The Best Leather Motorcycle Pants For 2024
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces Of Riding Gear Since 2000
Our picks are based on pants that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Zach Poole.
For Abrasion Protection, Leather Pants Are King
The cut and style of the best leather pants for you will depend greatly on the style of riding you enjoy and the environment where you ride most often.
Fortunately, gear manufacturers have greatly increased the variety of both sizes and styles of leather pants they offer. And in the case of larger brands, there is a fairly good selection of ladies leather riding pants available (see my colleague Brittany’s list on the best motorcycle pants for women).
The recommendations below are focused on providing riders with quality choices that offer durability and safety across a range of riding styles and uses. This information, along with riders’ personal preferences and intended use, will take the guesswork out of selecting a great pair of leather pants.
Stay safe out there!
– Chase
About Our Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry Level Leather Motorcycle Pants
Priced under $300.
Street & Steel Richmond 2 Leather Chaps
Price: Up to $160
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Whether you're on a long haul or just want to add a little more protection to your favourite pair of jeans, chaps are a great option for riders seeking a leather pant alternative.
Chaps are widely loved for their versatility - They can be put on top of whatever you are already wearing, then taken off at your destination and packed away in your saddlebags - not to mention they look pretty sharp on the right bike.
These Street & Steel Richmond 2 chaps are made of drum dyed matte finished black leather, and feature a heavy-duty belt on the front with laces on the back.
Key Specs
• 4 snaps on each leg bottom accommodate any style of boot
• Two hand warmer pockets
• Heavy Duty belt buckle on the front and lace up connections on the back.
Protection & Safety
• Heavy-duty leather provides a high level of abrasion resistance in the event of a slide compared to textile options or no motorcycle pants at all.
Motonation Revolver Perforated Leather Pants
Price: $220
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
These pants come highly regarded by real riders and are extremely affordable for entry-level track riding. These are designed for spring/summer riding, or for warm climates, as their perforation makes them quite cool.
Key Specs
• Perforated leather panels help to keep the rider cool in any condition
• Soft and pliable 1.2mm (non-impact) to 1.4mm (impact areas) matte leather construction for optimum protection, durability and comfort
• CE approved Level 1 knee protectors
• Pocket for optional hip armor (sold separately)
• Pre-curved legs for a perfect look and fit, and for maximum riding comfort
• Multiple stitched seam construction for maximum tear resistance
• YKK zippers with long leather zipper pulls
• Two front hand-warmer pockets
• Accordion leather-Spandex stretch panels are located above the knees and at the back for a non-binding fit
• Waist connection zippers for pant attachment, short and 360 degree
• Replaceable and adjustable knee pucks
• Hook and loop secured strap at the top of the main zipper
• Highly breathable elastic fabric in the waist, crotch, down to above the knee, and also behind the knee for maximum comfort
Protection & Safety
The abrasion protection of 1.4 mm leather can’t be denied, and at this price point, we’re impressed. Real riders are also impressed, as these have some of the best reviews we’ve seen for entry-level track apparel.
CE level 1 impact protection is included in the knees, but the hip armor pockets come empty, meaning you’ll have to purchase those separately.
The Motonation Revolver Pants include perforation throughout, making these pants appropriate for even warmer or more humid weather. The legs of these pants are pre-curved to make the sitting position more comfortable and less fatiguing.
Accordion leather-spandex stretch panels above both knees and the lower back help create increased mobility and a tailored feel. Knee sliders are included. These can be worn alone or zipped to any jacket with a short or 360 connection zipper, creating an instant entry-level track suit that doesn’t break the bank.
Icon Contra 2 Leather Overpants
Price: $225
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Icon Contra 2 Leather Overpants are a perfect balance between textile and leather.
Riders wearing these pants will get you the best of both worlds: the protection and slide-resistance of leather, paired with the maneuverability and breathability of textile fabrics (if you’re looking for textile, see our textile riding pant recommendations).
Key Specs
• Premium leather and textile construction
• D3O removable hip and knee impact protectors
• Inseam zippers provide easy on/off
• Adjustable waist straps
• Reflective accents
• Certified according to FprEN 17902-4 Class A
Protection & Safety
• While many legwear options will leave it up to the rider to purchase hip armor separately, these pants come fully equipped with D3O impact protectors in both knee and hip areas—making these pants FprEN 17902-4 Class A safety certified
• Reflective patches will keep you visible in low-light riding situations
First Manufacturing Smarty Pants
Price: $230
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
Leather pants that fit like jeans, have great reviews from real riders, and cost less than a pair of Nike Air Jordans—it’s a no brainer as long as your inseam isn’t longer than 32” and you have your own armored underlayer.
Key Specs
• Jean style
• Stretch panel above the knee
• Back stretch panel
• Two back pockets with design stitch detail
• Pre-curved knee detail for extra comfort in riding position
• 31″ inseam
Protection & Safety
• The First Manufacturing Smarty Pants are simple and contemporary, for a rider looking for great protection in town or on backroads. They are styled like jeans, but with pre-curved legs and stretch panels where it counts, creating a comfortable situation that helps to fight fatigue and restriction.
• Abrasion resistance is a step up from textile, and several steps up from a regular pair of jeans. These pants do not come with any impact protection, so an armored under layer is suggested and will need to be purchased separately.
Best Mid-Range Leather Motorcycle Pants
Priced $300 - $500.
Rev’It! Ignition 4 H2O Pants
Price: Up to $480
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Designed to help you stay dry and comfortable on your rides with a durable leather shell construction, detachable waterproof liner and CE-approved armor. While they are not purely leather, these Rev’it! Ignition 4 pants are designed to be breathable, while also providing ample protection for riders in hot climate areas, while also giving some protection from the rain.
Key Specs
• Outer shell: Leather cowhide main shell
• Waterproofing: detachable Hydratex waterproof layer
• Protection: CE certified to EN 17092-3:2020
• Visibility: Reflective panels at the top back and lower knee
• Adjustability: Adjustment straps
• Ventilation: Built-in ventilation panels
Protection & Safety
• Full cowhide leather on the important areas, along with plenty of mesh and ventilation will give you a pant that will keep you cool as well as give you excellent abrasion resistance, as is the case with the Ignition 4.
• Contains SEESMART RV30 CE-Level 1 hip armor & SEEFLEX RV14 CE-Level 2 knee armor
Alpinestars Missile V3 Pants
Price: Up to $500
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
It’s no secret that Alpinestars makes good riding pants. They’re one of the leading brands in rider protection for a reason and the Missile series of motorcycle gear honours that reputation. The Alpinestars Missile V3 leather pant is the latest iteration of a tried and true formula that balances excellent comfort & class-leading protection, so youre ready no matter if youre hitting the track or just seeking a little more peace of mind on the street.
For the purpose of this list, we’ve selected the Alpinestars Missile V3 Airflow pant, which features a bit more ventilation for comfort on those extra hot days - rest assured however, A-stars says the extra ventilation doesn't compromise any safety. If you don’t care for the extra venting you can pick up the standard V3 pant for about $30 less
Key Specs
• Premium leather main chassis constructed from 1.3mm genuine bovine leather
• Accordion leather stretch zones above the knee offer improved flexibility
• Extended high rear waist construction provides greater overlap with a riding jacket
• Large stretch panels on the calf and crotch area for improved fit and feel
• Pre-curved leg construction helps reduce riding fatigue and improves fit
• Zippered ventilation for air cooling Jacket-to-pant connection zipper allows attachment to Alpinestars riding jackets to create a full suit
• Hook and loop ankle adjuster Internal mesh lining with stretch panel inserts work in conjunction with outer stretch zones for freedom of movement
Protection & Safety
• The main bovine leather component of the Alpinestars Missile V3 pants is internally reinforced in the seating area to offer added abrasion protection and durability
• Alpinestars GP-R knee protection, which is CE Level 1 certified, is included, and riders can opt to add replaceable sport knee sliders for extra impact and abrasion protection
• Fully CE-certified to CE – Category II EN17092 standards – AA class
Compatible with Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 Airbag system
Dainese Delta 3 Perforated Leather Pants
Why?
The Dainese Delta 3 are a tried-and-true leather pant option for sport riders looking for a breathable and flexible pant without sacrificing any safety features. Their extremely high level of protection, due to the EN 1621.1 standard Level 2 armor on the hips and EN 1621.1 Standard armor on the knees, ensures these pants are ready for any spill on the track.
These pants are a perfect addition to the mid-range price category as the value for money is impressive .
Key Specs
• S1 bi-elastic fabric
• Tutu cowhide leather with perforated cooling zones
• Double calf zip
• Elasticated inserts
• Hips adjustment
• Inserts in elasticated fabric
• Jacket-pants fastening system
• Pant-to-boot fastening system
• Nanofeel liner with Silver ion treatment
• Interchangeable knee sliders
• Reflective inserts
Protection & Safety
• Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Standard on knees
• Pants certified to CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive
• Soft protectors certified to EN 1621.1 standard Level 2 on hips
Best High-End Leather Motorcycle Pants
Priced over $500+.
Dainese Delta 4 Leather Pants
Price: Up to $520
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Dainese Delta 4 is the latest in a long line of tried-and-true leather pant for sport riders looking for breathable and flexible pants without sacrificing any safety features.
The Delta line of pants has been known for its excellent protection, and the Delta 4 is no exception, building on the already amazing previous iterations. These pants come EN 17092 AA certified, and feature some key comfort features like bi-elastic fabric & a breathable mesh lining.
Many people recognize Dainese as one of the top motorcycle gear manufacturers, and for good reason. The Italian brand is commonly worn by the likes of MotoGP & WSBK riders - and we feel if it’s good enough for Rossi, it’s good enough for us.
Key Specs
• S1 bi-elastic fabric
• Tutu cowhide leather with perforated cooling zones
• Double calf zip
• Elasticated inserts
• Jacket-pants fastening system allowing for a 2-piece suit
• Nanofeel liner with Silver ion treatment
• Replaceable RSS 4.0 knee sliders
• Reflective inserts
Protection & Safety
• Composite knee protectors & soft hip protectors certified to EN 1621.1
• Pants certified to EN 17092 AA
REV'IT! Apex Pants
Price: Up to $570
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The REV'IT! Apex Pants are sport-oriented, racing-inspired leather pant that features high end protection, without compromising any comfort or flexibility you may want.
Featuring plenty of ventilation, CE Level 2 armour at the knees and CE Level 1 armour on the hips, you really can't go wrong with these Apex pants regardless of whether you’re out cruising backroads or chasing down your next lap record.
Key Specs
• Monaco performance cowhide outer shell
• Partial ventilation on the upper and lower legs
• Hook and snap front closure
• Upper zipper for attachment to a jacket
Protection & Safety
• Seeflex CE level 2 protection at the knee
• Seesmart CE Level 1, type B hip protector insert (RV30)
• Tailbone protection
• Dual comp knee slider, type A
Rukka Aramen Leather Pants
Price: $1,180
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Rukka Aramen is a more relaxed pair of leather pants intended for touring and adventure riding versus a day at the track. The build quality, as you’d expect from Rukka, is first-rate, as is the innovation baked into these pants. Rain and leather don’t go well together, but the Aramen pants have got your back; the 3-layer fully perforated aniline calf leather Corium+ Platinum laminate construction is breathable, wind and waterproof. Additional creature comforts include a removable thermal liner. Protection comes in the form of D3O LP1 hip and knee protectors.
At over a grand, the Rukka Aramen leather pants are obviously not targeted at the masses; still, for riders wanting leather, waterproofing, and a more relaxed fit they tick all of the boxes. Adventure touring pants with this feature set are rare.
Key Specs
• Breathable, wind and waterproof 3-layer fully perforated aniline calf leather Corium+ Platinum laminate
• Detachable thermal liner
• Belt loops
• Gusseted bottoms with zippers
• Connection zipper for trousers
• Stretch panels above the knees and at back
• Two pockets outside with zippers
Protection & Safety
• Rukka D3O LP1 knee/shin and hip protectors, CE Level 1 EN 1621-1 2012, are included in these pants
• Rukka suspenders, which are sold separately, can also be added for additional comfort and security when stretching your legs after a long ride
• Warranty is valid for five years from the date of purchase against faults in material or workmanship
Frequently Asked Questions About Leather Motorcycle Pants
What are the advantages of leather motorcycle pants?
The biggest benefit of leather pants is the innate abrasion resistance from motorcycle-grade leather, usually 1.0mm or thicker. They are very good at heat retention if you are going to be riding in colder weather. Leather is naturally water resistant, and with some treatments can become fully waterproof. Leather is also one of the most durable materials motorcycle protective equipment can be made from,
Are chaps viable for everyday riding, or only for cruisers & Western style riding?
Leather chaps are very commonly associated with cruisers, they can be used for other styles of riding. The caveat is that chaps do not come with built in armor, and are designed specifically to protect the upper and lower legs from abrasion. Because the rider is closer to the ground on a cruiser and has less of a distance to fall, that is why chaps are mostly seen on cruisers.
Can I use leather motorcycle pants in other styles of riding, including dual sport?
Leather motorcycle pants are highly cross-compatible with other street styles of riding. While they may offer excellent protection, leather pants are often not suitable for off-road use, due to both their weight and reduced ventilation compared to proper motocross, enduro, and/or off-road pants.
What are the major differences between leather and textile motorcycle pants?
Leather pants offer very good abrasion resistance and, if styled so, can offer a very classic look for the neo-retro and cafe racer crowd. Textile pants offer superior ventilation, are on the average lighter, and if designed with a membrane or zip out liner, offer better waterproofing than leather without the pants degrading after extended exposure
What are some disadvantages of leather motorcycle pants?
The biggest disadvantage of leather motorcycle pants is that they don’t breathe very well, hence why many pants either have mesh panels or micro-perforations. As well, if the leather is not treated for waterproofing, extended exposure to water can soak into the fibers behind the top grains, and can take a day or two to fully dry out. Repeated, extended exposure to water in this way can cause those fibers to start degrading, lessening the effectiveness of the abrasion resistance of the leather.
How should leather motorcycle pants fit?
That depends on the application, but in general motorcycle pants should be snug but not tight. If you can’t lift your leg to swing it over your motorcycle, then the pants are too tight. Race-grade leather pants will often come with “slide pucks” on the outside of the knee, and these pants should fit rather tight so that they do not get moved while cornering on a track.
Is it worthwhile buying the matching jacket to my leather pants to make a leather suit?
Very much so. In fact, many riders will shop specifically to find pants that match their jacket, or buy both the jacket and pants at the same time. The advantage to a full leather zip-together suit is that you literally have neck to ankle protection. Another reason many riders get full suits is that many track days require you to have a high quality zip together leather suit, or a full one-piece leather race suit.
Are leather motorcycle pants safer than other types of pants or armored base layers?
In general, if you can wear leather while riding your motorcycle, it is often regarded as the safest material to ride in. That said, textile pants are very quickly catching up, and sometimes superseding leather in terms of abrasion resistance. Armored base layers are also a bit of gamble if they are your only armoring, and it is better to combine an armored base layer with a high quality pair of motorcycle pants.
What To Look For In Leather Motorcycle Pants
Leather and other animal hides have been used to make garments since the Paleolithic period. And after over 3 million years of trials and testing, leather is still the most favored material for durable, protective, and comfortable clothing.
The added durability of leather over manmade materials exists because leather is a single panel of solid material while manmade materials are woven fibers. And when a single fiber breaks, the entire strength of the material can become compromised.
In addition, the thickness of most commercially sourced leather adds to their ability to protect against friction burns and other injuries from severe abrasion.
Innovations in the safety offered by leather riding pants include the addition of a Kevlar lining and extremely durable Kevlar armor panels, which are much stronger and also much thinner than old-style armor. Kevlar thread is sometimes used to make the seams in garments less likely to burst on impact.
Be sure to check back regularly with us here at wBW to read about our latest hands-on reviews of motorcycle cruiser boots and other great products for riders.
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