The Best Textile Motorcycle Pants for the 2021 Season
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces of Riding Gear Since 2000
Entry-Level
Priced under $300, these textile pants are ideal for new riders or value-conscious shoppers.
Mid-Range
Priced $300-$500, these textile pants are high quality and offer great protection for the pricepoint.
High-End
Priced $500 and up. This category has the best of what is available when it comes to textile pants.
A Brief Textile Pants Buyer’s Guide
The cut and style of the textile pants riders choose should be based on the type of riding and the environment in which they ride most often. Riders should also consider how much versatility that they expect from the pants.
For example: are you planning on riding the Dempster highway to Tuktoyaktuk, or are you keeping it to the tarmac inner-city style?
Fortunately, gear manufacturers offer a wide variety of textile pants that meet the many different use cases of all riders. Both men and women can now find a good selection of textile riding pants.
Our recommendations below are focused on providing riders with some quality choices that offer durability and safety as well as a range of riding styles and uses. This information, along with riders personal preferences and intended use, will help take the guesswork out of selecting a great pair of textile pants.
A Note About Our Recommendations
Founded in 2000, the team at wBW has extensively tested more than 2,500 pieces of gear. Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We extensively and exhaustively test gear. We do not fluff reviews. Read our review policies.
Priced under $300
Best Entry Level Textile Motorcycle Pants
Alpinestars T SP-5 Rideknit Pants
Price: $249.95
Where to Buy
Why?
Alpinestars, as a company, is most famously associated with sportbikes. It seems to fit perfectly, then, that the T SP-5 Rideknit pants are aimed purely at the sport and sport touring riders, giving a flexible textile-based riding pant that is easy to wear, designed to fit under sport boots, with a high tail area so that it extends protection when a rider is in a tuck. The seams are also knitted together (hence the Rideknit name) in a super-strong, yet elastic, way that allows maximum comfort and fit.
Specs
- Chassis constructed from hard-wearing poly-fabric for comfort, durability and abrasion resistance
- Knitted design textile pants with pre-curved knees for optimal riding performance
- Tapered for a seamless fit with sports riding footwear
- Knitted technology fabric on seam area for maximum stretchability, thus optimizing fit and comfort
- Single crotch panel for additional rider comfort
- Rear of pants is elongated, giving a high back profile for enhanced coverage when riding
- Knitted technology fabric on seam area for maximum stretchability
- Ergonomic pre-curved knee construction reduces rider fatigue
- Hook and loop waist adjustment for a secure closure
- Two front thigh pockets for real-world practicality
- Elasticated ankle panel for quick and easy on/off
- Front fly with button for a secure closure
- Equipped with a short cord to tighten the calf
- CE Level 1 hip and knee protection
Protection & Safety
- Textile poly-fabric is hard-wearing, durable, and highly abrasion-resistant
- CE level 1 hip and knee Alpinestars Nucleon flex-armor protects while allowing a high range of movement
- Elongated tail of the pants to cover more of the rider should they come off the bike while in a tuck
Klim Switchback Cargo Pants
Price: $249.99 – $269.99
Where to Buy
Why?
The Klim Switchback Cargo pants provide riders with a huge amount of cargo space as well as instant access; their fit is more relaxed, and as such the Switchbacks closely resemble “normal” jeans.
The ability to easily remove the armor makes the pants even more versatile and a great selection for many riders who want a casual look but great function and protection when riding.
Specs
- Karbonite Micromesh and nylon chassis
- DWR treatment
- D3O LP1 hip and knee armor (level 1)
- Armor can be removed while wearing pants
- Two zippered outer thigh vents
- 2 calf entry assist dual zippers
- Two front hand pockets
- Two rear pockets
- One zippered front thigh cargo pocket
- One double snap front thigh cargo pocket
- Adjustable bottom hem fastens down around ankle revealing 3M Scotchlite reflective material
Protection & Safety
- D3O LP1 armor, level 1, is located at the hip and the knee
The biggest bonus for this armor is that it can be removed while still wearing the Switchbacks, making them even more comfortable when not on your bike.
Priced $300- $500
Best Mid-Range Textile Motorcycle Pants
Apinestars Yokohama Drystar Pants
Price: $329.95
Where to Buy
Why?
The Alpinestars Yokohama Drystar textile pants offer riders a great multi-textile, laminated construction for superior levels of abrasion and tear resistance and weather resistance. At under $360 with the addition of upgraded hip armor, the Alpinestars Yokohama Drystar textile pants offer riders a huge amount of versatility and features at a very reasonable price.
Specs
Fit:
- Runs slightly small, order the larger size if you are between sizes
Features:
- Multi-material, laminated poly-textile chassis construction for superior levels of abrasion and tear resistance and weather performance
- Strategically positioned abrasion and tear-resistant reinforcements offer additional durability
- Removable, adjustable CE certified knee protectors
- Drystar 100% waterproof and breathable membrane
- Pre-curved legs and an articulated knee construction with stretch panels on crotch and knee, plus an extensive stretch panel on rear yoke
- Removable 100g thermal lining
- Waist connection zipper enables attachment to various Alpinestars textile riding jackets
- Zippered thigh vents allow for personalized and adjustable levels of airflow
- Reflective details on lower legs
- Internal hip pockets lined with ergonomically tapered PE comfort foam for superior riding comfort.
- Hip compartments can be upgraded to incorporate Alpinestars Nucleon hip protectors (sold separately)
- VELCRO® brand waist and leg adjustments for precision fit in various riding positions
- Waist incorporates 3D mesh interior for comfort
- Extended zippered boot gussets ensure a tight seal around the ankle and facilitate fitting and removal
- Zippered deep side pockets
Protection & Safety
- Removable and adjustable CE certified knee armor is included with the initial purchase but can be upgraded as desired
- Internal hip pockets are lined with ergonomically tapered PE comfort foam but can also accommodate Alpinestars Nucleon hip protectors, which are sold separately for around $30
Rukka StretchAir
Price: $449.99
Where to Buy
Why?
The Rukka Stretch Air textile pants are a rather unique twist on protective riding pants. The comfort fit, durability, and armor protection make the Rukka StretchAir a great alternative to some of the bulkier textile pants options on this list.
Specs
- Knitted mesh Cordura AFT for maximum airflow
- Knitted Cordura AFT in two layers on knees
- Elastic Cordura panels for extra fit flexibility
- Belt loops
- Jacket-to-pant connecting zipper
- Two external pockets with zippers
- Rukka D3O XTR Air Knee/Shin and Hip Protectors CE Level 2 EN 1621-1 2012
- Stretch material on sides, above the knees, knee bend, rear yoke and leg cuffs
- Fits inside boots
- Rukka AirCushion and Rukka Antiglide system of Keprotec in seat
- Can be fitted with Rukka Suspenders (sold separately)
- The Rukka warranty is valid for 5 (five) years from the date of purchase against faults in material or workmanship
Protection & Safety
Safety Features:
And don’t let the relaxed fit and style of the Stretch-Air make you question the safety features offered by these textile pants.
- D3O XTR Air armor in the knees
- Hip armor rated CE Level 2 EN 1621-1 2012.
- Double layer of Cordura is added at the knee and shin for extra abrasion protection
Rev’It! Sand 4 H2O
Price: $449.99
Where to Buy
Why?
After the highly successful Sand 3 pants, Rev’It found a way to refine that pant into one of the finest adventure pants on the market today. A full 1000D ripstop polyester outer shell, backed by two detachable liners, one for thermals, one for waterproofing with Hydratex membrane, and a comfortable fit, means that these pants are meant to be ridden all day, all night, and in all seasons. Adding to the protection is Seeflex CE II armor in the knees, and SeeSmart CE I type B at the hips. Wide opening ventilation zips allow for cooling air to flow through, as well. The ultimate ADV pant from Rev’It!
Specs
Protection Features:
- Outer shell: polyester ripstop | PWR|shell 1000D | PWR|shell stretch
- Insulation: detachable thermal liner
- Waterproofing: detachable Hydratex®|G-liner
- Breathability: detachable Hydratex®|G-liner
- Composition: 98% Polyester, 2% Polyamide
- Lining: 100% polyester
- Thermal liner: 100% polyester (insulation 100% polyester)
- Membrane: 100% polyurethane (tricot 100% polyamide)
- Protection: Seeflex CE Level 2 protection at knees, SeeSmart CE Level 1 type B hip protection (RV33)
- Visibility: laminated reflection on the calves
Ergonomic Features:
- Fit: tour fit
- Adjustability: adjustment strap at waist, adjustment tab at ankles, 3 position adjustable knee armor
- Ventilation: VCS I zippers at upper legs
- Features: B-lock button closure | calf zippers | grip panel at seat | short and long connection zipper | stretch
- Pockets: slit pocket | waterproof stash pocket
Protection & Safety
- 1000D ripstop polyester shell allows for maximum abrasion resistance possible
- Seeflex and SeeSmart armor is flexible for comfort, yet will take an impact without transferring the shock to the rider
- Ventilation is on the top inside of the thighs, so that there are no weak points on the outside of the legs where abrasion is most likely to occur
Priced $500+
Best High-End Textile Motorcycle Pants
Alpinestars Bryce Gore-Tex Pants
Price: $599.95
Where to Buy
Why?
The Alpinestars Bryce Gore-Tex pants offer riders a single pair of pants that can handle any type of weather in the spring, fall and even winter.
Specs
- Multi-panel main shell Gore-Tex construction with reinforcements on the thigh areas for an optimal combination of durability, protection and weight saving
- Fully laminated Gore-Tex chassis (three layer above the knee and two layers below the knee) which is bonded for weight-saving, plus exceptional waterproofing and breathability
- Gore-Tex stretch inserts positioned on knees offers mobility and riding fit on various touring bike models
- Ballistic nylon reinforcements strategically positioned on legs for enhanced tear and abrasion resistance and with a non-scratch finish to preserve the bike’s paintwork
- Removable 100g thermal lining
- Ventilation system features zippered air intakes on thighs which offer superior interior cooling and airflow to prevent build of potentially fatiguing heat
- Thigh air vents feature snap buttons to ensure vent stays open while riding
- Lightweight, removable CE certified knee protectors
- Internal hip pockets lined with ergonomically tapered PE comfort foam for riding comfort
- Hip compartments can be upgraded to incorporate Alpinestars Nucleon hip protectors (sold separately)
- Hook and loop grip closure leg closure system on calf and ankle ensures optimized garment fit and also help to keep protectors in place in the event of an impact slide
- Deep, zippered front hand pockets for peace-of-mind storage of belongings
- Waist connection zipper enables attachment to various Alpinestars textile riding jackets
- Inner waist incorporates soft padded lining for high levels of comfort
- Reflective detailing on front and bottom legs improves rider visibility
Protection & Safety
The protection offered by the Bryce Gore-Tex is exactly what riders have come to expect from Alpinestars in safe yet comfortable armor.
- Lightweight, removable CE certified knee armor is provided as is tapered PE comfort foam at the hips
- Internal pockets for both the knee and hip protection allow riders to upgrade or replace the included armor as they see fit
- Ballistic nylon reinforcements are strategically located on the legs for enhanced tear and abrasion resistance and have a non-scratch finish to preserve your bike’s finish
- Reflective detailing on front and bottom legs improves makes you easier to see at night or in low light conditions
REV’IT! Dominator 2 GTX
Price: $799.99
Where to Buy
Why?
The REV’IT Dominator 2 GPX textile pants are designed to do just about everything but fly. These true four-season pants even offer fully waterproof ventilation panels in the VCS Aquadefence system with FidLock magnetic closures. When closed they are impervious but when open the 3D mesh offers maximum airflow and moisture evacuation to draw heat out of the pant legs.
Specs
- Outer shell:
- 3L Gore-Tex Pro nylon 600D fabric
- 3L Gore-Tex Pro Armacor fabric
- 3L Gore-Tex Pro Talisman
- PWR|Kevlar stretch
- PWR|Kevlar shell 500D stretch
- Leather panels at the inside of the legs
- Sure grip
- Waterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex Pro fabric
- Breathability: 3L Gore-Tex Pro fabric
- Composition:
- Outer shell 1: 82% polyamide, 18% Gore-Tex (PTFE)
- Outer shell 2: 57% polyamide, 38% Gore-Tex (PTFE), 5% aramid (13%)
- Lining: 100% polyester
- Protection:
- SEEFLEX Level 2 CE protection at knees, Seesmart CE-level 1 hip protector, Gore-Tex Pro Talisman panels at knees, safety seams
- Visibility: laminated reflection at calves and upper legs
- Adjustability: adjustment straps at waist and calves, adjustment tabs at ankles
- Ventilation: VCS | Aquadefence, air outlet at upper legs
- Features: VCS | aquadefence with FidLock magnetic fastener, stretch panels at waistband and knees, stretch lips at knees, short and long connection zipper, aero cool 3D mesh panels at upper legs, easy entrance zipper at calf, grip panel at seat, YKK slide lock front closure, prepared for Strapper suspenders
- Pockets: slit pockets
Protection & Safety
- SEEFLEX Level 2 CE armor is included in the pockets at the knees and Seesmart CE-level 1 hip protection is also included (both of these features can be upgraded or removed to meet the preference of the rider)
- Gore-Tex Pro Talisman panels are also added at the knees and are used to create the safety seams which serve to strengthen the connections of the protective textile materials
