Guides

The Material Decision Is the Most Important One You'll Make

Before you choose a color, a cut, or a brand — you need to choose a material. The outer shell of your motorcycle suit determines its abrasion resistance, weight, breathability, weather performance, and how it will feel after a full day on track or road. Get this decision right and everything else follows.

Here's a direct comparison of the three main options: kangaroo leather, cowhide leather, and textile.

Kangaroo Leather

What Makes It Different

Kangaroo leather has a unique fiber structure — the collagen fibers run in a single, parallel direction rather than the multi-directional weave found in bovine hides. This makes it exceptionally strong relative to its thickness. A kangaroo leather panel can be significantly thinner than a cowhide panel of equivalent tensile strength.

Performance Profile

• Abrasion resistance: Exceptional — among the highest of any natural leather
• Weight: Lightest of the leather options
• Thickness: Thinner panels for equivalent protection
• Breathability: Good — fine grain allows some airflow
• Break-in period: Shorter than cowhide; conforms to the body faster
• Price: Premium — the most expensive option

Best For

Serious track riders, club racers, and anyone who wants the lightest, most form-fitting suit available. If you're spending full days on circuit and want gear that moves with you rather than against you, kangaroo is the benchmark.

Read our deep-dive: Kangaroo Leather vs Cowhide Leather and Is Kangaroo Leather Worth It?

Cowhide Leather

What Makes It Different

Cowhide is the most widely used leather in motorcycle gear for good reason — it's durable, widely available, and offers excellent protection at a more accessible price point. The multi-directional fiber structure makes it robust and forgiving, though it requires more material thickness to match kangaroo's strength.

Performance Profile

• Abrasion resistance: Very good — proven track record across decades of racing
• Weight: Heavier than kangaroo; lighter than most textiles
• Thickness: Thicker panels required for equivalent protection
• Breathability: Moderate — less breathable than kangaroo or perforated textile
• Break-in period: Longer — cowhide takes more time to conform to your body
• Price: Mid-range — significantly more accessible than kangaroo

Best For

Riders who want proven leather protection without the premium price of kangaroo. Cowhide suits are excellent for track days, spirited road riding, and riders who are new to leather gear and want a durable, long-lasting option to grow into.

Textile

What Makes It Different

Textile suits use synthetic fabrics — typically Cordura nylon, polyester, or aramid fiber blends — rather than animal leather. Modern high-end textile suits have closed the gap with leather significantly in terms of abrasion resistance, while offering advantages leather simply can't match: waterproofing, ventilation, and versatility.

Performance Profile

• Abrasion resistance: Good to very good (varies significantly by fabric grade and construction)
• Weight: Variable — can be lighter than leather at equivalent protection levels
• Breathability: Excellent — mesh panels and ventilation zips allow far more airflow than leather
• Weather resistance: Superior — waterproof membranes and thermal liners available
• Versatility: High — suitable for commuting, touring, and track use in a single garment
• Price: Wide range — entry-level to premium options available

Best For

Riders who need one suit to do everything: commuting in variable weather, weekend touring, and occasional track days. Textile is also the preferred choice for adventure riding and long-distance touring where comfort over hours matters as much as crash protection.

Browse our textile motorcycle riding suits for options built for versatility without compromising on protection.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose kangaroo leather if you're a dedicated track rider who wants the lightest, most protective, best-fitting suit available and you're willing to invest in the best.

Choose cowhide leather if you want proven leather protection at a more accessible price, or if you're buying your first leather suit and want something durable to grow into.

Choose textile if you ride in variable weather, need one suit for multiple purposes, or prioritize ventilation and comfort on long rides over outright abrasion performance.

Still deciding? Explore our full range of leather racing suits and textile riding suits — or read our guide on custom vs off-the-rack motorcycle suits to find the right fit for your riding style.