Leather has long been the gold standard for motorcycle gear for its durability, in the event you fall. Whether wax-coated or reinforced with Kevlar, textile materials are gradually gaining prominence. The lighter feel and breathability can create a more comfortable riding experience in warm weather.
To get started or upgrade your current riding apparel, consider the pros and cons of both material types.
Leather Motorcycle Gear
Leather provides the greatest degree of abrasion resistance and is built to last. It conforms to your body’s shape and movements, allowing for a more natural riding experience.
Although cowhide is the most traditional variety for jackets, pants and boots, the market is diversifying. You’ll spot goat and kangaroo leathers with similar properties, as well as varying degrees of thickness to accommodate how you ride. High-quality, thicker jackets tend to offer the greatest lifespan.
Yet leather is not a perfect material and can have some downsides:
- Warm-Weather Riding: Unless you purchase perforated material, leather can trap heat and be uncomfortable when riding in the summer. In comparison to perforated leather, textile still offers a cooler experience.
- Not Waterproof: Most leather motorcycle jackets and pants are not treated to be waterproof. To anticipate wet conditions, you either need to bring along rain gear or get your leather riding clothes treated.
- Layering: Since leather jackets often don’t include liners, you’ll need to purchase a separate one to keep body heat close during fall and early winter rides.
- Maintenance: Leather can crack and crease, so you’ll need to get in the habit of supplying moisture to keep the material supple and smooth.
Textile Motorcycle Gear
Although textile has a long-standing reputation as subpar for motorcycle gear, it offers a few key benefits. For one, the material lets air optimally flow through, even when waxed. Two, waterproofing allows them to better handle rain and damp weather. And three, many designs include layers for a greater degree of versatility.
Textile riding gear falls into two general categories:
- Waxed Cotton: This older, medium to heavy-duty material provides a degree of wind and rain resistance. It feels lighter than leather and lets more air flow through. As a downside, this material picks up dirt easily and needs to be cleaned more frequently.
- Standard Textile: This unwaxed material encompasses cotton through synthetics like nylon. These tend to be equipped with a waterproof membrane or treatment and an inner layer, allowing for at least three seasons of riding and multiple wear options.
Other more recent advantages of textile include:
- Reinforcement in areas that wear out sooner or see a greater degree of impact, like shoulders and elbows.
- Many are made from tougher, abrasion-resistant materials like Cordura, which may then be reinforced with Kevlar.
- Multi-layered designs, with Gore-Tex or another waterproof material on the exterior and an inner thermal lining for warmth.
- To clean, most components simply need to be placed in a washing machine.
- Many textile jackets are equipped with similar armor as leather options.
Despite these advantages, textile does not offer the same degree of abrasion resistance as leather and often has a shorter lifespan.
Which material do you prefer for your riding gear? Join the discussion on our Facebook page.