Ride fast? Then read our list of the best motorcycle leathers!

There’s a reason motorcycle racers wear leather suits; it’s the most abrasion-resistant material you can get (either real or synthetic for those who prefer their motorcycling cruelty-free), so motorcycle leathers make perfect sense.

It’s durable, protects the skin in the event of an accident that involves sliding along the road or track, and of course, when packed with the latest impact-resistant armour or airbags, will protect you as and when you hit the ground as well.

When it comes to selecting a leather motorcycle suit, you can either go for a one-piece or a two-piece which has a separate jacket and trousers that zip together.

Things to keep in mind

When it comes to fit, expect to feel very odd once you’ve got a one-piece suit on until you sit on your sports bike and adopt the riding position – feet high, arms out and torso down with the head back. Leathers are built to be conformable when you’re on the bike, so they need to be snug but neither too tight nor too loose. They generally also won’t be waterproof, so if you’re doing a trackday and you’re riding there and back in your leathers, you might want a pair of waterproofs in a rucksack with you.

What to look for in motorcycle leathers

Different forms of leather can be used in the construction of motorcycle leathers, but it will likely be cowhide (around 1.2-1.3mm thick) as its strength and abrasion resistance are excellent, with potentially some elements in kangaroo for its flexibility and grip. There should be some flex panels for additional comfort while on the bike, and the leather may also be perforated, as riding on a circuit is hard work, and the body needs cooling air.

• Related: Best summer motorcycle gear

Most motorcycle leathers will be CE AAA rated and will include armour that is rated as per all other garments, so ideally, look for CE Level-2 armour at the shoulders, elbows, back, knees and hips, while you might also want it at the chest and possibly protection for the coccyx as well.

Alternatively, you may want to add airbag protection to cover the neck and torso for additional peace of mind. You should also look for external impact protection, such as TPU plastic sections on the outside of the shoulders and elbows and replaceable plastic sliders on the outside of the knee.

About the author: After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Jim Blackstock began working on magazines in the early 1990s. He remains passionate about product testing to ensure readers know what products offer good value and why. He relishes torrential rain to see if riding kit keeps water out and an hour or two to tinker on a project bike in his workshop.

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