10 Best Biker Jackets Reviewed for Durability & Protection
Aside from the motorcycle itself, the jacket is probably the most recognizable symbol of the culture. They’ve been featured in mainstream media for decades as an unmistakable image of cool. The black, often shiny, always leather design garners attention almost every time. But that’s not why we’re here looking at them. We’re here because they are also a very important piece of safety gear. These coats are made from leather not because it looks cool, but because of how resilient and strong it is. The natural fiber will hold up to a lot of abuse, protecting the wearer from the wind, and helping to prevent damage in the event of an accident. Road rash is a very real thing, but when you’re wearing protective clothing made from leather, the likelihood of you walking away unscathed suddenly goes up by quite a bit. The torso is the largest exposed area of the body on a bike, so having a well-built product made from only the best leather is going to make the ride a whole lot more enjoyable and safer.
Featured Recommendations
- Milwaukee Classic Side Lace
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Our rating - Premium Milled Cowhide
- Price: See Here
- Viking Cycle Warlock Mesh
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Our rating - Cooling mesh shell
- Price: See Here
- Tanming PU Leather
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Our rating - Faux Leather Shell
- Price: See Here
Admittedly, there isn’t all that much that needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a coat. With a few pretty radical exceptions, which we will touch on just a bit in this buying guide, most of them are going to retain the same classic style and aesthetic that first made them iconic so many decades ago. As long as they protect you, that’s all that really matters. So, with that in mind, let’s delve in and take a look.
10 Best Biker Jackets
1. Milwaukee Classic Side Lace
Since this was made in the style of a motorcycle coat, or “Perfecto”, it already has an iconic look. However, Milwaukee wasn’t content with that, and went out of their way to make sure everything about it absolutely screams retro motorcycle culture, and it ends up working out perfectly.
This will fit
Most manufacturers would be content with slapping a size in their coat, referring the customer to their sizing chart, and be done with it. This one is different. So many of the features found here are geared toward making sure this coat fits you exactly the way you’d expect it to.
Cost and Value
For a genuine leather option to be this affordable pretty unheard of, but here it is. While this may not be the highest grade of leather, it is by no means of inferior quality, as it provides all of the durability and protection of a much more expensive version.
- Full sleeve zip out thermal liner
- Side lace provides optimal fit
- Half belt found at the waist makes for easy adjustments
- Unmistakable classic “biker” aesthetic
- For the price you pay, you get a lot of value from the jacket
- Increased thickness can get too warm at times
- Shoulders sit way too high
2. Viking Cycle Warlock Mesh
For the most part, you’ll only find armor on the more expensive versions of these coats. Viking Cycle, however, doesn’t mess around, and decided to include it in the elbows and holders, along with a designated space specifically for extra spine protection.
Mesh is best
Viking Cycle didn’t even pretend to use leather for this piece, and it turned out to be a great decision. Instead, they used a durable mesh fabric for the shell, ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of the rider on even the longest rides.
Cost and Value
Because this isn’t a leather coat, or even faux leather for that matter, the makers at Viking Cycle were able to reduce the manufacturing cost, and in turn passed that savings on to the consumer, leaving you with an exceptionally versatile piece of gear.
- Made from extremely breathable mesh
- Extra protection in the form of armor in the shoulders and elbows
- Removable spine pad with a pocket for optional spinal Protector
- Reflective piping makes you visible at night
- Full coverage of back, arms, and torso
- Zipper design makes it very difficult to use
- The jacket tends to run a bit small, making the already snug fit too tight
3. Viking Cycle Asger
We’ve established that the fabric itself found on this is breathable, but sometimes, on those really intense rides, that just isn’t enough. To fix this, Viking Cycle included zippered air vents that can be easily accessed to offer even more airflow to cool you down and keep you dry.
String fabrics equal dependable quality
The fabrics used in the construction of this product attain a trifecta of vital features. They are durable enough to hold up to a lot of abuse, they breathe, wicking perspiration away and keeping you comfortable, and they are waterproof, keeping the rain from getting in and dropping the temperature.
Cost and Value
This product is all about safety, and spares no expense to achieve that goal. Fortunately, that expense isn't passed onto the consumer, so that anyone can ride in style and comfort knowing that their well-being is in good hands.
- Durable fabric is both waterproof and breathable
- Exterior polycarbonate armor provides lightweight protection
- Plenty of pockets both inside and outside for all your personal belongings
- Very comfortable quilted inner liner
- Zippered vents for an extra level of airflow to prevent overheating
- The zipper tends to get caught up in the liner quite often
- Shoulder pads are too big
4. Nomad USA Classic
Coats can be pretty hard to fit properly, mainly due to the fact that they have to be at least somewhat rigid to protect the rider. Nomad took care to make sure that as long as you’re using their sizing chart, you should always have a garment that will fit you true to size.
Always looking its best
The rust proof buttons found on this jacket go a long way to helping it keep up its sharp appearance year after year. There’s not much worse than taking meticulous care of the leather, only for the buttons to rust and ruin the appeal.
Cost and Value
Another top quality leather coat shows up on this list with a very reasonable price point. Milled leather is going to cost you a bit less than other grades, but it is a staple in motorcycle clothing thanks to its high level of durability and strength. This helps to guarantee that you get the best possible value for your dollar.
- Rust proof buttons helps keep the jacket looking sharp for years
- Zippered cuffs keeps the wind and water from getting in
- Larger zippers let you get to them without removing your gloves
- Thick top grade milled leather provides ample protection and coverage
- Fits as expected when using the sizing chart
- Leather can be quite stiff when first putting on the jacket
- Thicker leather means that the jacket is not ideal for warmer weather
5. The Leather Factory Coat
The lambskin leather is going to appear smooth and kind of stiff when you first put on this product. Give it some time to break in, and you’ll start to notice just how supple and soft it really is.
Total comfort throughout
To go along with and complement the high quality lambskin leather outer shell, this product has a polyester interior that is quilted for optimal comfort while riding. The breathable fabric also keeps the rider uncompromisingly dry, which is a must on those long drives.
Cost and Value
As far as this list is concerned, this is an expensive product. In the grand scheme of things, it isn’t very costly at all, especially when you factor in all the quality and care that went into putting it together. In terms of value, this is priceless.
- Stand collar with throat tab to keep the jacket snug and secured
- Quilted polyester lining is comfortable and breathable
- Lambskin leather is incredibly soft once broken in
- Classic design will keep you stylish for years
- Fits incredibly well with needing to break it in
- Leather is a bit thin, giving the impression that the quality isn’t great
- Sleeves tend to run just a bit long
6. Tanming PU Leather Coat
All of the details in the stitching that went into making this coat give the impression of a garment that costs much more than it actually does. This gives it a high level of versatility so that you can wear it for more than just riding.
Warmth everywhere
The entire interior of this option is lined with just the right amount of a thick faux fur, making sure that the rider stays warm throughout the day without having to load up with bulky layers of clothing. This includes the hood too, which is a detail often overlooked by other brands.
Cost and Value
For all of the abundant features included, it is made from faux leather, so the price is very manageable. It’s still a solid piece that is going to offer a ton of protection, it just costs a lot less than comparable options made from real leather.
- Faux fur lining provides ample warmth and comfort
- Great value for a very low price
- Plenty of attention to detail in stitching and finish
- Zippered pockets keep your belongings where they belong: with you all the way
- Hood is also lined with faux fur for all around warmth and comfort
- Fits quite a bit larger than expected
- The zipper is made of resin instead of metal and isn’t as durable as you’d like
I think having a removable hood is just a handy feature. As useful as they can be, sometimes they just tend to get in the way when you do not actually need them. This way, you can just take it off and store it away until the weather gets rough again.
Covers you up just fine
A lot of biker coats on the market are cropped quite high at the waist, which is expected because that is the traditional design. This one though, sits just a bit lower, providing full coverage and extra warmth to your torso.
Cost and Value
As far as faux leather coats are concerned, this particular one does run a bit in the high side where price is concerned. That price is justified, however, by all of the care and attention that went into making it. The only aspect of this coat that is “cheap” was the use of a synthetic material, and even that is of a high quality.
- Hood can be easily removed on those hotter days
- Collar rests high to keep out the wind
- Four zippered pockets provide plenty of storage
- Good length fits the torso quite well
- Very stylish and modern look offsets the fact that it isn’t real leather.
- Faux leather has a lot of shine to it and can look cheap
- Jacket fits even smaller than manufacturer claims
8. Xelement B7100 Classic
All of the work that went into making this has resulted in very functional garment. With safety and performance in mind, you can buy, and then wear, this piece with confidence, never second guessing your decision even a little bit.
Beat it up
The makers at Xelement want you to abuse their product, that’s why they pulled out all of the stops when it came to long-lasting performance. It’s one of those options that just get better the more it put through.
Cost and Value
Of all the genuine leather options found in this buying guide, this offering from Xelement is among the most affordably priced. Blending style with a whole lot of substance, this one stands out from the rest of the pack when it comes to pure value.
- Zippered cuffs allow for easy adjustment
- Belted waist ensures a solid fit while maintaining comfort
- Very sturdy build is meant to take abuse
- Exceptional value for the relatively low cost
- Snug fit keeps the rider warm for hours
- Does tend to fit a bit too small
- Inner lining doesn’t hold up as well as it should
9. Chouyatou Vintage Stand Collar
This doesn’t seem like it should be much of a big deal, but when it comes to biker coats, be it faux leather or real, color isn’t normally considered. All of the choices here are well done, and none of them come off as looking tacky in the slightest.
Attention to detail
All of the little touches that were put on this coat show that the manufacturers care about their products, and weren’t just looking to put out another cookie cutter garment for the masses. From the cross hatching to the stitching, everything was done deliberately and with care.
Cost and Value
It’s hard to find a coat of any style that costs as little as this one, yet here it is. This is a high quality product that costs less than some outdoor sweaters. You get a lot for very little here, and that can be a very rare thing to find.
- Twenty colors to choose from
- Interior polyester lining is very warm
- Fits very true to size
- Cross hatch design adds a level of character to the look
- Very high quality faux leather fabric
- Sleeves are very long, almost becoming a hindrance
- Hardware seems to be of inferior quality
10. Track Motorcycle Armor
One of the trademark aesthetic features for cafe racers is the racing stripe that is found on many of them. The manufacturers pout this to good use by making them reflective, which increases that chance that you’ll be noticed at night in the darkest conditions.
Surprising value
There are a lot of people that are convinced that you won’t be able to find a high quality genuine leather coat for less than several hundreds of dollars. While it is a difficult task, it isn’t impossible, and this is one of the better examples of that.
Cost and Value
This product isn’t going to innovate at all when it comes to fancy bells and whistles, and because of this, it comes at a fair price. You’re still getting a very good product; it’s just not going to do anything unnecessary to keep you safe and sound.
- Removable lightweight armor in elbows, shoulders and back
- Reflective stripes get you noticed for all the right reasons
- Zippered ventilation gives good airflow
- Side waist adjustments for proper fit
- Pockets have zippers to keep belongings secure
- Genuine leather looks thin and synthetic
- Quilted liner not as warm as it should be
The goal of this buying guide is to help you see how necessary the motorcycling coat is to the modern rider. I specifically chose as many selections constructed from authentic leather as I could because I wanted to provide a vast array of highly fashionable products that also maximize safety and comfort. Synthetic fabrics may very well be more affordable, and in some cases a bit sturdier, but none of them can encapsulate all of the key features that the best gear requires as the real thing. As for the few on this list that broke tradition in terms of design, that was done for two reasons. For one, I wanted to include as much variety as possible, as I always try to do. Second, those are meant to be utilized a bit differently than the rest and may be better suited to racing or long distance rides as opposed to general everyday use. It’s important to remember in that case that because they are built to satisfy a specific need, they are, for the most part, going to be significantly more expensive. With that in mind, I made sure to choose only the best of each type, making sure that everyone is a shining example of the craft.
Criteria Used in Evaluation
I’ve included the following four criteria that are going to give the consumer the best chance at finding that perfect final piece of the puzzle that is motorcycle gear. However, as important as the other two may be, neither of them comes close to being as critical as the fabric. As I’ve stated at the beginning, it is absolutely imperative to confirm that the coat is made from the right fabric. If the material is inferior in any way, then all other criteria fall by the wayside and instantly become moot. To be honest it’s not going to matter how well it fits, or how much it costs if it’s not going to hold up in an accident. Any bit of compromise can expose the rider to an endless amount of risk and danger.
Fabric
For all of the warnings to choose the right fabric, there really is only one that’s going to cut it in any real way. That, of course, is leather. It’s obviously very durable, but on top of that, it has a fair amount of give, which is actually where it gets a lot of its wear resistance from.
The leather that we wear most often today comes mainly from cowhide. As one of the only downsides to using leather, the animal will have to be killed in order to obtain the skin. However, the resulting product is naturally evolved to withstand almost any environmental situation you can throw at it. Due to the methods needed to obtain leather, as well as the time it takes to produce it, goods made from it are going to cost a lot more than something made from a softer fiber or synthetic material.
Speaking of cost, for those who don’t mess around when it comes to their well being, there is another type of animal hide that produces a product that is superior to that of cows. Recently, kangaroo leather has risen in popularity, mainly because it is very lightweight and abrasion resistant. It’s that abrasion resistance that is going to be the deciding factor between whether you walk away from an accident or not. Again, the process to procure the leather from kangaroo hide is an extensive one, so products made from it are highly coveted and very expensive.
However, that is all relative, as not being spared from a serious injury is invaluable. The only major downside beyond cost is that leather isn’t breathable by nature, so you will get hot and after a while, sweating may become an issue. Regardless, the good far outweighs the bad in this situation. Whichever type of hide you decide to go with just be sure to always choose top-grade, full grain leather.
As good and reliable as authentic leather is, it is an inescapable fact that it can be prohibitively expensive. As a result of this, some manufacturers can have a hard time selling their products to the general public. This has resulted in them turning to more affordable synthetic fabrics to produce their products. Admittedly, sometimes this can be preferable to leather, because aside from the cost savings, these materials are going to be lighter, keep you cooler on warmer days.
As another measure of protection, more and more options are being outfitted with armor plating at high impact areas such as shoulders, elbows, and back. This armor is usually constructed from hard density foam, carbon fiber, or titanium, among others, which add a significant amount of shielding while not increasing the weight by that much. They help reduce injury by spreading and dampening the impact. Unfortunately, this armor is most often found in highly specialized racing options, and any that you’ll find as an average rider is going to set your wallet back a bit.
Fit
Every time I look at clothing, especially if it’s designed for the safety of any kind, I’m going to stress the importance of a proper fit. The main reason for this is one I preach repeatedly, and it is very simple. If your coat doesn’t fit right, be it too small or too loose, it won’t matter one bit how many safety measures were included in it. A poor fit is going to nullify all of that, and you are going to get hurt. For the sake of argument, though, let’s take a look at why.
To start, if the garment is too small or fits too tight, it’s not going to be able to provide full protection to your entire torso. Any impact is going to have an increased chance to break bones or, in a worst-case scenario, cause internal bleeding or organ damage. Also, clothing that is too tight runs the risk of digging into the skin during an accident, potentially causing tears and lacerations.
On the other side of the spectrum, a coat that is too loose is going to cause many of the same problems, with the added bonus of possibly catching onto something, in which case can cause broken bones, muscle and tissue damage, or, however unlikely, wrap around an appendage and cut off circulation or even oxygen.
Proper fit means more than not being too big or too small. Another thing to consider is the length. Just like being too small, a coat that fails to extend much past the waist is going to offer reduced protection. After all, it can’t protect what it can’t cover. One that is too long is going to restrict movement by cutting off the range of motion, and can also get in the way of the rider or the bike. If this happens, it could get caught somewhere, and even propel the rider from the vehicle.
These all seem like far-fetched concerns that could never happen, but if you were to look up motorcycle crashes online, you’d quickly see what I mean and hopefully change your mind.
Style
Style is important because like I said before, motorcycling coats that look drastically different from the classic type that we’ve all seen in movies are going to be meant for a particular purpose, and have a different set of cost and features.
The motorcycle coat is actually a style of its own, which can also be referred to as “Perfecto.” These are cropped and often contain asymmetric zippers, which are designed this way so riders can lean over their bikes without them digging into the body. This is the style that you are going to be most familiar with when it comes to motorcycle coats. The others are not, by classification, considered motorcycling coats, but have been adopted by riders over the years depending on individual need.
The next popular style is known as the bomber. These usually have only one central zipper, a fitted waist, and are cuffed at the sleeves. These are going to offer more comfort than the traditional option, and their sleek profile makes them more aerodynamic. Additionally, this aesthetic also makes them more versatile as they can be paired easily with many outfits.
Very similar in appearance to the bomber, the racer is another short, cropped option with a very minimalist design. These came into heavy use after WW2, as soldiers would wear them while racing between pubs and cafes, creating a need for a streamlined coat. They also have a single centrally located zipper and are historically made from horsehide, adding an extra layer of protection to them.
Less common is the flight jacket. They are usually quite a bit bulkier and often feature a sheepskin collar or lining. They also have straps across the neck to tightly secure it, keeping cold air away from the body. Because this is also a shorter length option, it is a good choice for riders and is often seen worn on very long road trips or late season excursions.
Brand
I’ll be very brief with this criterion, only naming a few of the better brands, with one caveat. No matter which band you go for, take care to be absolutely sure you know what you’re buying. Look at the product, envisioning how it’s going to sit on you while riding, to get an idea of comfort. But more importantly, feel it. It needs to feel supple to the touch, almost as if it’s going to melt. It also should have a soapy feeling to it. Also, less is more when it comes to high-quality options, so it shouldn’t have unnecessary seams or adornments. Another good thing to look for is whether the coat has been hand waxed. This is going to give it an authentic worn-in feel that is only going to improve as time goes by. That being said, here are some of the better manufacturers based on those rules:
Schott NYC – They’ve been around for nearly a century, and produced the first leather motorcycle coat. Theirs were made famous by the likes of Marlon Brando in his movie The Wild One.
Belstaff – A British manufacturer, Belstaff is to Europe what Schott was to the US. They are best known for their long, belted options, though all of them are treated to be water resistant.
Norton – Known formerly as Norton Motors, this company originally produced clothing and parts for motorcycle enthusiasts. They have a full range of motorcycle coats but specialize largely in the racer style.
Lewis Leathers: Yet another British manufacturer, they have been in the business of making motorcycle coats to protect from the cold damp British air since 1892.
Terminology
Perfecto: The first motorcycle made by Irving Schott for Harley Davidson 1928. It was named after a cigar. It was basically a trimmed down version of the aviator styles that were popular at the time. This product also removed the buttons on the front in favor of a zipper. This is the style that is most recognizable as a motorcycle coat by the general public.
Racer jacket: Also known as a cafe racer, this s a very minimal style that is also cropped much like the Perfecto style. This has front chest zippers and can contain contrasting stripes down the sides of the sleeves. The name, along with the minimalist design was necessitated due to it being worn by returning soldiers after World War Two who used to race their bikes between pubs and cafes.
Hide: The skin of an animal. Most often from cows, that is tanned in order to produce leather. The name is derived from the German word “Haut”, which literally stands for the skin. Known for its abrasion resistant properties, leather can be made from deer, alligator, kangaroo, r any number of livestock animals.
Leather: The end product of treating and tanning the animal hide. It is revered for its durability and flexibility and s used to produce a larger number of goods. Leather can be found in several grades, from top grain leather to bonded leather. Top grain leather uses the outer layer of the hide, which contains fiber, densely-packed fibers, resulting in higher quality, bonded leather is also known as reconstituted leather, and is produced by shredding leather remnants and then bonding it together onto a fiber mesh.
Sheepskin: Found mostly in the bomber style, sheepskin leather is renamed thanks to its superior insulating properties and high resistance to a variety of elemental factors. It is also regarded as being hypoallergenic, making it a great alternative to cowhide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all have armor?
No. Armor increases the price considerably and is only really meant for most serious riders and motorcycle racers. As such, it is considered an optional feature and only rarely is included.
Q: Is wearing one required by law?
When operating a motorcycle, the only legally mandatory piece of safety equipment that you have to wear is the helmet, and in some states, even that isn’t necessary. However, for the sake of your safety, it is strongly recommended that you wear full riding gear while on your bike. The use of a coat will greatly reduce the risk of injury to most of your vital organs.
Q: Aren’t they only for biker gangs?
No, they are for all riders, regardless of affiliation. They have become popularized by motorcycle clubs, both legal and illegal, due to both the safety they provide, as well as acting as a canvas for their club patches and colors.
Q: Do they have to be made from leather?
I will stress the importance of finding a coat made from leather as much as I can, but it is true that manufacturers have been making some very high-quality variations in a wide range of synthetic materials that are just as protective, and in many cases, much more affordable.
Sources
- Quora – What are the best motorcycle jacket brands?
- Fashion Beans – The best leather jackets guide you’ll ever read
- The Idle Man – History of The Biker Jacket
- Eonline- A Brief History of How the Leather Jacket Went From Military Uniform to Iconic Fashion Staple
- Grailed- Born to Ride: A Brief History of the Motorcycle Jacket
