Check Out Our Guide to the Best Motorcycle Clothing Brands

Next to a helmet, a jacket is one of the most important accessories for motorcycle riding. From genuine leather to fabric and mesh, you’ll find a variety of jacket types on the market.

MILWAUKEE LEATHER Men’s Classic Side Lace Police Style Motorcycle Jacket (Black	Our favorite for 2017
IDARBI Men’s Premium PU Leather Motorcycle Fur-lined Jacket with Hood BLACK L	A very close runner-up
Viking Cycle Ironborn Motorcycle Textile Jacket (Black-M)	A great looking jacket

Finding the right jacket is no easy task, but we’re going to review some of the best options on the market to help you make the right decision. Here are some things to consider when comparing jackets:

• Material: Bikers get into heated debates over which material is the best for a riding jacket: textile or leather. Ultimately, it really depends on your personal preference and budget. No matter what type of material you choose, it’s important to ensure that it’s high quality. Leather does have one advantage in that it offers great protection if you do get into an accident. Textile jackets are often the preferred choice of casual or weekend riders because they offer the most flexibility and comfort.
• Construction: The jacket’s construction is also important and will give you an indication of how well-made it is. Along with durability, a well-made jacket will provide you with an extra layer of protection if you should get into an accident. Make sure the seams are inside the jacket to prevent abrasion in an accident. The chest and back should be one large piece to help protect these vulnerable parts of the body. Zippers should be made of plastic or metal, and ideally, you want coverings over the zipper for added protection against moisture.

These are two important things to keep in mind when comparing jackets.

Reviews – The Top Motorcycle Jacket Brands in 2017

MILWAUKEE LEATHER Police Style Motorcycle Jacket – Milwaukee Leather’s police style motorcycle jacket is made from premium-quality milled cowhide. With a thickness of 1.2-1.3mm, this jacket offers extra protection in case of an accident.

For added comfort and warmth, the jacket also features a full zip-out thermal liner.

If you’re looking for a jacket that offers a customized fit, this Milwaukee Leather jacket is the right choice. Side lace details and a half belt allow you to adjust the fit with ease.

Two zippered pockets are built into the front lower area of the jacket, and a snap-close storage pocket puts essentials within easy reach.

Milwaukee Leather is a highly respected brand in the industry, and the throw-back look of this jacket is fashion-forward.

IDARBI Faux Leather Moto Biker Jacket – If you like the look of leather but prefer not to go for the real thing, the IDARBI faux leather jacket may be the right choice for you. Offering flexibility and comfort, this jacket has a great look and is a practical choice for beginner motorcycle gear.

Depending on which color and style you choose, the jacket will be made of: 100{be215d76b38cb1a2e02cbdd61df368ad6b9bf0f39b1e08919b7b4974db64fdc9} polyurethane; 100{be215d76b38cb1a2e02cbdd61df368ad6b9bf0f39b1e08919b7b4974db64fdc9} polyester; or 85{be215d76b38cb1a2e02cbdd61df368ad6b9bf0f39b1e08919b7b4974db64fdc9} viscose and 15{be215d76b38cb1a2e02cbdd61df368ad6b9bf0f39b1e08919b7b4974db64fdc9} polyester.

The moto biker jacket features a zippered front closure and chest pockets. The detachable hood lets you dress for the weather and wear this jacket with your street clothes.

Offering a modern look, this jacket is a great choice for new riders and weekend cruisers. Be sure to buy one size larger, as this jacket runs a little small.

Viking Cycle Ironborn Motorcycle – The Viking Cycle Ironborn is a textile jacket with colored accents for a unique look. Four colors are available: black, yellow, red and gray.

The jacket is constructed with Rock Tex 600 material, that has been waterproof treated. But along with its weather-resistant shell, this jacket offers a customized fit and extra features to enhance safety.

The 6-point Sure Fit system ensures this jacket fits you perfectly, and there’s a pocket for a C.E. spine protector for added safety. The Ironborn also has removable, C.E.-approved armor in the elbows and shoulders.

A full-sleeve liner adds comfort, protection and warmth, but is also removable.

Reflective stripes ensure that you’re seen in the dark, while the snap loops attach the jacket to your belt for a stay-put fit.

The jacket also allows you to slip headphones through the collar and an easy-access mobile pocket.

Milano Sport Gamma Motorcycle Jacket – The Gamma jacket from Milano Sport is a waterproof, European-style riding jacket with a textile shell.

A removable quilted liner allows you to adjust the comfort and warmth of the jacket with ease. The adjustable snap collar and brushed lining allows you to make adjustments according to the weather.

A Velcro strap attaches to the upper arms, cuff and lower arms helps prevent billowing, while external vents in the chest and lower back help keep you cool in the summer. Stretch panels in the shoulders and upper core allow for more flexibility where you need it most.

There are two external pockets and one internal pocket to store your essentials.

The Gamma features removable C.E.-approved armor in the elbows and shoulders for added safety.

Available in European sizes, this jacket is ideal for slim riders who want a jacket with adequate safety features.

Jackets 4 Bikes Pro Mesh Motorcycle – The Pro Mesh jacket from Jackets 4 Bikes offers a futuristic look and a double armor system for extra protection in case of an accident. An all-season jacket, the Pro Mesh is lightweight and abrasion resistant.

The waterproof lining keeps you dry, but is removable for added comfort in dry weather. The SureFit feature allows you to customize the fit to your liking.

Reflective piping and tape ensures that you stay visible even in poor light, and the double armor system also adds an extra layer of safety. The elbows and shoulders have attached armor, and there’s also a 5-piece removable armor system inside the jacket in the shoulders, back and elbows.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Jacket for You

Motorcycle jackets are more than just a fashion statement; they offer extra protection, comfort and warmth while riding. Earlier, we discussed two important things to keep in mind when comparing jackets. Here are some other features to be on the lookout for when buying a motorcycle jacket:

• Size: Size is an obvious consideration, but one that needs to be mentioned. Some jackets run smaller than others, and others offer extra features that help you customize the fit. Pay attention to what other users are saying about the jacket to learn more about its sizing.
• Armor: Many textile motorcycle jackets offer slots for C.E.-approved armor, which adds extra protection in case of accident. Armor is typically in the chest, back, arm and/or elbows. If safety is a top priority for you (which it should be), look for a jacket that offers removable armor.
• Lining: Most motorcycle jackets have removable liners. Liners may offer protection from wet weather or provide extra warmth. Ideally, you want a jacket that has a full-sleeve liner. Do keep in mind that liners add bulk to the jacket, which will affect the fit and comfort.
• Extra Features: Some jackets have extra features, like a space for your headphones, a special pocket for your phone or stretching panels on the shoulders and upper body. These extra features can really add to the comfort and convenience of the jacket, so keep them in mind when shopping.
• Cost: The price of the jacket is another important consideration, and may be the deciding factor. The cost of the jacket will be dependent on its features and material. Leather is typically more expensive, but some textile jackets with armor features are just as costly. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money on your jacket, as this will ensure that you select a better quality model.