Rainstoppers: Best waterproof motorcycle jeans and trousers

Published: 31 August 2023 Updated: 29 November 2023

When we talk about waterproof motorcycle jeans, we don’t necessarily mean they are made from denim. Riding jeans are 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, especially if they are single layer.

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.

Waterproof 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 waterproof jeans that will keep you dry if the weather turns.

Richa Colorado Textile Jeans

Price: £135.99 (was £169.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Recommended by our sister publication RiDE magazine, these waterproof textile jeans have a removable thermal liner and Richa's AVS ventilation ports to give them all season versatility. They're certified to CE 'A' standard, and have height adjustable D3O armour at the knees. Contra Glide tech on the posterior will keep you in place should your seat get slippery when wet.

RST Pro Series Paragon 6 CE Textile Trousers

Price: £129.99 (was £199.99)

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Boasting a Sinaqua Pro breathable and waterproof membrane, these are the perfect partner to the Paragon 6 Jacket. They have a removable thermal liner and intake vents on the thighs for climate control, with a fixed mesh lining for comfort. CE certification is AA for abrasion resistance and level 1 armour for hip and knee is included.

Oxford Continental Advanced Textile Jeans

Price: £129.99 RRP £199.99

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These all season jeans have separate detachable waterproof and thermal layers to give them versatility, as well as zipped vents with mesh inserts for airflow. Height adjustable knee armour is included, with provision for hip protectors. Large box pockets on the thighs give plenty of space for stashing stuff.

RST Syncro

Price: £74.99 (was £99.99)

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RST's Synchro textile waterproof jeans are formed from the company's MaxTex outer material with Ballistic reinforcements to give additional strength when it comes to abrasion resistance and structural strength. There's 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.

<strong>CE rating:</strong>	A
<strong>Armour rating:</strong>	L1

Merlin Hulme Wax Cotton

Price: £119.99 (was £199.99)

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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)

Oxford Mondial Advanced Textile Jeans

Price: £149.99 (was £239.99)

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Laminated with Oxford's Dry2Dry breathable and waterproof membrane, and featuring a removable thermal liner and zipped ventilation panels, these textile jeans are designed to tackle all weathers. CE level 1 knee armour is included, and there are both short and long connection zips for attaching a jacket.

Route One Mason

Price: £149.99

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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

Halvarssons Celtic

Price: £300 (was £429.00)

www.bikestop.co.uk

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These traditional leather jeans have been treated with a durable water-repellent and feature a temperature-regulating Outlast liner for year-round comfort. They are also AAA rated with CE level 2 armour at the hip and knee, and a matching jacket is available to complete the outfit.

Richa Everest

Rrp: £99.99

Price: £89.99

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These waterproof 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.

Weise Hydra Leather Jeans

Price: £329.99 (was £359.99)

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These sporty leather waterproof 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

Knox Waterproof Over Jeans

Price: £41.24 (was £54.99)

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Tested by Saffron Wilson for nine months, 1,217 miles. I really like these unisex over jeans. Whereas most waterproofs can be garish, these are more subtle, but do have the benefit of Reflectra on the leg so you can still be seen at night. They also pack down well and are a great addition to my essentials on the ride. I’ve been lucky enough to only need them a handful of times during my time with them, and on 99% of occasions they have seen me through well.

Unfortunately, on my last trip out the heavens opened more than expected, and I was caught in a severe downpour that the trousers couldn’t quite cope with, leaving me with a damp seat-area (at least I was on my way home.) But, during short wet spells or light showers the taped seams have kept the water out of the normal places and have worked a treat. To prolong their life, I think I’ll give them a go over with some waterproof spray and see how that affects them.

In terms of fit, the elasticated waistband means you can throw them over most trousers, but unfortunately even with the ankle gussets open I had to take my boots off to get the waterproofs on. They come in four sizes, XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL, 3XL+ and the waistband has a lot of give so no worries there. Also, while being worn, I would have liked a few more inches on the leg length. When seated and wearing ankle boots, there is a definite risk of water going into the top of the boot – something I experienced first-hand. But if you’re a long-boot wearer then this isn’t a problem.

Away from the rain, I’ve found these a handy layer when the wind picks up. As a result, they kept me very warm when needed and I’ve used them as a layer even when there was nothing but blue skies.

Quality

4.0
Value

4.0

Rev'It Orlando

Price: £119.99 (was £219.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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The Orlando waterproof jeans for ladies from Rev'It 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, 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

As with all motorcycle clothing, look for the CE certification to show that the waterproof jeans you’re considering have been approved as PPE (personal protective equipment). The highest level is AAA, offering the greatest resistance to abrasion and impacts, which drops to AA, then A. Knee and hip protectors should also be CE approved, and come in either Level 1 or the higher Level 2.

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.

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us.

By Jim Blackstock

Keen wet weather rider and dedicated product tester for MCN and sister publication RiDE Magazine.

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