It’s a little strange that, considering how long people have been wearing jeans and riding motorcycles, the idea of riding denim is still relatively new. Nonetheless, we’re happy apparel manufacturers far and wide have developed jeans we can wear both on and off the motorcycle. In case you’re not aware of why this is important, allow us to fill you in. Your standard pair of Levis may be really comfortable, but regular denim is terrible at protecting you if you fall off your motorcycle. When denim meets asphalt, it shreds to pieces in seconds. Not to mention that it provides no impact protection to your knees or hips.
Riding denim addresses these issues by incorporating some kind of reinforcing fiber to greatly bolster the jean’s ability to withstand road rash. Built-in pockets are made to accept different levels of armor to protect your knees and hips from impact with the ground. The tradeoff is a slightly heavier garment with a little less airflow, but overall riding jeans are a more comfortable alternative than dedicated technical riding pants.
Below are our picks for some of the best motorcycle riding jeans on the market today.
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Aerostich PROTEKT Jeans
People know Aerostich for its world-famous Roadcrafter coverall suit. But did you know Aerostich makes jeans, too? These are the Protekt jeans, and while the name might be spelled a little weird, the overall fit, finish, and quality are top notch. We even wrote a review of the Protekt jeans. But if you want the elevator pitch for them here it is, straight from Aerostich:
Clean, simple, old school straight leg blue jeans…with a great trick: TF3 Impact armor-holding pockets at the knees (sold separately), accessed via a hidden zipper. Armor is removed or replaced in seconds, easily, while wearing the pants. All the rest is classic denim jean spec., with fit and cut similar to Levi’s 501s.
Specifically, these are carefully sewn of unwashed dark blue 100% cotton 14 oz denim fabric, which is a bit heavier-duty than the more common 10-12 oz denim, but it still shrinks-to-a-custom-fit after a wash or two, which makes these pants extra comfortable and wear a lot longer.
For protektion there are three generous hidden areas of abrasion resistant Breathable-Waterproof HT 500D Nylon (…as used in many Aerostich suits) located at the seat and knees. For ‘commando’ comfort this extra-abrasion-resistant fabric is backed by soft 100% cotton.
As you’d expect there are five traditional pockets, five belt loops and a reliable metal fly zipper, too. But as you wouldn’t expect, the hidden seat-protective breathable-waterproof abrasion layer means you can sit on a freshly rain-wetted saddle and not get a wet butt. Nice!
The optional knee armor is positioned in the correct location when riding, and when you’re off the bike it’s comfortably flexible and easily removable.
Stitching is double and triple wherever needed, and a crotch gusset provides extra ease and comfort that’s great when mounting up and also as you move around in the saddle.
Alpinestars Copper Denim
The Alpinestars Copper Jeans look just like your favorite pair of casual jeans yet pack a serious punch in the protection department. With no external seams or awkward zippers, the Copper Jeans are constructed of 13oz denim reinforced with aramid fiber panels in the seat and knees. Removable hip and CE-certified knee armor gives you the option to add impact protection if you want it, or to take it out when you want to go incognito. The Copper Jeans are perfect for urban commuters, long haul cruisers, and any two-wheeled enthusiast that prefers a more casual appearance.
ScorpionExo Covert Jeans
Universal style and brazen protective capability make the Covert jean a uniquely versatile riding pant. With motorcycle specific features that include an abrasion-resistant fiber lining made with Kevlar and knee armor pockets, the Covert Jeans are as comfortable on the bike as they are on a Saturday night out on the town. For the fashion-forward rider who doesn’t want to sacrifice good looks with real-world protective precautions, the Covert jean is worth a look.
KLIM K Fifty 1 Riding Pant
Klim has got an excellent reputation for its off-road apparel, but did you know the company makes riding jeans, too? With the K Fifty 1 riding jeans you get heavy-duty Cordura denim construction that combines nylon and cotton for a comfortable yet durable finish. It has a stonewashed finish and a YKK fly zipper to keep things closed. For abrasion protection, the Fifty 1 jeans feature Kevlar-reinforced panels and integrated D30 hip and knee armor to protect against impact damage. These have five pockets like normal jeans with belt loops along the waist to fine-tune the fit. There’s even a sweat-wicking comfort liner to help keep the rider comfortable.
Dainese Men’s Strokeville Riding Jeans
These stonewashed denim jeans come with aramid internal reinforcement to better resist road rash. The fit of the denim fabric skews towards the slim side and is integrated with reflective inserts and a special adjustable Pro-Armor protector at the knee (soft protectors are CE certified according to standard EN 1621.1). The Strokeville jeans are made to accommodate under-foot straps and feature practical Pro-Shape pockets at the hips for additional padding.
Joe Rocket Men’s Accelerator Jean
The Joe Rocket Accelerator jeans are made from 12 oz heavy-duty denim and are Kevlar-reinforced in the seat, hip, and knee panels. Aramid fibers are a class of ballistic rated body armor fabric to help the jeans keep their integrity from abrasion for longer. There are pockets for knee armor (sold separately) plus an added cotton comfort layer. Stretch panels at the knee and upper seat areas give the rider increased comfort and flexibility, and the cut of the Accelerator is perfect for the riding position. There are seven pockets including two zippered pockets, with reflective striping on the legs and tailbone for better visibility at night. The Accelerator jeans are available in regular and short lengths.
Speed and Strength Savvy Women’s Street Motorcycle Pants
Women need riding jeans just as much as men, and the Speed and Strength Street Savvy Moto Pants provide a slim-straight fit casual look but offer protection riders need on the street. Built with a cotton-poly blend, the Savvy Moto pants protect the knees with removable Vault C.E.-approved knee armor. Aramid fiber thread is weaved into the seat and knee areas to make the jeans more resistant to abrasion from the ground. The side zip opening from the hem to the knee expands to allow riders to pull their jeans over tall boots.
Bull-it SR6 Vintage Style Women’s Motorcycle Jeans
The Bull-it SR6 jeans have a vintage style and feature 12.5 oz. dark blue denim with a light faded wash and 100% cotton outer. It comes with a traditional five-pocket design with an additional coin pocket. A black leather belt patch with embroidered Bull-it logo helps you stand out, as does the Covec sew-in label in the rear right-hand pocket. Further touches include brushed metal matt finish buttons and front pocket rivets. For durability, the side and rear seam construction is triple stitched, with the genuine YKK locking front zipper making sure things stay closed. Inside, you’ll find your own little microclimate, as the airflow felt by using the Bull-it Covec structure and cool mesh liner will keep you warm when it’s cold and cool in the summer. The Covec thermal barrier inside also limits heat transfer from sliding along the road. There are knee and hip armor pockets built-in for the optional CE 1621 approved protectors. Finally, the finish is water repellent so you don’t have to worry about light splashes.
Fly Racing Women’s Fortress Jeans
Fly Racing began as a manufacturer of motorcycle handlebars and helmets. Since then, the brand has quickly developed into one of the fastest-growing powersports apparel brands in the market. With the women’s Fortress jeans, we have a pair of jeans cut specifically for a woman’s shape. Made from heavyweight 12-ounce Kevlar-reinforced denim with over 70% coverage, these jeans will stand up to abrasion. Impacts are absorbed with CE Level 1 knee armor. There are also pockets for detachable hip armor (sold separately). Plaid pockets add to the interior trim detail, as does the key chain attachment in the front pocket.
SportBike Chic Protective Motorcycle Jeans for Women
SportBike Chic jeans are strong, durable, and stylish, coming in a mid-rise style with a skinny fit. Sizes range from 0-20. All jeans are made with 11.5-ounce cotton with spandex (allowing for stretch) with Kevlar aramid lining for added protection. Additional protection comes from the CE Level 1 armor included in the hips and knees. Practical touches include extra-deep pockets to make sure none of your stuff falls out and an extra-long lip in the back to prevent your plumber’s crack from showing.
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