COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE 10 BEST MOTORCYCLE JACKETS FOR ALL RIDERS

Though many think of leather jackets with lots of snaps and zippers like the Fonz once wore, these jackets now come in a variety of different styles. Some feature bright colors and extra padding, while others come with zippered pockets and more traditional materials.

The first and most important purpose of a motorcycle jacket is for protection. That’s why realized that there was no one perfect jacket.

There simply wasn’t one jacket that was right for all riders. That is why we divided our list into the top leather, textile, mesh, 4-season and adventure jackets.

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOTORCYCLE JACKETS

TYPE

The first thing you want to look for is a motorcycle jacket built around how you ride. Adventure jackets, also known as off-road jackets, are perfect for those who spend a lot of time off the beaten track, while a textile jacket won’t weigh you down. Leather jackets let you rock a classic look, but you may want a lightweight mesh jacket for riding in the summer or a 4-season jacket for using all year long.

FIT

The best Motorcycle jacket tend to fit a little tighter than traditional jackets do, which offers protection when you skid or slide off your bike. It’s important that you look at how the jacket fits you though. It should fit tightly but offer enough freedom of movement that you don’t feel pinned down.

AIR FLOW SYSTEM

Those who ride their bikes in areas where the temperatures are high should invest in a jacket that comes with a built-in air flow system. This allows more air to flow over your body and helps you stay cooler. Many jackets include mesh panels and panels made from other lighter materials.

PADDING

The best motorcycle jackets are jackets designed for one thing: protection. They will have padding on the upper back or shoulders and around the elbows. These are the more sensitive parts of your body and the parts that need additional protection.

Some jackets come with even more padding that acts like body armor during an accident. Armor is super important against road rashes and injuries from falls. You can never be too safe!

NUMBER OF POCKETS

Anything you carry in your pants pockets can get in your way while riding a bike, which is why you need a jacket that has two or more pockets. Most feature pockets on the front, but others come with more pockets along the sides. This gives you more room to store your wallet, keys and phone.

LOCATION OF POCKETS

The location of those pockets is just as important as the number of pockets on the jacket. A zippered pocket on the shoulder or arm ensures that your belongings don’t pick you as you ride. You’ll also find jackets with pockets near the hem.

CONSTRUCTION

When you wipe out on your motorcycle, you want a jacket that offers protection, which will include seams that don’t split or break. The jacket should have strong seams on all impact points, including the elbows, back and shoulders. Those are the points that will hit the ground the hardest.

COLOR

Though you may not think color is important, it becomes important when others cannot see you on the road. Wearing primarily neutral colors that blend into the surrounding environment can cause accidents because other drivers do not notice you. Wearing darker or brighter colors that stand out from the environment can help prevent those incidents.

LINING

Another helpful feature to look for is the lining used in the jacket. Some of the best coats come with a removable lining that you can take out and put back in later. That liner will help you stay comfortable when riding in both cooler and warmer weather.

REFLECTIVE AREAS

Consider choosing a jacket that comes with one or more reflective areas or patches too. Those patches will catch the headlights of cars passing by and help drivers clearly see you, another important feature for protection.