Last updated: August 28th, 2024

What Are the Main Benefits of a Leather Motorbike Jacket?

Whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or not, you’ve probably heard the age-old advice: “Always wear a leather jacket when you ride.” But why is this piece of gear so revered in the biking community? Read on to find out.

In this article, we’ll explore the main benefits of a leather motorbike jacket, from construction to safety and everything in between, with a spotlight on some top products in our current range.

Construction: Built to Last

One of the primary reasons bikers gravitate towards leather jackets is their durability. Leather, especially the high-quality cowhide used in many of our jackets, is renowned for its resilience. This natural material can withstand the rigours of the road, offering protection against abrasions, tears, and general wear and tear.

Leather jackets are constructed with precision, often featuring double or triple-stitched seams for extra strength. This attention to detail ensures that your jacket doesn’t just look good but lasts for years, making it a worthy investment for any rider.

Safety: Your First Line of Defence

When it comes to safety, leather motorbike jackets are hard to beat. The thick material acts as a first line of defence in case of a fall, providing a barrier between your skin and the road. Leather’s abrasion-resistant properties help to minimise injuries, which is why it’s been a staple in motorcycle gear for decades.

Products like the Tractech Evo 5 Leather Jacket take safety a step further by incorporating CE-approved armour in critical areas like the shoulders, elbows, and back. This built-in protection absorbs impact in the event of an accident, reducing the risk of serious injury. In many of our products, the armour is removable, giving riders the option to customise their level of protection based on the type of riding they’re doing.

Comfort: Ride in Style and Ease

While safety is paramount, comfort is also a key consideration. A well-designed leather jacket like the S-1 CE Leather Jacket is not only protective but also comfortable to wear, even on long rides. Leather naturally conforms to your body over time, creating a custom fit that gets better the more you wear it.

Many of our jackets feature added comfort elements such as soft linings, stretch panels, and adjustable waistbands. These features ensure that your jacket doesn’t restrict your movement, allowing you to ride with ease and confidence. Moreover, leather’s natural breathability helps to regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.

Fit: A Jacket That’s Made for You

The fit of a motorcycle jacket is crucial for both comfort and safety. A jacket that’s too loose may flap in the wind, while one that’s too tight can restrict your movement. Our leather jackets are designed with the rider in mind, offering a range of sizes and adjustable features to ensure the perfect fit.

Materials: Quality You Can Feel

The quality of materials used in a motorbike jacket can make all the difference. Our jackets are crafted from premium-grade leather, known for its toughness and durability. This high-quality leather is treated to be water-resistant, ensuring that you stay dry even in unexpected rain showers.

Additionally, the leather used in our jackets is often paired with advanced textiles like aramid-fibre or Cordura in areas that require extra reinforcement. This combination of materials provides a jacket that’s not only strong but also lightweight, offering the best of both worlds for riders.

Armour: Protection Where It Counts

Armour is an essential component of any good motorbike jacket, and our leather jackets don’t disappoint. The S-1 CE Leather Jacket is a prime example, featuring CE shoulder and elbow protectors as standard. This armour is designed to absorb and distribute the force of an impact, reducing the likelihood of injury.

Many of our jackets also offer the option to add a back protector, further enhancing your safety on the road. The armour is ergonomically designed to fit the contours of your body, ensuring that it doesn’t hinder your movement while riding.

Ventilation: Stay Cool Under Pressure

One common concern with leather jackets is that they can become hot and uncomfortable, especially during summer rides. However, we've addressed this with well-placed ventilation systems in jackets like the Roadster Air Leather Jacket.

These jackets feature perforated leather panels and strategically placed vents that allow air to circulate, keeping you cool without compromising on protection. This ventilation system ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of a leather jacket even in warmer climates.

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In conclusion, a leather motorbike jacket offers a perfect blend of safety, comfort, and style. Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned biker, RST’s range of leather jackets provides top-tier protection without sacrificing the fit and comfort you need. From the advanced materials to the built-in armour, these jackets are designed with the rider’s needs in mind, ensuring that you can enjoy your ride with peace of mind.


So, if you’re in the market for a new jacket, consider one of the leather options we have to offer — we have picked out some of our key products below;

S-1 CE Leather Jacket

The S-1 CE Men’s Leather Race Suit Jacket and Jeans represent the pinnacle of racing gear, meticulously designed for both practicality and style. Equipped with waist adjusters and neoprene comfort cuffs, this two-piece ensemble combines tailored fit and performance. Sporting shoulder sliders and a 360- degree zip for compatibility with S-1 CE Men’s Leather Jeans, it offers an elevated racing experience. Elevate your race game with this sleek and protective gear that embodies the essence of high-speed precision.

S-1 CE Mens Leather Jacket
Tractech Evo 5 CE Leather Jacket

From the same family as the RST TracTech Evo 5 Racing Suit, the 5th generation of the TracTech Leather Jacket creates the ultimate combination of comfort, style and practicality for the rider. Our unique feature of a universal joining zip means you can pair a TracTech jacket with any size of jean, including any other jean in the RST Collection. The Tractech Evo Leather Jacket has been cut with a less aggressive stance, maximising off the bike comfort and is CE Certified to Level AAA CE/UKCA certification, upgraded with CE Level 2 armour in back, shoulder and elbow. The removable thermal lining and additional external and internal pockets further enhances the practicality and comfort levels.

Tractech Evo 5 CE Mens Leather Jacket
Roadster Air CE Leather Jacket

We’ve adapted the classic RST Roadster and created the Roadster Air – perfect for warmer weather conditions. Using fully perforated leather, we’ve additionally fitted a lightweight mesh liner to guarantee airflow across the body. This not only reduces the weight of the jacket, it also brings and incredible level of comfort and classic look.

Mens Roadster Air Jacket
Ladies Roadster Air Jacket

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Written by

Christopher Impey

A motorcycle rider and enthusiast; as the digital editor for RST, Chris is responsible for creating compelling copy and captivating digital experiences.

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  • Christopher Impey

    A motorcycle rider and enthusiast; as the digital editor for RST, Chris is responsible for creating compelling copy and captivating digital experiences.