Retro practicality: Best waxed cotton motorcycle jackets

There was a time that there were only a couple of ways to keep water out of your riding jacket. One was to make it from leather (cows are, after all, waterproof) and the second was to make it from waxed cotton. Let’s face it – generations of fishermen can’t be wrong.

Nowadays, it’s easy to get a motorcycle jacket that keeps water out – just about every style of jacket, from casual to touring, can be found in a waterproof version, which is great news for motorcyclists. However, for the purists among us, there is still something of a draw when it comes to waxed cotton. And there are still plenty of options available.

Modern waxed cotton is nothing like the sticky, stiff garments of old. They can be as flexible, as supple and as technical as textiles, using modern technology and materials to achieve the same protective qualities as textile clothing, from both the elements and the roads, while maintaining that old-school, charming look and feel.

What to look for in a waxed cotton jacket

Like any other form of motorcycle jacket, you should still consider the overall CE rating, from B to A, AA and AAA, the latter indicating the highest levels of abrasion resistance and construction strength. You should also look at the included armour – at least shoulder and elbow and ideally, a back protector though you may find this is an optional extra.

As with other jackets, Level-2 armour is more impact-absorbent than Level-1 and hence, more protective.

One drawback with waxed cotton jackets is that they may require more in the way of maintenance and cleaning. If you find that one is no longer beading water on the outer surface, it may need re-treating, either using products specified by the manufacturer or something generic, such as Nikwax Wax Cotton Proof. However, when done properly, they should be virtually as water-resistant as decent textiles.

Here are some of our favourite waxed cotton jackets around at the moment.

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.
Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one. If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.
To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products

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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