Best Motorcycle Jackets In 2022
Choosing the best motorcycle jacket is of paramount importance. Depending upon when and where you do your riding, you may need to consider the seasons and opt for something that’s adequately weatherproof. It may well be that you invest in several different biker jackets made from different materials to suit the changing seasons. You do, of course, more importantly, require adequate protection. Your jacket is, after all, your armor. While many bikers want to look the part, the principal aim of a jacket, as with a helmet, gloves, boots, isn’t to make a fashion statement, but rather to keep you adequately protected in the event of an accident, collision or a fall.
It needn’t be too much of a compromise, though. Biking apparel can be chic with many none motorcycle owners often seen sporting a leather biker jacket and a pair of trendy leather boots. It’s a sharp fashion look that has transitioned across into the mainstream. You do not need to look any further than Marlon Brando and Steve McQueen to understand its popularity. So let’s take a look now at some of our top recommendations for the best men’s motorcycle jacket, all of which should offer both style and protection for the most discerning street riders!
The Best Motorcycle Jacket
1Viking Cycle Ironside Textile Mesh Motorcycle Jacket
Let’s get this product review started with our Best Choice recommendation from Viking Cycle. This CE approved, breathable mesh fabric, the zip-up jacket comes in four colors, including a highly visible fluorescent yellow option. It’s designed to be breathable, with strategic mesh paneling across key areas to deliver a cooling effect on hot summer days. It features approved armor to ensure you’re adequately protected at all times, which is strategically positioned to the upper and lower back, shoulders, and elbows where more significant impact is likely to be experienced.
Viking Cycle Ironside Textile Mesh Motorcycle Jacket is constructed from a strong and durable 100% 600D Cordura PU coated fabric, which is both water-repellent as well as wrinkle-free. The ergonomically designed jacket supports uninhibited and free movement so that you can focus in comfort on your riding and not on adjusting your jacket. It’s lightweight and flexible, but highly protective and shouldn’t compromise your safety. There are also useful external as well as internal pockets, ideal for safely storing your valuables.
With highly reflective visible piping to the chest and back, this jacket provides 360-degree visibility so that your safety is never compromised. It delivers a highly adjustable fit too, with an adjustable waist and cuffs that feature easy to manage Velcro closures. Additional snap button closures at the arms also enable you to adjust and customize the fit. It’s available a full range of sizes from XS to fit chest 34-36-inches right through to 4XL for chest sizes 58-60-inches. If you are looking for an ideal gift for motorcycle riders, this might be the right choice.
Adjustable collar, wrists, waist, and arm buttons
Equipped with CE approved protection to crucial body parts
Mesh technology for ventilation on hot days
Secure multiple inner pockets to store valuables
Lightweight and flexible jacket promotes a full range of movement
- BrandViking Cycle
- ModelVC380
2HWK Men’s Leather Motorcycle Jacket
If you fancy channeling your inner Brando, then you will love this budget-friendly 100% black leather motorcycle jacket from HWK. It’s super stylish yet still a highly practical and protective jacket that has been manufactured to stand the test of time. So much so that it comes with a spectacular lifetime warranty.
HWK Men’s Leather Motorcycle Jacket offers ample road protection, thanks to that premium 1.2mm thick genuine leather finish, which provides sufficient abrasion resistance. This HWK jacket has also been designed featuring reliable and robust 100% YKK zippers that will stay put no matter how fast you ride plus rust-free buttons that won’t get damaged by riding in adverse weather conditions.
In terms of protection, this jacket also features CE approved removable armor to the back, elbows, and shoulders for even greater peace of mind. Whether you are biking in the winter or the warmer summer months, this adaptable leather biking jacket should stand you in good stead. It comes fitted with a micro-mesh lining to provide ventilation and a cooling effect on sunnier rides out. For cold winter morning commutes, you have the option to add a removable thermal lining to keep out the biting wind. It’s available in an extensive range of sizes from small through to 5XL and is suitable for chest sizes from 38-inches up to 52-inches. You may also be interested in some of the best suede jackets from our list, so be sure to check them out.
100% Premium leather construction
Removable thermal lining plus micro-mesh lining for all weather conditions
Removable CE approved armors
Full range of men’s sizing available
Sturdy YKK zippers and rust-free buttons
- BrandHWK
- ModelHWK Motorcycle Jackets For Men
- Weight6.3 Pounds
3Milwaukee Leather Men’s Classic Motorcycle Jacket
If you love to cruise around your neighborhood looking like an extra from a cop series, then this traditional styled men’s leather biking jacket will have you looking the part. Only there’s an added design twist. Look closely, and this 100% premium black leather jacket has stylish laced up side panel detailing. This is a seriously slick looking leather jacket for any urban rider.
From Milwaukee Leather, this is a super adaptable and easy to wear a police-style jacket that will have other bikers standing in your tracks. It offers plenty of abrasion resistance and is manufactured to be hard-wearing. It features sturdy YKK zippers and plenty of secure pocket storage.
There’s a thinly padded removable thermal lining for those colder weather days, and you can also buckle out the chill be closing the belt. Externally you have plenty of pocket options with either zippers or a popper button plus there’s matching silver hardware on the double lapels and shoulder epaulets. It comes in a full range of men’s sizes from X-Small through to 5X-Large, so there should be a Milwaukee jacket to fit most size and shaped riders. For those of you searching for clothes for winter days, check out our guide to the best heated jackets.
100% Premium leather construction
Full range of men’s sizing available
Lace-up detailing to the side panels
Traditional police-style design
Removable thermal lining
- BrandMilwaukee Leather
- ModelSH1011-XL-BLACK
- Weight6.61 Pounds
4Viking Cycle Ironborn Textile Waterproof Motorcycle Jacket
For our next best motorcycle jacket for men, we’ve headed back to see what else Viking Cycle has to offer. This is yet another CE approved jacket with removable armor designed to deliver extra biker protection. Known as the Ironborn jacket, it’s constructed from an advanced waterproof treated Rox Tex 600 outer shell. That CE approved armor we mentioned is strategically positioned on the elbows, shoulders and spine, where vulnerable riders needs protecting the most. The jacket is also water-repellent and naturally wrinkle-free, so you’ll always look stylish thanks to the no sagging technology.
This Viking Cycle Ironborn motorcycle jacket features a next-generation liner that’s removable and can be inserted to provide extra insulation on cold-weather rides. The super-adjustable shell lining offers a 6 point sure fit custom adjustment design so that it’s super flexible, versatile, and easy to adjust and wear. It comes in five contemporary colors, including a trendy military green design as well as eight different sizes.
Just like the Viking Cycle Ironside jacket, it’s fitted with highly visible reflective piping so that you can be safely seen. There are also two zippered ventilation vents for controlled airflow which are easy to control even when wearing gloves. There’s ample dedicated and secure internal storage suitable for safely accommodating your valuables while you ride.
Adjustable collar, wrists, waist, and arm buttons
Equipped with CE approved protection to crucial body parts
Mesh technology for ventilation on hot days
Secure multiple inner pockets to store valuables
Lightweight and flexible jacket promotes a full range of movement
- BrandViking Cycle
- ModelVC512B-L
- Weight4.45 Pounds
5Viking Cycle Warlock Textile Mesh Motorcycle Jacket
We’re taking a look next at another excellent motorcycle jacket for men from the Viking Cycle collection. What sets the Warlock textile jacket apart from the competition is a cooling mesh shell that covers the torso, back and arms. It stays cool even when the temperature is rising so that you can still enjoy riding in relative comfort. This jacket also benefits from being highly reflective with panels to the front and back, ensuring that others always see you.
Like the other Viking Cycle jackets, we’ve so far reviewed, it also includes CE approved armor to keep your protected. The Warlock jacket features chest pads as well as a spine pad and also features a pocket that’s ideal for an additional spine protector. Besides that, you also receive both shoulder and elbow armor.
This stylish and streamlined looking jacket comes in four different colors and a full range of sizes. There’s a host of practical pockets both inside and out for essential storage of valuables, including a dedicated pocket with a headphone wire system. The Warlock textile jacket is also fully adjustable, providing a flexible and versatile fit with plenty of comfort as well as movement. Be safe, be seen, and also look stylish in this Warlock motorcycle jacket. For more stylish options like this, check out our selection of the best denim jackets.
Adjustable collar, wrists, waist, and arm buttons
Equipped with CE approved protection to crucial body parts
Mesh technology for ventilation on hot days
Secure multiple inner pockets to store valuables
Lightweight and flexible jacket promotes a full range of movement
- BrandViking Cycle
6Jackets 4 Bikes Brotherhood Classic Distressed Leather Motorcycle Jacket
If you like the look of distressed leather, then you will love this genuine cowhide leather jacket from the Jackets 4 Bikes collection. Manufactured from a highly stylish and durable grey distressed leather with red piping detail, it’s a streamlined and modern-looking men’s motorcycle jacket. It’s been constructed to stand the test of time and his highly durable, offering ample rider protection. The premium material is 1.3mm thick, so it delivers excellent abrasion resistance.
This Jackets 4 Bikes Motorcycle Jacket is also outfitted with robust and dependable YKK zippers that will always stay in place. There are two zippered front chest storage pockets as well as two side zippered pockets ideal for safely stowing valuables. Inside, you’ll also find a phone pocket. Besides that, you’ll also find strategically positioned ventilation zippers to increase airflow on a hot day while the removable zip outliner is an excellent accompaniment on colder rides. The jacket has also been double stitched for enhanced durability and is fashioned with pre-curved sleeves for a more natural look and fit. Five pieces of high-quality armor come pre-installed in this jacket, providing additional rider peace of mind. You can also easily adjust the fit by adapting at the waist to make the jacket looser or tighter fitting. Our guide to the best rain jackets features more quality products like this, so check them out.
100% Premium leather construction
Waist adjustable fitting
Removable high-quality armors in elbows, shoulder, and back
Full range of men’s sizing available
Sturdy YKK zippers and rust-free buttons
- BrandJackets 4 Bikes
- Weight5.7 Pounds
7HWK Textile Motorcycle Jacket for Men
If you’re on the hunt for a men’s motorcycle jacket that will comfortably see you through all seasons, then you should take a look at this textile jacket from HWK. It’s been purposefully designed to meet the rigors and conditions of extreme weather conditions and, as such, is 100% waterproof. It’s constructed from a highly robust and durable 600D Cordura fabric and also features a Reissue waterproof, but also breathable membrane. That means you stay both dry and protected but also comfortable too. When the temperature improves, simply remove the detachable internal insulated thermal liner. During the summer months, you can take advantage instead of the front and back air ventilation system.
Featuring CE approved armor to the shoulder and elbows as well a high-density foam back protector and additional foam padding to the front and back of the jacket, you should feel adequately protected. To add to that sense of protection, this HWK motorcycle jacket is fully reflective for nighttime visibility. Designed in a cruiser style, this jacket also features a soft collar with a neoprene lining plus arm and waist adjusters for a more tailored and streamlined fit. Top-quality zippers are used throughout, and there are also highly functional external and internal pockets, ideal for safely storing valuables while you’re out and about on your motorbike.
All season motorcycle jacket
100% waterproof design with Reissa membrane
Equipped with CE approved protection to crucial body parts
Breathable mesh fully removable underlining
Adjustable arms, cuffs, and waist for a tailored fit
- BrandHHR
- ModelHWK-T1
- Weight4 Pounds
8HWK Vintage Style Leather Motorcycle Jacket with Armor
Get ready to act out your inner action hero and make out like you are a modern-day Marlon Brando as you cruise the streets wearing your HWK vintage style 100% genuine leather biker jacket. This stylish yet practical jacket certainly looks the part and has also been manufactured to last. It comes with nothing less than a lifetime warranty, which is quite something, and chances are, your jacket will stand the test of time better than either your bike or your bones will!
It offers plenty of road protection thanks to its premium leather construction, which makes this jacket abrasion-resistant. It’s also been designed featuring 100% original, high-quality YKK zippers as well as having rust-resistant buttons. Further protection is provided in the shape of CE approved armor, which can be conveniently removed. The back, shoulders, and elbows are given added protection in case your style of riding is fast and furious!
Whether you are riding in the summer or winter months, this HWK vintage jacket can adapt to the weather conditions. It features a removable thermal lining to keep you warm in winter with a micro-mesh lining to allow for cooling ventilation in the spring and summer months. A full range of generous sizes is also available, with everything from a small through to 5XL to choose from. For more awesome clothes like this, check out our selection of the best windbreaker jackets.
100% Premium leather construction
Removable thermal lining plus micro-mesh lining for all weather conditions
Removable CE approved armors
Full range of men’s sizing available
Sturdy YKK zippers and rust-free buttons
- BrandHWK
- ModelHWK motorcycle jacket F-1
- Weight7.3 Pounds
9Joe Rocket Phoenix Ion Mensh Men’s Motorcycle Jacket
We’ve selected this sensational looking mesh-covered motorcycle jacket from Joe Rocket as our Premium Pick today. It’s packed with features that any dedicated biker is sure to appreciate plus as a bonus. It just so happens to look incredibly stylish too. It’s available in a choice of colors, including a highly stylish silver option that will stop people in their tracks as you speed on by. This Phoenix jacket is all about being cool and being seen. It features the brands legendary FreeAir Mesh as well as their 360-degree reflectivity, including Innolite ultra-reflective shoulders. That cooling free air is applied to the mesh shell torso as well as the back and arms.
This innovative, premium motorbike jacket also features two-stage waterproofing and comes with an insulated zip outliner to keep your warm and protected in the colder winter weather months. As you’d expect, it comes equipped with externally accessible CE approved armor to the shoulders and elbows as well as a removable spine armor. The fit of this Phoenix jacket can also be fully customized thanks to a unique 6-point Sure Fit adjustment system, which enables the wearer to adjust both the sleeves as well as the waist. We could go on! There are plenty more features that we’re sure you’ll love, including a smartphone audio ready pocket, a clip for key storage as well as an inside micro-liner eyeglass pocket. As motorcycle jackets go, this one looks pretty legendary, and one thing is for sure, that’s undoubtedly how you’ll feel tearing around town wearing it! Just be safe because we know that you’ll be seen. Our guide to the best field jackets features more stylish options like this, so check them out.
Cooling FreeAir mesh paneling
Removable CE approved armors
Strategically positioned DYNAX reinforcement
6-points Sure Fit adjustment system
Two-stage waterproof stem plus insulated zip outliners
- BrandJoe Rocket
- Model1516-4504
- Weight5.85 pounds
10Alpinestars T-Faster Air Textile Motorcycle Jacket
The final motorcycle jacket we’re taking a look at today comes from the popular bikers brand Alpinestars and is their textile and mesh T-Faster Air jacket. It’s the perfect mash-up of mesh and textile to provide improved cooling performance. It’s designed with large mesh panels to the torso and arms that deliver an effective cooling action, circulated currents of air. At the same time, the robust, abrasion-resistant textile areas offer increased protection in case of collision or impact. The jacket itself provides a comfortable and stretchy fit with unrestricted, full-body movement.
Available in a classic black design with different colored reflective paneling options, it features a practical and convenient hook and loop strap for easy waist adjustment. This ensures a more comfortable riding fit. There are two handy zippered pockets as well as additional pockets that can be used for providing extra chest and back protection. The jacket features embroidery logo details as well as a low profile collar made from comfortable microfibre, which is soft against the skin and also naturally moisture-wicking.
With pre-curved sleeves, the design purposefully reduces riding fatigue. Full reflective detailing ensures rider safety at all times while level 1 CE certified Bio Amor protectors to the shoulder and elbows provide rider security and protection. Overall, this is a comfortable, stylish, and flexible jacket that offers high levels of protection. You may also like some of the best fleece jackets from our list, so be sure to check them out.
Multi-Fabric shell construction with cooling mesh paneling
Reflective detailing for enhanced visibility
Microfiber comfort edge collar
Level 1 CE approved certified Bio Armor protectors
Hook and loop waist adjustment for improved riding fit
- BrandAlpinestars
- Model33036181100- XL
- Weight3.11 Pounds
Motorcycle Jackets Buying Guide
Features To Look For In Motorcycle Jackets
Style, protection, technical features, and adequate weatherproofing are likely to be your most crucial concerns when it comes to selecting the best motorcycle jacket to meet your needs. You'll also want your jacket to be durable, versatile as well as affordable. Let's take a quick look at some of the key features we recommend you consider.
Material - It's not unusual for serious bikers to own a jacket for every season, or to have different style jackets to match their bike collection. Who can forget Steve McQueen, star of The Great Escape in his now-iconic Belstaff jacket? You have two main choices when it comes to commercial motorcycle jackets; leather or textile. If you regularly compete or enjoy track day racing, then you might also want to invest in an airbag jacket.
Leather - cowhide leather is the material of choice; however, kangaroo is also used, which is much lighter while still offer the same level of abrasion resistance. While leather doesn't offer waterproofness, it does provide excellent protection, plus it looks pretty stylish too!
Textile - more of a do-it-all style of jacket, textile styles arguably aren't as cool, nor will they offer the same level of protection as their leather brothers. However, they do feature technical materials that provide water and weatherproofing as well as wind protection. Many feature removable thermal linings so that they're also multi-seasonal. Make sure that the waterproofing is also breathable by going for something like a GoreTex, Drystar, or D-Day coating.
Airbag - taking it's inspiration from the competitive track if you ride fast and furious, then you should consider airbag protection. Airbag jackets work by motoring your riding via sensors and inflating built-in airbags when needed. These offer the best overall security, but they do tend to be more expensive and heavier to wear, plus they'll also require regular servicing, particularly after you've set one off, much the same as your car would.
Ventilation - Tough leather jackets might offer plenty of protection, but they could be lacking in breathability and ventilation. That heavy jacket that protects you from the wind and rain on a cold morning commute might end up making you feel like you're literally boiling in the bag on a hot afternoon.
Look for breathable fabrics, like perforated leather and textile mesh paneling, along with zip-closure vents that can be opened and closed as needed. Also, consider advanced materials such as Gore-Tex, which offer high levels of waterproof protection combined with breathability.
Rugged Fasteners and Closures - You don't want your ride to be ruined by a rogue zip coming unfastened and slipping down. Look for heavy-duty and sturdy zippers, camps, and closures ad consider hook and loop closures for pocket flaps.
Pockets - Think about how many pockets you need. Secure pockets, both internally and externally, are useful and allow you to store all your essentials safely.
Protection - Besides the material itself, you might also want to consider investing in a motorcycle jacket that has removable impact protectors for the shoulders, elbows and back turn of your jacket. Nothing can truly protect you from an injury if you do suffer a nasty fall, but it certainly pays to be prepared. It's also an excellent idea, especially if you do your riding at night, to go for a bright, highly visible color so that other drivers can safely see you in low light conditions.