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OF 2024Here at RevZilla, we pride ourselves on getting you geared up for whatever comes next. It’s not an easy ask, as the best motorcycle jackets — plus the brands building them — are laser-focused on the latest and greatest in ever-changing design features. It leaves us with a lot to try on and test out, but our massive video library of hands-on reviews is a testament to our dedication to finding you the best bit of kit. When investigating the all-around apparel options out there, we’ve factored for style, safety, versatility, value and a few more points we’ll get into below. Hence, the staff picks you’ll discover here are our hard-fought nominations for 2024’s best men’s and women’s motorcycle jackets.
There are an enormous range of products to pick from when it comes to jackets, but these two will have you prepared for varying temperatures, keep you protected in a spill, and still don’t break the budget.
We love it when a manufacturer takes the time to consider fitment and comfort for women. The Women’s version of the Alta 2 maintains all of the great features of the Alta 2 jacket with a cut designed to be comfortable for a variety of women’s body-types and in a variety of riding positions.
The Klim Latitude checks off all the boxes for us when it comes to top-of-the-line motorcycle jackets. Designed for all-weather performance, the Latitude features a Gore-Tex shell bolstered by panels of goat-skin leather and 600D cordura, meaning you get a breathable, water resistant jacket that still maintains the durability and abrasion resistance riders need to stay safe. Premium zipper hardware, loads of adjustability, and a plethora of pockets throughout the jacket makes it comfortable and practical, even for extended stretches in the saddle.
If you're looking for more warm weather jacket options, check out our Best of Mesh Jackets guide.
Things to Consider
Do I really need a motorcycle jacket?
The short answer is, of course, “yes” — but styles will vary. The hand-picked pieces of apparel we’ve shone a spotlight on above are capable of covering many types of motorcycling and the riders who pilot those machines, from strictly street to dual sports and the ADV’ers in-between. Admittedly, not every biker is going to see a product on this page that fits their definition of the best motorcycle jacket; pop over to our recent guides for more top picks broken out by specific riding disciplines. If you’re specifically searching for the best leather motorcycle jacket to classically complement your V-Twin, head there.
What (and who) makes the best motorcycle jacket?
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but the hallmarks of quality construction from leading brands isn’t up for debate. There’s a lot to look for when picking out the best men’s or women’s motorcycle jacket, according to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation. Consumers should consider material, design, construction techniques, armor and fit as well as water and wind-proofing features. Some of the brands brought up during our decision process, also known for top-grade products, include Bilt, Dainese, Icon, Klim, REV’IT!, Street & Steel and others nominated above.
‘Weather’ or not
If you’ve overheated at a traffic light in the summer or froze to the bone going down the highway, you know the importance of adaptability. It’s certainly possible to buy an exclusively hot weather or winter motorcycle jacket, but the design features of our staff picks here negate that need. With removable waterproof liners that can be worn on the outside plus thermal liners and mesh layers that can be added or removed, you’re ready for whatever the open road throws at you during all four seasons. We’d also recommend checking out the array of layers from AXIAL, which can also help with adaptability.
Still undecided?
There’s plenty to pick from in 2024 and we know a plethora of options can prove overwhelming. If you’re ready to buy, but not sure which is the best motorcycle jacket for you, give our Gear Geeks a shout! Chat online, shoot an email call us directly at 877-792-9455 — whatever works for you is fine by us. It’s our job to serve the riding community and the rest of our "Best Of" articles will help you out in a variety of categories. It also makes RevZilla the only place to score your next bit of riding gear or performance part.
Frequently Asked Questions
We won’t dissuade anyone from buying a motorcycle jacket with an integrated airbag system, but the price can turn some shoppers off. In lieu of that, the safest armored motorcycle jackets we’ve picked out above will still help you avoid serious bends, bruises and road rash. “Effective” can also mean deflecting highway-speed winds while keeping cool (or warm) in different seasons. Only the best motorcycle jackets are going to contain features that allow you to rapidly adapt to changing situations.
There is no right answer here, as every rider has different wants. You need a style and cut that suits you personally alongside top-shelf features that prove manufacturers know how to help motorcyclists. That can include, but isn’t limited to, CE-level armor, Velcro brand fasteners, YKK zippers, hook and loop closures, jacket-to-pants connectors and more. Ask yourself: Does this product feel like it’s built to last? Will it keep you safe and seen while on the road or trail? Does it aid in convenience thanks to numerous pockets and storage spots? You’re on the right path if the product you’re considering checks those boxes.
Over at Common Tread, we’ve previously explained how to measure for a motorcycle jacket. In short, figuring out how a motorcycle jacket should fit will require various torso and arm lengths and circumferences, then seeing how they align within a manufacturer’s sizing. The steps are all the same for bigger guys, other gals and everyone in-between: “Try sitting on your motorcycle in your usual position. Move around a bit to make sure the jacket is moving with you. It shouldn’t impede your ability to turn, lean, or reach the hand grips. The jacket should be snug. Too loose, and the jacket’s protective features may not stay in place if you take a tumble. Make sure that the armor actually sits over your elbows and shoulders. If not, see if it can be adjusted. A motorcycle jacket can only do its job if it can stay in place to protect you.”
This one comes down to material. For leather, we’ve previously taken a deep dive into the subject and suggested something as common as Febreze or a de-salter for the inside. On the exterior, dedicated leather cleaners followed up baby wipes to hit any dirty spots should do the trick. For the rest of the materials out there in moto world, the jacket tags should give you plenty of guidance on best practices when it comes to washing mashies, dryers, irons, bleach, adding water-repellers and more.
