When we talk about motorcycling jeans, paradoxically, we don’t necessarily mean they are made from denim. Jeans means trousers that are more jeans-like in their cut and fit rather than larger and more adjustable touring-style trousers, for example.
They are intended to be worn a little snugger than touring-style trousers and from a distance, look like a pair of regular jeans.
Many riders prefer the fit of snugger jeans and pair them with a more spacious jacket, for example, enjoying the better feel for the bike they get through the tighter trousers that don’t move so much between them and the seat or tank.
Riding jeans can be made from denim, textile material or even leather. While leather is rarely full waterproof, it can be paired with textile material and membranes to achieve decent water repellence.
Both denim and textile jeans can be made to shed water, either with surface treatments, membranes or both.
Here is a selection of motorcycle jeans that will keep you dry if the weather turns.
RST Synchro
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RSTu2019s Synchro textile jeans are formed from the companyu2019s MaxTex outer material with Ballistic reinforcements to give additional strength when it comes to abrasion resistance and structural strength. Thereu2019s a stretch panel at the back of the waist, waist adjusters and two pockets located on the front.
They are CE A-rated and come with Level-1 armour in the knees. There’s a removable thermal liner as well as the company’s own SinAqua breathable and waterproof membrane.
CE rating: A
Armour rating: L1
Richa Everest
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Like the RST examples, these waterproof textile jeans from Richa are a narrow fit and are made with an Airdura outer later backed with a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep the rider dry and comfortable.
There is a removable thermal liner for chilly rides and two pockets on the front of the trousers. They are CE A-rated and come with Level-1 armour in the knees that can be adjusted to suit different leg lengths. There is also a zip to join them to matching Richa jackets.
CE Rating: A
Armour rating: L1
Warrior Gear Ladies Trousers
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These ladies waterproof jeans may be made from a textile outer in 600D Cordura but they have a definite leather look and feel to them, reminiscent of racing jeans thanks to the flat material and stretch panels across the front and inner legs.
They feature an embroidered pattern on the front of the pre-curved legs, designed for comfort and have a removable thermal liner as well as a fixed mesh liner for ventilation. There is CE-approved knee armour as well as concertina panels above the knee for comfort on the bike.
CE rating: Unknown
Armour rating: L1
Weise Hydra Leather Jeans
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These sporty leather jeans from Wise are made from genuine 1.2-1.4mm Monaco leather and feature Keprotech stretch panels in the crotch, inner leg and the calf that, along with the pre-curved leg design, give a perfect fit on the bike.
They also feature a full Reissa waterproof and breathable lining that is removable in case things get warm and the rider wants additional cooling airflow thanks to the waterproof-zip protected thigh vents. There are two external pockets, two zips to join to Weise jackets and reflective piping to improve visibility at night.
CE rating: AA
Armour rating: Level-1
Frank Thomas L-Tex Crossover
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These leather-style jeans from Frank Thomas are actually a hybrid of leather and textile, providing the protection and reassurance of leather with the adjustability and stretch fit of textiles. They also feature a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep water out yet allow the body to breathe.
The seat features two layers of leather for increased abrasion resistance and there is a removable lining in case the weather improves. They have adjustable waist and ankles and two zipped pockets.
CE rating: Unknown
Armour rating: Unknown (CE approved)
Route One Mason
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Contrary to what you would imagine, these denim jeans from Route One are waterproof, thanks to a Reissa waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane bonded to the denim outer as well as a water-repellent treatment on the outside surface.
In addition, there is aramid lining in each of the impact zones and an all-over mesh lining for airflow for ventilation. There is Level-2 armour in the knees and pockets for optional hip armour and there are pockets front and rear.
CE rating: Unknown
Armour rating: L2
Merlin Hulme Wax Cotton
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These jeans from Merlin are made in waxed cotton yet are formed in a traditional snug-fit style. They feature a Reissa waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane as well as a fixed mesh lining to promote further airflow.
They also have a removable thermal liner for chilly rides and have pre-curved knees for extra comfort when sat on the bike. They also feature a short zip to join with matching Merlin jackets and come with CE approved knee and hip armour.
CE rating: Unknown
Armour rating: Unknown (CE approved)
Revu2019It Orlando
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The Orlando jeans for ladies from Revu2019It are formed in stretch polycotton denim and cut to look like a regular pair of five-pocket jeans. They feature PRW shielding layers in key areas u2013 the seat and knees - for additional abrasion resistance and come with Level-1 Knee armour as well as pockets for optional hip armour.
They feature a waterproof and breathable laminate membrane to keep the water out and the rider comfortable and side and rear seams are triple-stitched for strength.
CE rating: Unknown
Armour rating: L1