Think wearing regular jeans when you ride is enough to keep you safe in a fall? Think again. Regular denim does very little on its own to protect you from abrasion, and it does nothing at all to protect you from an impact. Motorcycle-specific riding jeans are built especially for riders, with added layers of abrasion-resistant fabric and, in many cases, armor. If you’re interested in learning more about how riding jeans are constructed and how our motorcycle apparel works to keep us safe, check out our Riding Jeans For Dummies article.
We gathered 13 pairs of riding jeans to wear, both on and off the bike, and compiled them into a Riding Jeans Buyer’s Guide. All the jeans we’ve tested here are made specifically for motorcycle riders, and incorporate some form of abrasion protection. Some, but not all, also include or have pockets for knee and hip armor. Disclaimer: I am a woman, and as such most of these reviews are of women’s versions of each brand’s riding jeans. However, in the interest of creating as comprehensive a buyer’s guide as possible, when a women’s fit was not available I enlisted the help of Senior Editor Greg Drevenstedt as my co-reviewer. I also included some information about the men’s versions of all the jeans I tested.
Notes on fit (the price we pay for being journalists):
Jenny’s Waist Size – 29 inches
Jenny’s Hip Circumference – 38 inches
Jenny’s Inseam – 34 inches
Greg’s Waist Size – 34 inches
Greg’s Inseam – 34 inches
Women’s jeans come in two general variations: boot cut and slim/skinny. In the photos below, I am wearing riding shoes with the slim/skinny jeans and boots with the boot cut jeans.
Diamond Gusset – Defender
Diamond Gusset Defender Women’s Jean. (Boots: Alpinestars S-MX5 Stella)
Since 1987, Tennessee-based Diamond Gusset has been making jeans with their signature “diamond gusset” crotch right here in the U.S. of A. Their Defender line of motorcycle jeans features that same gusset, as well as a Kevlar lining and a hook-and-loop strap at the cuff to cinch them down over boots.
The first thing we noticed about the Defenders is the denim, which feels well broken-in right out of the box. There’s no stretch to it, but it’s not stiff at all, making the jeans quite comfortable. The men’s jeans are cut in a traditional relaxed fit, but the women’s version is a curvy boot-cut; they will likely look great on a curvier woman, but unfortunately that is not me!
The other thing we noticed is that the Kevlar lining is only on the upper butt area, a small section on the hips and the knees. There’s none down the sides and back of the legs. Armor is not available. On the plus side, the deep hip pockets are great for keeping your stuff from popping out while you ride—no one likes making sacrifices to the Road Gods.
The Diamond Gusset Defender Women’s Riding Jeans. Notice the small Kevlar patches on the bum and hips.
Abrasion protection: Kevlar liner
Stitching: single-stitched liner on butt and hips, double-stitched at the knees
Armor: NA
Price: $126.95 (women’s), $125.95 (men’s)
Size tested: 6 (32-inch inseam)
Website: gusset.com
Tobacco – Women’s Jean
Tobacco Women’s Jean in Indigo. (Shoes: Stylmartin Kansas)
From the heart of Los Angeles, the denim capital of the U.S., comes fresh-from-Kickstarter brand Tobacco. Founder Dave Ackerman was frustrated by a lack of protective riding jeans that lived up to his high standards of quality construction and good looks, so he decided to do something about it.
Tobaccos are made from premium selvedge denim, which will make your jeans aficionado hipster friends nod with approval. Selvedge denim is raw; instructions are to wash infrequently (like, twice a year). If they get stinky, throw them in the freezer overnight. I’m not kidding.
One positive side effect of the infrequent washing recommendation: Kevlar degrades with moisture and the use of laundry detergents, so your jeans will last longer.
Speaking of the Kevlar, it runs far down the legs, past the knees. It has been thoughtfully omitted from the crotch area, for just a bit of heat relief (Kevlar doesn’t breathe well). The women’s fit is slim through the legs, but the waist stretched out by almost a full size after a month’s worth of wearing on the bike. This didn’t result in an awkward gap, and it made them more comfortable when in the riding position. Those with bigger legs and/or calves might find them a little too slim. The men’s fit is similar to a Levi’s 501: straight and fashionably slim, but far from tight. Armor is, unfortunately, not available.
Tobacco men’s jeans come in two materials (selvedge denim and canvas) and four colors (Indigo, Sand, Black and Carbon), while women have to settle for one material (premium denim) and two colors (Black and Indigo).
The Tobacco Women’s Jeans. The blue dye you see is a side effect of the raw selvedge denim. It transferred to the Kevlar liner after repeated wearing (and sweating), but never transferred to my skin. Notice the absence of Kevlar at the crotch, for just a bit of relief from the non-breathable nature of aramid fabric.
Abrasion protection: 100-percent Kevlar liner
Stitching: liner is double-stitched to denim shell
Armor: NA
Price: $340 (women’s), $360 (men’s)
Size tested: 28
Website: tobaccomotorwear.com
Dainese – Belleville Lady Slim
Dainese Belleville Slim Women’s Jeans. (Shoes: Stylmartin Kansas)
Dainese is perhaps best known for its race wear, but its offerings run the gamut from ADV to scooter apparel. The one defining characteristic is a quintessentially Italian style and fit. Dainese makes several models of riding jeans for both men and women, all of which are European in fit (read: tailored and close-fitting, not loose). I chose the Belleville Lady Slim as the representative sample for our review.
The Belleville is made of a slightly stretchy Kevlar-lined denim, with a slim fit that blends right in with today’s skinny jeans trend. The Kevlar only covers the butt, hips and knees, however, leaving a lot of real estate exposed to potential abrasion. The good news is that the included soft ProShape knee armor is CE-rated to Level 1, and thanks to its innovative design, it’s almost undetectable. Only the external seams for the armor pockets betray these as riding jeans. Reflective strips on the back pockets and the inside of the cuffs add a bit of safety for nighttime riding.
Like many Dainese products, they run small; I advise ordering one size up for comfort’s sake. One thing you can bet on is that you’ll look great in these jeans; they are the winner for off-the-bike looks.
The Dainese Belleville Slim jeans. Dainese backs their aramid liner with gray fabric, which actually increases the abrasion resistance. We just wish there was more of it.
Abrasion protection: Aramid liner
Stitching: Double stitched butt and hip liner, single stitching on knees
Armor: CE Level 1 ProShape knee armor included, hip armor optional
Price: $209.95
Size tested: 29
Website: dainese.com
Bolid’ster – Jean’ster (Men’s)
Bolid’ster Jean’ster Men’s Jeans. (Boots: Joe Rocket Meteor FX)
French company Bolid’ster is a newcomer to the American market, having only just started exporting its product to the States through a distributor. It has two models currently on offer: the Jean’ster and the Ride’ster. We were supplied with a pair of the un-armored Jean’sters for review.
Since it’s not making women’s sizes yet (those, as well as more fabrics and colors, will be available in 2017), Senior Editor Drevenstedt was kind enough to test the Jean’ster and report back with his impressions. The fit is somewhat European, by which we mean a slimmer, straight-cut leg. It’s flattering and comfortable; these jeans got high marks for good looks. The lack of armor, however, is a deal-breaker for Drevenstedt. He would spring for the more expensive, but armored, Ride’ster model.
Bolid’ster uses UHMWPE Armalith 2.0 fiber, which, unlike Kevlar or Covec, can be woven into the denim fabric. The result is a single-layer, unlined product that makes the Jean’ster much cooler than lined jeans, and they fit more like regular jeans.
If the Bolid’ster Jean’ster looks a lot like regular jeans, it’s because there is no separate internal liner and no armor. Opt for the more expensive Ride’ster to get armor pockets. The extra colored stitching at the outside seams is meant to show when the jeans are cuffed; jeans aficionados know it as a mark of quality.
Abrasion Protection: 33-percent UHMWPE (Armalith 2.0)
Stitching: Double stitching throughout
Armor: NA
Price: $349 ($449 for the Ride’ster)
Size tested: 34 x 34
Website: eunique.us
Scorpion – Covert Pro (Men’s)
Scorpion Covert Pro Men’s Jeans. (Boots: Joe Rocket Meteor FX)
Scorpion offers two versions of its Covert men’s riding jeans: standard and Pro. We opted for the Pro (of course!) as it is made with extra-durable Cordura denim.
Since there are no Scorpion women’s riding jeans to be had, Senior Editor Drevenstedt had to step up once again and put the Covert Pros through their paces. The Kevlar lining goes from waist to knees for excellent coverage, meaning that (like all Kevlar-lined jeans), they can get toasty in hot weather. However, a mesh lining sewn over the top of the Kevlar at least helps air circulate and keeps them from sticking to sweaty skin. The included SasTec armor, CE-rated to level 2 at the knees and level 1 at the hips, is comfortable, but Drevenstedt complained that the knee armor didn’t adjust quite high enough. It tended to bang against the bottom of his knees when walking around off the bike.
Fit is comfortable, with a classic, relaxed cut that will look at home both on and off the bike. With a great price, quality SasTec armor and no external seams to give away the fact that these are riding jeans, the Covert Pros are a solid choice.
The Scorpion Covert Pro has a mesh liner on the knees and lower legs, with a reflective strip inside that’s visible when cuffing the jeans over boots.
Abrasion protection: Kevlar liner
Stitching: Double stitching throughout
Armor: CE level 2 SasTec knee armor and CE level 1 SasTec hip armor included
Price: $159.95
Size tested: 34
Website: scorpionusa.com
Worse for Wear – Crosstown Slim
Worse for Wear Crosstown Slim Women’s Jeans. (Shoes: Stylmartin Kansas)
Men’s clothing has always offered at least some level of custom fit; dress shirts offer various neck and sleeve lengths, jeans allow you to choose your waist and inseam measurements, suits are often tailored to fit. Women, however, usually are left to abide by arbitrary and often confusing numeric sizing.
Which is what makes Worse for Wear such an exciting product. Every pair of WfW jeans is made to order, and they are cut and sewn in WfW’s Richmond, Virginia workshop. It currently offers only one cut: Crosstown Curvy (made, as you can guess, for curvy women); however, a straight cut is in the works, and I got a chance to test out a prototype. Sorry guys, this one is just for the ladies.
The high-quality denim is quite stretchy, with ease in the hips for the included SasTec armor. In fact, the hip armor disappears in the clever tailoring. The knee armor is thicker, and can be visible if the jeans fit your legs tightly enough, although there are no external seams. In fact, the smooth, classic dark indigo wash has no fake “whiskering” or embellishments at all. There are no metal rivets to scratch your paint, and the triple-stitched seams are sewn with a bonded nylon thread for strength. The only logo is a small (1-inch) red embroidered W on an upper corner of the right rear pocket.
WfW uses Armalith 2.0 fiber, which is woven into the denim for a cool, lightweight and slim fit. Be honest with your measurements when ordering, and you’ll end up with perfectly-fitting jeans that look good and offer great protection.
The Worse for Wear Crosstown Slim jeans are still in the prototype phase, but they were kind enough to send me a pair for testing. The large knee armor pockets allow for extensive adjustment, an important feature for me and my unusually long thighs (in relation to my shin).
Abrasion protection: 33-percent UHMWPE (Armalith 2.0)
Stitching: Bonded nylon thread, double- and triple-stitched throughout
Armor: CE level 2 SasTec knee armor and CE level 1 SasTec hip armor included
Price: $379 (Price is for Crosstown Curvy jean; Crosstown Slim may be different)
Size tested: Custom fit
Website: worsewear.com
Drayko – Drift Women’s
Drayko Drift Women’s Jeans. (Boots: Alpinestars S-MX5 Stella)
Another U.S.-made (Australian-owned) jeans maker is Drayko. As one of the first riding jeans manufacturers, Drayko claims to be the first casual brand to achieve a CE rating for their jeans. It offers six men’s styles and one for women, which is the style I tested: the Drift.
Drayko bills the Drift as a “mid-rise” jean, but I would classify it as low rise…and quite tight. The denim is pretty stretchy, so they aren’t terribly uncomfortable, but I would recommend ordering a size up if you don’t like a skin-tight fit. Both the men’s and women’s versions of the Drift are boot-cut, and there are visible seams wherever the Kevlar lining is sewn in. The inseam (there is only one available) was not long enough for me, especially in the riding position.
The Kevlar liner has a terrycloth finish to it, making it soft and comfy, but also a bit warmer than the other brands. Coverage is good, and it’s sewn in with double stitching for added strength. The men’s Holeshot jean ($449) is CE approved to level 2, and includes armor.
Be aware: the Drift jeans have a large Drayko “D” logo on each back pocket. I found it a little hokey, but whether or not it’s hokey enough to influence your buying decision is up to you.
The Drayko Drift’s inner liner is comprised of 84% Kevlar and 8% Dyneema, the only brand to utilize both types of fabric/fiber.
Abrasion protection: 84-percent Kevlar, 8-percent Dyneema liner
Stitching: Double stitching throughout
Armor: Pockets for optional knee armor, no pockets for hip armor
Price: $189.95 (men’s and women’s)
Size tested: 4
Website: drayko.com
Bilt – Women’s Iron Worker Iron Jeans
Bilt Iron Workers Iron Women’s Jeans. (Boots: Alpinestars S-MX5 Stella)
Cycle Gear house brand Bilt has a casual line of jeans and shirts, but if protective jeans are what you’re after, you’ll want to look for the Iron Workers Steel (men’s) or Iron (women’s) Jeans.
The Iron Workers were the only jeans we tested with a back zipper for attaching to a jacket—great for ATGATT, but sort of contrary to the point of wearing riding jeans (which is to look like you aren’t wearing riding jeans). They also have a lot of visible stitching where the Kevlar panels are sewn in.
The good news is they are comfortable; the denim is soft, and a tall rear rise won’t gap when you’re on the bike. The included CE level 1 knee armor is not adjustable, so I had to remove it (it sat far too high on my long legs), and the one available inseam length wasn’t long enough for me. Since these are boot-cut jeans, I couldn’t hide the length issue by tucking them into my boots—a common trick for me. The men’s inseams start at 32 inches, so this will likely be less of an issue for the guys.
The Iron Workers Iron jeans appear to be a good option if you’re on a budget, and you fit the sizing offered.
The Bilt Iron Workers Iron jeans’ knee armor pockets are small and non-adjustable, so if the armor doesn’t sit right where you need it, you’re out of luck.
Abrasion protection: 60-percent Kevlar liner
Stitching: Double stitching throughout
Armor: CE level 1 knee armor included, hip armor optional
Price: $139.99
Size tested: 6 Regular
Website: cyclegear.com
iXS – Cassidy II
iXS Cassidy II Women’s Jeans. (Boots: Alpinestars S-MX5 Stella)
I’m a huge fan of my iXS Finja jacket (read my review of it here), so I was excited to see what this Swiss company had to offer in the way of riding jeans. The Cassidy II (available for both men and women) is reminiscent of high-end designer jeans, with carefully applied distress marks and fading.
The Kevlar lining reaches well past the knees in front, and all the way down the backside of the thighs, equaling the best coverage in the test group. The included CE level 2 knee armor is flat, making it rather uncomfortable, so I pulled it out and replaced it with some curved D30 I had from another pair of pants. Hip armor is not included, but pockets are there if you want to add it.
The fit is classic straight-leg, Levi’s 501-style; it’s not a slim fit jean, and therefore not quite suited to today’s female fashion, but I imagine the men’s version looks fantastic. The straight legs fit well over boots. Because of the quality denim and extensive 100-percent Kevlar lining, the Cassidy II jeans feel very protective, but they’re also a bit warm.
Unlike my Finja jacket, the fit (at least for the women’s cut) is slightly large. I have a 29-inch waist and the size D28/34 fit me perfectly. When looking at the size chart, consider ordering a size down from what you normally might.
The iXS Cassidy II has large knee pockets with plenty of adjustment space. The stiff 100-percent Kevlar liner has excellent coverage, and the denim is thick and of high quality.
Abrasion protection: 100-percent Kevlar liner
Stitching: Double- and triple-stitched throughout
Armor: CE level 2 knee armor included, hip armor is optional
Price: $439 (men’s and women’s)
Size tested: 28 x 34
Website: ixsusa.com
Klim – K Fifty 1
Klim K Fifty 1 Men’s Jeans. (Boots: Joe Rocket Meteor FX)
Klim got its start making bulky snowmobile gear, and then sidestepped into the world of adventure riders, who as a whole tend to be the larger, taller, able to throw a 550-pound motorcycle through a two-track dirt trail type of guy. In fact, for most of Klim’s existence, women’s gear wasn’t even an option. And so with that in mind, we tested the K Fifty 1 men’s riding jeans.
The K Fifty 1s are made of robust Cordura-enhanced denim, and are well lined with Kevlar. A mesh liner adds breathability, and CE-approved D30 hip and knee armor is included. The jeans even include a foam tailbone pad.
The denim is soft and comfortable, and the lack of external stitching and subdued overall styling give the K Fifty 1s high marks for good looks. The fit is extremely relaxed, which could lead to the D30 armor not staying in place in a fall.
Remember when we said that Klim’s gear has always been made for bigger guys? The K Fifty 1s run large…very large. We recommend ordering at least one, if not two sizes smaller than what you normally would.
The K Fifty 1 jeans have a full-length mesh liner that includes pockets for the included D30 armor. A very relaxed fit gives the armor plenty of room to shift around.
Abrasion protection: 50-percent Kevlar liner
Stitching: Single- and double-stitched
Armor: CE level 2 D30 knee armor and CE level 1 D30 hip armor included
Price: $289.99
Size tested: 34
Website: klim.com
AGV Sport – Aura
AGV Sport Aura Women’s Jeans. (Shoes: Stylmartin Kansas)
Looking at price alone, you may be tempted to dismiss the AGV Sport Aura women’s jeans. There’s no way good riding jeans could be so inexpensive…right? Wrong. I’m not sure how, but AGV Sport has managed to make riding jeans that look decent, are comfortable and have good protection for not a lot of money.
The Aura’s Kevlar lining extends past the knees on the front, and curves from the crotch across the backs of the thighs to the knee area on the side. A mesh liner holds pockets for the optional knee armor (hip armor pockets are sadly absent) and is surprisingly comfortable.
The 13.5-ounce cotton denim is slightly stretchy and is a perfect slim (not skinny) fit, which is great as it allows enough room for the knee armor without looking bulky. The Kevlar lining is sewn in with black thread, which disappears nicely against the dark indigo wash. The high waist (it sits just below your belly button) covers you front and back, with just enough stretch to stay comfortable in the riding position. In fact, these jeans are my winner for comfort.
They do run a little large, so I would recommend ordering a size smaller than you normally might.
The AGV Sport Aura jeans have become my daily go-to option, thanks to their blend of protection, comfort and good looks.
Abrasion protection: 80-percent Kevlar liner
Stitching: Double stitching throughout
Armor: Knee armor is optional, no pockets for hip armor
Price: $109
Size tested: 4 Long
Website: motonation.com
AGV Sport – Alloy (Men’s)
AGV Alloy Men’s Jeans. (Boots: Joe Rocket Meteor FX)
The AGV Sport ladies’ Aura jeans earned rave reviews, so we were anxious to try the men’s version: the Alloy. We were not disappointed.
Like the Aura, the Alloy’s Kevlar lining extends past the knees, with a mesh cover that holds the CE level 1 knee armor (which is included). Hip armor is optional. The denim is fashionably faded, with a flattering straight cut leg that is neither slim nor relaxed. Perhaps because the stitching would be harder to hide on its lighter wash, the Alloy doesn’t have the external seams found on the Aura, which makes them look a lot like a regular pair of fashionable men’s jeans.
Just to be really confusing, however, the Alloy seems to run small (as compared to the Aura’s tendency to run large), so ordering a size up might be prudent. All in all, though, we’re impressed by AGV Sport’s offerings, especially when considering the reasonable price.
The AGV Sport Alloy has a mesh liner both front and back (which has a tendency to catch on your heel when removing the jeans), and a fashionably faded wash.
Abrasion protection: 100-percent Kevlar liner
Stitching: Double stitching throughout
Armor: CE level 1 knee armor included, hip armor is optional
Price: $129
Size tested: 34 x 34
Website: motonation.com
Bull-It – SR6
Bull-It SR6 Women’s Jeans. (Boots: Alpinestars S-MX5 Stella)
British riding jeans specialist Bull-It prides itself as a leader in the jeans segment. It was the first to earn CE level 2 abrasion certification for riding jeans, and it even uses its own proprietary protective fabric, Covec (you can read more about Covec in the Riding Jeans For Dummies segment).
With such exciting technology, I was looking forward to trying out the ladies’ SR6 riding jeans, which are CE level 1 certified for abrasion resistance. This means they will provide protection for 6 seconds—that’s a long time to be sliding along the ground. The SR6 does not disappoint, with its thick, stretchy denim, water-resistant treatment, Covec liner covering the butt, hips, thighs and below the knees, fashionable vintage faded-indigo wash and mild boot cut that easily fit over my Sidi Deep Rain ADV boots. The optional CE-approved knee and hip armor fits into a mesh liner that is also supposed to help keep you cool.
Unfortunately, I found the SR6s to be very bulky. They bunched up around my waist and the mesh liner folded and wrinkled against my skin, making it feel like I was wearing baggy shorts under a pair of pants. While they did feel like they’d protect me in the event of a crash, the SR6s just weren’t all that comfortable.
Apart from the bulkiness, the fit was true to size, and with the high-tech protection on offer, the SR6s will remain in my gear closet for chilly or damp rides.
The Bull-It SR6 is very protective and water resistant…but also bulky and uncomfortable, especially in warm weather.
Abrasion protection: 100% Covec liner
Stitching: Double- and triple-stitched throughout
Armor: CE-approved knee and hip armor is optional
Price: $179.95
Size tested: 6 Long
Website: bull-it.com