7 Best Motorcycle Jackets of 2023

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Kick up some dust in these top-rated motorcycle jackets.

Though you may not have a cross-country camping trip or flat track race on the horizon, every rider needs a good motorcycle jacket. Next to a helmet, a riding jacket is one of the most important pieces of gear for keeping you safe if you take a spill or skid, and it keeps you protected from the elements (namely, wind) while out on a ride.

Heavy leather used to be the only choice for motorcycle jackets, but advancements in safety and performance fabrics have given way to an exhaustive number of options for power sports gear—a lot of it slapped with logos and clashing colors that may make you feel like a fluorescent billboard. However, there are still plenty of options that offer the protection and performance you want in those classic, subdued styles to match whatever make or model you’re revving.

Whether you’re getting kitted out after buying your first bike or you’re looking for a replacement for your worn-in jacket, the best motorcycle jackets are protective, stylish, and durable.

Motorcycle jackets are meant to keep you covered in case of a fall or slide. They’re made with materials like leather and military-grade nylon because they’re durable and abrasion-resistant. Some have armor—or, at least, pockets you can put armor into—at the shoulders, elbows, and spine.

The CE safety standard measures the impact a piece of armor can absorb—you’ll see gear tagged as CE-certified, sometimes with a corresponding number. CE-2 grade is suitable for racing and touring as it can absorb double the impact of CE-1 graded gear. As long as the armor is CE-certified at all, it’ll suffice for most riders.

A ride during a heatwave in a Gore-Tex, seam-sealed jacket sounds about as fun as riding through winter in a mesh one—as in, not fun at all. Consider the weather you typically encounter on your rides, or whether it varies, and choose a jacket that makes those conditions comfortable.

For those in warm places, consider a lightweight, well-vented jacket. You can get a lot of use out of a lighter jacket by adding a layer or two underneath for mild winter-weather temps. If you’re relying on your jacket to keep you warm, check for a cozy liner inside—ideally a removable one for when the sun warms you up midday.

Almost all of our picks are at least water-resistant and can withstand getting caught in a shower, but for touring and long trips, consider a jacket with a waterproof membrane.

Triumph Bonneville, Harley shovelhead, and Honda XR riders probably all want different jackets to match their rides, but the popular busy, flashy designs aren’t everyone’s style. Riding gear with wild colors and emblazoned brand names is great for visibility on the road, but doesn’t pair well with casual wear once you arrive at your destination. As such, we picked jackets with versatile styles and subdued designs so they can easily transition on and off the bike—and look good no matter what model you ride.

To determine the best motorcycle jackets, we considered the features that keep riders safe, comfortable, and looking good. We selected products made from durable materials with some form of weather protection built-in. We narrowed the pool down by checking product reviews from publications like Gear Patrol, The Drive, and Upshift, as well as customer reviews from buyers to ensure quality and performance. Our final list fits different levels of protection in terms of armor and weather, with various price points and styles to match any rider and their bike.

This motorcycle trench is a three-season riding jacket that delivers protection and adaptability in a sleek design. The 400D nylon shell is laminated with Gore-Tex for a waterproof but breathable ride for rainy commutes and touring. You can remove the mesh ventilation panels at the chest and upper back for maximum air flow, or seal them up to keep out cold and wind. It also has a removable insulating liner for when temps drop.

The abrasion-resistant 400D shell and included CE-2 armor in the shoulders and elbows provide great protection, with slots for chest armor and back armor if you need even more. There are cinches at the forearms and hooks at the hem to attach to your riding pants, ensure the jacket doesn’t pull up and expose your skin during a slide.

The fit on this jacket is snug but not constricting, though if you have broad shoulders or a large middle, consider going up a size. There are cinch tabs at the waist and arms for a closer fit, and customers report the jacket doesn’t bunch up uncomfortably. This motorcycle jacket can handle daily commuting or extended touring, and it’s versatile enough to wear in rain or shine.

This jacket is packed with features for the price, like 600D nylon and CE-1 armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back. There’s foam padding at the chest as well, but there’s no safety certification specified for it—though anything helps if you take a spill. The full-sleeve liner keeps you insulated in cold weather and it’s removable for the warmer months.

Customers report that the wind protection works great and that, with proper layering underneath, this jacket does well in freezing temps. The fit is true-to-size with enough room to layer underneath, so buy your normal size. Reflective details keep you visible at night and there are brighter color options in this model for higher visibility.

The recurring complaint from customers who have bought this jacket is the Velcro fastening at the cuffs and neck. Some customers found it lost its adhesiveness and that the collar sometimes flaps in the wind during rides. Still, the majority of reviewers agree that the features and performance of this jacket are great for the price.

Leather and kevlar offer great protection, but a summer ride in either material leaves you drenched in sweat. Lightweight and breathable, the Eclipse 2 jacket is made to get you through the warmer riding months without skimping on protection.

The jacket is made of 600D nylon with large mesh panels for ventilation at the chest, back, and under the arms. It has CE-1 armor in the shoulders and elbow and has a slot for an optional back piece for added protection. You can attach the belt hooks to riding pants to ensure the jacket doesn’t come up.

It’s made to have a fit that sits close to the body but isn’t too slim, with adjustable cinches at the biceps, wrists, and hips. The subtle style goes with plenty of makes and models, and if you’re in a hot climate, you can get more than just summer and spring out of this jacket if you layer a hoodie underneath.

The Vendetta motorcycle jacket is made from a hefty sheepskin leather, distressed for softness and flexibility. Its design is similar to a trucker jacket, but without a collar. It has a removable hood and a full-sleeve thermal liner—instead of just a torso liner, as most jackets have—with vents at the chest and upper back for adapting to different temperatures.

The brand recommends taking your normal size, and customer reviews agree as the jacket has a “generous cut” for layering. It doesn’t come with any armor, but it has pockets at the back, elbows, and shoulders to add protection. Still, reviewers say they’re impressed with the quality of materials and the overall construction of the jacket.

Leather motorcycle jackets typically go for well over $500, so this is a great value that protects riders from wind and weather, and it’s stylish for when you get off the bike.

We can’t publish a list of the best motorcycle jackets without recommending the original motorcycle jacket. Schott made the first motorcycle jacket in 1928, and the Perfecto model was immortalized when Marlon Brando wore it in The Wild One. Since, the likes of Debbie Harry, The Ramones, and a slew of other celebrities have donned it—but it’s remained the paradigm for serious bikers who want a classic look with tried-and-true durability.

It’s constructed from full-grain cowhide leather and has a quilted lining for insulation. The leather weighs almost four ounces, so it feels sturdy and requires a break-in period before it gets comfortable. The large lapels offer coverage in bad weather, but snap down in place so they don’t flap around while riding. The adjustable waist belt gives you a secure fit and the pockets at the left chest and hip are easily accessible.

As far as weatherproofing, leather is frankly never a good choice—but the thickness of the Perfecto can withstand a bit of rain. Schott has kept true to the design, so this model sacrifices modern protection and synthetic materials.

The Mojave is an updated version of the classic waxed jacket, but it pairs well with both vintage and modern motorcycles. The waxed-canvas shell is water and abrasion-resistant and the mesh liner allows breathability along with zip vents at the chest and back.

It comes with CE-1 armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back for flexible protection, all of it removable for casual wear. The buttons on the high collar are large enough that you can easily snap or unsnap them with gloves on, and the two-way zipper allows for a more comfortable fit while sitting. This jacket protects against wind and some rain, but doesn’t do much for warmth so if you plan to use it in cold weather, you need layers.

A recurring gripe for this jacket is the storage space. There’s an interior pocket that fits a phone, a zip pocket at the rear, and patch pockets with a zipper pocket at the front hip. If you fill the patch pocket, though, you can’t fit much else in the zipper pocket on top.

The Mojave is a great versatile jacket with a sleek design and the protection to match. If you ride with saddle bags or a backpack and don’t need the pocket space, this is a good choice for riders who like a sleek style.

The Crosby is a lighter version of Belstaff's classic Trialmaster jacket that’s still weatherproof with built-in protection. Its shell is a six-ounce waxed cotton that's bonded to a seam-sealed, waterproof membrane for a classic look and modern protection from the elements.

There's CE-1 armor at the shoulders and elbows, with a slot in the back to add protection. Metal grommets under the arms provide some ventilation, and you need a lot more than that if you’re riding in hot weather, but this jacket is great for mild weather over 45 degrees.

This jacket runs small and U.S. customers advise going up a size as these adhere to U.K. sizing. You can customize the fit with cinches at the waist and cuffs, and you can tighten the adjustable neck for cold or rainy conditions.

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

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