The best motorcycle jackets for men depend upon the rider and the road. This article will touch on the different types of motorcycle jackets out there and a roundup of our best picks.
Say you’re an avid off-roader, you want an adventure jacket. The best motorcycle jackets for men for off-roaders are jackets made for both on and off-road use. Look for ventilated jackets with pockets, and that are wind and waterproof. Off-road jackets either come with armor or have pockets to place armor within them. Many off-road or adventure motorcycle jackets use technical fabrics because they offer ease of movement, protection and are lighter in weight than leather jackets.
If you believe that motorcycles should be on the road all four seasons, then you’re looking for an all-weather jacket. The best motorcycle jackets for living on the road have thermal linings that you can zip out when the weather gets warm, and of course, are both water and windproof.
If you like to hit the road at the stroke of 5 p.m. on Friday and not return home until late Sunday night, then the cruiser motorcycle jacket is going to be your best road buddy. The best motorcycle jackets for long trips are ones that afford ease of movement, have lots of pockets to hold stuff, and are a bit longer in the back.
If you like sleek, minimalistic tailoring, then opt for the cafe racer motorcycle jacket. It has a round collar with a neck strap, afront zipper and two front pockets.
If you like going up and down hills and playing in the mud, then the dirt motorcycle jacket is what you need.
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When the weather dips below zero, but you hear the siren call of the road, you’re looking for a motorcycle jacket that can let you enjoy the ride while staying warm; the snow motorcycle jacket is your best bet.
Armored motorcycle jackets have hi-tech fabrics, reinforced sections and armor built right into the jacket. They’re a plus for any rider.
Amateur racers know that the sport motorcycle racer jacket will protect them from road rash and other issues when chasing the finish line. If the faster you go, the happier you are, you need a speed motorcycle jacket.
Leather motorcycle jackets may be the epitome of cool, but you need a jacket that will let you breathe when riding during warmer months. Mesh riding jackets with all their ventilation will keep you cool.
Now that we’re done outlining the best jackets for every rider scroll down to find the best motorcycle jacket that’ll fit your driving and street style.
1. Klim Induction Jacket
BEST OVERALL
Take a ride in the summer without compromising quality or comfort. This jacket from Klim is made using durable 840D Cordura, while the mesh construction ensures ventilation and breathability. 3M Scotchlite helps with visibility at night, while YKK zippers and authentic Velcro brand closures keep the fasteners working smoothly. The jacket has plenty of storage, including an external upper chest pocket, two lower hand pockets, two inner chest pockets, a hidden passport pocket, and an emergency ID pocket.
2. Schott 118 Perfecto Jacket
BEST CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE JACKET
Schott practically invented the motorcycle jacket. Made with heavy protective leather, this iconic motorcycle jacket design, often called the best of the best in motorcycle jackets, is a classic any way you look at it. Often imitated, there’s nothing like a Schott. Is it expensive? Yes. But if you’re looking to go with a true classic, it’s worth the price.
3. Alpinestars T-Faster Air Jacket
BEST VALUE
This jacket from Alpinestars was built for warm-weather riding, and it features mesh panels to help with the airflow. The style has elbow and shoulder protectors, and you can add a back panel if desired. It’s an affordable jacket as well. It comes in black, and you can choose between different accent colors if you’d prefer something with greater visibility.
4. AETHER Mojave Jacket
BEST ARMORED
Aether is a young outdoors brand, but we’ve highlighted it in many of our outerwear articles because it combines style and durability very well. Its motorcycle jacket is as cool as its peacoat. This is a durable yet lightweight jacket made with 100% heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant cotton and lined in a poly mesh. There are zippered vents on the chest, arms and back that keep you cool and the jacket has removable D3O armor at the elbows, shoulders and back.
5. REV’IT! Eclipse Jacket
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
If you’re in the market for a lightweight jacket, the Eclipse from REV’IT! is an excellent option to consider. The mesh jacket aids in breathability to keep you cool in warmer weather. The jacket is constructed from durable 600D polyester, which resists abrasion and the double jeans loop allows you to connect the jacket to your pants for a more secure fit. Available colors include black, brown, blue, green and silver, all at a price that’s not easy to beat.
6. Leatt Moto 5.5 Enduro Jacket
BEST OFF-ROADER
Made for off-roading, but because it has Spandura stretch panels, this motorcycle jacket is also comfortable to wear while commuting. The pre-curved sleeves zip off, which allows you to turn this jacket into a sturdy riding vest. This motorcycle jacket is tailored to be worn with or without body armor and has a highly reflective stripe on the back. It features an internal hydration pocket with a bladder suspension system that can carry up to three liters of liquid. It has Brush Guard protection over the elbows. It has nine pockets — five of them are water-resistant. It’s a lightweight, water-resistant shell whose neck collar can be worn with or without a neck brace. It’s available in black and bright safety orange as well.
7. REV’IT! Bowery Jacket
BEST STYLE
Motorcycle jackets are made for riding motorcycles, obviously. But sometimes you want something that you can wear to dinner after work or drinks with friends. The REV’IT! Bowery Jacket is a stylish enough piece for casual wear without compromising on quality. The waxed cotton shell resists the elements, and the detachable thermal liner keeps you warm without overheating. It has protection at the elbows and shoulders, and you can add a back protector.
8. Schott Café Racer Leather Jacket
BEST CASUAL JACKET
Sure, the technology in motorcycle jackets has come a long way since Schott reigned supreme. But no brand can eclipse Schott in terms of style and legendary heritage. This streamlined-style jacket features simple details, as opposed to the more in-your-face look of Moto-style jackets. There are two zippered pockets for your hands, a zippered chest pocket and a comfortable and warm flannel lining. You might not rely on this jacket for heavy-duty use, but it’s still a piece that’s well worth having.
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9. Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air Jacket
BEST SPORT
First things first, this is one handsome-looking motorcycle jacket. It’s made for sport using abrasion-resistant 600D fabric, and there are extended mesh panels on the sides and arms. The sleeves are pre-curved, and the jacket is lined with mesh. Among its many features, the jacket sports Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 elbow and shoulder protectors, pockets for optional Nucleon KR-Ci chest and back protection, and GP Lite shoulders with dynamic friction shield for enhanced abrasion-resistance. If you’re likely to hit the dirt or the road, this is the jacket you want. For the more extreme riders out there, this jacket truly has your back.
10. Knox Logan Jacket
BEST CRUISING JACKET
If you’re going on a long road trip, you’ll need a jacket that will last the miles. Knox’s Logan Jacket is made for settling into the groove. Details include an extended cut and a fit that you can easily adjust to lay flat over layers of clothing. The exterior is made with high-performance 100% waterproof fabric, and the whole body is lined with breathable cotton. It has four large outside pockets and one interior pocket to hold essential items.
11. Wilson’s Brent Leather Moto Jacket
BEST LIFESTYLE JACKET
You can wear this buttery soft leather moto jacket from Wilson’s Leather on the bike or not. The jacket has a distressed, worn look with contrasting stitching throughout. This jacket has two chest and two side pockets. While many motorcycle jackets are designed for riding first and off the bike second, this jacket takes another approach. Hell, even if you don’t own a motorcycle, this is a fantastic leather jacket to have in your wardrobe.
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