Best Motorcycle Jeans: Protect Your Lower Half with Style

These top motorcycle jeans are comfortable as well as useful in an impact

byLinsay Thomas, Noelle Talmon|
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BYLinsay Thomas, Noelle Talmon/ LAST UPDATED ON April 29, 2021

Most bikers know that helmets, gloves, and boots are essential riding equipment, but they neglect to purchase proper motorcycle jeans. Kevlar motorcycle jeans with armor and other types of motorcycle-specific pants are integral in protecting vital areas of your body in unexpected shocks and impacts. Check out our motorcycle jeans buying guide for the best pair of protective jeans on the market.

Best Overall

KLIM K Fifty 1 Riding Pant

Summary
These Cordura denim jeans feature a reinforced Kevlar panel in slide zones and an integrated armor system for the hips, knees, and tailbone. They also have flat-felled seams for maximum comfort.
Pros
These jeans are very comfortable, and the knee armor is adjustable. You don't notice the pads when you're riding or when you’re off the bike.
Cons
The jeans are expensive, they're not 100 percent Kevlar lined, and you may need to drop down one size from what you normally wear for a proper fit.
Best Value

Lee Men's Performance Series Extreme Motion Jeans

Summary
These jeans are an excellent inexpensive option for more comfort and mobility. They feature flexible materials and sit naturally below the waist, providing a comfortable feeling during commutes.
Pros
Lee jeans are made from cotton, polyester, and spandex, and they’re available in different sizes and styles. They have five pockets and a zip-fly with button closure.
Cons
These jeans are not very protective. They don't have knee pads to lower the force of impacts. They also might be larger than expected.
Honorable Mention

ScorpionExo Covert Jeans Men's Reinforced Motorcycle Pants

Summary
These jeans have an abrasion-resistant fiber lining made of DuPont Kevlar. They are 14-ounce heavy denim and are mesh-lined from the knee armor pockets and down.
Pros
These straight-cut jeans are stylish and durable, the denim is soft, and there are pockets for hip pads. They are not too tight or baggy, and they’re quite long.
Cons
The jeans may not be true to size, and the knee pads may be positioned too low and may be located at the shin when you sit down.

Benefits of Motorcycle Jeans

  • Protection. If you're not wearing the right gear when you ride, you can get serious road rash if you crash. The best motorcycle jeans will protect your lower body in an accident and have abrasion resistance qualities.
  • Durability. It's not really hard to tear a hole in a regular pair of jeans, particularly if you slide across the asphalt. Motorcycle jeans are much more durable due to reinforced material and lining.
  • Style. Denim motorcycle jeans look good on most men, and you can wear them almost anywhere. They look similar to regular jeans and are very versatile when it comes to the type of shirt, jacket, or boots you pair with them.

Types of Motorcycle Jeans

Regular Fit or Straight Cut

This type of denim is the kind you wear every day while out and about. They are classic blue jeans that have a light fit around your thighs, and they're comfortable and not too tight. The lower half of regular jeans have a straight leg.

Relaxed Fit

Relaxed fit jeans are looser than some other types and are generally wider in the legs for more ventilation. Cargo jeans fit into this category and often feature numerous pockets that easily allow you to store a variety of items, including a wallet, bandana, keys, etc.

Slim Fit

Protective motorcycle jeans should correctly fit your body type and make you feel comfortable. If style is an important factor, consider moto jeans that are slim or skinny fit. They are typically more narrow on the lower part of your legs, and they stay close to your body and keep you warm.

Tapered Fit

Tapered fit jeans feel nice on your waist and thighs. They do not restrict these areas of your body; however, they are a bit narrower below the knees and ankles. They are more modern looking than traditional jeans.

Top Brands

Klim

Klim, based in Rigby, Idaho, has been designing and manufacturing technical riding gear for motorcyclists and snowmobilers since 1999. One popular product is the KLIM K Fifty 1 Riding Pant.

Scorpion Sports, Inc.

Based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., Scorpion Sports was founded in 2002 by Jang Park, who has 30 years of experience in the motorcycling industry in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia. The company’s main products are high-performance, technical, protective motorcycle helmets, and apparel. One popular product is the ScorpionExo Covert Jeans Men's Reinforced Motorcycle Pants.

Joe Rocket

Joe Rocket was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in California. Its products have FreeAirTM mesh technology for riding in the extreme summer heat without sacrificing protection as well as the SureFitTM adjustment system, which provides protection in an impact. One top product is the Joe Rocket Men's Accelerator Jean.

BILT

Cycle Gear, founded in Northern California, is BILT’s parent company and has been distributing motorbike gear at factory-direct prices since 1974. The company is a member of the AMA, Blue Ribbon Coalition, Motorcycle Industry Council and ORBA. One recommended product is the BILT IRON WORKERS Steel Motorcycle Jeans.

Motorcycle Jeans Pricing

  • Under $100: You can find some decent examples of motorcycle jeans if you're on a budget. However, they may not include armor, which you may want to purchase separately.
  • $100 and up: The best motorcycle riding jeans can be very expensive, depending on the brand and the options they include. The more money you spend, the more features you will have, such as armor, abrasion protection, and water resistance. Some of the best motorcycle jeans can cost several hundred dollars.

Key Features

Material

The best biker jeans are made of high-quality denim and are slightly stretchy for comfort. The fabric should be adequately thick to provide optimum protection in a crash. Some of the best biker jeans brands contain a waterproof coating, which is helpful in rainy conditions. The best Kevlar motorcycle jeans will include a lining in the legs or just the knees, calves, and ankles. Kevlar is an insulating fabric and can protect against shocks or crashes.

Size

Motorcycle denim jeans should fit you properly for comfort and safety. Measure your waist, thigh circumference, and inseam to ensure proper fit. Keep in mind that sometimes sizes vary between manufacturers. Jeans that are too small will be irritating, while a pair that's too big won't provide as much protection.

Other Considerations

  • Armor: The best motorcycle jeans with armor will feature detachable elements that you can remove when you're not riding your bike. The armor protects vital parts of your legs, including your knees, calves, and ankles. Some jeans have special pockets on the inside so you can remove the knee protection or replace the pads with better ones.
  • Weight: Traditional denim jeans can weigh anywhere between 8 and 10 ounces. The heavier a pair of jeans are, the more durable they will be. The standard weight for motorcycle jeans is 12 ounces, but if you want even greater protection, opt for a pair that's at least 14 ounces.
  • Reinforced Stitching: Reinforced motorcycle jeans have extra stitching on areas such as between your legs, on your ankles, and around the knees, making them more durable. They should also have a little bit of stretch so they can be used when riding or when you're walking around.

Best Motorcycle Jeans Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Lee Extreme Motion jeans are a great budget-friendly option for motorcycle riders who want to get something comfortable for their rides. These jeans offer a straight fit through the hip and thigh, providing a natural feeling at all times. Because they sit just below the waist, these jeans are ideal for sitting in the seat for extended periods. 


The jeans are made from cotton, polyester, and spandex and come in several sizes and styles. They complement every driver's gear with quality and stylish design. They even have five pockets and a zip-fly with button closure for more convenience on different occasions. What we like most about these jeans is the overall flexibility. The material stretches to give you freedom of movement, allowing you to walk, run, or jump without restrictions. That makes these jeans great for bikers who need more comfort while riding. 


The only thing to consider before buying is the protection you want to get from a pair of jeans. These are not specially designed for motorcycle riders, and they don't protect against impacts. Lee jeans are more suitable for regular daily rides when you need more comfort and freedom of movement. They also turn out to be larger than expected, so you might have to order a smaller size.

These jeans have an abrasion-resistant fiber lining from knee to waist made of DuPont Kevlar. The jeans are 14-ounce heavy denim and feature the traditional five-pocket design. They are mesh-lined from the knee armor pockets and down.


These jeans fit as expected and look better than some competitor products. They are stylish and durable, the denim is soft, and there are pockets for hip pads. The jeans are straight cut and not too tight or baggy, and they’re quite long, which works well in a bent-knee riding position. In addition, the jeans look great with or without the pads and resemble normal jeans.


One problem is the knee pads may be positioned too low for people of certain heights and may be located at the shin when seated. Also, they may not be true to size. There have also been some complaints that the button easily breaks.

Wrangler is one of the most popular jeans brands on the market. Due to the outstanding quality and comfort it provides, the company is always a top choice among buyers. This model is favored among motorcycle riders. These jeans are flexible enough to allow riders to move freely and enjoy being on the road for extended periods. 


For a balance of flexibility and protection, the Wrangler jeans feature 99 percent cotton and 1 percent spandex. The regular-fit design ensures a natural feeling throughout the day, so you can wear these as long as you want. It also makes the jeans easy to put on and take off. On top of that, these jeans come in several light and dark colors to suit different occasions. They are classic and go with every outfit. 


However, keep in mind that the flexible material is thin and more suitable for summer. If you need something thicker and more protective, you might want to check out some other options on our list. Some buyers also complained about the jeans being too long. That might make them less stylish and comfortable, especially during rides when your foot is on the pedal.

If you're a fan of old-fashioned jeans with heavy-duty materials and wide legs, this Levi's pair might be a great choice for you. Because these jeans feature 100 percent cotton, they prove to be thick, rigid, and extremely durable. Even better, they have a boot-cut leg for motorcycle riders who enjoy driving in boots. 


These jeans offer classic design and come in several elegant and dark colors. They sit at the waist and are slim through the thigh. They fit nicely, allow for the skin to breathe, and feel comfortable for extended periods. The zipper closure and deep pockets are also very convenient. 


There are a couple of issues you might experience with these jeans, though. Firstly, they sometimes bleed blue dye. After washes, you might notice blue water dripping from the jeans and need to dry them outside or in your bathroom to avoid stains. Secondly, the jeans might be a little long and wide. Ordering a smaller size sometimes resolves the issue.

Unlike the previous model, this pair of Levi's jeans contains 1 percent of elastane. That means they’re flexible and allow for more freedom of movement. Because the material is breathable and stretches out for more comfort, the jeans are ideal for summer rides and daily commutes.


The thing we like about these jeans is a straight and accurate fit. Levi's jeans sit below the waist and have straight legs. They’re true to their size, so you shouldn't have any issues finding the perfect pair for your body type. Another great thing about these jeans is that you can wash them casually. It basically means you can mix and match them with both dark and light fabric, and they won't lose texture or get dyed in other colors.


However, some buyers didn't like the stretchy material because it loosens up between washes. The jeans become a little baggy and not that great for long motorcycle rides. Another downside is the faded patterns on the front and back of the legs. These patterns fade out rather quickly and become brighter and a lot more noticeable.

Maxler jeans offer that extra protection you need while driving your motorcycle. They come specially designed for long rides, featuring knee protectors and thick materials. The heavy-duty design doesn't come at the expense of style, though. These jeans are fashionable and available in several colors to complement the riding gear of every biker.


Along with cotton, these jeans feature spandex fabric that proves to be very flexible. That allows you to move freely, operating pedals and walking around without restrictions. Drivers also like the adjustable knee protectors. You can attach and detach them in a matter of seconds by using a simple zipper in the knee area. There's also a calf zipper to stabilize the protectors during rides.


The main drawback of these jeans is the price. To get the overall protection they offer, you'll need to spend some extra cash. Those who are on a tight budget might want to consider getting a regular pair of flexible or thick denim, depending on their needs. When it comes to the design, the only thing that might bother you is the length of these jeans. You might need to cuff them for a proper fit.

Here comes another pair of heavy-duty jeans suitable for every motorcycle rider out there. Thanks to the thick denim and extra padding on the inside, these jeans are highly protective and ideal for long rides. They protect the skin from impacts, bumps, and other dangers lurking on the road.


The Milwaukee jeans feature outstanding protection in the knee, hip, and seat area, so all your weak spots will be covered. Furthermore, the protective pads are fully removable, so you can add them or take them off whenever you want. The interior also features a soft mesh liner for more breathability and comfort. Therefore, you'll feel cool and comfy at all times.


Although they won't cost you an arm and a leg, you'll still have to pay a few more bucks to get these jeans. If you decide to invest in Milwaukee jeans, keep in mind that they might be a little baggy. Those who like their jeans to be super tight probably won’t be satisfied with the design.

Tips

  • You can clean most types of motorcycle jeans in a washing machine with cold water. We recommend using a short washing cycle to prevent tearing, fasten all zippers and buttons, and avoid using bleach. Finally, line dry them.
  • Remember those motorcycle pants won't protect you as well as full-race leather gear, which offers maximum protection when you slide across the pavement.
  • Read a manufacturer's return and exchange policies before you make a purchase. You may need to return the jeans if they don't properly fit.
  • Before you choose a pair of motorcycle chaps, decide whether you want to wear them over or under your boots. A looser, more relaxed fit will enable you to put them over your footwear.

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between motorcycle jeans and regular jeans?

A: In general, motorcycle jeans are thicker and more resistant to tearing as well as inclement weather conditions. The stitching is typically very high quality, and the jeans are usually reinforced with Kevlar.

Q: What’s the benefit of fully-lined Kevlar jeans?

A: Jeans with a Kevlar lining is very durable and protect essential areas of your body during an impact. While the interior lining may be slightly rough, the best Kevlar motorcycle jeans include reinforcement materials that can make a big difference in terms of safety.

Q: Do all motorcycle jeans come with hip and knee pads?

A: Some motorcycle jeans only come with Kevlar reinforcement. Others have armor and padding included. Some brands have pockets where you need to purchase the armor separately.

Q: Are motorcycle jeans breathable? 

A: Kevlar reinforced jeans and motorcycle jeans with armor tend to be heavier than regular jeans. For maximum comfort, seek a pair with a mesh lining, which helps keep you cooler.

Final Thoughts

Our pick for the best motorcycle jeans are the KLIM K Fifty 1 Riding Pant. They're sturdy, comfortable, and protective and feature a reinforced Kevlar panel in the slide zones and an integrated armor system. You can adjust the height of the knee pads, and you hardly notice that you're wearing armor.

For a more budget-minded option, consider the Lee Men's Performance Series Extreme Motion Jeans.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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