As a rider and the owner of Bohn Body Armor, I’ve spent nearly a decade talking to people who want to be safe but hate the bulk of traditional gear. Whether you’re riding a technical trail on an enduro or cruising to bike night in jeans, bulky riding pants are uncomfortable. That’s why many riders choose armored shorts they deliver “invisible protection” where it matters without feeling like a medieval suit of armor.
Getting your hip and tailbone protection wrong can lead to a very long, painful recovery from even a simple low-speed tip-over. But when you choose the right set of armored shorts, you get the relief of knowing your most vulnerable “corners” are covered by high-quality impact gear while you stay cool and flexible.
Finding the best armored shorts for your specific style of riding is easier than you think once you understand how the right materials work with your body.
Choosing Your Layer of Protection
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Bohn Cool-Air Armored Shorts - Best for high heat and humidity, with wide-mesh for 100% airflow, plus SAS-TEC CE-Level 2 hip armor and added tailbone/thigh protection.
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Bohn All-Season Armored Shorts - Works great in hot weather too (and also mixed weather) thanks to stretchy Lycra™ that feels like athletic wear, is moisture-wicking, and keeps armor positioned; sizes 3XS–5XL (fits roughly 4’9”–6’10”).
Hot-weather pick: wide-mesh, max airflow, CE Level 2 hip armor + tailbone/thigh coverage. All-around pick: stretchy, moisture-wicking, keeps armor in place; broad size range.
The Truth About Armored Shorts
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Shorts can be safer than pants: While that sounds wrong, many off-road riding pants have hip pads that slide around and don't stay on your hip. High-quality armored shorts use a snug, stretchy fit to lock the armor against your body, ensuring it is actually there to help prevent injury when you hit the ground.
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Impact is often more common than a long slide: Most street and trail falls involve a quick "thud" to the hip or tailbone rather than a 100-yard slide. Because of this, the impact protection found in armored shorts is often the most important piece of safety gear you can wear under your casual clothes.
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You don’t need “motorcycle-specific” jeans to stay protected. CE-Level 2 SAS-TEC armored shorts fit comfortably under regular denim or work pants, keeping your hips and tailbone secure in a fall. This allows you to ride confidently while maintaining a normal look at your destination, combining safety with everyday practicality.
Learnings From Rider Use
Many riders expect armored shorts to feel bulky or make their pants tight. Our low-profile SAS-TEC armor is slim and conforms to your body, so most riders don’t need to size up in their jeans. The protection sits close without feeling restrictive once you’re moving.
Another common worry is that mesh will feel scratchy against your skin. We use a soft, fine-knit mesh that feels smooth, and that “invisible protection” effect is realmost riders forget they’re wearing it after the first few miles.
Low-profile armor fits under jeans with soft mesh comfort, stretch fabrics that stay secure and no zipper fly, so nothing presses or digs in while riding.
Finally, the stretch in the Lycra™ and mesh fabrics isn’t just about comfort, it’s what keeps the armor from rotating or shifting during a fall, which is why a snug fit matters. And because the armor is multi-impact compliant with a lifespan of up to 10 years, even if the mesh shows normal wear over time, the armor stays securely in place and doesn’t tear free from the garment.
How Bohn Armored Shorts Are Different
Since 1997, we have been perfecting the "Bodyguard System." We don't just throw some foam into a pair of underwear; we engineer a garment that acts as a second skin.
Anatomic Armor Placement
Our hip armor isn't a tiny circle. We use SAS-TEC armor that is roughly 9 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. It is shaped to wrap around the "corner" of your hip. We also include a 5.25 x 8 inch piece for your tailbone and two 8.5 $\times$ 10 inch pieces for your thighs. This coverage is much larger than what you will find in almost any other brand.
Comfort for All Sizes
Motorcycling shouldn't be limited by your body shape. Because we offer sizes from 3XS to 4XL, including options for Tall, Short, and Big riders, we ensure that the armor sits where it is supposed to. A 6'10" rider needs the armor in a different spot than a 4'9" rider, and our 25+ years of experience has helped us nail that geometry.
SAS-TEC Technology
Every piece of armor we use is SAS-TEC. This is a "smart" material that stays soft and flexible while you are riding, so it doesn't poke or prod you. However, when it takes a hit, it disperses the impact force across the protector to help prevent broken bones. It is the gold standard for anyone who wants high-level protection without the "robocop" look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear these under regular jeans?
Yes! Most riders wear them under their favorite pair of Levi’s or work dungarees. Because the armor is so slim, it is virtually invisible.
Do I need to wear underwear with armored shorts?
That is a personal choice. Most riders find that wearing a light pair of moisture-wicking underwear underneath provides the best comfort for long days in the saddle.
How do I wash them?
It’s easy. You just pull the SAS-TEC armor pieces out of their pockets and toss the fabric garment into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Hang them to dry, and they’ll be ready for your next ride.
Are they good for dirt biking?
They are excellent for Enduro and Motocross. Many off-road riders prefer our shorts because they provide great hip and tailbone protection but don't interfere with their tall motocross boots or external knee braces.
What is the difference between CE-Level 1 and CE-Level 2?
CE-Level 2 armor is tested to handle higher impact forces than Level 1. It is thicker and more protective, which is why we use it for the critical hip areas in our shorts.
Is the tailbone armor uncomfortable when sitting?
No, because we use a thinner, more flexible version of the SAS-TEC material for the tailbone. It is designed to be felt as a soft cushion rather than a hard plate, so you can sit on your bike for hours without any hotspots.
Will the armor degrade over time?
SAS-TEC armor has a very long life. As long as the armor isn't physically torn or shredded, it will provide reliable impact mitigation for up to 10 years.
What if I am between sizes?
Because the fabric is so stretchy, if you are between sizes, we usually recommend going with the smaller size for a snugger fit. A snug fit ensures the armor stays exactly where it needs to be to help prevent injury.
