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best textile motorcycle jackets

The Best Textile Motorcycle Jackets for 2026

We'd know - we've hands-on tested 200+ jackets since 2000!

Our picks are based on jackets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.

Last updated December 2025 by Devan Martel.

Entry-Level

Priced under $250.

Mid-Range

Priced $250 - $450.

High-End

Priced $450+.

high-end textile motorcycle jackets

About Our Motorcycle Jackets Recommendations

Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.

wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.

Best Entry-Level Textile Motorcycle Jackets

Priced under $250.

icon hooligan textile jacket

ICON Hooligan Demo Jacket

Why?

Welcome, the newest member of the Hooligan squad, the Demo. The Hooligan Demo jacket has your six, protecting you with what ICON labels as “Iron Weave Mesh.”

A mesh underlayer woven together with a perforated textile overlayer allows for maximum airflow without reducing the overall structural strength of the jacket. D30 elbow, shoulder, and back armor come standard with this jacket.

For under $200, the Demo is a non-descript and safe jacket that provides a good blend of safety, comfort, and value for money.

Key Specs

• Constructed from durable textile chassis

• Icon sport fit

• Mesh ventilation panels

• Adjustable waist straps

• D3O Removable back, elbow and shoulder impact protectors

• Custom Icon graphics

• YKK zippers

Protection & Safety

• Removable D3O CE level I elbow, shoulder, and back protectors included

• Iron Weave Mesh ventilation panels allow for high airflow and cooling, without reducing abrasion resistance on the major panels such as the front lowers.

• YKK zippers ensure that the jacket will stay done up at all times

REV’IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket

REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket

Why?

Lightweight, good-looking, and extremely protective, the REV’IT! The Eclipse 2 jacket has it all. Its predecessor was known as being the go-to summer textile jacket, a title the Eclipse 2 will surely inherit.

Enjoy a slim/ tapered cut with large mesh panels on the front, back, and inner arms that will guarantee you stay cool and ventilated on hot summer days. Adjustable tabs on the cuffs, upper arms, and waist allow for superior fit and comfort.

Keep your body protected with Abrasion-resistant 600-denier polyester and included SEESMART CE Level 1 elbow & shoulder armor. A pocket on the rear allows you to install a SEESOFT CE level 2 back protector, but you’ll need to purchase that separately.

Key Specs

• Adjustment tabs at the cuffs, upper arms and waist for superior comfort

• Wind catcher behind front zipper

• Inner pocket with two slit pockets on front

• Jeans loop for added pull resistance in a slid

• Polyester mesh panels at the front, back and inner arms

Protection & Safety

• SEESMART CE Level 1 elbow and shoulder armor included

• Pocket for SEESOFT CE Level 2 back protector (sold separately)

• CE approved to EN17092 as a Class A garment

• Abrasion-resistant 600-denier polyester construction

Sedici Garda WP

Sedici Garda Waterproof Jacket

Why?

If you’re looking for a waterproof textile jacket on a budget, then look no further. The Sedici Garda WP jacket makes use of 600D stretchy, waterproof laminated textile for riding in imperfect weather conditions.

Tired of unbreathable, humid, waterproof gear? A full mesh airflow lining combined with 6 direct body vents bypasses the waterproofing layer to make this jacket extremely breathable.

1200D textile and textured rubber panels reinforce high-impact areas of the elbows and shoulders. The included CE-rated armor adds impact resistance, with the option of purchasing a back protector separately for all-around protection.

Key Specs

• Adjustable hip, waist, forearm and bicep cuff for perfect fit

• Waterproof stretch 600D laminated main construction

• 6 direct body vents at torso, bicep and back (adjustable) with full mesh airflow lining

• 7 pockets total for added convenience and storage

• Waterproof YKK external zippers

• Oversized zipper pulls

• Connection zipper pairs jacket to matching Garda Pants or other Sedici ADV pants

Protection & Safety

• Included low-profile CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor

• Pocket for optional AXIAL back protector (sold separately)

• Size MD AXIAL AX1 and AX2 back protectors fit all sizes Garda Waterproof Jackets

• Textured rubber panels at elbows and shoulders to protect high-wear areas

• Carbon reflective trim gives 360 degrees of visibility in humanoid form

Best Mid-Range Textile Motorcycle Jackets

Priced $250 - $450.

REV'IT! Airwave 4

Why?

A step above the Airwave 3 is REV'IT!'s latest release - the Airwave 4. This next-generation, purposefully built textile jacket was designed to be your best friend during hot, summer rides. The PWR|Mesh panels on the front and back maximize air flow to keep your body cool.

When it comes to protection, this jacket delivers. Seesmart CE level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows is included in your purchase, with pockets for optional back and chest protectors. The jacket as a whole is CE AA abrasion rated

Key Specs

• Softshell 3L, PWR shell mesh, 3D air mesh, polyester ripstop

• 100% polyester interior and exterior

• Regular/tour fit

• Adjustable straps at the hips, lower arms, and cuffs for maximum comfort

• Connects to your jeans through a short zipper

•Pockets on the inside and outside for convenience and added storage

Protection & Safety

• Seesoft CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor included

• Optional back protector and divided chest protector (sold separately):

• Seesoft Back Protector -Type RV

• Type RV / Size 04 fits SM-MD

• Type RV / Size 05 fits LG-2XL

• Type RV / Size 06 fits 3XL-4XL

• Reflective elements throughout the jacket

Klim Marrakesh Jacket

  • Price: $419.99-$449.99

  • Where to Buy: RevZilla

Why?

The Klim Marrakesh Jacket was built for hot days without giving up protection. Its smart design ensures you stay comfortable even when airflow is limited. The generous ventilation works at lower speeds, whether you’re picking your way through slow road sections or stuck in traffic.

It now comes equipped with low-profile D3O® IP Ghost armor, which keeps the jacket lighter, less bulky, and easier to move in. The 1000D four-way stretch Cordura® fabric is tough and abrasion-resistant but still breathable and flexible. The DWR coating helps shed light rain. The jacket is a versatile, easy-to-wear piece that works well across three seasons.

Key Specs

• 3-season jacket, comfortable in a wide range of warmer environments with extreme breathability

• Moisture-wicking antimicrobial breathable mesh liner

• Main chassis entirely 4-way stretch

• Low-profile hot-weather-friendly collar

• Comfort collar & cuff liner material

• Low profile in-pocket bottom hem adjustment

• 1000D Karbonite Micromesh Cordura fabric construction

• Stretch woven material fully porous for airflow

• DWR treatment sheds water drops

• YKK zippers with Hypalon zipper garages

• 500D Cordura pocket and rear hem trim

• 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black Reflective Material

• 2 Wrist zip vents

• Entire jacket is highly breathable

• Stretch woven material fully porous for airflow

• Air flows at low speeds

Protection & Safety

• D3O IP Ghost Level 1 vented shoulder and adjustable elbow armor

• D3O Viper CE Level 1 back protector

• Approved to EN17092-3 as a CE Class AA garment

Alpinestars Andes Air Drystar Jacket

Why?

The Alpinestars Andes Air Drystar Jacket elevates waterproof textile outerwear with advanced weather protection and airflow performance. It comes with a 100% waterproof and breathable Drystar® membrane. It's fully detachable and can be worn over or under the jacket to adapt to changing conditions.

The extensive mesh panels throughout the chest, inner arms, and back optimize ventilation for warm weather riding, while the Drystar® liner keeps rain out. Adjustable venting and the pre-shaped arms help manage airflow and comfort on long rides.

Key Specs

• Poly-fabric chassis with extensive mesh panels

• Removable waterproof layer

• 100% Waterproof and detachable Drystar membrane that can be worn over or under the jacket

• Storm collar for the prevention of water ingress

• Road-specific fit

• Reduced length, contoured bottom edge

• Pre-shaped arms

• Volume adjuster on the biceps

• Hook and loop volume adjusters on the forearms, hook and loop cuffs, and a hook and loop waist adjuster

• Storage pouch on lower back

• Waterproof compartment and internal pocket

• 3/4 zippered waist connector for quick and easy connection to Alpinestars pants

Protection & Safety

• Ripstop reinforcements on shoulders, elbows, and forearms

• Nucleon Flex Plus Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor

• Pockets for back protector and split chest armor (sold separately)

• Approved to EN17092-4 as a CE Class A garment

• Tech-Air ready

Best High-End Textile Motorcycle Jackets

Priced over $450.

REV’IT! Sand 5 H2O Jacket

Why?

When it comes to proper touring and adventure touring fit jackets, REV'IT! is one of the brands that has a long history in this specific market. The Sand 5 H2O is the fifth iteration of the popular Sand model line, and features a fully chassis of 600D-rated polyester ripstop with air mesh panels interspersed for ventilation (for context, the Sand 4 was 500D ripstop).

Two different liners allow you to customize the warmth and waterproofing of the jacket. Seeflex CE level II armor is present at the shoulders and elbows, and there is a pocket for a back protector in the internal liner. An absolute juggernaut of an adventure touring jacket, the Sand 5 H2O is one of the best in the segment

We haven’t reviewed the Sand 5 Jacket yet, but check out our REV’IT Sand 3 Jacket review.

Key Specs

• Outer shell: 3D air mesh, 600D polyester ripstop

• Insulation: detachable thermal liner

• Waterproofing: detachable Hydratex, 3L (5000mm H2O)

• Detachable Hydratex, 3L (7000g/m2/24hrs)

• 3D mesh

• Laminated reflection at chest and back, reflective logo at upper arms, and pocket flap

• Tour fit, regular

• Adjustable elbow protection, adjustment drawcord, adjustment strap, adjustment tabs, flexisnaps

• Ventilation panels

• Short and long connection zipper, short connection zipper at detachable waterproof liner, soft edge at collar, two-way Collar Snap Closure System, separate wearable Hydratex® G-liner, prepared for Segur neck brace, prepared for vest connector

• Internal pocket within thermal liner, slit pocket, inner pockets, waterproof stash pockets, waterproof inner pocket, Waterproof internal pocket at waterproof liner

Protection & Safety

• Seeflex CE Level 2 protection at the shoulders and elbow

• Divided Chest and Back Protector (sold separately)

• Seesoft Back Protector – Type RV

• Type RV / Size 04 fits SM-MD

• Type RV / Size 05 fits LG-2XL

• Type RV / Size 06 fits 3XL-4XL

• CE approved to EN17092-3:2020 as a Class AA garment

Helite Free-Air Mesh Airbag Jacket

Why?

Despite the name, the Free-Air Mesh Airbag jacket from Helite is not actually a mesh jacket. Instead, it is a 600D Cordura chassis with some reinforced mesh panels for airflow. It comes with CE level I elbow and shoulder armor, and a SAS-TEC CE II back protector.

However, the best protection this adventure fit jacket provides is a built-in Helite Turtle airbag, which is attached via a lanyard to your bike and doesn’t rely on anything other than physics to deploy. No fancy electronic sensors, no need to recharge the battery overnight. 70 lbs of force on the lanyard, and the airbag will deploy in milliseconds, protecting you from slides, tumbles, and impacts as best it can.

If you’re looking for a premium hot-weather jacket, this is it.

Key Specs

• Airbag fully inflates in less than 0.1 seconds

• Removable waterproof liner

• Retro-reflective piping at front, back and arms

• Abrasion-resistant 600D Cordura

• Comfortable neck

• Mesh panels

• Zippered cuffs with strap adjustment

• 1 60cc CO2 cartridge and 1 lanyard included

• Multiple pockets

• All sizes use the 60cc CO2 cartridge

Note: The Free-Air Jacket runs small. We recommend ordering 2 sizes larger than your normal jacket size.

Protection & Safety

• CE level I elbow and shoulder armor

• SAS-TEC CE level II back protector

• Built-in Helite Turtle airbag technology

• 600D Cordura chassis is highly abrasion resistant

Klim Badlands Pro Jacket

  • Price: $1199.99 - $1229.99

  • Where to Buy: RevZilla

Why?

Let me just be blunt, this jacket – it’s tougher than you. Which is exactly the reason you need it. The Badlands Pro jacket will take everything a hardcore adventure rider can throw at it and then some.

Gore-Tex 3-layer Pro Laminate that guarantees you will stay dry. Karbonite ripstop panels and Superfabric reinforce key areas of the jacket, keeping it together when you fall off the bike. Custom D3O Aero Pro armor helps keep the rider together by absorbing impact energy. Just dust yourself off and continue on your way.

Klim gives this jacket more pockets than a soccer mom’s minivan has cupholders. About the only thing this jacket doesn’t have is the ability to hold back your tears of joy after buying it, but it does have a pocket for the tissue.

Key Specs

• Gore-Tex 3-layer Pro Laminate technology Guaranteed To Keep You Dry

• SPL 200 3-layer Pro Gore-Tex on main body

• FPL 400 3-layer Pro Gore-Tex

• Custom-engineered variable-density Superfabric on shoulders, elbows, and forearms

• Highly abrasion-resistant 500D Karbonite ripstop panels in key impact and wear areas

• Pre-curved arm and rider positioning construction

• Action back on shoulders

• VELCRO® brand fastener adjustable wrist closures

• YKK Vislon water-resistant zippers

• Adjustable wrist gaiter

• 2 sleeve adjustment straps

• Klimatek cooling stretch mesh in elbow and shoulder pad pockets

• Improved internal moisture-wicking mesh, Polygiene odor fighting for long trips

• 6 external pockets: 2 chest, 2 core, 2 hand, 1 SPOT pocket, id/license pocket on left forearm with hidden stash pocket, 1 large dual access storage pocket on exterior back

• 4 internal chest pockets, 1 hidden pocket behind backpad, 2 hidden stash pockets, zippered mesh chest pockets

• Easy access hydration bladder compartment and internal hose route dual routing options (bladder sold separately)

• Collar cinch

• Bottom hem adjustment

• Standardized jacket-to-pant zipper integration system

• Lined comfort collar

• Water-resistant pocket

• Custom TPU zipper pullers

• Zipper end sealing system

• Improved venting is easier to access while riding

• Collar can hook back to allow for more ventilation, improved usability of the entire collar tab back feature

• 4 front torso, 2 forearm, 2 bicep intake vents

• 2 back, 2 tricep exhaust vents

Protection & Safety

• Klim Aero Pro D3O shoulders and elbows

• D3O Viper Pro back protection CE level 2

• Adjustable armor pockets for refined armor placement

• Integrated jacket-stabilizing, removable and adjustable kidney belt support system

• 3M Scotchlite reflective material on panels and trim for increased low-light visibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Textile Jackets

What are the advantages of a textile motorcycle jacket?

Textile jackets are on the average lighter than leather jackets, have better breathability, and can even be more versatile. Another huge advantage of a textile jacket is that with advances in materials, quite often they offer the same or even better abrasion rating than genuine leather, sometimes at half the price or even less than a leather jacket!

Are there differences in quality of the materials/textiles used to make the jacket?

Textile protective materials have the widest range of abrasion resistances and quality of any motorcycle gear. Some jackets can go as low as 250D, which is okay for scooter use but not much else, to Cordura, which often is 1,000D or better. There are also variations in materials used, such as polyester, nylon, reinforced cotton, and the like. All of our recommendations use high quality textiles and are rated at a minimum of 450D.

What is a “mesh jacket” and why would I want one?

A mesh jacket is a jacket that has a “chassis” made out of textiles such as polyester or other high abrasion resistance material, which holds high airflow mesh panels, often on the chest, waist, under the arms, and part of the back. These jackets have the highest airflow of any jacket, with the mesh often being polyester-wrapped nylon and rated 400D, and are designed for hot to extreme hot weather use.

Since it’s textile, can I machine wash my jacket if it gets dirty?

You will need to check the instructions that came with your jacket, but as a general rule as long as you take out the armor and zip out liners, they can be machine washed. More often than not, however, they are not tumble dry friendly, meaning you will have to hang them until they are completely dry, which can sometimes take 24 hours. Special consideration needs to be given to textile jackets with built in waterproof membranes, which have their own special care instructions.

What are some disadvantages of a textile motorcycle jacket?

During a high speed slide, textiles can fray instead of “Grinding down” like leather does. They also do not have the same heat retention, which is why many have removable thermal liners. As well, even with proper care and maintenance, a textile jacket does not hold its shape as well as leather does over the years of use.

Do textile jackets come with built in armor, or is that something I need to add separately?

As a general rule of textile jackets, you will at the least get elbow armor. Most (but not all) textile jackets will also provide you with shoulder armor. In both cases, the armor will be CE Level I rated at minimum, as that is what is needed to sell jackets in Europe. Every textile jacket will come with a pocket in the liner for a back protector, which is highly recommended for you to use, as back protectors are relatively inexpensive. Some of the very high end textile jackets will come with full sets of armor included.

Why are some textile jackets as expensive as top-tier leather jackets?

Prices vary based on the materials used, the quality and quantity of layers, what type of armor is included, and other features. For example, the Helite Free-Air Airbag jacket we recommend use Cordura for its chassis, comes with a full set of SAS-TEC armor including a back protector, and also has a built in rapid-deployment airbag, something which, if bought separately as a vest, is often $500 all by itself.

Are textile jackets waterproof?

As a general rule, no, textile jackets are not inherently waterproof. The advantage of textiles is, however, that it is extremely easy to include a waterproof membrane during manufacture, or have a zip-out waterproof inner lining. For these jackets, they carry names such as Gore-Tex, Hydratex, DryStar, and the like, and will often advertise their waterproof membrane as a desirable feature.

What To Look For In A Textile Motorcycle Jacket

Sitting between leather and pure mesh jackets in terms of abrasion resistance, textile jackets have been growing in popularity over the years. This can be attributed to the lower cost of making the jackets, as well as synthetic fibers such as aramid, ceramic superfabric, poly-textiles, Cordura, and the like offering protection through multiple layers. While these jackets may not be as outright abrasion resistant as leather, they are much more durable than most mesh jackets. It should also be noted that textile and mesh combo jackets are still, technically, textile jackets, as one of our recommendations shows.

Textile jackets are also the preferred favorite of many adventure touring riders, along with textile pants, for a variety of reasons. The most popular of these reasons is that it is extremely easy to place a layer of waterproofing membrane between textile layers, whereas on leather jackets, it is an inner liner that is often removable. Without having to worry about where you put your liner when the clouds roll in, just closing the vents and continuing your ride is much more convenient.

Lastly, textile jackets are also less expensive than most equivalent leather jackets. Note, we used the term less expensive instead of cheap, because in no way are these textile jackets in our recommendations “cheap.” They are economical, value-for-money, less expensive, but never cheap.

Textile Jacket Sizing Guide

The key to remember with textile fabrics is that they have some minimal stretch to them, but in general are fairly solidly built. Manufacturers will also often place stretch panels or accordion flex panels in high movement areas. It is of particular important to also note what each jacket states as their fit type.

A sport fit jacket will often sit tightly on the torso, and it is best to visit a local gear shop to try on a few to get an idea of how they fit. Tour fit is a much looser fit, often with larger chest and shoulder areas, as they are meant to be worn on a variety of bikes from cruisers to sport tourers. Lastly, adventure fit is a special type of fit that is between the two. It’s close to the body, but also gives extra upper body movement room so you can stand on the pegs, lean over, lean forward, lean back, and the like without the jacket tugging and pulling against you.

At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something

Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.

Here’s how we do things:

  • We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?

  • We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.

  • We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.

  • We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.

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