Despite the knee protectors‘ flexibility, the armor takes on a flat shape when the rider is not on a bike. The flat discs at the knees of the Chinos immediately hint at the riding use. Most commuters and casual riders favor riding jeans for their adaptability and discretion. Hood SK11 and Hood K7 | Having used Hood’s lined jeans for many, many thousands of miles in all climates from the UK to Spain and the USA, we can say with all honesty that they are NOT too heavy or hot to wear. The SK11s are the slimmer fit (though still with plenty of stretch), and both are available with a range of armour options. Extremely well made in a huge range of sizes and with outstanding customer support, Hood jeans come highly recommended. They provide enough protection while maintaining the look and feel. This standard look-alike pair of denim pants while you are off the bike.

Armour does not just protect you from an impact injury – it makes a huge difference to the abrasion-resistance of the material. Not just because it puts more stuff there to wear out; it absorbs a lot of the energy that would otherwise rip at the fabric. RST X Kevlar Tech Pro | These part-lined jeans are styled to look a lot more like bike kit than the other, more casual-looking kit in our recommendations, but the accordion panels help to keep the Level 2 armour in exactly the right place. The RSTs have also been tested by Motocap , where they received impressive results. I wear jeans when I ride on the road unless I’m absolutely sure I’m getting rained on, so these relatively robust items fit the bill perfectly. That’s because they’re heavy-duty enough to wear in lower temperatures - down to around 12 degrees centigrade - without feeling cold. In fitment terms they’re great too, almost exactly mirroring the Levi’s I wear when I’m not riding in both length and waist sizing.Bull-it’s Tactical range is one of their lightest single-layer jeans to date, with AA stretch denim, new recovery yarns for stretch retention, and a variety of cuts to suit every kind of rider. Merlin Maynard | Merlin’s Maynard jeans are extremely lightweight and breathable. We love the included D3O Ghost armour and thoughtful design touches. These are part-lined jeans, with extra protection at the key impact areas, including the bum, but they feel just like normal fashion jeans to wear. They won’t stretch around my sporty Blade boots, though, which means I have to look a little silly if I want to wear those too. But then I wouldn’t necessarily expect them to – I have some casual shoes for when I’m simply out for a gentle bimble. No rule says your motorcycle pants must look like a standard pair of jeans. For those who prefer the convenience of having a ‘two-in-one’ type of pants, then they are ideal. The hidden armour may also prove handy if you live in a rough part of town!

One of the standout features of the Rogen jeans is the incorporation of Halvarssons' proprietary soft and malleable protective armor. This armor, rated to CE level 2 for impact protection, guarantees optimal safety without compromising on flexibility or comfort. There’s little reason for a good-quality pair of single-layer or lined motorcycle jeans – with knee and hip armour – to not be rated as AAA, so make that your first filter. You might hear some excuses for products not having the top rating, but the only way to know for sure is through testing, so be wary of bluster. The Cambridge machine is used to test abrasion resistance under EN13595, and gives a time to failure Let's start with the fit and appearance. The Daiji jeans are truly top-tier in this regard. They boast an impeccable fit, accentuating the body with a flattering cut, and the fashionably distressed wash adds a touch of edginess to their overall aesthetic. The super soft stretch denim ensures unparalleled comfort, while the strategically placed aramid fibre panels at the seat and knees provide vital protection in high-impact areas. Bike riding necessitates a great deal of leg mobility; therefore, jeans that make this easier are definitely worth considering for your shopping list. Your performance and the performance of your bicycle will be negatively affected if your clothing is too loose. All the vulnerable areas, such as the hips and knees, need additional cushioning.Renowned for their innovative approach to women-first clothing, Motogirl has crafted the Ellie jeans to be both stylish and practical for summer and fair-weather riding. Motorcycle trousers are typically constructed of denim. They may also be lined with re-enforcing, and protective material such as 100% knitted Kevlar, which doesn’t rip or tear like typical material. It will also withstand flame heat up to 500 Celsius.

With the use of Kevlar and other materials like Armalith, Covec, Pekek and UHMWPE –not to mention brand names such as Dyneema, Spectra and Cordura – while they’re potentially not as safe as leathers can be, a good-quality pair of motorcycle riding jeans can offer very good protection, while still looking great off the bike. The PMJ Deux jeans are a beloved choice among urban riders and café racers, offering a single-layer, blue denim trouser integrated with top-tier AAA protection. Padded areas are often the removable type allowing for changing and cleaning. Breathable material provides greater comfort and hygiene after long hot rides. Single layer jeans (left) can be lighter and more form-fitting than lined jeans (right). Granted, I’m not the most stylish model. The knee armour is more prominent in this pair of single-layer jeans, but thinner armour is available such as D3O’s Ghost. With a diverse range of fits available, Bull-it has ensured there is a pair of Onyx jeans to suit every rider's preference, whether they lean towards a loose or a skinnier jean.Dyneema is the name of material they use in jeans. We now have a UHMWPE brand called Dyneema, a type of polyethylene (ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene). The world’s most vital, longest-lasting, and lightest fiber, it’s no wonder. Because of its slight weight and high strength-to-weight ratio, it can float on water. Covec, a premium synthetic fabric renowned for its exceptional strength, lightweight nature, and comfort, takes centre stage in the Onyx jeans. It provides outstanding resistance to abrasion and cutting, reduces the risk of friction burn through low thermal conductivity, and ensures durability for prolonged use, offering optimal protection on the road.

How many times have you ridden down your favourite road to find it covered in loose chippings? That’s recently-applied surface dressing. Armour comes in all shapes and sizes; make sure it’s comfortable and that it covers the right areas then stays thereIt’s a little strange that, considering how long people have been wearing jeans and riding motorcycles, the idea of riding denim is still relatively new. Nonetheless, we’re happy apparel manufacturers far and wide have developed jeans we can wear both on and off the motorcycle. In case you’re not aware of why this is important, allow us to fill you in. Your standard pair of Levis may be really comfortable, but regular denim is terrible at protecting you if you fall off your motorcycle. When denim meets asphalt, it shreds to pieces in seconds. Not to mention that it provides no impact protection to your knees or hips. The Oxford Original AAA jeans stand out as an exceptional single-layer denim jean, surpassing the highest protective standards while maintaining the comfort and style of your everyday denim. The John Doe Ironhead is a cafe-racer-style jean tailored specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts. The Ironhead offers a sleek, slim fit and a two-layer design, providing remarkable comfort and protection.