The abrasion resistance and construction strength for any garments is highlighted by the CE rating that they will have been awarded and riding jeans are no different. For all motorcycle clothing, a CE label should be present and will indicate a rating based on letters; B, A, AA or AAA, in increasing levels of protection. The best motorcycle jeans will have a AAA rating. I wear jeans when I ride on the road unless I’m absolutely sure I’m getting rained on, so these relatively robust items fit the bill perfectly. That’s because they’re heavy-duty enough to wear in lower temperatures - down to around 12 degrees centigrade - without feeling cold. In fitment terms they’re great too, almost exactly mirroring the Levi’s I wear when I’m not riding in both length and waist sizing. Padded areas are often the removable type allowing for changing and cleaning. Breathable material provides greater comfort and hygiene after long hot rides. Single layer jeans (left) can be lighter and more form-fitting than lined jeans (right). Granted, I’m not the most stylish model. The knee armour is more prominent in this pair of single-layer jeans, but thinner armour is available such as D3O’s Ghost. People know Aerostich for its world-famous Roadcrafter coverall suit. But did you know Aerostich makes jeans, too? These are the Protekt jeans, and while the name might be spelled a little weird, the overall fit, finish, and quality are top notch. We even wrote a review of the Protekt jeans. But if you want the elevator pitch for them here it is, straight from Aerostich:

In England, these motorways and major A-roads are looked after by National Highways, who told me that while they generally use what’s called a thin surface course system (asphalt) that by its nature provides a smoother finish for road users, this government agency only looks after about 2-3% of the country’s roads.

Are regular jeans OK for motorcycle riding?

In jeans, to achieve an AA or AAA rating, armour must be fitted at the knees AND the hips, but as to which is best… well, in all claims of safety, testing should be the final arbiter, so Level 2 offers the best protection. Some brands of armour achieve that with thinner materials than others, but it’ll come down to what feels comfortable to you, and what looks good. How many times have you ridden down your favourite road to find it covered in loose chippings? That’s recently-applied surface dressing. MotoCAP’s testing takes into account the abrasion resistance of the entire garment. The details of the construction of these lined jeans has not been verified, but they could be part-lined with only localised areas of a protective fabric. Designed and meticulously crafted in Italy, PMJ are renowned for their commitment to style and quality, which is clearly evident in these exceptional jeans. The vintage-inspired blue wash denim exudes a timeless appeal, accentuated by classic stitching and belt loops, with a casual fit. As an added touch of luxury, these jeans even come with an Italian leather belt. What matters more than anything is that the armour is in the right place when you’re on the bike, and that it doesn’t move around.

The Paranoid Motorcycle Jean is a sturdy and reliable pair of motorcycle jeans that are specifically designed to meet the needs of motorcycle riders looking for heavyweight protection. They are made with a layer of aramid that is fully lined and coated with a shower-resistant material to provide maximum protection against abrasion and moisture. These jeans are suitable for use all year round, but they are particularly well-suited to autumn, winter, and cold spring mornings. They are ideal for use in cooler climates, such as Northern Europe and Scandinavia, as well as mountainous regions in the USA and Canada where temperatures can be quite low. These single-layer jeans feature a mesh lining for enhanced airflow, making them perfect for warmer rides. Constructed from stretchy cotton elastane, the Ellie jeans offer flexibility, while accordion stretch panels at the yolk and thighs further enhance mobility. The perforated interior lining ensures breathability, keeping you comfortable on your journey. After that, try some on. Lined jeans will be warmer than single-layer jeans, but there can be big differences; Draggin’s most abrasion-resistant jeans use a flannel-style aramid lining, which is bulkier and hotter than a standard knit. If you ride in very hot climates, that’s worth knowing. If you’re interested in the potential weight differences, as an example and with armour fitted a pair of AAA-rated Roadskin Taranis single-layer jeans weigh 1,360g, while a pair of AAA-rated Hood K7/AAA fully-lined jeans weigh 1,880g.

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Councils throughout England increasingly use surface dressing because (and this is in the words of the councils): If your jeans contain stretch panels, you’ve found one of the best Kevlar jeans for motorcycle riding, and you shouldn’t pass them up.

It is important to note that these jeans should not be confused with the 2021 Oxford AAA-rated Original Approved jeans, which were recalled and re-labelled as AA-rated following extended independent testing.] You may rest easy knowing that as long as you keep the armor on, you’ll be protected until you attain your goal. Of course, you’re still wearing armor, and as you walk, you’ll be able to see it on your legs. Armalith is the name given to the substance features in Rokker’s Rokkertechs. Armalith is highly durable; a video of a Hummer being pulled up by a pair of Armalith trousers can be found on the internet. I’m not sure if it’s necessary or how that would compare to other types of jeans. However, it was surprising. Roadskin Taranis Elite | The single-layer Roadskin Taranis Elite jeans are perfect proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get AAA-rated single layer jeans. Comfortable, well made and holding the armour in place very well, we appreciate the Level 2 armour that comes as standard, but would love to see the option of D3O Ghost armour for an even slimmer style (you can fit it yourself if you want.)Cordura Kevlar and Aramid fibers are good for boosting the jeans’ looks, durability, and protection. This is a great feature to look for in your jeans if it is on a significant portion of the structure. It has earned our endorsement as the most fabulous pair of biker jeans available. Below is an ‘inside-out’ view of what lies inside a well-protected pair of motorcycle jeans. Here we can see just how valuable they would be in the event of a slide along a road surface: Don’t confuse a comfort liner with an abrasion-resistant liner – these are typically a light mesh that helps keep the jeans a little cooler in summer and warmer in winter, but can also reduce the chances of a potentially painful ‘skin-sheer’ injury. This wouldn’t tend to be debilitating, but internal delamination of the flesh can take up to three weeks to heal, and it can – in some cases – lead to complications.