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You may be tempted to ditch the jacket for summer riding, but it’s never a good idea to leave yourself exposed.
Not only do you risk sunburn, but there’s also nothing protecting your upper body from the concrete if you have an accident. Finding the best summer motorcycle jacket is the best way to stay cool and safe.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Summer Motorcycle Jackets
- OUR TOP PICK: Viking Cycle Ironborn Jacket
- RUNNER-UP: HWK Armored Waterproof Jacket
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Alpha Cycle Gear Breathable Jacket
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Summer Jackets
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What to Wear When Riding a Motorcycle in Summer?
When you ride a motorcycle in the summer, it’s important to stay cool without sacrificing the need to stay safe. Here are some ideas as to how to do just that.
Vented Helmet
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you should risk riding without a helmet. Choose one with adequate ventilation to make sure airflow through the helmet is adequate to keep your head cool. While ventilated helmets are a lot noisier, wearing earplugs or a balaclava can help.
Mesh Gloves
Mesh gloves are made to absorb as much sweat as possible while also letting you keep a good grip on the bike. That said, any material that is light-weight and breathable is good. Some people prefer fingerless gloves because you can keep your fingers relaxed and it’s easy to wipe the sweat away from your body.
Moisture-wicking T-Shirt
When it’s really hot outside, a moisture-wicking T-shirt is the best thing you can wear under your jacket. Because they are made out of special quick-drying material to absorb sweat, it helps you stay cool and dry.
Mesh Vented Jackets
We already mentioned how important a jacket is for protection. Summer motorcycle jackets are typically made of mesh or textiles with mesh panels. Some have vents that you can open and close according to your needs.
What Makes a Great Summer Motorcycle Jacket?
Here are some of the key features of a good summer motorcycle jacket:
Material
Leather and textiles are the two most popular materials for motorcycle jackets. Leather might seem like an odd choice for summer, but some modern leather jackets have removable liners and ventilation panels that make them a little cooler. Leather provides more protection, but textile jackets are cooler. Textile is also lighter and more adaptable than leather.
Weatherproofing
If you live in an area where it rains frequently, a waterproof jacket may be worth the investment. Keep in mind that heavy rain is much different than a drizzle. How much protection do you want or need? Keep this in mind when choosing a jacket.
Multi-Season Use
Do you want a jacket you can use in cooler weather, too? If so, look for something with removable insulation. If you already have a cold-weather jacket, then focus on finding something perfectly suited for summer.
Protection
Protection is always important. Choose a jacket with CE-approved armor on the elbows, shoulders, and back. Make sure the
How to Wear a Leather Jacket in the Summer
If you’re set on a leather jacket in the summer, make sure you pick one that has adequate ventilation. Another thing you can do is make sure you wear a moisture-wicking tee-shirt underneath to absorb sweat and help you stay cool.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Summer Jackets
If you’re looking for a great summer motorcycle jacket, you’re in the right place. Here are some of our favorites:
Best Overall:
Viking Cycle Ironborn Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People are impressed with the value of this jacket. It’s exceptionally affordable and comfortable. Plus, the removable armor on the elbows, shoulders, and spine provides good protection for riding. Some buyers commented that it was too hot in high temperatures. But, others felt that the airflow was sufficient when the liner was removed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What impressed us is the same thing that impressed most buyers. This jacket is a great buy. It provides a nice level of protection and can be adjusted to suit various weather conditions. We love the simple but stylish look, too.
Another great thing about this one is the sizing. It’s available in sizes XS to 4XL, plus it’s adjustable. Use the adjustable waist and cuffs and arm snap closures to tailor the fit to your needs. There are also multiple colors to choose from, so you can be sure to find the perfect Ironborn for you.
Bottom Line
This is a great pick for anyone who wants a great summer jacket at an affordable price. The adjustable ventilation comes in handy on hot days. Plus, the reflective design on the back, shoulders, and arms improves invisibility and safety.
Runner-up:
HWK Armored Waterproof Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This jacket is true-to-size and fits well. It’s not bulky, which is ideal for summer riding. You can also fine-tune the fit using the arm and waist adjusters. Most people found it suitable for warm weather riding. The vents were on the small side for some people, though.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This jacket provides great protection for one at this price point. We love that the design prioritizes safety. It has padding, armored shoulders and elbows, and double-safety stitching. Plus, it’s reflective for increased visibility.
We also like how versatile this jacket is. Not only is it waterproof, but it also has a removable insulated liner and a breathable membrane. The adjustable straps let you tailor it to a perfect fit. And we really like that there are so many pockets to stash your stuff.
Bottom Line
This is a great summer jacket that’s adaptable to a variety of conditions. It’s waterproof, breathable, and has effective ventilation. It’s available in a range of sizes and five color combinations so you’re sure to find one that fits you perfectly.
Best for the Money:
Alpha Cycle Gear Breathable Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are pleased with the style and the fit of this jacket and feel that it provides adequate protection against road rash. Most agree that the front and back vents provide adequate circulation. And, some people even commented that, with a few layers underneath, it was warm enough for cooler weather riding.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing that stood out about this jacket the most was the amount of protection it provides. It has CE approved armor in the elbows, shoulders, and spine and padding on the hip bone connector. Plus, the denier Cordura material protects adequately against road rash.
We also really like how easy it is to get a good fit. Not only are there seven size options available, but the jacket also has adjustable straps at the biceps, forearms, cuffs, and waist. The reflective high-vis logos and artwork make riding that much safer, especially in low light.
Bottom Line
This is an exceptionally affordable jacket that we consider a bargain. The mesh design keeps you cool in the summer and the safety features are pretty impressive. Add a few layers underneath and it may get through colder weather, too.
Best Mesh Motorcycle Jacket for Hot Weather:
Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers agree that this jacket is excellent in the heat, although there were varying opinions about whether it’s suitable for cooler weather. Some people commented that they were impressed by the double stitching and the overall quality of the design. Comments indicate the jacket is true to size.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Safety is of primary importance when riding in any season. Considering how reasonably priced this jacket is, we were impressed by the amount of protection it provides. There are removable pads at the shoulders and elbows and a pocket for optional spine armor. Plus, it features RockTec at the shoulders, elbows, and ribs. RockTec is Joe Rocket’s proprietary material that’s lighter than most textile fabrics and provides superior abrasion resistance.
The removable waterproof liner makes this jacket versatile enough for a variety of conditions. Plus, we love that there are so many safe pockets to stash your personal belongings, including a small inner pocket for eyeglasses or sunglasses.
Bottom Line
This is an excellent summer jacket that keeps you cool without sacrificing protection. It comes in a wide range of sizes, including tall. There’s also a six-point custom adjustment system to get the perfect fit.
Best Lightweight Summer Motorcycle Jacket:
Vance Advance All Weather Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers almost universally felt this jacket was a great buy for the money. People were pleased with the fit and liked that the inner liner could be added and removed as needed according to weather conditions. The thing that seemed to impress people the most, though, is the number of pockets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
An affordable summer jacket with adequate protection is always a good buy. This jacket is reasonably priced and has what you need to keep you safe while riding. There are CE-rated armor protectors in the elbows and shoulders and an optional pocket for back protection. We also like the reflective piping for increased visibility.
We liked that so many users agreed on how breathable this jacket is. It’s a great choice for summer. This jacket is available in a wide range of sizes, from medium to 5XL. It’s available in black and hi-viz green if you want to make sure you’re seen.
Bottom Line
This mesh jacket from Vance is a great choice for hot-weather riding. Not only does it have impressive ventilation, but it also provides the protection you need to stay safe on the road.
Best Women’s Summer Motorcycle Jacket:
Viking Cycle Women's Mesh Motorcycle Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers report that this jacket runs small. A lot of people had problems with sizing. Once they got the sizing right, though, most people raved about this jacket. Buyers say it’s comfortable and well made. They also loved the overall styling and bright colors.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Because of the way motorcycle jackets are supposed to fit, there must be enough styles offered for women. Women are just shaped differently and the boxy shape of men’s jackets doesn’t always cut it. This jacket is a great example of one that’s made with women in mind but is still just as protective and functional as a man’s jacket.
And, we have to mention how impressed we are by the sheer number of pockets. There’s room for a 10-inch tablet, sunglasses, travel documents, earphones, and more. You can take along just about anything you need on the ride.
Bottom Line
This is a great women’s summer riding jacket. The mesh material provides excellent airflow. We love the high visibility piping, and the CR-approved piping in the shoulders, elbows, and spine keeps you safe.
How to Choose a Summer Motorcycle Jacket
Here are the main things to keep in mind when choosing a motorcycle jacket for summer:
Price
Price is always important when buying new gear. Remember, how much something costs is not always a good indication of how good it is. We found plenty of great options that keep you cool and protected without breaking the bank.
Material
The more mesh and vents a jacket has, the cooler it is likely to be. Some people prefer leather jackets, but if your focus is mainly on getting something that will keep you cool, we recommend textile jackets with adequate mesh paneling and ventilation.
Safety
Safety is paramount. Choose a jacket that has CE-approved armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. This is the best way to make sure you’re protected if you come off the bike.
Another thing to consider about safety is visibility. Visibility is one of the most important things when riding a motorcycle. A lot of accidents result from drivers in cars just not seeing motorcycles. The more you can do to draw attention to yourself, the better. A lot of the products we chose have hi-viz coloring or reflective panels that make it easier to be seen on the road.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Summer Motorcycle Jacket
Are there benefits to investing in a quality summer motorcycle jacket? Of course. Here are some of the biggest:
Accident Protection
We know, we’ve said this before. But we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to stay safe when riding. A lot of people might be tempted to skip the jacket when the weather is hot, but that’s a bad idea.
If you pick the right summer motorcycle jacket, you can stay safe while also staying cool. We admit you will be much cooler without a jacket. But you’re much safer with one if you end up coming off the bike.
Protection Against the Elements
If you live in or travel to an area where it rains a lot, wearing a summer motorcycle jacket is the best way to stay dry. It also protects your skin from harsh, bright sunlight and UV rays, helping you avoid a sunburn.
Versatility
Some of these products are designed to be worn long after summer is over. There are plenty of options that include insulated liners that make them versatile enough to wear in spring and fall, too.
Comparison Overview
Let’s take a look at a few specific comparisons to help you figure out which jacket is right for you:
Brown vs Black Leather Motorcycle Jacket in Summer
To be honest, the color of the leather doesn’t matter much. We can understand why you might prefer a leather jacket. But, in the summer, the big thing to look out for is ventilation. Some modern leather motorcycle jackets have vents that you can open when needed. Others may have removable liners or mesh panels to improve airflow. If you want to stick with a leather jacket in summer, make sure you choose one that is designed to be worn when the temperatures start to rise.
Motorcycle Jackets Leather vs Textile in Summer
Leather jackets do provide superior protection against road rash if you have an accident. But, there are a lot of great textile options with advanced technology that offer a significant level of protection. Textile jackets are much cooler in the summer. Why? Because they are more versatile. They have mesh panels, removable liners, and ventilation that leather just cannot provide.
Mesh vs Leather Motorcycle Jacket for Summer
Mesh jackets are different from textile jackets. Textile jackets may have mesh panels, but they also have areas of mesh to encourage airflow. Mesh jackets are made almost entirely of mesh. They do provide some abrasion resistance because the openings in the mesh are quite small. But, they don’t offer the same coverage as textile. Mesh jackets have integrated pockets and armor, but they allow a lot of air into the jacket. Again, this is much different from a leather jacket. Leather jackets may have vents or a mesh liner, but they usually do not have any mesh panels.
Conclusion
Safety should always be a concern when you’re riding. The summer heat is no excuse for ignoring your protection. The best summer motorcycle jackets are designed to keep you cool and protect you when you’re out on the road.
People Also Ask
We know you probably still have some questions. Let’s take a look at some of the most common things people wonder about to help you make up your mind.
Can You Wear a Leather Jacket in Summer?
You can, but it’s not the coolest option. Some leather jackets have vents or mesh lining to help you stay cool, but there are better choices if heat is your biggest concern. Textile jackets are a more suitable option.
How Much is a Summer Motorcycle Jacket?
There is a wide range of brands out there with a variety of different features. Prices vary drastically as well. You can pay anywhere from $50 to more than $600 for a summer motorcycle jacket.
What to Wear Under Summer Motorcycle Jacket on Colder Day
If your summer jacket has a liner, make sure it’s zipped into place. This covers up the mesh and any vents, stopping the air from flowing into the jacket. You might also consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt, depending on the temperature.
Do a Helmet and Jacket Keep You Cooler in the Summer on a Motorcycle?
The right helmet and jacket can go a long way to helping you stay cool. Not only do they provide ventilation for increased airflow, but they also protect your skin from being in direct sunlight.
How Do I Know if a Summer Motorcycle Jacket is Breathable?
The more mesh the jacket has, the more breathable it is. Ventilation is great, too, but even the best vents only allow air into a small slit in the jacket. Mesh covers a larger area and lets more airflow.
Do I Really Need Multiple Motorcycle Jackets for Different Seasons?
If you plan to ride all year round, yes. Even the most versatile all-weather jackets aren’t usually equipped to take you from summer to winter.