The Best Textile Motorcycle Jackets for 2024
We'd know - we've hands-on tested 200+ jackets since 2000!
Our picks are based on jackets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Devan Martel.
About Our Motorcycle Jackets 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 Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Priced under $250.
ICON Hooligan Demo
Price: $175
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Welcome the newest member of the Hooligan squad, the Demo. The Hooligan Demo jacket has your six, protecting you with what ICON labels as “Iron Weave Mesh.”
A mesh underlayer woven together with a perforated textile overlayer allows for maximum airflow without reducing the overall structural strength of the jacket. D30 elbow, shoulder, and back armor come standard with this jacket.
For under $200, the Demo is a non-descript and safe jacket that provides a good blend of safety, comfort, and value for money.
Key Specs
Constructed from durable textile chassis
Icon sport fit
Mesh ventilation panels
Adjustable waist straps
D3O Removable back, elbow and shoulder impact protectors
Custom Icon graphics
YKK zippers
Protection & Safety
Removable D3O CE level I elbow, shoulder, and back protectors included
Iron Weave Mesh ventilation panels allow for high airflow and cooling, without reducing abrasion resistance on the major panels such as the front lowers.
YKK zippers ensure that the jacket will stay done up at all times
REV'IT! Eclipse 2
Price: Up to $190
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Lightweight, good-looking, and extremely protective, the REV’IT! Eclipse 2 jacket has it all. Its predecessor was known as being the go-to summer textile jacket, a title the Eclipse 2 will surely inherit.
Enjoy a slim/ tapered cut with large mesh panels on the front, back and inner arms that will guarantee you stay cool and ventilated on hot summer days. Adjustable tabs on the cuffs, upper arms and waist allow for superior fit and comfort.
Keep your body protected with Abrasion-resistant 600-denier polyester and included SEESMART CE Level 1 elbow & shoulder armor. A pocket on the rear allows you to install a SEESOFT CE level 2 back protector but you’ll need to purchase that separately.
Key Specs
Adjustment tabs at the cuffs, upper arms and waist for superior comfort
Wind catcher behind front zipper
Inner pocket with two slit pockets on front
Jeans loop for added pull resistance in a slid
Polyester mesh panels at the front, back and inner arms
Protection & Safety
SEESMART CE Level 1 elbow and shoulder armor included
Pocket for SEESOFT CE Level 2 back protector (sold separately)
CE approved to EN17092 as a Class A garment
Abrasion-resistant 600-denier polyester construction
Sedici Garda WP
Price: Up to $250
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
If you’re looking for a waterproof textile jacket on a budget then look no further. The Sedici Garda WP jacket makes use of 600D stretchy, waterproof laminated textile for riding in imperfect weather conditions.
Tired of unbreathable, humid waterproof gear? A full mesh airflow lining combined with 6 direct body vents bypass the waterproofing layer to make this jacket extremely breathable.
1200D textile and textured rubber panels reinforce high-impact areas of the elbows and shoulders. The included CE-rated armor adds impact resistance, with the option of purchasing a back protector separately for all-around protection.
Key Specs
Adjustable hip, waist, forearm and bicep cuff for perfect fit
Waterproof stretch 600D laminated main construction
6 direct body vents at torso, bicep and back (adjustable) with full mesh airflow lining
7 pockets total for added convenience and storage
Waterproof YKK external zippers
Oversized zipper pulls
Connection zipper pairs jacket to matching Garda Pants or other Sedici ADV pants
Protection & Safety
Included low-profile CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor
Pocket for optional AXIAL back protector (sold separately)
Size MD AXIAL AX1 and AX2 back protectors fit all sizes Garda Waterproof Jackets
Textured rubber panels at elbows and shoulders to protect high-wear areas
Carbon reflective trim gives 360 degrees of visibility in humanoid form
Best Mid-Range Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Priced $240 - $450.
REV'IT! Airwave 3
Price: Up to $270
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
A step above the Eclipse 2 jacket is REV’IT! Airwave 3. This purposefully built textile jacket was designed to be your best friend during hot, summer rides. The PWR|Mesh panels on the front and back maximize air flow to keep your body cool.
When it comes to protection, this jacket delivers. Seesmart CE level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows is included in your purchase, with pockets for optional back and chest protectors.
Please Note - Customers find that this jacket runs small so we recommend sizing up one size.
Key Specs
High-density polyester 600D outer shell
100% polyester interior lining
Regular/tour fit
Adjustable straps at the hips, collar, upper arms, and cuffs for maximum comfort
Connects to your jeans through a short zipper
Pockets on the inside and outside for convenience and added storage
Protection & Safety
Seesoft CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor included
divided chest protectors (sold separately)
back protector (sold separately):
Seesoft Back Protector -Type RV
Type RV / Size 04 fits SM-MD
Type RV / Size 05 fits LG-2XL
Type RV / Size 06 fits 3XL-4XL
Reflective elements throughout the jacket
Scorpion EXO Yosemite Hi-Viz
Why?
For those looking to be seen, the Scorpion EXO Yosemite Hi-Viz jacket is the textile jacket for you. The shell of the jacket is made out of a reflective, Hi-Viz material for ultimate visibility.
A removable EverHeat liner keeps you warm on colder days, while the removable Airguard waterproof liner will keep you dry. Zip-down windproof panels can be used to maximum air flow on hot days.
Sas-Tec armor is included in the shoulders and elbows, as well as a PE Foam back pad. The back pad can be upgraded to CE Level 2, but this is at an additional cost.
Key Specs
Removable full sleeve AirGuard waterproof/windproof liner
Removeable internal thermal liner
High-quality, heavy-duty zipper and elastic panel for connecting jacket to pants
Extremely well vented with option to zip-down wind-blocking panels
Armor is included in the shoulders/elbows, as well as a PE foam back pad
Entire back and parts of the chest include a heavy duty ventilated mesh area
Accordion stretch panels at the belows for easy range of motion
Adjustable straps on waist, biceps and forearm for a tailored fit
Customizable air flow with zip-down wind blocking panels, torso vents and full-length arm vents.
Protection & Safety
CE Level 2 Sas-Tec molded elbow & shoulder armor included
PE foam back pad included, but can be upgraded to a CE Level 2 Sas-Tec protector (not included)
1680D Nylon abrasion zones
Exo-Stitch Safety Seams in high impact areas
NightViz reflective elements throughout
Alpinestars T-GP R V2 WP
Why?
Similar to the aforementioned Sedici Garda WP Jacket, the Alpinestars T-GP R v2 WP Jacket takes waterproofed textile jackets to the next level. A Drystar waterproof membrane is laminated directly into the heavy-duty textile shell, making it virtually seamless.
An interior thermal lining holds in warmth during cold, wet rides but can also be removed on hot days when added ventilation is needed. Zippered air vents move trapped in hot air to regular body temperature.
Included in your purchase is CE Level 2 Bio Air shoulder and elbow armor, with the option of purchasing and installing back/chest protection separately.
Key Specs
Fixed waterproof membrane laminated into the jackets textile
Front inner waterproof pocket for valuables
Internal thermal liner can be removed to adapt to varying weather conditions
3D injected white reflective PU logo on the chest plus 3D injected PU logo on upper back
Accordion panels on back and elbow
Bio air armor included in your purchase, with option to add chest and back protector
Ergonomics and Comfort:
3D textured comfort fabric on inner collar lining with a low profile design
Pre-curved sleeves for ergonomic riding position
Microfiber comfort edge on collar and cuffs for soft feel on skin
Snap adjusters on chest and sleeves
Zippered intake vents for customized airflow
Removable thermal liner with an insulated front flap
Protection & Safety
Abrasion-resistant multi-fabric shell
CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor included
Compatible with optional chest & back protection (sold separately)
External dual density TPU sliders on shoulders
Reflective elements throughout for nighttime visibility
Padded areas on the front and back of the sleeves
Best High-End Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Priced over $450.
REV’IT! Sand 4 H2O
Price: Up to $550
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
When it comes to proper touring and adventure touring fit jackets, Rev’It is one of the brands that has a long history in this specific market. The Sand 4 H2O is the fourth iteration of the popular Sand model line, and features a fully chassis of 500D rated polyester ripstop with air mesh panels interspersed for ventilation.
Two different liners allow you to customize the warmth and waterproofing of the jacket. Seeflex CE level II armor is present at the shoulders and elbows, and there is a pocket for a back protector in the internal liner. An absolute juggernaut of an adventure touring jacket, the Sand 4 H2O is one of the best in the segment
We haven’t reviewed the Sand 4 Jacket yet, but check out our REV’IT Sand 3 Jacket review.
Key Specs
Protection Features:
Outer shell: 3D air mesh | polyester ripstop
Insulation: detachable thermal liner
Waterproofing: detachable Hydratex | 3L (5000mm H2O)
Breathability: detachable Hydratex | 3L (7000g/m2/24hrs)
Composition: 100% Polyester
Protection:
Seeflex CE Level 2 protection at shoulders and elbow
Back Protector (sold separately):
Seesoft Back Protector – Type RV
Type RV / Size 04 fits SM-MD
Type RV / Size 05 fits LG-2XL
Type RV / Size 06 fits 3XL-4XL
Liner: 3D mesh
Visibility: laminated reflection at chest and back, reflective logo at upper arms and pocket flap
Ergonomic Features:
Fit: tour fit, regular
Adjustability: adjustable elbow protection | adjustment drawcord | adjustment strap | adjustment tabs | flexisnaps
Ventilation: ventilation panels
Features: short and long connection zipper | short connection zipper at detachable waterproof liner | soft edge at collar | two-way Collar Snap Closure System | separate wearable Hydratex® G-liner | prepared for Segur neck brace | prepared for vest connector
Pockets: internal pocket within thermal liner | slit pocket | inner pockets | waterproof stash pockets | waterproof inner pocket | Waterproof internal pocket at waterproof liner
Protection & Safety
Seesoft CE level II armor in the shoulders and elbows included
Back protector pocket in liner
Polyester ripstop fabric is minimum 500D abrasion resistant
High viz laminated reflectors on chest and back, and on arms, for 360 night time visibility
Helite Free-Air Mesh Airbag
Why?
Despite the name, the Free-Air Mesh Airbag jacket from Helite is not actually a mesh jacket. Instead, it is a 600D Cordura chassis with some reinforced mesh panels for airflow. It comes with CE level I elbow and shoulder armor, and a SAS-TEC CE II back protector.
However, the best protection this adventure fit jacket provides is a built in Helite Turtle airbag, which is attached via a lanyard to your bike and doesn’t rely on anything other than physics to deploy. No fancy electronic sensors, no need to recharge the battery overnight. 70 lbs of force on the lanyard and the airbag will deploy in milliseconds, protecting you from slides, tumbles, and impacts as best it can.
If you’re looking for a premium hot-weather jacket, this is it.
Key Specs
Specs:
Airbag fully inflates in less than 0.1 seconds
Removable waterproof liner
Retro-reflective piping at front, back and arms
Abrasion-resistant 600D Cordura
Comfortable neck
Mesh panels
Zippered cuffs with strap adjustment
1 60cc CO2 cartridge and 1 lanyard included
CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor
Included SAS-TEC CE Level 2 static back protector
Multiple pockets
All sizes use the 60cc CO2 cartridge
Note: The Free-Air Jacket runs small. We recommend ordering 2 sizes larger than your normal jacket size.
Protection & Safety
CE level I elbow and shoulder armor
SAS-TEC CE level II back protector
Built-in Helite Turtle airbag technology
600d Cordura chassis is highly abrasion resistant
Klim Badlands Pro Jacket
Why?
Let me just be blunt, this jacket – it’s tougher than you. Which is exactly the reason you need it. The Badlands Pro jacket will take everything a hardcore adventure rider can throw at it and then some.
Gore-Tex 3-layer Pro Laminate that guarantees you will stay dry. Karbonite ripstop panels and Superfabric reinforce key areas of the jacket, keeping it together when you fall off the bike. Custom D3O Aero Pro armor helps keep the rider together by absorbing impact energy. Just dust yourself off and continue on your way.
Klim gives this jacket more pockets than a soccer mom’s minivan has cupholders. About the only thing this jacket doesn’t have is the ability to hold back your tears of joy after buying it, but it does have a pocket for the tissue.
Key Specs
Gore-Tex 3-layer Pro Laminate technology Guaranteed To Keep You Dry
SPL 200 3 layer Pro Gore-Tex on main body
FPL 400 3 layer Pro Gore-Tex
Custom-engineered variable-density Superfabric on shoulders, elbows and forearm
Highly abrasion resistant 500D Karbonite ripstop panels in key impact and wear areas
Pre-curved arm and rider positioning construction
Action back on shoulders
VELCRO® brand fastener adjustable wrist closures
YKK Vislon water resistant zippers
Adjustable wrist gaiter
2 sleeve adjustment straps
Klimatek cooling stretch mesh in elbow and shoulder pad pockets
Improved internal moisture-wicking mesh Polygiene odor fighting for long trips
6 external pockets: 2 chest, 2 core, 2 hand, 1 SPOT pocket, id/license pocket on left forearm with hidden stash pocket, 1 large dual access storage pocket on exterior back
4 internal chest pockets, 1 hidden pocket behind backpad, 2 hidden stash pockets, zippered mesh chest pockets
Easy access hydration bladder compartment and internal hose route dual routing options (bladder sold separately)
Collar cinch
Bottom hem adjustment
Standardized jacket-to-pant zipper integration system
Lined comfort collar
Water resistant pocket
Custom TPU zipper pullers
Zipper end sealing system
Improved venting easier to access while riding
Collar can hook back to allow for more ventilation improved usability of entire collar tab back feature
4 front torso, 2 forearm, 2 bicep intake vents
2 back, 2 tricep exhaust vents
Protection & Safety
Klim Aero Pro D3O shoulders and elbows
D3O Viper Pro back protection CE level 2
Adjustable armor pockets for refined armor placement
Integrated jacket-stabilizing, removable and adjustable kidney belt support system
3M Scotchlite reflective material on panels and trim for increased low-light visibility
Frequently Asked Questions About Textile Jackets
What are the advantages of a textile motorcycle jacket?
Textile jackets are on the average lighter than leather jackets, have better breathability, and can even be more versatile. Another huge advantage of a textile jacket is that with advances in materials, quite often they offer the same or even better abrasion rating than genuine leather, sometimes at half the price or even less than a leather jacket!
Are there differences in quality of the materials/textiles used to make the jacket?
Textile protective materials have the widest range of abrasion resistances and quality of any motorcycle gear. Some jackets can go as low as 250D, which is okay for scooter use but not much else, to Cordura, which often is 1,000D or better. There are also variations in materials used, such as polyester, nylon, reinforced cotton, and the like. All of our recommendations use high quality textiles and are rated at a minimum of 450D.
What is a “mesh jacket” and why would I want one?
A mesh jacket is a jacket that has a “chassis” made out of textiles such as polyester or other high abrasion resistance material, which holds high airflow mesh panels, often on the chest, waist, under the arms, and part of the back. These jackets have the highest airflow of any jacket, with the mesh often being polyester-wrapped nylon and rated 400D, and are designed for hot to extreme hot weather use.
Since it’s textile, can I machine wash my jacket if it gets dirty?
You will need to check the instructions that came with your jacket, but as a general rule as long as you take out the armor and zip out liners, they can be machine washed. More often than not, however, they are not tumble dry friendly, meaning you will have to hang them until they are completely dry, which can sometimes take 24 hours. Special consideration needs to be given to textile jackets with built in waterproof membranes, which have their own special care instructions.
What are some disadvantages of a textile motorcycle jacket?
During a high speed slide, textiles can fray instead of “Grinding down” like leather does. They also do not have the same heat retention, which is why many have removable thermal liners. As well, even with proper care and maintenance, a textile jacket does not hold its shape as well as leather does over the years of use.
Do textile jackets come with built in armor, or is that something I need to add separately?
As a general rule of textile jackets, you will at the least get elbow armor. Most (but not all) textile jackets will also provide you with shoulder armor. In both cases, the armor will be CE Level I rated at minimum, as that is what is needed to sell jackets in Europe. Every textile jacket will come with a pocket in the liner for a back protector, which is highly recommended for you to use, as back protectors are relatively inexpensive. Some of the very high end textile jackets will come with full sets of armor included.
Why are some textile jackets as expensive as top-tier leather jackets?
Prices vary based on the materials used, the quality and quantity of layers, what type of armor is included, and other features. For example, the Helite Free-Air Airbag jacket we recommend use Cordura for its chassis, comes with a full set of SAS-TEC armor including a back protector, and also has a built in rapid-deployment airbag, something which, if bought separately as a vest, is often $500 all by itself.
Are textile jackets waterproof?
As a general rule, no, textile jackets are not inherently waterproof. The advantage of textiles is, however, that it is extremely easy to include a waterproof membrane during manufacture, or have a zip-out waterproof inner lining. For these jackets, they carry names such as Gore-Tex, Hydratex, DryStar, and the like, and will often advertise their waterproof membrane as a desirable feature.
What To Look For In A Textile Motorcycle Jacket
Sitting between leather and pure mesh jackets in terms of abrasion resistance, textile jackets have been growing in popularity over the years. This can be attributed to the lower cost of making the jackets, as well as synthetic fibers such as aramid, ceramic superfabric, poly-textiles, Cordura, and the like offering protection through multiple layers. While these jackets may not be as outright abrasion resistant as leather, they are much more durable than most mesh jackets. It should also be noted that textile and mesh combo jackets are still, technically, textile jackets, as one of our recommendations shows.
Textile jackets are also the preferred favorite of many adventure touring riders, along with textile pants, for a variety of reasons. The most popular of these reasons is that it is extremely easy to place a layer of waterproofing membrane between textile layers, whereas on leather jackets, it is an inner liner that is often removable. Without having to worry about where you put your liner when the clouds roll in, just closing the vents and continuing your ride is much more convenient.
Lastly, textile jackets are also less expensive than most equivalent leather jackets. Note, we used the term less expensive instead of cheap, because in no way are these textile jackets in our recommendations “cheap.” They are economical, value-for-money, less expensive, but never cheap.
Textile Jacket Sizing Guide
The key to remember with textile fabrics is that they have some minimal stretch to them, but in general are fairly solidly built. Manufacturers will also often place stretch panels or accordion flex panels in high movement areas. It is of particular important to also note what each jacket states as their fit type.
A sport fit jacket will often sit tightly on the torso, and it is best to visit a local gear shop to try on a few to get an idea of how they fit. Tour fit is a much looser fit, often with larger chest and shoulder areas, as they are meant to be worn on a variety of bikes from cruisers to sport tourers. Lastly, adventure fit is a special type of fit that is between the two. It’s close to the body, but also gives extra upper body movement room so you can stand on the pegs, lean over, lean forward, lean back, and the like without the jacket tugging and pulling against you.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
Other Best Jacket Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
