Choosing the right motorcycle jacket is one of the most important steps you can take for your safety on the road.

Maybe you’ve spent hours looking for that one "perfect" jacket that does everything, but you’ve often been asked to sacrifice something: usually protection for comfort (or the opposite).

The trilemma is comfort, protection, and style. While there are great jackets out there, we at Bohn think the industry’s overall approach – one jacket to do every job – is fundamentally flawed. 

So this article will do two things for you:

1. Show you some of the top motorcycle jackets on the market

2. Give you our take – after over 25 years keeping riders protected – on how to layer up for maximum protection, comfort, and style. 

Bohn Body Armor jacket – one piece of a modular system that keeps you comfortable, protected, and looking good. 

What the Motorcycle Jacket Market Offers

Before we get into our take on motorcycle jackets and the modular approach we believe will maximize comfort, safety and style for your ride, let’s look at some of the best brands and offers in the motorcycle jacket world. 

Alpinestars

Alpinestars dominates the motorcycle jacket market with options spanning from budget-friendly textile jackets around $200 to premium leather racing suits over $1,500. Their T-GP Plus R V4 and GP Plus R V4 leather jackets are top sellers among sport riders because of their race-inspired styling, strong and thick leather, and great impact protection. 

Alpinestars shines when it comes to sport riding and track racing where you want form-fit, heavy-duty gear. However, you pay for it. These are definitely on the more expensive side for motorcycle jackets, and they really fit a specific type of riding – sport bikes – where you’re in a tucked position. 

Also, just by the nature of the leather materials that they're usually constructed with, Alpinestars jackets tend to be hot even when they use perforated leather or complex venting systems.

Alpinestars jackets are renowned for their quality, and this brand has always had a very solid reputation with motorcyclists. If you're doing track or sport bike riding, they're probably the right choice for you. 

However, if you're not riding a crotch-rocket where the cut of a sport jacket makes sense, or you don’t need the thickness of a heavy race-inspired jacket, you may want to look elsewhere. 

Dainese

Dainese brings Italian design and engineering to the motorcycle jacket market, with products like the Super Speed 3 and Racing 4 leather jackets that feature premium materials and D-Air airbag technology in some models. 

Their jackets are known for exceptional build quality, ergonomic pre-curved sleeves, and armor that meets the highest CE standards. 

Like Alpinestars, their marquee jackets are built around sport bike riders, usually with a tight European fit that favors tall, slim riders. They make heavy use of leather - great for slide resistance, not for hot weather. 

And of course, with quality comes price. You're going to pay a lot for high-end Dainese jackets.

Dainese represents top-tier craftsmanship in traditional jacket design. Again these are a great fit for sportbike and track riders who want the peak of protection and use them on bikes with a tucked riding position. 

These often sacrifice comfort (and style, depending on yours) on the altar of protection. 

Sedici

Sedici is the in-house brand for the motorcycle gear retailer RevZilla. While it sounds Italian (sedici means "sixteen" in Italian) the brand is actually American-designed and managed. 

It was created to offer a mid-tier alternative to entry-level "budget" gear, providing a cleaner, European-inspired aesthetic with more advanced protection features at a competitive price point.

Sedici shines for the value-conscious rider who wants modern safety certifications without the $800 price tag. They are particularly known for including CE-rated armor as a standard across almost their entire line. Popular models like the Federico 2 mesh jacket or the Marco 2 waterproof textile jacket are staples for commuters because they offer decent ventilation and weatherproofing for under $300.

However, Sedici is not without its drawbacks. Because they are built to a price point, the long-term durability often lags behind premium brands. Common complaints include zipper snagging and inconsistent stitching after a season or two of heavy use. 

Additionally, their sizing can be tricky – many riders find the sleeves run short and the shoulders tight, which often forces people to "size up," leading to the classic problem of armor shifting away from the joints during a slide.

Sedici is a great option for budget-conscious commuters or new riders who want a clean look. However, if you're looking for gear that will last a decade or survive high-speed track abuse, Sedici may feel a bit "disposable."

You’re often trading away a bit of comfort, protection, and style for the low price tag – though these are still great value pieces. 

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson has been producing riding gear since the early 1900s, and their jackets are as much a part of the brand’s identity as the motorcycles themselves. Known for their ruggedness and "American Biker" aesthetic, Harley jackets—particularly their leather models like the iconic Bar & Shield or Road King series—are built from heavy, thick-cut cowhide that offers excellent abrasion resistance.

The strength of Harley gear lies in its craftsmanship and longevity. These jackets are designed to be "lifelong" pieces of clothing that look better as they age and break in. They also hold their resale value better than almost any other brand. For the cruiser or touring rider who wants a classic silhouette that looks just as good at a restaurant as it does on the highway, Harley is the gold standard.

The major disadvantage is the "Harley Tax." You are paying a premium for the logo, often receiving fewer technical features than you would from a specialized gear company. 

Many Harley jackets, surprisingly, do not include armor in the purchase price; they provide the pockets, but the CE-rated inserts must be bought separately. Furthermore, their classic leather designs are notoriously heavy and poorly ventilated, making them a recipe for heat exhaustion in humid climates or stop-and-go traffic.

Harley is unbeatable for style and heritage, and their heavy build often offers great abrasion resistance. But for riders who prioritize impact protection and need airflow to stay comfortable in sweltering heat, they can feel heavy and overpriced. 

Klim

Based in Rigby, Idaho, Klim (pronounced "climb") is the undisputed leader in technical, high-end adventure and off-road gear. Originally a snowmobile apparel company, they transitioned into motorcycles by focusing on the rider who is out in the rain, mud, and dust for weeks at a time. Their jackets are built around extreme durability and permanent waterproofing.

Klim’s product lines, such as the flagship Badlands Pro or the Carlsbad, are engineering marvels. They use laminated Gore-Tex, meaning the waterproof membrane is bonded to the outer shell so the jacket doesn't "wet out" and get heavy in a downpour. 

They also include top-tier D3O armor as standard. If you are a world-traveler or a dual-sport rider who needs gear that can survive a crash in the middle of a desert and keep you dry in a hurricane, Klim is the best in the business.

The downside to Klim is the price, the "bulk", and the cut (which we’ll get to later). Their jackets are among the most expensive on the market, often starting at $700 and climbing well past $1,200. 

They also have a very "technical" look that doesn't fit in at a casual office or a social event. For a city commuter or a casual weekend rider, a Klim jacket is often "over-engineering" at its most expensive.

While Klim is the ultimate choice for serious adventure and all-weather touring. However, the high cost, stiff material, and "Power Ranger" aesthetic make them overkill and uncomfortable for the average casual rider.

Rev'It

Rev'it is a Dutch brand founded in 1995 with a single goal: to blend high-fashion European tailoring with hardcore technical performance. They are often seen as the "modern" alternative to brands like Dainese, focusing on clean lines, sophisticated materials, and what they call "Engineered Skin" construction.

Rev'it excels at versatility and layering. Their Sand series is one of the top-rated adventure touring kits in the world, featuring modular liners for rain and cold. Meanwhile, their Ignition series – a hybrid of leather and mesh – is widely considered one of the best multi-season jackets ever made. They use high-end materials designed to be thin and flexible while maintaining high CE safety ratings.

The main struggle for American riders is the Rev'it "Euro-Fit." Their jackets are cut very slim and tall; if you have a broader chest or a more athletic build, you will likely find them restrictive in the midsection and shoulders. 

This often leads to the "sizing up" trap, which – as we'll talk about later – compromises the safety of the armor placement. Additionally, Rev'it is a premium brand, with most of their technical gear sitting in the $400–$900 range, making it a significant investment.

Rev’It is a top-tier choice for adventure travelers and style-conscious urban riders who prefer a slim, tailored look. If you can fit into their European sizing, the build quality and material tech are among the best in the world. 

Joe Rocket

Joe Rocket is a staple of the American motorcycle scene, rising to prominence in the late 1990s by sponsoring top-tier racers and offering gear that actually fit the North American rider. Unlike the tight, race-spec cuts of European brands, Joe Rocket built its reputation on accommodative sizing and high-airflow jackets.

They helped pioneer mesh jackets with their Phoenix and Atomic lines, which flow massive amounts of ventilation for riders in hot, humid climates. If you are looking for a jacket that keeps you cool for under $250, Joe Rocket is usually the first stop. They are also highly inclusive, offering sizing all the way up to 6XL, making them one of the few brands that cater to larger-framed riders.

However, Joe Rocket is firmly a budget-to-mid-tier brand, and the trade-offs are evident in the protection. Most of their entry-level jackets come with basic foam padding rather than high-density CE-rated armor. 

However, that’s solvable, as we’ll get in to later with Bohn’s underlayers. 

Joe Rocket is your go-to for hot-weather commuting and riders who need "Big and Tall" sizing. It's a solid entry-level choice, but you’ll likely want to layer it with Bohn (more on that below) for impact safety.

Icon

Founded in 2002 in Portland, Oregon, Icon Motorsports didn't set out to make racing suits – they set out to make "street" gear. They were among the first to acknowledge that most riders spend their time on city streets and highways, not the track. Their branding is aggressive, bold, and heavily influenced by stunt and urban riding culture.

Their Overlord and Contra lines are incredibly popular for their "Attack Fit" – a pre-curved design that feels comfortable on sportbikes without being as restrictive as a full race leather jacket.

The downside to Icon is that while their relaxed fit is comfortable for moving around, it creates a significant armor-shift risk. Because the jackets are cut loosely to allow for hoodies or casual wear underneath, the elbow pads have a tendency to rotate away from the joint in a crash, leaving you unprotected when it matters most.

But that is a solvable problem, as we’ll get into below. 

Icon is perfect for the urban rider who wants an aggressive look at a decent price. Just be aware that the loose "street" cut means your armor might not be where you need it during a crash.

Roland Sands Design

Roland Sands Design (RSD) focuses on style-first motorcycle jackets that look good off the bike, with products like the Clash and Ronin leather jackets that blend motorcycle protection with fashionable urban styling. RSD jackets appeal to riders who want to wear their gear to work or social events without looking like they just stepped off a sport bike.

With RSD prioritizing aesthetics, their jackets don’t have the same form-fitting shape as a sport jacket. That means the included armor – although it’s often high quality – may move away from your joints in a crash. A solvable problem, as we’ll get into below.

RSD makes beautiful jackets for style-conscious urban riders. But if crash protection is your priority, the fashion-first approach means compromises in armor coverage and retention.

The Bohn Modular Solution

The biggest flaw in the "one jacket to rule them all" approach that all these manufacturers take is that the jackets are forced to compromise. 

If a jacket is thick enough to protect you in a slide, it’s often too hot. 

If it’s loose enough to be comfortable, the armor shifts out of place.

The Bohn Modular Solution flips the script. Instead of asking one garment to do two very different jobs, we separate them:

Impact Protection as the Base Layer with Bohn

The Bohn Armored Shirt and Pants are worn directly against your body (or over a light fabric or t-shirt). 

Because the fabric is a lightweight, stretchy and form-fitting Lycra™ or mesh, it holds your CE-Level 2 SAS-TEC armor exactly where it needs to be: on your shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees. All without adding any extra heat or bulk.

• Zero Armor Shift: Unlike the loose cuts of most traditional jackets, Bohn keeps your protection locked onto your joints. If you hit the ground, the armor stays between you and the pavement.

• Zero Bulk & Heat: Our shirts are designed to be "invisible." They are so thin and breathable that they don't add noticeable bulk under your clothes and allow maximum airflow to keep you cool in 90°F+ heat.

Abrasion Protection & Style as the Outer Layer

With your impact protection secured by Bohn, your outer layer is free to do what it does best: provide slide protection and look great.

Because you aren't relying on your outer jacket to hold bulky armor, you can pair your Bohn gear with:

• A classic Harley-Davidson leather for that timeless cruiser look.

• A lightweight Rev'it mesh shell for maximum summer airflow.

• A Kevlar-lined flannel or jacket from Bohn for a casual, urban aesthetic.

By moving your armor out of the "outer shell" and onto your body, you no longer have to choose between being safe, being comfortable, or looking like a "Power Ranger."

Trilemma? Solved. 

Let your outer jacket focus on abrasion resistance – your Bohn layer will handle the impact protection. 

Top Recommendations for New Bohn Riders

Since we sell a unique type of motorcycle gear, we get a lot of questions from riders about which products from Bohn are right for them and their riding style

Here are our most popular pieces and who they’re best for: 

All-Season Airtex Armored Shirt

This is our most versatile piece for riders who want serious impact protection they can layer under any traditional motorcycle jacket. 

Made of lightweight Lycra and mesh, it features CE-Level 2 SAS-TEC armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back. Because it fits close to your body, the armor won't rotate if you hit the ground, and it is thin enough to hide under your favorite jacket.

Get the Airtex™ Shirt with Lycra™

Want chest armor too? Grab the Airtex Adventure shirt with integrated single or two-piece chest armor. 

Cool Air Mesh Armored Shirt

If you ride in 90℉ weather or higher, you know how miserable a heavy jacket can be. This shirt is made almost entirely of a highly breathable mesh that lets the wind flow right through to your skin. It still provides the same high-quality CE-Level 2 SAS-TEC armor coverage for your upper body as the Airtex, but with an even lighter weight and more airflow. 

It is the perfect choice for riders who usually ride in just a t-shirt because it is just too hot for a jacket, adding meaningful protection without the sweat.

Get the Cool-Air Mesh Shirt

Kevlar Motorcycle Jacket

Crafted with a soft-shell polyester/spandex exterior and fully lined with DuPont™ Kevlar®, this jacket delivers outstanding abrasion resistance while remaining flexible and comfortable on the bike. Layer with a Bohn shirt like the Airtex or Cool-Air for the ultimate in abrasion resistance and impact protection. 

Get the Kevlar Motorcycle Jacket

Bohn Original Armored Pants

If you’re upgrading your jacket to ensure your upper body is protected, don't make the mistake of leaving your legs to chance. Statistics show that in most motorcycle accidents, the knees and hips are among the first parts of the body to strike the pavement.

While many riders invest in a high-quality jacket, they often ride in standard denim jeans. Regular jeans – even "heavy" ones – provide zero impact protection. 

Get the Original Armored Pants

FAQs

What is the best material for a motorcycle jacket in 2026?

Traditional motorcycle jackets come in a variety of high-tech textiles (Kevlar, Cordura, Dyneema, etc) and classic leather. A strong cowhide leather (1.0mm+) with double or triple-stitched seams is the classic “best” material, but newer textiles are beginning to compete with high “denier” (a measure of abrasion resistance). 

However, the best material is not a single one, since we want both impact and abrasion resistance for the best protection. That means the best setup is a modular system. We recommend a Bohn Armored Shirt with SAS-TEC armor as your base layer for impact protection, paired with an abrasion-resistant outer layer like a heavy leather or a specialized mesh jacket.

Will Bohn armor fit under a slim-fit jacket?

Yes, our armor is designed to be discreet and lightweight. Because the SAS-TEC is flexible and the Lycra™ fabric is thin, it fits comfortably under most standard-sized jackets without making you look or feel bulky.

How do I know what size to order?

We offer a very wide range of sizes from 3XS to 5XL. We fit riders from 4'9" to 6'10". The best way to find your fit is to check our size chart using your height and weight, or reach out to us at our Mooresville, NC office for help.

Is CE-Level 2 armor heavy?

While Level 2 armor is slightly thicker than Level 1, our SAS-TEC material is very lightweight. Most riders tell us they forget they are even wearing it after the first few miles of their ride.

Can I wear the Bohn Armored Shirt by itself?

The shirt is designed to hold the armor in place and provide impact protection. For high-speed riding, we always suggest wearing an abrasion-resistant outer layer over it to help prevent road rash in a long slide.

How long does the armor last?

Our SAS-TEC armor has a lifespan of up to 10 years. It is a very durable material that does not degrade as quickly as some of the cheaper foams found in budget jackets.

What is the difference between the Airtex and Cool Air shirts?

The Airtex shirt is a great all-season choice that works well in most temperatures. The Cool Air shirt uses a wider mesh fabric specifically designed for maximum ventilation in very hot and humid weather.

Is Bohn Body Armor designed in the USA?

Yes, we are a family-owned business and all of our gear is designed in the USA at our headquarters in North Carolina and sewn in the USA. We have been helping protect riders since 1997.