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 Demo
Price: $175
Where to Buy: RevZilla
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
Joe Rocket Dayride Jacket
Why?
Simple and straightforward, the Dayride from Joe Rocket keeps you cool and safe. The hybrid outer shell is set up for maximum impact resistance and great airflow with a combination of Hitena, Rock Tex 600, and Free Air Mesh right where it should be.
Removable back armor and an 8” rear zipper for mating with riding pants allow you to fine-tune your kit based on the needs of your next ride.
The outer shell is well ventilated, with vents in the chest, arms, and back. Paired with choice use of reflective surfaces, and the Dayride gives its riders a nice ride day or night.
Key Specs
Combined Hitena, Rock Tex 600, and Free Air mesh hybrid outer shell
Full Flex system
YKK zippers throughout
Sure Fit™ 6-point custom adjustment system
Snap loops for attaching jacket to belt
8” rear zipper for pant attachment
Removable insulated vest liner
Reflective sleeve panels & back stripe
Protection & Safety
Externally accessible CE approved armor in shoulders and elbows
Removable spine armor
Well placed reflective material make sure you are as visible as possible to the cagers on the road.
Speed And Strength Moment Of Truth Jacket
Why?
I love a jacket that does the job well without the need for a lot of fuss, just like the Speed and Strength Straight Moment of Truth Jacket.
Constructed from a combined AR600 textile and AR400 super stretch-fit frame, the Moment of Truth jacket is tough and abrasion-resistant without restricting the rider’s movement.
But wait there’s more! Speed zip controlled ventilation keeps things cool, plus removable CE level 2 armor for the shoulders and elbows and a removable CE level 1 back protector are included. Well done Speed and Strength.
Did I mention… all this can be yours for less than $200 bucks.
Key Specs
Combined AR600 textile and AR400 super stretch-fit frame
2 zippered hand warmer pockets.
Internal stash pocket
Speed Zip controlled ventilation
Lockdown waist adjusters
Molded Strong Arm sleeve adjusters
Belt loops for pant attachment
YKK main zipper opening
Microfiber-lined collar and cuffs
Face shield pocket
Protection & Safety
Removable Vault CE Level 2 approved shoulder and elbow protectors
Removable Vault CE Level 1 approved back protector
Reflective trim
Best Mid-Range Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Priced $240 - $450.
Roland Sands Truman CE Jacket
Price: $375
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
With the rise of the neo-retro movement, cafe racer bikes and neo-retro bikes are becoming more and more popular. The Truman CE jacket has a vintage bespoke vibe despite the modern hybrid construction of two proprietary RSD materials, waxed cotton, and Dakota leather.
The abrasion areas are reinforced with oiled Dakota leather, and shoulder and elbow areas include certified SAS-TEC armor.
Trust Roland Sands to protect your hide and maintain your old-school cool.
Key Specs
Water repellent, breathable waxed cotton construction
RSD Dakota cowhide leather (.9mm – 1.1mm) detail
Cordura 600D sleeve lining for superior abrasion resistance
Classic fit with rotated pre-curved sleeves
Dropped back length and relaxed collar
Zip front, pockets, cuffs, and sleeve vents
Adjustable side tabs with metal buckle
Premium satin poly liner with heat embossed detail
Soft lined electronics security pocket
Stretch mesh cargo stuff pockets
Protection & Safety
Includes CE EN 1621:2021-1 certified SAS-TEC flex elbow and shoulder armor
Armor ready back protector pocket (back protector sold separately)
CE approved to CE EN 17092:2020 as a Class A garment
Dainese Super Speed Textile
Why?
For those wanting to ride supersports, this is the textile jacket for you. The Super Speed Textile is aggressively sport fit, with pre-curved arms for comfort, and tapered wrists to fit under gauntlet gloves. A textile core of Duratex fabric with Boomerang fabric stretch panels protects the torso, while mesh panels along the sides of the torso and upper chest allow ventilation.
The CE rated shoulder armor is encapsulated under an aluminum slider, and the elbow armor is shaped to keep the upper forearm and elbow protected. Pockets for Dainese or other brand back and chest protectors allow for customization of your desired level of armor.
Key Specs
Protection:
Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1/97 Standard
Aluminium inserts on the shoulders
Ergonomics and Comfort:
Duratex fabric
Boomerang fabric
Inserts in elasticated fabric
Neck adjustment
Wrist adjustment
Waist adjustment
Jacket-trousers fastening system
Perforated fabric
Removable windproof insert
Sanitized lining
Other:
Pocket for G1 and G2 back protector
Pocket for chest protector
Reflective inserts
2 outside pockets
Internal pocket
Note: Shoulder sliders on Black/White/Red jacket may have a red demon.
Protection & Safety
CE composite armor in shoulders and elbows is EN 1621.1/97 certified
Duratex fabric is 500D grade abrasion resistant
Optional armor can be inserted in the chest and back for a full sport armor style
Alpinestars Tailwind Air WP Jacket For Tech Air Street
Why?
Could this be the ultimate all-weather jacket? Large mesh panels both front and back flow huge volumes of air, handling the hottest riding days. As fast as the weather changes, a detachable waterproof liner can be quickly fitted to keep both rain and wind from penetrating the jacket.
You can’t be the ultimate without being safe, and this is where Alpinestars goes next level by adding the Tech Air Street Vest (sold separately) to the Tailwind jacket. The state-of-the-art, wearable Tech-Air® 5 vest comes with an active electronic system that features six integrated sensors (3 gyroscopes and 3 accelerometers) and a crash algorithm that leverages AI to accurately monitor when to deploy the airbag in the event of a crash.
Maybe this is simply the ultimate riding jacket?
Key Specs
Protection:
Scapulae area accordion inserts have been specifically designed to accommodate larger volume mass in the event of airbag deployment
Multiple reflective prints on the back to make the rider more visible to other road users
Level 1 CE certified Bio Armor shoulder and elbow protectors
Compatible with Tech Air Street system
Intelligent LED panel on the left sleeve indicates if the airbag system is functioning correctly
CE certified jacket to CE Category II prEN17092 draft standards A class
Ergonomics and Comfort:
600D polyester fabric with PU coating
Extended mesh panels on chest, back, and sleeves for improved cooling performance
Detachable waterproof liner
Multiple sleeve volume adjustment
Accordion panels at elbows help movement and comfort on the bike
Waist adjustment for an improved riding fit
Two front kangaroo pouch pockets and one zippered chest pocket
Ergonomic cuff adjustment closure system, snap-button gusset, and security zippers
Padded areas on sleeves to increase rider comfort
Pre-curved sleeve construction reduces riding fatigue
Waterproof front inner pocket
Pockets for optional chest and back protection (sold separately)
Collar construction with rubberized fabric comfort edging plus brushed tricot fabric on the inner collar lining
Waist connection zipper allows attachment to Alpinestars riding pants
Protection & Safety
CE composite armor in shoulders and elbows is EN 1621.1/97 certified
Duratex fabric is 500D grade abrasion resistant
Optional armor can be inserted in the chest and back for a full sport armor style
Best High-End Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Priced over $450.
Rev’It! Sand 4 H2O
Price: $499
Where to Buy: RevZilla
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 4 H2O is the fourth iteration of the popular Sand model line, and features a fully chassis of 500D rated polyester ripstop with air mesh panels interspersed for ventilation.
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 4 H2O is one of the best in the segment
We haven’t reviewed the Sand 4 Jacket yet, but check out our REV’IT Sand 3 Jacket review.
Key Specs
Protection Features:
Outer shell: 3D air mesh | polyester ripstop
Insulation: detachable thermal liner
Waterproofing: detachable Hydratex | 3L (5000mm H2O)
Breathability: detachable Hydratex | 3L (7000g/m2/24hrs)
Composition: 100% Polyester
Protection:
Seeflex CE Level 2 protection at shoulders and elbow
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
Liner: 3D mesh
Visibility: laminated reflection at chest and back, reflective logo at upper arms and pocket flap
Ergonomic Features:
Fit: tour fit, regular
Adjustability: adjustable elbow protection | adjustment drawcord | adjustment strap | adjustment tabs | flexisnaps
Ventilation: ventilation panels
Features: 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
Pockets: internal pocket within thermal liner | slit pocket | inner pockets | waterproof stash pockets | waterproof inner pocket | Waterproof internal pocket at waterproof liner
Protection & Safety
Seesoft CE level II armor in the shoulders and elbows included
Back protector pocket in liner
Polyester ripstop fabric is minimum 500D abrasion resistant
High viz laminated reflectors on chest and back, and on arms, for 360 night time visibility
Helite Free-Air Mesh Airbag
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
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
CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor
Included SAS-TEC CE Level 2 static back protector
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
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 forearm
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 easier to access while riding
Collar can hook back to allow for more ventilation improved usability of 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
Other Best Jacket Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
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.
