If you want the best waterproof bike protection, obviously you need a dedicated, purpose-designed oversuit or set of all-season textiles.
But if they’re too cumbersome or not necessary for the type of riding you do – a short Sunday blast or quick pop into town, for example – then there are plenty of other waterproof, or at least showerproof, options that are more stylish and practical.
For integrated jackets, you should look for the usual CE rating, from B to AAA (lowest to highest respectively) and for CE-approved armour, Level-1 and (better) Level-2 in at least the elbows and shoulders and ideally, with a back protector too.
Related: Best waterproof motorbike jeans
If you’re looking for a pure waterproof over jacket, then you won’t expect to find any of these, just a layer to keep water out and prevent you from getting cold and wet.
But what’s currently available? How much do they cost? And what do you get for your money? Here’s our current pick of some of our favourites.
Dainese Super Rider D-Dry
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This sporty, stylish jacket from prestige, leading Italian motorcycle clothing brand Dainese combines textiles, leather and waterproofing into a great, sporty-looking but versatile garment. The main construction is textile with a water-repellent treatment but there's also a waterproof and breathable 'D-Dry' lining.
There’s cowhide and even aluminium panels and inserts, lots of stretch panels for a snug, sporty fit, adjustment at the waist and wrists and even an aerodynamic spoiler. It’s also safety certified to EN 1621.1. A very versatile, stylish, sporty jacket that also happens to be waterproof.
Pros:
Premium brand
Lots of features
Truly versatile
Con:
More expensive than some
RST GT CE textile Jacket
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Part of RST's textile jacket range, the GT features CE level two armour in the shoulders, elbows and back alongside a SinAqua waterproof and breathable liner. What's more, there's also a removable thermal liner - ideal for colder rides.
External TPU armour is visible on the shoulders and there is reflective piping to offer a little more visibility in low-light conditions. Strong zips should also offer more strength in the event of crash.
Pros:
Great protection
Reputable brand
Con:
Limited sizes available
Ideally made for touring this jacket is built to last with removable CE approved armour in the elbows and shoulders as well as additional pockets for chest and back body armour.
The jacket also comes with a removable long-sleeve thermal liner and additional vents that can be open or closed with zips, according to the weather conditions. It’s perfect for year-round rides.
Pros:
Useful year-round
Reputable brand
Con:
Limited sizes available
Weise Hydra WP Jacket
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This leather jacket from Weise is an excellent waterproof option if you want something that looks a little more stylish. Made from 1.2mm - 1.4mm Monaco Performance leather, the jacket comes complete with a removable waterproof lining.
What’s more, with CE approved back, shoulder and elbow armour, a removable 120-gram thermal lining and neoprene finish to the collar and cuffs this jacket is perfect for any weather. It even has waterproofed zipped venting and breathable vents in the chest and back.
Pros:
Doesn't look like a waterproof
Added protection of leather
Con:
Not so good in cold conditions
Oxford Rainseal All Weather Over Jacket
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Sometimes the best solution to having waterproof bike wear is simply to stash either in a rucksack or on your bike itself, a quality, lightweight waterproof over jacket, and the Rainseal from respected British brand Oxford Products is one of the best.
It’s fully waterproof, comes with a Velcro adjustable waist and cuffs for excellent fit over your gear, is finished in a safety-conscious fluoro-yellow colour for maximum visibility in the murk and is durable and good value, too.
Pros:
Lightweight solution
Respected brand
Great rainproofing
Con:
Not the most stylish
Alpinestars Stella T-Jaws V3 Waterproof Textile Jacket
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From quality, respected, stylish Italian motorcycle clothing brand Alpinestars, this mid-range textile jacket is designed specifically for women. It looks great on and off the bike with its tailored cut so isn't too bulky, is waterproof and comes in black with three different contrasting colours (white, teal or fuchsia).
It has a detachable thermal lining for multi-season use, CE-approved armour protection in the shoulders and elbows and also has a zipper connector to optional matching trousers should you wish to upgrade to a full, two-piece suit.
Pros:
Good brand and style
Versatile, mid-range spec
Matching trousers available
Con:
Perhaps too ‘bikey’ for some
Scott Ergonomic Pro Rain Jacket
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Another over jacket, which acts as emergency waterproof overwear if caught out in the rain, but one that certainly more stylish and versatile than most. It's from quality American off-road brand Scott and packs down into an ultra-convenient small carry bag when not in use.
It's made from 65% polyurethane and 35% polyester, has a ‘Dryosphere’ breathable windproof and waterproof stretch membrane and also has adjusters on the collar and cuffs. We even think it looks pretty good, too!
Pros:
Easily packable
Great features
Looks good, too
Con:
Some rain jackets are cheaper
Spada Wyatt
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Before you laugh, thinking we've lost our minds, this stylish retro leather from Spada is not only super-cool with its classic design, AAA CE certification, Level-2 armour throughout and removable thermal lining, it is also waterproof and has a breathable membrane to keep the wet out and let the body breathe in warm weather.
So you can look cool while staying dry at the same time. Who’d have thought it?
Pros:
Classic styling
Top-level protection
Waterproof and breathable
Cons:
Perhaps not for sustained wet-weather riding
Bikers Gear Australia Trail Blazer
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Classic, vintage-look 'waxed-cotton' style jackets are a great option for those wanting a stylish motorcycle jacket that can be worn on and off the bike, but also is waterproof.
There’s a variety of styles and some very well-known (and sometimes pricey) brands available but this leather version from Bikers Gear Australia looks good. Being full-grain leather makes it durable with great protective qualities.
It also has a hand-waxed and oiled finish to make it water repellent. There’s lots of quality YKK zips, adjusting belts and pockets, there’s five-piece CE1621-1 certified removable armour and it’s good value, too.
Pros:
Great mix of style and practicality
Treated leather outer
Good value
Con:
Lesser-known brand
Held Wet Race Jacket
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If you're a sportsbike rider, trackday addict or even a racer it might seem that your waterproof options for keeping dry if the weather turns bad are limited, but wet race over jackets, such as this highly-rated one from German brand Held, are a brilliant option.
Made for minimalist and snug-fitting it comes with a groin strap to prevent ‘riding up’ when you’re in a racing crouch and is made from waterproof, stretch material which is 18% Spandex, so it fits your race leathers closely without flapping around.
Pros:
Easy to stow away
Snug fit
Highly rated
Con:
Not the cheapest
Merlin Covert Camo Wax Cotton Jacket
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If your preference in motorcycle gear is for the lightweight, urban, 'streetfighter' style you might think your options for a waterproof jacket are limited - but think again. This jacket from Merlin may tick all the streetfighter-style boxes, such as camo print, snug fit and more, making it a great urban option both on and off the bike.
However, it also has a waxed-cotton construction, a ‘Reissa’ waterproof and breathable membrane, CE level-1 and 2 armour, including a back protector, quality antique-brass finished YKK zips throughout and even has a jacket-to-jean connecting zip.
Pros:
Great style
Waterproof and protective features
Decent value
Con:
Not everyone’s taste