The Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets for 2024
We'd know - we've hands-on tested 200+ jackets since 2000!
Our picks are based on jackets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Jared Northcot.
About Our Leather Motorcycle Jacket Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Sportbike Leather Jackets
See more sportbike jacket recommendations.
Alpinestars Missile V2 Ignition
Why?
Packed full of the latest tech from Alpinestars, the Missle V2 features the newly developed level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro armor. This jacket fits like a second skin and moves beautifully with the rider and is Tech-Air® ready and can accommodate the new Tech-Air® 5 Airbag System.
Performance, protection, and style an excellent offering from Alpinestars.
Key Specs
•DFS armor delivers optimal resistance against impacts and abrasion, and offers exceptional friction control.
•HRSF stretch inserts for optimal abrasion resistance while ensuring enhanced freedom of movement.
•Dedicated ‘Ignition’ graphic for a striking racing-inspired aesthetic.
•Sport fit – highly pre-curved body and arms for enhanced performance.
•Premium bovine leather for superior abrasion resistance.
•Chest compartments can accommodate the Nucleon chest inserts (available as an accessory upgrade).
•Back compartment can accommodate the Nucleon back inserts (available as an accessory upgrade).
•Snap connection system allows integration of the CE-certified Nucleon Race Back protector.
Protection & Safety
•Protective and comfortable Nucleon Flex Pro armor is highly flexible and breathable and has a thin profile for optimum rider comfort.
•According to European statutory law, the CE mark is a conformity requirement for the marketing of this product.
•Fully CE-certified riding garment to CE – Category II prEN17092 standards – AAA class.
Sedici Corsa Perforated
Price: $320
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
For $320, you really can’t do much better!
The Corsa Perforated Leather jacket from Sedici brings the combination of street and race track closer together than ever before.
On the street, you have 1.1 to 1.3 mm thick race-grade cowhide leather, perforated at high heat zones to allow airflow to keep you cool. For the track, you have removable PU elbow sliders, aramid fiber reinforcement for the elbows and forearms, CE level II armor at the elbow and shoulders, and space for a back protector provided.
For both, you have a moisture-wicking mesh liner, tapered wrists to fit inside gauntlet gloves, and all zippers are the highest quality YKK.
Key Specs
•1.1mm-1.3mm race-grade cowhide construction
•Double and triple safety stitching with an aggressive sport fit
•Localized perforation at shoulders chest, torso, and back for maximum airflow
•Aramid reinforcement at forearms and elbows
•Neoprene and Amara suede inner collar for comfort
•Pro racing-derived printed logos and graphics keep weight to a minimum and keeps leather flexible
•CE level 2 certified armor at elbow and shoulders
•Pocket to add CE back protector (sold separately)
•Moisture-wicking anti-microbial mesh liner with 3D air mesh panels
•Vented ergonomic shoulder protector with leather insert
•Reinforced 4-way stretch inserts at arms and chest
•2-piece ergonomic TPU elbow protector with replaceable low friction polyurethane slider
•Tapered neoprene wrist cuff with auto-locking YKK zipper
•Elasticated leather stretch panels at the shoulders, upper arms, and elbows to reduce fatigue
•Short and full connection zipper to attach to leather riding pant to form 2-piece suit
•Dual adjusters at hips
•Reflective details
•YKK zippers used throughout
Protection & Safety
•Race grade cowhide is designed to survive slides at speeds over 160 MPH
•Removable PU pucks on the elbows give you both track day slide protection, and everyday comfort when removed
•CE Level II armor for elbows and shoulders
•Aramid (Kevlar) reinforced lining for forearms and elbows, the most likely slide and tumble zones for the upper body on a track
REV’IT! Matador
Price: $600
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
If you're looking for a sporty jacket that's both protective and versatile, the REV'IT! Matador is a great choice. It's perfect for shorter or longer rides on the road, plus it has a detachable thermal liner to keep you warm in colder temperatures. There are also perforations in the jacket to help keep you cool in hot weather. The arms have just the right amount of stretch so you can move freely, and it has MotoGP-inspired shoulder protectors and Seeflex CE level 2 elbow protectors in case of any spills.
Key Specs
•Outer Shell: Monaco Performance Cowhide, PWRshell stretch, neoprene, polyester stretch, 3D air mesh
•Insulation: Detachable thermal liner
•Composition: 76% Leather, 18% Polyamide, 4% Polyester, 2% Elastane
•Fit: Tour fit, regular
•Adjustability: Adjustment strap
•Ventilation: Ventilation panels, partly perforated outer shell
•Features: Water catcher behind front zipper, comfort cuffs, cuff zipper, soft edge collar, stretch, v-flap at cuff
•Pockets: napoleon pocket, inner pocket, slit pockets
Protection & Safety
•Seeflex CE level 2 protection at shoulder and elbow
•TPU protection at shoulder
•Pocket for optional Seesoft CE level 2 Type RV back protector (sold separately)
Type RV / Size 04 fits SM-MD
Type RV / Size 05 fits LG-2XL
Type RV / Size 06 fits 3XL
•Pocket for optional Seesoft CE Level 1 divided chest protector (sold separately)
•Safety seams
•Laminated reflection
Dainese Super Speed 4 Perforated
Why?
The Super Speed 4 Perforated Jacket is the new top-of-the-line jacket offering superior protection and performance from Dainese. Featuring CE Level 1 protection at the elbows and shoulders, plus aluminum plates for even greater protection, this jacket is made from soft, flexible D-Skin Cowhide leather on the outside and Nanofeel liner on the inside that's treated with silver ions to keep things fresh. Plus, the back of the Super Speed 4 is longer so all your assets are fully covered. Zip it up with a pair of leather pants for full coverage and maximum safety. You won't regret choosing this top-notch jacket!
Key Specs
• D-skin cowhide leather
• S1 bielastic fabric
• 3D-Bubble fabric inserts
• Air vents on sides
• Breathable Nanofeel liner with Silver ion treatment
• Aerodynamic spoiler
• Bi-axial elasticated inserts
• Jacket-to-pants fastening system
• Lengthened back
• Microelastic 2.0
• Neck comfort construction
• New high performance bottom construction
• Waist adjustment
• Pocket for optional Double Chest protector (sold separately)
• Pocket for optional G2 back protector (sold separately)
• 1 inner pocket
• 2 outer pockets on front
• Integrated reflective inserts
• Replaceable Slider System 2.0 elbow slider
Protection & Safety
• Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Level 1 standard on elbows
• Pro-Armor protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Level 1 standard on shoulders
• Replaceable aluminum plate on shoulder
• Seamless aluminum plates on elbows
• Thermoformed base shoulders
Best Cruiser-Style Leather Motorcycle Jackets
See more Cruiser-style jacket recommendations.
Scorpion 1909
Why?
The 1909 is one of the best examples of a classy, modern take on vintage style. The 1909, as you can plainly see, is a good-looking leather jacket that features distressed top grain leather. It pays homage to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which opened in 1909 and helped cement America’s love for auto racing.
The 1909 comes with Sas-Tec CE level 2 armor in the elbows a shoulder and a removable inner-liner that makes the 1909 very comfortable for 3-season riding.
Key Specs
• op-grain leather construction
• Removable EverHeat internal liner
• Pant zipper/belt loop attachment tab
• Two zippered rear vents
• Leather overlays at elbows
• 4 external pockets
• Rib stretch panels as side hems
• Rear waist adjustment tabs
• Zipper closures at wrists
• Antique Brass YKK zippers throughout
• Padded comfort collar
• Two internal mesh pockets
• Removable EverHeat jacket liner with Kwikwick panels
• 8” jacket to pant zipper and rear belt loop attachment tab
Protection & Safety
• Sas-Tec Level 2 armor at elbows and shoulders
• Pocket at back for optional Sas-Tec back protector (sold separately)
Merlin Gable WP
Price: $650
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Merlin refers to the Gable jacket as their “most innovative leather jacket yet!” This claim stems relates to their use of laminated waterproofing on a traditionally-styled leather jacket. The waterproof membrane is laminated directly to the outer shell of the jacket to stop water soaking through, leaving the leather (and the rider) completely dry.
A removable 125g thermal full-sleeved liner is included too for when the temperature really drops.
A five-piece D3O armor set is pre-fitted, and the Gable overall receives the top-level triple-A CE rating.
Key Specs
• 1.3-1.4mm Tape Seamed Single Layer Waterproof Two-Tone Cowhide Leather
• Fixed Mesh Inner Lining To Aid Breathability
• Detachable 125g Thermal Full Body Lining
• YKK® Zippers Used Throughout
Protection & Safety
• D3O® LP1 Shoulder And Elbow Protectors Pre-Fitted (CE Compliance To EN1621)
• D3O® Viper Large (CE Compliance To EN1621)
• CE EN17092 AAA
Roland Sands Clash CE
Price: $750
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
I love the way RSD does modern, retro, classy, and badass all in a single garment. I guess that just makes sense when the CEO is a former racer and design whiz.
Made from premium grade cowhide, the details in the Clash jacket are everywhere. Beautiful quilting at the shoulders and lower back, unique coffin stitching area on the elbows and the asymmetrical designed front zipper keeps that unmistakable rocker look.
Don’t let the looks of the Clash fool you, underneath that rocker styling is a true performance riding jacket. All seams have been double, or triple stitched and include innovative, low profile CE level 1 armor by SAS-TEC. The Clash CE looks the part and performs even better.
Key Specs
• GT Racer premium full grain cowhide leather (1-1.2mm thickness)
• Detailed rocker style with shorty snap collar and offset zipper
• Aggressive riding fit with rotated, pre-curved sleeves
• Dropped back length and relaxed collar opening
• Quilted shoulder and lower back accents
• Reinforced riveted elbows
• Perforated leather interior trims
• Zip sleeve pocket, side waist adjust, front pockets and interior chest pocket
• Satin poly lining with custom RSD repeat “numbers” heat embossed branding
• Soft lined electronics security pocket
• Stretch mesh cargo stuff pockets
Protection & Safety
• Includes CE EN 1621:2021-1 certified SAS-TEC flex elbow and shoulder armor
• Armor ready back protector pocket (back protector sold separately)
• CE approved to CE EN 17092:2020 as a Class AA garment
First Manufacturing Vendetta
Why?
Is there a better classic casual look than a well worn leather jacket over a hoodie? No – there’s not, and First Manufacturing has that look nailed with the Vandetta jacket.
Lightweight distressed sheepskin makes the perfect shell over the full sleeve, zip-out, insulated thermal liner. The jacket is fully vented with zippered chest vents. Concealed pockets keep phones and wallets safe, and optional CE 1 armor (sold separately) can provide added rider safety.
It just looks totally right – to wear this jacket when you are gripping some mini-apes.
Key Specs
• Generous American cut
• Lightweight distressed sheepskin
• Mandarin collar
• Removable zip-out hoodie
• Chest pockets
• Two chest vents
• Fully vented
• Two snap slash pockets
• Zipper on each sleeve
• Permanent mesh liner
• Action back
• Full sleeve, zip-out, insulated thermal liner
• Concealed carry pockets with tapered holster for a more stable fit
Protection & Safety
• Pockets for optional CE 1 armor (sold separately)
• Lifetime warranty on hardware and zipper
Best Touring Leather Motorcycle Jackets
See more adventure/touring jacket recommendations.
Helite Leather Airbag
Why?
The Helite Leather Airbag Jacket is the ultimate choice for street riders that want maximum protection without compromising on style. Featuring a built-in Helite Airbag Vest with a tether trigger, Knox elbow and shoulder armor and SAS-TEC CE level 2 back protector, this jacket provides comprehensive coverage. With deployment of the airbag in just 0.1 seconds, you can rest assured that you will be safeguarded from potential harm in the event of an accident. Crafted from supple 1.3 mm cowhide leather with a classic cafe style cut, this jacket has FreeAir mesh vents and a removable thermal liner for extra comfort and breathability. If you're looking for optimal safety while staying fashionable on the road, then the Helite Leather Airbag Jacket is your best bet!
Key Specs
• Runs small, order one size larger than the size chart suggests
• Airbag fully inflates in less than 0.1 seconds
• 1.3mm cow leather
• FreeAir mesh vents in armpits
• Wrist fasteners
• Comfortable open soft collar
• Removable 100% polyester thermal liner
• Integrated CO2 cartridge with tether (60cc for MD-2XL, 100cc for 3XL-4XL)
Protection & Safety
• Jacket-style body-worn protective air bag system
• Removable Sas-Tec Level 2 back protector
• Knox CE certified shoulder and elbow protectors
First Manufacturing Street Cruiser
Price: Up to $310
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
This one is a pragmatic choice. The Street Cruiser includes a removable interior liner and hood, both of which add to the Street Cruiser’s 3-season disability factor.
It’s also got a more relaxed “American” fit, with more material around the waist, back, and arms. On long rides, you can choose your level of comfort: liner in/hood on, one or both removed, and so on.
Key Specs
1.0 mm cowhide leather
Chest and back vents
YKK zippers
Protection & Safety
• Generous American cut
• Soft naked cowhide leather
• Concealed gun pockets
• Removable hood
• Single snap mandarin collar
• Vented zipper chest pockets and two lower snap pockets
• Grommets for vented underarm comfort
• Two inner pockets
• Perforated action back
• Full sleeve zip out liner
• Pockets for optional armor (sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions About Leather Jackets
What makes leather a good material for a motorcycle jacket?
Leather is an excellent material for motorcycle applications because it naturally has very high abrasion resistance. Leather is also mostly waterproof, or at the least water resistant, without needing any special treatments or membranes. Lastly, if cared for correctly, a leather jacket can last a decade or longer, making it a very worthwhile investment
What is the difference between genuine leather and synthetic leather for motorcycle uses?
Genuine leather is made from high quality animal hides and is more durable, while synthetic leather such as superfabric and microfiber is man-made. Real leather tends to offer better abrasion resistance and provide a premium feel to the gear. Synthetic leather is mostly used in applications other than jackets, but some European brands such as Dainese, REV'IT!, and Alpinestars do have sport jackets made out of synthetic leather materials.
What characteristics should I look for in a high quality leather motorcycle jacket?
If the jacket advertises genuine leather, it will always also tell you what type of hide is used and the minimum thickness, as that is a regulation gear manufacturers must abide by. If it says genuine leather but doesn’t list the hide, it’s not real leather. You will want to look for a minimum thickness of 0.8mm, preferably, 1.0mm or greater, as well as CE rated armor and a CE EN17092 tag inside the jacket rating it at least grade A. Lastly, all the seams in the jacket at a minimum should be double stitched. If you can find all those features in the jacket you’re looking at, it’s a high quality jacket.
Are specific types of leather used?
In motorcycle gear, the leather used is what is known as “Full Grain Leather,” and is most commonly cowhide, goat hide (mostly used for gloves), or kangaroo leather. What this means is that each part of the piece of gear is made the top layer of the animal hide, just beneath the hair/fur, where the grain pattern is very tight and the fibers are very dense. This leather can also be treated with dyes, waxes, and the like without risking damaging the structure of the hide.
Do leather motorcycle jackets come with built in armor?
Most jackets will come with at least elbow and shoulder armor, but some jackets only come with the pockets for the armor, without including the armor as some riders prefer to choose what armor brand they use. If the jacket does come with armor, its description on the tag, website, or the like will rate it as having CE Level I or Level II armor included. Almost all jackets come with a pocket in the liner for a back protector, which is highly recommended to use.
I’ve heard you need to break in leather, do I have to break in a leather jacket?
It varies from jacket to jacket. Some jackets come broken in already, either through a process called tumbling (spinning it slowly in a big drum with small steel balls) or distressing (putting the jacket on a form that pushes out against the jacket with light force). Other jackets need for you to break them in, and the best way to do that is to simply wear it around the house for a day or two, then start taking it for rides. In general, because riders want to get their new jacket and start riding right away, 90% of leather jackets come already broken in.
What To Look For In A Cruiser Motorcycle Jacket
Leather requires more care than a textile material, but its abrasion resistance is top-notch and the small tradeoffs are worth it. However, not every jacket is made equally and there are a few considerations you’ll want to look for when making your pick.
As With Any Jacket, Look For
Material – Cowhide. Buffalo. Goatskin. There are a lot of types of leather, each with their own perks and quirks in terms of look and feel. We recommend Cowhide or Buffalo.
Grade – Not all leather is created equally. “Genuine leather”, for example, is the lowest form of leather that is allowed to be called leather. Look for top or full-grain leather, which will be a bit softer to the touch but uncompromising in terms of durability and abrasion resistance.
Use case – A jacket that you intend to wear in the spring or fall is going to need to be warm, while the inverse is true if you spent your seat time underneath the hot Arizona sun. If you are going to be hot when riding, make sure you have adequate venting.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
Other Best Jacket Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
