Leather Motorcycle Jacket Buying Guide: Racing, Cafe Racer and Custom
Quick answers: Choose a leather motorcycle jacket by how you ride. For sport riding and track days, pick an armoured racing jacket. For relaxed road riding and everyday wear, pick a cafe racer or classic biker jacket. If standard sizes never fit you, or you want your own design, order a custom jacket. In every case check the leather, the stitching and the fit.
Key takeaways
- Racing jackets are cut for a sportbike position and carry CE armour. Classic jackets are cut for comfort and style.
- Full-grain cowhide is the leather to look for. Avoid bonded or coated leather.
- Not every leather jacket has armour. Check before you buy.
- A riding jacket should fit closer than a fashion jacket, with sleeves that still cover your wrists when you reach for the bars.
- Made-to-measure solves most fit problems.
The main types of leather motorcycle jacket
Racing jackets
These are the top half of a race suit. They have a short, close cut, pre-curved sleeves, stretch panels and armour at the shoulders, elbows and back. Many zip to matching leather pants. They suit sport and naked bikes, fast road riding and track days. See our armoured motorcycle jackets and MotoGP leather jackets.
Cafe racer and classic biker jackets
Cafe racer jackets have a clean front, a short collar and a straight cut. Classic biker jackets have the asymmetric zip and wide lapels. Both are made for style and everyday comfort, on and off the bike. Ours are cut from cowhide and built as heritage-style jackets, so they do not include armour. Browse men's leather jackets and women's leather jackets.
Custom jackets
A custom jacket is cut to your measurements in the colours and design you choose. It is the answer if you are between sizes, have long arms or a broad chest, or want a jacket that matches your bike. See custom motorcycle jackets.
Which jacket suits your riding?
| You ride | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sportbike, fast road, track days | Armoured racing jacket | Close cut, armour, zips to pants |
| Cruiser, classic or retro bike | Cafe racer or biker jacket | Upright comfort and timeless style |
| Hard-to-fit build or own design | Custom jacket | Made to your measurements |
What to check before you buy
Leather
Full-grain cowhide is tough, ages well and resists abrasion. Thicker leather protects better and takes longer to break in. Be careful with jackets described only as "genuine leather", which can mean split or bonded leather.
Armour
If you want impact protection, look for certified armour at the shoulders, elbows and back, and check the level. CE Level 2 passes on less force than Level 1. Our racing jackets use CE Level 2 armour. Read CE Level 1 vs Level 2 and our back protector guide.
Stitching and zips
Seams fail before leather does. Look for double or triple stitching on the main seams and a strong main zip that runs smoothly.
Fit
Try the riding position, not just standing. The jacket should be snug across the shoulders and chest, the sleeves should reach your wrists with your arms forward, and the back should cover your waistband when you lean. Leather gives a little with wear, so slightly snug is right.
Ventilation and lining
Perforated panels make a big difference in hot weather. A removable lining lets one jacket cover more of the year.
Sizing
Measure your chest, waist, shoulders and arm length over the layers you ride in. Our jackets come in XS to 3XL, and any of them can be made to your own measurements. If you are between sizes, choose made-to-measure over sizing up, because a loose jacket lets the armour move.
Buying checklist
- What will you use it for: track, road or everyday?
- Is the leather full-grain?
- Does it have armour, and at what CE level?
- Does it zip to pants, if you need that?
- Does it fit in the riding position?
- Is there ventilation for your climate?
- Can it be made to your measurements?
Looking after a leather jacket
Wipe off dirt and insects after riding, let the jacket dry at room temperature, and condition the leather a few times a year. Hang it on a wide hanger. See how long motorcycle leathers last.
Frequently asked questions
Do all leather motorcycle jackets have armour?
No. Racing jackets usually do. Many cafe racer and classic jackets do not. Always check the product details.
Is cowhide a good leather for a motorcycle jacket?
Yes. Full-grain cowhide is the most widely used leather for riding jackets because it is strong, abrasion resistant and long lasting.
Should a motorcycle jacket be tight?
Snug, not tight. You should be able to move your arms freely, but there should be no loose leather that can flap or shift.
Can I wear a racing jacket every day?
You can, but the short, curved cut is made for riding. A cafe racer jacket is more comfortable off the bike.
Can I get a jacket in my own design?
Yes. See our custom jackets, or browse all leather motorcycle jackets for ideas.