RIDING in jeans can be really convenient if you want to go about your business without having to get your bottom half leathered up every time you go for a ride. Jeans make it easier to jump on the bike and then blend in at the other end without having to carry normal clothes and then change in to them. But standard high-street denim doesn’t offer much in the way of protection, so it’s a good job so many companies make protective riding jeans that are designed to offer impact and abrasion resistance should the worst happen. We’ve got together with GetGeared to bring you this list of 10 different types of riding jeans that cater to a wide range of styles and budgets.
10. REV'IT! Recon: Best workwear-inspired jeans - £159.99
Rev It’s Recon jeans have all the classic features you expect from protective jeans, but have been styled to look like workwear thanks to an array of pockets, including stash, side, and back pockets, which makes it easy to carry things on and off the bike. As with all Rev It’s jeans, the Recons are made of abrasion resistant 11oz Cordura denim with strategically positioned PWR shield at the impact areas. They’re built with PWR yarn in triple stitches to create tough seams that are resistant to tearing. There’s CE-approved armour at the knees, which is an upgrade on previous knee armour because it’s more soft and flexible. You can also add hip armour as an upgradable option in the hip armour pockets.
9. Alpinestars Copper - Best classic 13oz denim jeans - £169.99
These look pretty sensible, don’t they? The Copper jeans from Alpinestars are designed to have a classic look, like something you’d get on the high street, but unlike Topman’s finest denim, these have protective features that make them suitable for wearing on the bike. First of all, there’s the whopping 13oz denim outer and a new type CE bio-knee armour, which is adjustable for the perfect fit. The armour is designed to be comfortable enough to leave in all day while riding and also wearing off the bike. Kevlar at the knee and bum offers abrasion resistance in the event of a slide.
8. Dainese Bonneville: Best designer kevlar jeans - £149.99
Got a passion for fashion but still want to feel like you’re going to be well protected when you’re riding? Dainese has teamed up with fashion designers Diesel to create a range of motorcycle jeans that look great and offer all the protection you would expect. The Bonneville jeans feature DuPont Kevlar reinforcements for abrasion resistance. There is also Level 1 knee armour, which is super lightweight and flexible, and sleek. There's also pockets at the hips to add Dainese's Pro Shape hip armour.
7. Rev'It! Orlando: Lightest waterproof motorcycle jeans - £189.99
The Orlando jeans from Rev It are made to be comfortable and stylish. They’re made of Polycotton stretch denim – a material that consists of three layers that have been laminated together to become one single layer that protects against all types of weather. All the seams are triple stitched to increase the durability and because they’re made of a PWR shield knit they have excellent cut, tear and abrasion resistance. Pockets in preparation for Tryonic Seesoft CE certified level one hip protectors (type B) have been integrated for impact protection and during a slide. At the knees Seesmart CE certified level one protectors sit which give you impact protection while maintaining flexibility even during hot conditions. A Hydratex three layer pro membrane comes together to make a waterproof layer which, coupled with rubber-sealed zippers makes a highly waterproof pair of jeans.
6. Route One Brixton Selvedge: Best value Cordura denim jeans - £149.99
The Brixton Selvedge jeans from Route One are made from a mix of Cordura, Coolmax and denim, with a 100 percent Kevlar fibre twill lining materials to offer a high level of protection. The Cordura is present for increased abrasion resistance compared to regular cotton denim. The Coolmax wicks moisture away from your body quickly to keep you comfortable. The denim is there because, well, they're jeans. As well as the abrasion resistance of the main materials, impact protection comes in the form of pre-fitted CE certified knee armour and there are pockets at the hips designed to take hip armour which can be purchased separately.
5. Held 6603 Barrier: The ones that have it all - £249.99
If you’re after highly-specced waterproof jeans, Held’s Barriers are the ones for you. They're a laminate denim-Kevlar mix throughout, which means they’re protective and waterproof. The Kevlar weave offers abrasion resistance all over and there's CE armour at the knee for impact protection. They also come with pockets ready for hip armour for full protection.
4. Alpinestars Riffs: Most closely resembles the fit of leather - £229.99
The Riffs jeans from Alpinestars take features from leathers and technical wear and recreate them in denim because these jeans are designed to retain the technical features of leather riding trousers. They fit and feel like leather trousers and just like leather trousers they have a skinny fit. They’re made of Kevlar fibre and feature airflow zips, to ensure you stay cool. New CE bio-armour at the knees, which is adjustable, offers some impact protection.
3. G-Moto Denim: Best value for aramid protection - £79.99
The denim in these G-Moto jeans is lined with aramid fibres in the key areas that suffer from abrasion in the event of an accident - the hips, thighs, knees and arse. They’re also protected against impact by adjustable CE certified armour. They also feature a short jean-to-jacket connecting zip so you can secure your motorcycle jacket to prevent it from riding up and exposing your lower back. These are a great choice if you're looking for urban summer riding trousers that meet a budget. They are available in blue and black in both regular and short leg lengths.
2. Alpinestars Tom: Best canvas motorcycle jeans - £161.49
Get off the bike and walk straight into the office in these Tom canvas motorcycle jeans from the Oscar by Alpinestars range. The Tom jeans have a Kevlar seat patch to offer abrasion resistance in the event of a slide, plus CE armour at the knees.
1. Draggin Jeans K-Legs: Turn any jeans into Kevlar jeans - £204.99
Can't find a pair of motorcycle jeans that you love as much as your Levi's? No problem, because K-Legs from Draggin Jeans mean you can turn any pair of denim jeans into Kevlar-lined motorcycle jeans. Simply put the K-legs underneath or over your jeans for great abrasion protection. The K-legs from are fully lined with Kevlar and Dyneema throughout and have double kevlar around the impact areas.
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