One would think that after getting the motorcycle and choosing a helmet, you’re ready to hit the road and ride like the wind. But the truth is you’re just getting started. Years ago, when I first started motorcycling, I never thought my pants would be one of my protection gear.
From years of experience, the golden rule when selecting motorcycle jeans is to resist the temptation of putting fashion ahead of protection. But I get your point; some motorcycle pants are really ugly.
You don’t have to wear geeky leather pants or ballistic nylon if they don’t match your taste, but you do have to put a barrier between your skin and the ground should things go south.
That’s why I’ve gathered the best motorcycle jeans that’ll make you look cool without compromising functionality and protection. So, keep on reading and get ready to arm yourself with the right gear.
At a Glance:
Preview | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Most Protective
|
Newfacelook |
Rating: 4.2/5 |
View On Amazon |
Most Comfortable
|
Maxler Jean |
Rating: 4.4/5 |
View On Amazon |
Most Stylish
|
ScorpionExo Covert |
Rating: 3.9/5 |
View On Amazon |
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Joe Rocket Accelerator |
Rating: 4.1/5 |
View On Amazon |
Budget Choice
|
Juicy Trerdz Denim |
Rating: 4.1/5 |
View On Amazon |
Why do you need to buy Motorcycle Jeans?
You may be the most skillful biker out there, but you still don’t have the upper hand on the road.
Even if you’re confident in your skills, it’s not like you’ll hit the road knowing there’s a chance of an accident today that you’re going to use your superpowers to avoid.
Unexpected events happen, starting from a careless driver texting while driving and ending with a new pothole on the road or a car suddenly changing lanes.
Wearing a pair of shorts or light jeans may accentuate your sense of freedom and let you feel the breeze of the road. However, they won’t be of much help if you go down across the pavement, hurting your hips and knees. That’s why you need motorcycle jeans.
Sure they won’t offer as much protection as leather pants, but they’re a better compromise. For one thing, they’ll provide you with the impact and abrasion resistance you need should you fall off your bike. For another, they’ll make it easier to jump off your engine and attend to your business without having to change to regular clothes first.
The 5 Best Motorcycle Jeans in 2024
My criteria when choosing these jeans included convenience, style, and protection. I tried lots, but these are the ones that stood up to the challenge for me. I also made sure to include a wide range of budgets so that you can find your next road buddy here.
1. Newfacelook – Most Protective
Sometimes I imagine that the designers behind these Newfacelook jeans are hardcore bikers who know exactly what the right armored clothing should look like. Everything about this model speaks of durability and protection.
Although it’s hard to find a pair of jeans that are reinforced everywhere without breaking the bank, Newfacelook has done the impossible. These bad boys are crafted from 14-ounce denim fabric with protective lining throughout the garment. Although it’s a bit heavy to be worn in summer, the material absorbs sweat to keep you cool while riding under the hot sun.
All the seams are double stitched to increase durability. The whole model is reinforced with military-grade 320 GSM Aramid lining, which is a strong synthetic fiber that protects against heat and abrasion without impeding flexibility. Even the button and zipper are super sturdy and functional.
Special attention has been paid to the high-impact areas like the knees, thighs, and hips. Right at these areas, you can find special pockets where you can insert the protective pads that come included.
The pads are CE-approved, which means they’re made of high-quality materials to conform to the EU safety requirements. Moreover, they’re placed at the right spots and you can remove them easily for washing.
Unfortunately, these bad boys come in only one color but in plenty of sizes. However, be aware that the sizes tend to run small, so you might want to order a size one step larger. They fit perfectly, though, without being too tight or too loose. And they come with deep front and back pockets to keep your keys and smartphone safe while riding.
- Durable construction
- Protective Aramid lining
- Protective pads at all the right places
- Sweat absorbing material
- Comfortable fit
- Too warm for summer
- Runs small
Bottom Line
If protection is your primary concern, Newfacelook won’t disappoint. These slim-fit jeans have the ultimate durability, and reliability bikers need for their action-packed lifestyle.
2. Maxler Jean – Most Comfortable
Yes, safety comes first! But, comfort isn’t something to compromise, mainly if you use your bike for traveling or daily commuting. Luckily, Maxler provides you with both features in a stylish and practical model.
Made from a mixture of cotton, spandex, and mesh, the model is flexible and breathable. You’ll find the design roomy and comfortable without being too loose, allowing you to move freely throughout your busy day. It’s also a good wardrobe choice for hot days thanks to the breathable mesh.
The denim is stretchy, which means it won’t hinder your movements whether you’re riding or moving around, and the extra room at the thighs and calf areas allows for maneuverability.
The hip and knee areas are covered with durable Dupont kevlar to provide cut-resistant protection, and the attachable CE-approved knee armor plates are there for extra safety.
The jeans include zippers where the knee pads go so that you can remove them or adjust them correctly in front of your knees. These zippers also serve as air vents to allow air to pass through the fabric and regulate your body temperature.
Appearance-wise, the model looks more like motorcycle pants than casual jeans. You can wear it anywhere provided that you don’t mind the edgy biker looks. It comes in eight different sizes and a variety of washes, including different shades of blue, white, and black, to fit different users.
However, be aware that the brand is South Korean, so the models are designed with Korean body measurements. Thus, double-check the sizing chart before you order to make sure you’re ordering the right size.
- Roomy design
- Super-flexible fabric
- Breathable
- Kevlar lining on the knee and hip area
- Trendy look with many color options
- Removable pads for extra comfort
- Sizes according to the South Korean measurements
- Expensive
Bottom Line
With flexible spandex fabric, breathable mesh, and removable pads, these bad boys will be your best pick if you’re looking for a pair of jeans that can hold up to wear after wear without taking comfort out of the equation.
3. ScorpionExo Covert – Most Stylish
ScorpionExo Covert is a pair of jeans that have all the features you’d expect from protective motorcycle pants while looking like high-street denim. With a standard button and zipper combination along with an array of pockets, including stash, side, and back ones, the model can fool you to think they’re just some regular jeans.
I personally like the style of these pants. They’d be an excellent choice if you’re looking for urban summer riding jeans that won’t make you stand out like a sore thumb around town while still being stylish. They are available in black and blue in seven different sizes for diverse riders.
However, it’s not only an attractive option. Made from abrasion-resistant 14-ounce denim with strategically positioned 165 GSM kevlar lining at the impact areas, the model is designed to be an extra-durable suit of armor in the event of a slide.
There are pockets for extra armor and pads at the hip and knee areas as an upgradeable option for extra safety. However, I’d have preferred if the armors weren’t sold separately like the other models.
Apart from being sleek and sturdy, it’s lightweight, flexible, and breathable. The whole jeans don’t weigh more than 1.82 pounds, making it the lightest denim on this list. Although it’s fully rugged, it won’t add to your weight while moving around.
The breathability comes from the mesh lining in the inner shell, which allows for airflow to help you feel cool and prevent overheating on long-distance rides.
- Lightweight and breathable
- Attractive design for casual riding
- Supreme protection
- Comfortable fit
- Five-pocket design
- Armors sold separately
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable jeans that hold up well to nasty slides without making you look like an alien or an astronaut on a night out with friends, then ScorpionExo Covert is your happy choice.
4. Joe Rocket Accelerator – Best Bang for the Buck
The Accelerator jeans from Joe rocket are made from a mix of cotton and 12-ounce denim fabric with kevlar and aramid to offer a high level of protection. The pants are specially reinforced in high-impact areas like the seat, knees, and hips.
Kevlar is known for its impressive cut- and flame-resistant properties and aramid is added to provide more protection and comfort. Besides the abrasion resistance of these materials, impact protection is provided by the armors and pads fitted in the knee pockets. However, like the previous model, these are sold separately.
Apart from protection, this model provides the ultimate flexibility and breathability. The soft cotton lining is soft and wicks moisture away from your body to keep you cool and comfortable. Moreover, the stretch panels above the knees and on the seat allow for unrestricted movement and slimmer fit.
Like ScorpionExo Covert, these jeans look more like every day jeans so that you can wear them to work or an outing with friends. They come with seven pockets, two of which are zippered mesh pockets to spill heat and cool you down when opened. There are also reflective stripes on the thighs and tail bone for flashy night rides.
In short, these jeans are the real deal! I thought with all these impressive features that these pants would cost a fortune. However, they’re reasonably priced and offer excellent value for the money.
If there’s one thing I’d complain about, it’s that the incorporated stretch panels can be abrasive on the skin. Besides, in some cases, they cause the armor pockets to be placed below the knees, not right in front of them where they should be.
- Ultimate protection with kevlar and aramid lining
- Flexible and comfortable
- Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric
- Plenty of pockets for storage and ventilation
- Reflective stripes
- Sleek design
- Pads sold separately
- Stretch panels can be abrasive
Bottom Line
With extra protection, impressive flexibility, and excellent pricing, you can’t beat the bang for the buck here. Joe Rocket Accelerator is just the right choice for bikers looking for attractive and comfortable jeans that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
5. Juicy Trerdz Denim – Budget Choice
Juicy Trendz proves that armored jeans don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With an affordable price tag, this model offers full protection without compromising style or comfort.
My last lucky pick is made from sturdy 14-ounce denim material with strong and straight double stitching at the seams. The fabric isn’t stretchy, which means it can be uncomfortable for some bikers who like a pair of jeans that gives them a range of motion. However, it actually increases the model’s longevity as it doesn’t loosen up with time.
As for the safety, the pants feature 320 GSM aramid lining in all the right spots, so you’re guaranteed worry-free riding. Moreover, they come with removable pads at the thighs, knees, and hip areas to put a barrier between your skin and the ground.
The jeans look stylish and sleek with their five-pocket design. Although it comes in one color only, it’s admired by both casual and hardcore riders. On top of that, it boasts a great fit, which isn’t too tight or baggy.
The only problem with it is that you may find the legs too long. It won’t be an issue when you’re on the bike since they’ll slide up while you’re sitting, but they can be a bit uncomfortable to walk in if you don’t stuff the ends in your boots.
- Affordable
- Comfortable fit
- Sturdy construction with double stitching
- Protective aramid lining
- Stylish and modem looks
- Sizes run small
- Knee pads sit a little high when riding
Bottom Line
These high-quality jeans will be your go-to choice for all rides and outings. Not only will they help you save your hard-earned dollars, but also save your skin and keep you looking cool.
Factors to Look for in Motorcycle Jeans – Buying Guide
Armored jeans are considered a middle ground between high-street denim and bike rally pants.
Choosing the right pair can be a bit tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. You may end up with jeans that look like motorcycle pants but offer zero protection like ordinary denim. Thus you should pay attention to the following factors.
Material
Typically, motorcycle jeans should be constructed with durable denim. However, to be what you’d call “armored,” they should be reinforced with a protective material like Kevlar or Cordura.
Kevlar is a non-abrasive material that doesn’t rip and tear quickly like regular denim. It allows air to pass through the material and get rid of the heat, so it comes in handy in summer. Moreover, it’s durable enough to stop a bullet and withstands heat up to 500 celsius, which means it never rips upon friction.
The word “kevlar” in the pants’ tag doesn’t indicate full protection. Always inspect its thickness and whether it’s covering the entire jeans or only the critical parts like the calves and knees. Naturally, full protection is the best but bear in mind that it comes at a higher price.
Cordura is another protective material mostly found on budget jeans. It’s lightweight, stretchy, and breathable. Nevertheless, it offers less protection and heat resistance than kevlar.
Apart from the protective material, don’t overlook the denim’s stitching since it can be the reason why it tears or breaks easily. And always remember to choose the most breathable material if you usually ride on hot, sunny days.
Padding and Protection
Generally, look for jeans fitted with padding and extra reinforcement around the knees, hips, and seating area. These, along with the protective material, will enhance your safety and provide cushioning to the high-impact areas.
Some jeans provide the pads and armor in pocketed areas so that you can remove or put them on whenever needed. This particular type of denim is especially beneficial for riders who wear the same jeans to their social gatherings and work.
If you’re not into the idea of walking to your friends with all these paddings, opt for the removable type. Moreover, it’ll be easier to put on and take off. Besides, cleaning them will be a breeze since you won’t have to worry about the padded parts being spoiled from machine washing.
Fit and Flexibility
Finally, think about your comfort. Like normal denim, motorcycle jeans come in all sizes and styles. Choosing the best style depends on your preference and what gives you more freedom when moving around and riding.
However, bear in mind that if the jeans are skinny or too tight, they can restrict your movements. You’ll need all the flexibility and maneuverability you can get to react quickly should an accident happen. On the other hand, baggy or loose jeans can act as wind tunnels and be irritating on your ride.
Hence, opt for motorcycle jeans with a slim or regular fit and make sure they aren’t overly tight in any area.
FAQs:
Still, have some questions? Here are some questions I am often asked and their brief answers.
What Kind of Jeans do Bikers Wear?
Definitely not street jeans! These offer little to no protection and won’t be of any help on the road. Instead, they wear motorcycle-specific jeans that hold an arsenal of protection beneath the outer layer. As for the style, most bikers would go for slim-fit, and boot-cut denim since baggy and skinny jeans can be a bit uncomfortable.
Are Motorcycle Jeans as Good as Leather Pants?
High-quality motorcycle jeans can be as good as leather pants in terms of protection against abrasion. However, they are even superior to leather when it comes to breathability and protection against overheating.
Can You Wash Kevlar Jeans?
Yes! Kevlar isn’t affected by the water, and its performance will stay the same. However, you still should refrain from washing them frequently since jeans may shrink slightly and lose its shine after a couple of washes.
Final Verdict
As every seasoned biker would say: we dress for the slide, not the ride!
I hope my list has helped you find the best motorcycle jeans that guarantee you safe and happy riding in the rough parts of the city.
Wrapping up, my final recommendation for ultimate protection while riding on rough roads would be the jeans from Newfacelook. They’re what I’d wear if I’m up to a fast ride on a trail or section of track that I don’t know well. Keeping all the dangers in mind, I just know I’m in safe hands wearing these.
If you’re looking for a model suitable for a safe ride to work while still looking great off the bike, I suggest that you try ScorpionExo Covert. The jeans are safe, stylish, and made for comfortable riding.
Finally, if money is an issue, I’d recommend Juicy Trendz denim. The jeans are a dream with all the safety features and sleek design. And they come at a price that’s too good to be true!