of it. Textiles lend...

Alpinestars Bogota jacket review | A versatile and high quality jacket for any situation

Alpinestars Bogota jacket review | A versatile and high quality jacket for any situation

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...

Knox Track Vest review | This back protector has seen MCN road tester, Carl, through 10k miles and multiple crashes

Knox Track Vest review | This back protector has seen MCN road tester, Carl, through 10k miles and multiple crashes

For pretty much any type of riding, having armour and protection, be that an airbag or a back protector, is an absolute must in order to feel that bit safer, should the worst happen. There’s a whole...

Roadskin Easyrider II Hoodie review | Casual riding without compromising on safety

Roadskin Easyrider II Hoodie review | Casual riding without compromising on safety

Roadskin’s Easyrider II may be called an armoured hoodie, but it’s truthfully more like a summer motorbike jacket. Where some riding hoodies are little more than fashion garments with a cursory nod to...

Rukka ComfoRina review | Four stars for luxury jacket after 4728 miles on test

Rukka ComfoRina review | Four stars for luxury jacket after 4728 miles on test

Rukka don’t do a wide range of motorcycle jackets, and to be honest, they’ve had no need to as their jackets, for the most part, do what they say on the description. Of course, Rukka is at the top end...

These mesh motorbike jackets are the best we've tested, so feel the breeze and stay cool with MCN

These mesh motorbike jackets are the best we've tested, so feel the breeze and stay cool with MCN

Summer motorcycle clothing has come on quite far these days, mesh motorcycle jackets in particular are a real game-changer when the hot weather hits and they offer a great way to stay cool without...

The best leather motorcycle jackets tried and tested by our MCN riders

The best leather motorcycle jackets tried and tested by our MCN riders

Leather motorcycle jackets are the go-to option for many riders for a variety of reasons. They come in a whole range of styles, from sports jackets to retro jackets as well as touring jacket designs.

Alpinestars Stella Neo waterproof hoodie | lightweight and waterproof, ideal for urban riding

Alpinestars Stella Neo waterproof hoodie | lightweight and waterproof, ideal for urban riding

A lot of bikers will have the full textile waterproof suit or jacket for long stints in the saddle, but those urban riders who need something a little lighter for the everyday commute aren’t after a...

Rev'It Paramount Gore-Tex suit review | Whatever the weather, this completely waterproof CE-rated suit has got you covered

Rev'It Paramount Gore-Tex suit review | Whatever the weather, this completely waterproof CE-rated suit has got you covered

The Rev’It Paramount (or onesie as it is affectionately known at MCN Towers) is an all-in-one, laminated textile riding suit. It features a main zip that runs all the way from the neck to the left...

Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road review | Next-level off-road protection

Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road review | Next-level off-road protection

The Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road is an all new armoured jacket featuring advanced airbag technology and switchable modes for Street, Enduro and Rally riding. Airbags for racing and road use...

Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Jacket review | Durable comfort all day long

Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Jacket review | Durable comfort all day long

When it comes to a textile motorcycle jacket, I’m a bit lazy. I want one set that covers everything from sunny off-roading to winter jaunts in the torrential rain, and that’s exactly where the third...

The Richa Atlantic 2 jacket and trousers are tough textiles for both sides of the Atlantic

The Richa Atlantic 2 jacket and trousers are tough textiles for both sides of the Atlantic

I’ve been using Richa’s AA-rated Atlantic 2 jacket and trousers since the onset of autumn 2023. Used for both commuting and leisure rides, I’ve experienced surprisingly warm weather, harsh winter...

The Halvarssons Gruven jacket and Laggan pants make a tailored all-season motorcycle suit

The Halvarssons Gruven jacket and Laggan pants make a tailored all-season motorcycle suit

Swedish brand Halvarssons have been motorcycle kit since 1946, but the Gruven jacket and Laggan pants are my first experience of the brand. Together they make a laminated textile suit designed for all...