The Best Motorcycle Jackets in 2023 – By Experts

When you think of a biker, the first image that comes to mind is someone wearing the iconic black leather jacket and riding their bike with all the swagger in the world. While the world is moving away from this stereotypical idea, there’s no denying that it holds some truth to it.

But a motorcycle jacket is not simply a stylish item of clothing. Rather, it should be an essential piece of any biker’s riding gear because it serves the practical purpose of ensuring their safety in the event of a crash.

While that sounds pretty straightforward in theory, the truth is that finding the perfect motorcycle jacket for you can pose a bit of a challenge, especially since they come in different styles, materials, colors, and price ranges. 

To help you suit up for your rides, I’ve reviewed the best motorcycle jackets of various types and uses for both men and women. I’ve also explained the different types of motorcycle jackets, the most important features that you should consider when buying one, as well as some common questions you may have.

Best Motorcycle Jackets For Men At a Glance:

Preview	Jacket	Rating	Price
Best Cruiser-Style Jacket	Milwaukee Leather Men’s Classic Side Lace Police	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon
Best Sport Jacket	Milano Sport Gamma	Rating: 4.2/5	View On Amazon
Best ADV/Touring Jacket	Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar	Rating: 4.4/5	View On Amazon
Best for Cold Weather	Tourmaster Advanced Men’s Textile Jacket	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon
Budget Pick	HHR Dualsport Enduro Textile Motorbike Jacket	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon

Best Motorcycle Jackets For Women At a Glance:

Preview	Jacket	Rating	Price
Best Leather Jacket	Milwaukee Leather Ladies Police Jacket	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon
Best Textile Jacket	Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2	Rating: 4.6/5	View On Amazon
Best Breathable	Harley-Davidson Women’s Callahan Mesh Jacket	Rating: 4.8/5	View On Amazon
Best for Visibility	Joe Rocket Atomic 4.0	Rating: 4.5/5	View On Amazon

No matter how skilled you are, riding a motorcycle will always come with an inherent risk, and crashing will always be a very real—albeit unfortunate—possibility. Unlike other vehicles, there won’t be anything between you and the road except your clothes should your bike take a tumble. That’s why suiting up in full protective gear is paramount to your safety. Why You Should Buy A Motorcycle Jacket

While normal jackets can get the biker aesthetic right, the level of protection they’ll give you will be nowhere near adequate. By contrast, dedicated Motorcycle jackets come with exclusive features that you won’t find in normal day-to-day jackets to make your riding experience as safe and smooth as possible.

For example, they don’t flap around as they are designed to fit your body snugly, even in high wind. Their seams are usually doubled up in order to maximize strength and protect the stitching from any abrasions. Most motorcycle-specific jackets also have some form of body armor with a CE safety rating to cushion your limbs as well as the most vulnerable parts of your body during a potential crash. 

Not to mention, a top-rated motorcycle jacket will also protect you from the elements. When it rains, a waterproof jacket will prevent you from being drenched in the rain, and the ventilation in some jackets will keep you cool in the summer.

Best Motorcycle Jackets For Men in 2023

1. Milwaukee Leather Men’s Classic Side Lace Police – Best Cruiser-Style Jacket

Milwaukee Leather is a household name in motorcycle gear, and this classic side lace police-style black leather jacket is a testament to the quality craftsmanship that earned the brand its place. 

The jacket sports a retro police-style design that would no doubt appeal to those looking to sport that quintessential biker look. It features a thermal lining that’ll keep you warm in colder weather, and it can be removed in order to wash the jacket. However, since there are no vents, it could get a bit stuffy when the weather gets hot.

In fact, the side lace detailing serves a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one. You can zip it open or shut to achieve an optimal fit. The built-in waist belt also allows for more adjustments to fit for maximum protection. The sizing ranges from XS-5X, and you can have plenty of room for customization.

It’s made of premium milled 1.2-1.3 mm cowhide leather. The leather seems strong and sturdy, and the zippers are large and durable, so you don’t need to worry about them breaking quickly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with armor like the other models here on this list.

You’d think that after all this, the jacket’s price would be exorbitant, but you’d be wrong. While the price of leather jackets tends to run higher than textile ones, this jacket is a bit of an outlier when it comes to pricing. This trusty and durable jacket comes at a competitive price, making it a steal for anyone who wants real leather that won’t break the bank.

Bottom Line

This jacket is both stylish with a premium and sturdy feel that’ll suit any casual rider. However, the lack of vents and armor makes this model unsuitable for more aggressive riders who tend to ride at high speeds and/or in high temperatures.

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2. Milano Sport Gamma – Best Sport Jacket

Those who ride sportbikes know that when it comes to motorcycle gear, protection is the name of the game, both against abrasions and rough weather conditions, and the Milano Sport Gamma jacket certainly delivers on both fronts.

The jacket can adapt to all weather conditions, which is essential for sport touring. It features a fixed waterproof and breathable liner as well as a removable quilted thermal liner that will keep you warm in cold weather but can be easily removed on hot days. Moreover, the chest and lower back areas have two external zippered vents each to provide ventilation.

For a snug fit, the jacket also features Velcro straps at the cuffs, lower arms and biceps to prevent the jacket from billowing while you ride. It also has two adjustable belts at the waist for a better fit.

Protection is another area in which the Milano Sport Gamma excels. The jacket features padded front and back panels as well as removable CE-approved armor on the elbows and shoulders. The thermal liner also doubles as an extra layer of protection from impact during accidents.

The base color of the jacket is black, but it’s available in 4 different accenting color options (white, blue, red, and green) as well as an all-black option. Moreover, there are reflective stripes on the upper arms and back for increased night visibility.

It’s available in 5 sizes from S-2X. However, keep in mind that the sizing tends to run small and can be a bit too tight around the torso, so you may need to order one size up if you’re not particularly athletic. 

Bottom Line

The Milano Sport Gamma Motorcycle Jacket is a reliable option for sport touring riders thanks to its versatility and the high protection level it offers at a very reasonable price.

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3. Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar – Best ADV/Touring Jacket

When I go on long touring rides, there are two factors I can’t compromise on: protection and comfort. I found the Andes V2 Drystar to be a great option for those who need a jacket with top-notch protection without causing rider fatigue.

This is a versatile jacket capable of protecting you from different weather conditions. It’s 100% waterproof thanks to the Drystar membrane and the taped seams. It also has an effective removable long-sleeve thermal liner for those chilly days.

It also features a new ventilation system with improved internal airflow for hot conditions. In addition to its perforated lining, it also has two inlets in the chest with heat-sealed zippers as well as two openings in the back from which the air exits.

The polyester 600D textile shell is reinforced in the shoulder and elbow areas with polyurethane panels, offering great protection and abrasion-resistance. Additionally, the Andes V2 has removable CE-certified armor on the shoulders and elbows complemented with foam padding on both the back and the chest.

While it doesn’t come with chest and back protectors, there are pockets sewn in place to attach the Nucleon chest and back protectors that you can buy for an additional price for extra protection.

As for comfort, the jacket is full of little details that make a great difference, including soft lining at the neck to prevent chafing, a connective zip for Alpinestars pants, and a belt with Velcro straps to adjust the fit at the waist.

It also has two waterproof pockets from a total of 5, which I found more than sufficient to carry all my necessities. And finally, it features an internal zip to attach the Andes V2 Drystar Pants.

Bottom Line

I recommend the Andes V2 for anyone going on longer adventure trips. It boasts an impressive armor and excellent protection against the elements, while also giving great attention to the rider’s comfort, even on more aggressive and unfamiliar terrains.

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4. Tourmaster Advanced Men’s Textile Jacket – Best for Cold Weather

When you’re going at high speeds, the wind can be brutal, especially if you add cold weather to the mix. The Tourmaster Advanced Jacket provides ample protection against the weather that’ll keep you warm and dry even in extreme weather conditions.

The jacket boasts a waterproof, breathable Rainguard water barrier treatment on its 1680 denier ballistic nylon shell, which I found to be effective at keeping out the rain as well as the wind. Moreover, it has a removable full-sleeve thermal liner for those exceptionally cold days. The jacket also boasts a pair of zippered hand warmers.

The jacket includes many pockets to carry all your necessities. It also has two mesh-lined chest pockets that also double as vents. However, I found the breathability to be a bit lacking, but that’s to be expected from a model marketed as a 3-season jacket.

It’s available from XS-3X, and you can buy it in all-black, black/grey, or black/Hi-Viz yellow. The last option is particularly great for night visibility without being too overwhelming. The visibility is also accentuated by the reflective pipes and panels.

The jacket has CE-approved armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. Unfortunately, the back armor is a bit more minimal than others on this list. I’d say it fares a bit worse when it comes to protection against abrasions than against the cold. 

Bottom Line

The Tourmaster Advanced is a true 3-season jacket that works exceptionally well in cold weather. If you need a street touring jacket with good armor and you don’t particularly mind the lack of breathability, this one’s for you.

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5. HHR Dualsport Enduro Textile Motorbike Jacket – Budget Pick

If you’re looking for a motorcycle jacket on a tight budget, you don’t necessarily have to compromise on quality and protection. With the HHR Dualsport Enduro, you can get most of the qualities of a good jacket at only a fraction of the price.

The outer shell of the jacket is made of sturdy 600D cordura polyester. It has breathable mesh lining and a 6-vent system with two upper arm vents, two front vents, and two exhaust vents at the back, which make the jacket suitable all-year round.

It also boasts CE-certified armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back which provides ample protection. The foam padding on the front and back of this jacket offer additional cushioning in case of a crash.

This jacket offers a lot of storage options. It has two waterproof pockets on the front waist, as well as two additional interior pockets for your phone and other necessities, which makes the jacket a practical and functional choice.

The jacket is available in a wide range of sizes from S-5X, and it comes in 4 different color combinations. It’s also fully reflective, so you don’t need to worry about your visibility on the road at night.

Bottom Line

The HHR Dualsport Enduro is a great option for those who want to buy a good protective motorcycle jacket without breaking the bank.

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Best Motorcycle Jackets For Women in 2021

1. Milwaukee Leather Ladies Police Jacket – Best Leather Jacket

First up on this list is Milwaukee’s female version of the lace-up leather jacket for those who prefer a more classical biker look. It’s made of 1.2 mm premium milled cowhide leather, which has a grainy feel to it as well as just the right amount of shine.

The jacket boasts a full-sleeve zip-out thermal liner to keep you warm. It’s also tailored to have a longer than average torso, allowing for more freedom of movement. You can also snap down its collar if you want to stop it from getting caught in the wind to protect your neck.

While not completely waterproof, it offers a good degree of water-resistance that’ll spare you the worst of the rain. Unfortunately, like its male counterpart, the jacket lacks ventilation, which means it will get pretty hot in warm weather.

Additionally, the jacket lacks CE armor, and you won’t even be able to separately add it, which means it will be nowhere as protective as the other jackets on this list. However, the leather will still offer enough protection for casual riding.

It’s available in 5 sizes, from XS to 5X, and it also has a half belt to ensure a more adjustable fit. Additionally, the jacket comes with plenty of pockets, including an internal pocket, a coin one, a snap closure one, and a pair of concealed pockets on both sides.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a motorcycle leather jacket with a more retro look that could also double as a casual jacket off your bike, this Milwaukee Leather jacket would be a great option for you. 

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2. Joe Rocket Cleo 2.2 – Best Textile Jacket

Finding women’s motorcycle gear that looks feminine and stylish but still offers functionality and protection can be quite challenging. Thankfully, the Cleo 2.2 jacket from Joe Rocket strikes a balance between fashion and protective gear.

The jacket comes in 3 different color options and a wide range of sizes from XS up to 3X. For a more customized and less boxy fit, you can make use of the jacket’s 9-point SureFit adjustment system.

With removable CE-approved armor at elbows and shoulders on the inside, the jacket is tougher than it seems, and there’s even room for a removable spine pad for extra protection. 

Moreover, the jacket features a waterproof liner to keep you from being drenched in the rain. Unfortunately, the jacket doesn’t have a collar, which means that air and water can still flow in and that you won’t be getting any neck protection.

The jacket boasts Joe Rocket’s Rock Tex reinforced mesh that offers great ventilation covering over 80% of the jacket at the torso, arms, and back. And to make it stand out, the jacket features gorgeous artistic detailing on the right sleeve, which gives it a unique flair.

Unfortunately, while great care seems to have gone into designing this jacket, the mesh isn’t the most durable, and it probably won’t survive any serious accidents.  For its price, that’s a pretty serious downside.

Bottom line

The Cleo 2.2 mesh jacket would be a great choice for anyone who requires both functionality and style. Unfortunately, it may not withstand serious wrecks like more durable options out there.

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3. Harley-Davidson Women’s Callahan Mesh Jacket – Best Breathable

This modern and stylish Harley-Davidson jacket is a great option for cruise riding in the summer thanks to its impressive ventilation, and the subtle Harley branding on the chest and back adds a nice aesthetic touch.

The most impressive aspect of this jacket is how breathable it is. It’s made of 100% polyester mesh that offers exceptional airflow to help keep you cool and comfortable even on the hottest of days. And if it suddenly gets chilly, you can slip your hands into your zippered hand-warmer pockets to keep them warm.

While it doesn’t have full armor, it still features body armor pockets on the shoulders and elbows. But for those who prefer a higher level of protection, armor shells can be separately purchased.

The jacket features 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material piping, which improves visibility on the road. Moreover, the waist and the wrists have Velcro adjusters for a better and more comfortable fit. 

Unfortunately, it’s only available in white, which isn’t the most practical color out there as it could easily attract dirt and debris. However, it’s machine-washable, so that shouldn’t be a huge problem. 

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a lightweight yet protective women’s jacket for summer riding, look no further than this Harley-Davidson mesh jacket capable of creating great airflow that’s sure to keep you cool.

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4. Joe Rocket Atomic 4.0 – Best for Visibility

When you’re on the road at night with other vehicles, visibility can be the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, reflective vests, while practical, aren’t exactly the most fashionable. The Atomic 4.0 jacket is the answer to this dilemma with its various color options, including a Hi-Viz green/black, pink/black, and silver/white.

As for protection, the jacket boasts a built-in waterproof Rock Tex 600 shell as well as a CE-certified armor on the shoulders and elbows to keep you safe from the rain and accidents. However, it may get a bit chilly during the winter, so make sure to layer up.

Like the previous Joe Rocket model, this one also has unique detailing that gives it a little feminine touch. Moreover, it has an adjustable ventilation system that allows you to control the airflow, and it features two internal pockets and two exterior hand-warmer ones.

The jacket is available in a wide range of sizes from XS-XL. There are also 3 Diva sizes, which have more room at the bust and more flair at the hips. Like the Cleo 2.2, this jacket also makes use of the SureFit custom adjustment system, this time with seven adjustment points at the waist, back, forearms, and sleeves.

Bottom Line

If visibility is a dealbreaker for you, then the Atomic 4.0 jacket’s various color options would be exactly what you’re looking for. You’ll also be getting a good level of protection against abrasions and rain.

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Motorcycle Jackets Buying Guide

If you’re not sure what to look for exactly when you’re considering a motorcycle jacket, here’s a section with all the features you should be on the lookout for.

Types of Motorcycle Jackets

Motorcycle jackets come in a vast array of styles, but generally speaking, they can be broken down into four main categories: cruiser, street/sport, racing, and adventure touring. Each category sports a design that’s tailored to fit the specific requirements of each riding style perfectly. You can find either leather or textile options in each category, although certain materials work better in certain styles.

1. Cruiser

For most people, the classic cruiser jackets are synonymous with motorcycle jackets. They’re the most comfortable and stylish, but they’re lacking in protection since they don’t have armor. Leather is by far the most common material used to make cruiser jackets, but there are some other textile options out there.

3. Racing

Racing jackets are designed to withstand abrasions at a much higher level due to the risk of high-speed accidents. They’re usually made of thick cowhide leather or abrasion-resistant textile.

Moreover, they contain impact-absorbing internal armor as well as external sliders for optimum protection. They also tend to have few pockets and a tighter fit to be aerodynamic and reduce drag as much as possible. 

3. Street/Sport

Sport/street jackets are a more casual version of racing jackets. They resemble racing jackets in their cut, but they tend to be more loose-fitting for increased comfort. Street/sport jackets are more commonly made of textiles, and they still feature armor, venting, and liners that make them an excellent choice for summer riding.

4. Adventure Touring

Adventure touring (sometimes referred to as “ADV”) is an ever-growing niche that requires gear that’s specifically designed to withstand extreme riding conditions. ADV jackets are almost always made of durable, waterproof, and breathable textile materials, and they include the most pockets out of the four categories to carry necessities during longer rides.

They have a distinctive cut as they’re tailored to come below the waist for the best protection while riding in an upright or standing position on ADV bikes. They also sport tall collars to cover the neck better.

Factors to Consider When Buying Your Jacket

While the jacket you buy will greatly depend on how you intend to use it, what type of biker you are, and what type of motorcycle you ride, there are certain factors you should nonetheless consider before making a purchase.

Armor

The first and most important aspect to consider should be how much protection the jacket offers, especially if you ride a sportbike. Top-rated motorcycle jackets are usually equipped with CE-certified armor for crash protection, and you’ll often see the words CE or “Conformité Européene” on them, but what exactly does that mean?

Integrated armor is basically the internal padding on the shoulders, elbows, and occasionally other vulnerable parts of your body such as the spine, the chest, and/or the torso that protects you in case of a crash. Sport jackets can also feature external sliders for extra protection. 

You can choose the level of protection you want by selecting flexible or rigid armor. Flexible armor, which has foam padding, provides less protection but is more comfortable to wear. On the other hand, rigid armor comes with a hard shell on top of internal padding, and it offers way more protection but may feel less comfortable.

Material

Motorcycle jackets come in many different materials. Generally speaking, though, the most common is either leather or textile. The right material for you will significantly depend on what type of rider you are.

If you’re a more aggressive rider who often rides at higher speeds, then a leather jacket will provide better protection against the wind as well as in an accident. On the other hand, adventure bike riders will be better off getting a textile jacket since it’ll be more breathable. The weather conditions also play a role, and some materials will be more suitable for hot or rainy weather.

Ventilation

Unfortunately, the materials the jacket is made of and the layers of armor and padding come with the caveat of being pretty stuffy, especially in warmer weather. That’s why adequate ventilation is vital.

A good jacket will have perforated leather or breathable textile mesh panels for a higher level of breathability. Some even feature air flaps that can either be zipped open or shut to moderate airflow. 

Visibility

Let’s be honest, we all know that nothing looks as cool as a black leather jacket. Unfortunately, all-black gear is detrimental to others’ ability to spot you on the road at night, which greatly increases the risk of a wreck. If you’re set on going for all-black, at least make sure your jacket has reflective piping or even strips of reflective material at the seams.

Opting for a lighter color will be a much safer choice, thanks to the increased visibility. If you still want to make a fashion statement, more and more brands now are offering high visibility (also referred to as “Hi-Viz”) jackets with bright neon colors.

Fit

A motorcycle jacket must fit your body correctly in order to fully protect you. This means that it should have a snug fit but still allow you to layer up in cold weather, and you should be able to adjust certain individual areas such as your waist and sleeves for an even better fit.

Remember that you will be considerably reaching forward while riding, so a jacket that fits you when you first put it on could be too short in riding position. Additionally, if the jacket has armor, then the pieces should be correctly positioned on your shoulders and elbows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Buy a Leather or a Textile Motorcycle Jacket?

It should come down to personal preference as well as its intended use. Leather jackets are more abrasion-resistant and therefore offer a higher level of protection than textile ones. 

High-quality leather also doesn’t wear out as quickly, which makes it a great investment well worth the price. If you want a versatile waterproof jacket with good ventilation at a fraction of leather’s price, however, then textile jackets will be a better choice for you. 

What’s the Best Type of Jackets for Summer? 

Mesh jackets are a great choice for hot summer as they allow ventilation to keep the rider as cool as possible, unlike leather ones which aren’t very breathable. 

While mesh jackets aren’t as heavy as leather ones, if you invest in a top-rated mesh jacket with sufficient armor, you can get the same level of protection.

What Color Should I Choose?

While black is the most obvious choice, it can be risky to wear at night due to reduced visibility. You should consider getting a jacket in a brighter color or even a high visibility neon color to help you be more visible at night. 

If you’d still rather wear black, you can find models with stitched high visibility patches to be easily seen even at night.

How Do I Know Which Size to Order?

Since there may be some discrepancies between brands when it comes to sizing, you should consult each brand’s sizing chart to ensure you’re getting the right fit.

Are Motorcycle Jackets Machine-Washable? 

Some, but not all, models are. But even if your jacket isn’t, you don’t need to dry clean it. You can still clean your textile jacket at home using a clean wet towel and a cleaning solution, but remember to remove any detachable metal parts first before immersing the jacket in the solution. For leather jackets, you can use a similar method, but you should use specialized leather cleaners such as Lexol to avoid drying out the leather.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycle jackets can be both a bold fashion statement and an essential item in your riding gear for protection. But when it comes to choosing the right motorcycle jacket, there’s no single right answer.

Male bikers who want to get maximum protection should check out the Milano Sport Gamma, while those looking for a more laid back classic look should look no further than the Milwaukee Leather jacket. 

As for female riders, I also recommend the Milwaukee Leather Jacket for casual riding or the Joe Rocket Atomic 4.0 for a sturdier option with more protection and visibility at night.