10 Best Motorcycle Jackets UK 2024 | Alpinestars, Dainese and More

The adventure jacket has been built around accommodating many different riding situations and in particular, for long-distance journeys. They’re pretty much always made from highly durable textiles that have ventilation, waterproofing and other temperature-specific features too. 

These will have a large number of functional pockets, so you’ll be capable of carrying an array of gadgets and other necessary accessories on your journey. This style tends to have a longer cut that finishes just below the waist – this is so the garment still covers you whether you’re riding in an upright or standing position, both of which are common when riding for long periods. 

Racing jackets tend to have a slimmer and tighter fit than most, which is to promote a more aerodynamic silhouette so that those using them for racing purposes can shave off those all-important milliseconds. 

They’re constructed with high-abrasion fabrics or leathers and often have some stretch panels in key areas to aid in the rider's ease of movement. They also often have a zipper included on the bottom hem so that you can attach trousers without the fear of the jacket riding up. The drawback is that these aren’t considered the most comfortable, so while they’re safe, they might ruin your chilled Sunday afternoon ride. 

A street jacket (sometimes called a sports jacket) is a somewhat more flexible version of the racing style. The cut is similar and still supports the race riding positions, however, it’s not as tight and restrictive. Unlike their racing counterparts, which are either leather or textile, street-style jackets tend to be manufactured from abrasion-resistant fabrics. 

These can often come with different types of linings, such as waterproof or thermal, providing additional versatility for wear throughout various seasons. Pockets are at a minimum, but there is usually space for some padding or armour which is a little more pertinent. 

The cruiser is probably the most iconic of all motorcycle jackets and is the one you see the bad boy wear in the movies. Generally, they’re made of leather, although synthetic versions are becoming increasingly more common nowadays. 

This style often fits a little looser than the newer textile options so they’re considered to have more of a relaxed fit. The downside is that they rarely have any additional padding or armour to protect you should an incident occur, so while they probably look the best, they aren’t the safest jacket out there. 

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The big plus point of leather is its abrasion resistance – a top-quality leather option will protect you better against road rash should anything happen. This style is also the ‘cool’ option and will give you the aesthetic of a ‘biker’ as they have a long history of being the material of choice. 

The trouble with leather is that it isn’t as adaptable when it comes to the weather, either when it’s hot or when it’s raining. While it is water-resistant, eventually it will give way to the moisture. Plus, if you’re out there long enough the dye from the leather could begin to run, and you’ll get a blue, smurf-like residue on your skin if the jacket is black. 

The biggest advantage of the textile option is its versatility. The fabric is generally painless to work with, and that means you’re more likely to see features built-in. This is ideal for use in the UK as they can be made waterproof relatively easily, so you never have to worry about the adverse weather that is always around the corner. 

Textiles have come on leaps and bounds over the past few decades, but unfortunately, they’re not always as durable or robust as leather, especially if they are lower quality. They also tend to wear out much quicker than leather options, so set your expectations accordingly. 

It's a sad fact, but it's true – it’s harder to see people who are riding motorcycles on the road. This is why visibility is such an important factor, as it can make a huge difference by simply drawing people’s attention to you. 

To combat this situation, it's a good idea to look for jackets with reflective strips and hi-vis colourways. Now, of course, being a bright yellow beacon isn’t for everyone, but even small reflective piping or embellishments can make a big difference to your presence. 

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Finding a jacket that comes with different lining options can be a great way of adding additional versatility to the garment, and will hopefully save you from having to buy other pieces of apparel for different weather situations. 

The most common linings are waterproof varieties, which accompany water-resistant jackets and protect you from any seepage. On the other hand, you can find insulated or thermal linings that provide an additional layer to protect against the frosty conditions of winter, or even July in our case. 

It's even better if these linings are detachable for when they're not required, so look out for this too. Sadly, it’s not often that a jacket comes with both, so you’ll have to consider which would be better for your climate. 

Finally, while we may not have pleasant heated temperatures often, when we do, it’s the perfect time to get out on two wheels. Therefore, having a jacket that also has some ventilation will be very welcome. Plus, even if the weather is more muggy than sunny, it can help to prevent excess sweating and heat exhaustion when riding.

However, not all ventilation is the same, as some jackets will have small slits and others a mesh material. While they are a little different – a mesh panel will keep the rain out more efficiently than an open slit, for example – they both work in the same way.

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