Summer Riding Jeans: Comfort in Style

Once in a while a sport touring ride calls out for an unhurried pace. Those warm sunny afternoons spent riding through idyllic scenery on quiet roads with good friends. At times like these a comfortable pair of riding jeans feels just right; easy to move in and still offering protection. Riding jeans are the perfect choice when technical riding gives way to a slower pace spent appreciating the beauty found on America’s backroads.

Denim Plus Plus

Motorcycle riding jeans share many characteristics with ordinary jeans. They look and fit similarly but differ in fabric, stitching, and the addition of protective armor pockets.  All elements needed to earn certification as a motorcycle protective garment.

Like most jeans, the story begins with denim. However, unlike ordinary jeans, manufacturers weave Kevlar, Cordura, or aramid yarn into the denim to enhance abrasion resistance. Going a step further, some motorcycle jeans sew reinforced panels into the seat, knees, and hips.

These varying levels of abrasion protection are necessary for motorcycle garments to meet European standards (EN 17092). To briefly summarize the standard, Class A garments are suitable for urban riding, providing the minimum level of protection for impact and abrasion. Most riding jeans fall under this classification. The next level up, Class AA, provides greater protection from risks associated with more diverse riding activities. At the highest protection level, clothing with a Class AAA rating is typically intended for track use.

Fabric alone may not provide sufficient protection in a crash. Therefore, virtually all riding jeans have pockets sewn into the knees and hips for armor inserts that dissipate the force of an impact. Standard knee armor employs the lowest protection rating, Level 1, while Level 1 and sometimes Level 2 armor is used at the hips. Impact ratings are defined by European standard EN 1621.

The important point here is that riding jeans are certified motorcycle protective garments. Clothing with a Class A rating are appropriate for relaxed riding. Class AA garments and above are the right choice for more aggressive riding days. These European standard motorcycle protective garment Class ratings give consumers a handy and trustworthy way to gauge the level of protection they can expect when purchasing motorcycle apparel.

What to Look For

Choosing a pair of riding jeans is not much different than shopping for other riding apparel. As always, put protection at the top of your selection criteria, followed by your preferences for comfort and style.

These three qualities are the most important to look for:

• Quality construction – Denim fabric woven with Kevlar, aramid, Dyneema, or Cordura fibers, and reinforced seam stitching.
• Abrasion resistance – All certified garments have a rating label sewn inside.  Look for a Class A rating at a minimum; AA is preferred.
• Impact protection – Like textile and leather riding pants, look for Level 1 knee and hip armor; and if available, step up to Level 2 hip armor.

Shop Italian Style

You will find a wide number of choices when shopping for motorcycle riding jeans with every maker offering their own take.  Each of the products we reviewed have a Class A rating, with some rated Class AA.  They all include knee protectors, and if not included, offer an option to add hip protection. Expect to spend between $200 and $300 on a high-quality pair of motorcycle jeans.

Here are three examples, all from Italian brands, that get top marks for style, comfort, and protection.

Dainese

Dainese is renowned for its innovative and high-quality motorcycle gear, combining advanced technology with stylish design. Since 1972, Dainese has been a leader in rider protection, offering a wide range of products from racing suits to everyday riding jackets, all designed to ensure maximum safety and comfort.  As an Italian brand, Dainese brings an Italian flair to their take on motorcycle riding jeans.

The Dainese 5-Pocket Denim motorcycle jeans use a stretch denim fabric blended with aramid fibers and reinforced in critical areas to achieve a Class AA protection rating and comfortable fit. These jeans come with Dainese Pro-Shape 3.0 Level 1 knee protectors and Pro-Shape 2.0 Level 1 hip protectors. The 5-Pocket Denim riding jeans are available from Dainese for $239.

Alpinestars

Alpinestars, founded in 1963, is a leading brand known for high-performance protective apparel. Rooted in Italian craftsmanship, Alpinestars combines advanced technology with stylish design, catering to both professional racers and everyday riders. Their products range from racing suits to casual riding jackets, all designed to enhance safety and comfort on the road.

When it comes to riding jeans, Alpinestars offers the widest choice of styles and levels of protection. The Alpinestars Copper 2 Denim jeans provide Class A protection with reinforced internal panels and stitching. These jeans include Level 1 Bio-Flex knee armor and the option to add hip armor. Copper 2 jeans are available from Alpinestars for $240.

Spidi

SPIDI, based in Vicenza, Italy, has been designing premium motorcycle gear since 1977. Originally known for their racing gloves, the brand now produces a full range of apparel, including jackets, pants, suits, gloves, boots, and protective riding jeans. SPIDI blends Italian design with technical performance and was an early adopter of European safety certifications.

SPIDI combines casual style with real-world protection. Their jeans are made with abrasion-resistant fabrics like Cordura denim, Dyneema, or aramid-reinforced stretch panels to earn Class A or AA rating and include Level 1 knee armor with optional hip protection. The J-Tracker Tech jeans from SPIDI, made with Cordura fibers, have a Class AA rating and come with Level 1 knee and hip protectors. SPIDI J-Tracker Tech jeans sell for $260.

Protection That Blends In

Riding jeans were popularized by urban riders seeking protection on the road but wanting to blend in when off the bike.  Today, sport touring riders will find that proper riding jeans are a smart choice for those relaxed touring days cruising scenic country roads.  They offer lightweight, unrestricted movement on the bike and breathable comfort that’s hard to beat – all while delivering the protection every rider expects from their gear.