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Motorcycle overpants are meant to be worn over your normal clothes if you need more protection.
They’re great for commuting or short rides when you don’t want to wear heavy gear and ideal for everyday wear.
Choosing the right pair of overpants isn’t always easy, so let's take a look at everything you need to know to find the right pair for you.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motorcycle Overpants
- OUR TOP PICK: HWK Motorcycle Pants
- RUNNER-UP: Viking Cycle Leather Chaps
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Alpha Cycle Gear Motorcycle Pant -324-1
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Overpants
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How Do I Choose Motorcycle Overpants?
If you’re not sure how to choose the right pair of overpants, here are some things to think about:
Material
Overpants come in a wide range of materials, from breathable polyester to leather. Before you choose, think about what you want from your overpants. Do you prefer something lightweight like denier material? Or do you feel more comfortable in leather?
Also, look for a pair of pants with reflective material. This is the best way to make sure you’re seen at night.
Armor
Some of these pants include armor in the knees and hips, adding another layer of safety.
Temperature
What type of weather do you ride in? Some overpants come with removable liners so you can ride them all year round. Consider ventilation, too. Because overpants are worn on top of your regular pants, they’re often really warm. Vents can help you stay cool in the summer. Without them, it might be a little uncomfortable.
Style
There are a few types of overpants. Do you prefer something more traditional that covers your whole lower body? Or are chaps more your style? Chaps have a lot of great qualities. Because they don’t cover your whole lower body, they’re comfortable and don’t restrict movement as much. You can also access the pockets more easily.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Overpants
If you’re looking for the best motorcycle overpants, we’re here to help. Here are a few of our favorites:
Best Overall:
HWK Motorcycle Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers rave about these pants. Users mention that these pants are comfortable, easy to put on, and worth the price. There are a lot of comments about these pants being warm, which is great in the winter and not so great in the summer. Note that the sizing runs a bit small.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Let’s start with the fact that these pants are backed by a lifetime warranty. They’re made of extremely durable 600D Cordura fabric that’s made to last. If anything goes wrong, HWK will replace them.
These pants are safe, too. The removable armor in the knees and hips is great, and the reflective piping, silver-white body thread, and hi-vs logos increase visibility.
They’re windproof, waterproof, and come in multiple sizes. Each is adjustable with Velcro at the waist, knees, and ankles. There are four external pockets and two waterproof ventilation zips, too, so you can adjust for the temperature outside.
Bottom Line
These are some of the best motorcycle pants out there. They keep you safe, dry, and visible. There are plenty of size options to choose from, too. Oh, and don’t forget about the lifetime warranty.
Runner-up:
Viking Cycle Leather Chaps
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, the leather isn’t very thick but is enough to protect against the wind and cold. Most people agree that these are great for the price. That said, a majority of users commented that the chaps run small. They tend to be very tight in the knee and thigh.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These are an affordable pair of genuine leather chaps, and they look awesome. They’re also really easy to get into thanks to the adjustable belt and lace-back closure. Plus, it’s easy to adjust quickly for the perfect fit.
Although the leather may not be as thick as some other products, it’s enough to protect your legs from wind, cold, and abrasions. There are side pockets to carry personal items, and you can still access your back pockets while wearing.
The stainless steel snaps at the bottom make it easy to get the chaps over your boots, while also a cool and vintage biker look.
Bottom Line
These might not be the highest-quality leather chaps out there, but they’re a great choice for the price. They’re designed to go on easily and come in size XS to XXXL. When choosing a size, note that they run a little small and are often tight in the knees and thighs.
Best for the Money:
Alpha Cycle Gear Motorcycle Pant -324-1
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers can’t say enough good things about these pants. They not only mention what a great value they are but also that they’re comfortable and warm enough for cold weather riding. The fit is as expected, and some people reported that customer service is very helpful.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not only do these pants come with CE armor in the knees and hips, but they’re also made to last a long time. The heavy-duty 1200D material is so durable, these pants are covered with a lifetime warranty.
Visibility is so important when riding a motorcycle, and these pants have you covered with hi-vis patches to keep you seen at night.
Another great thing about these pants is the fit. There are adjustable hook and loop closures at the waist and ankles so you can adjust as needed for comfort. Air vents let air circulate through, keeping you cool on warm days.
Bottom Line
These pants are impressive and surprisingly affordable. They come in a wide range of sizes, and with the adjustable waist and ankles, you’re sure to find a comfortable fit. Plus, the material is so durable, these pants are covered by a lifetime warranty.
Best Motorcycle Overpants for Commuting:
Joe Rocket 1518-3015
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people are happy with these pants and agree that they’re great for hot weather riding. Specifically, people mentioned they had effective airflow. The fit was off for some people. There were comments that the waist was a little high and that the legs were a little baggy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you’re looking for a pair of motorcycle pants for quick commutes or hot weather riding, these are a great choice. The FreeAir mesh shell is extremely effective at keeping air flowing and keeping you comfortable on your way to work.
One of the things we like about these is the height-adjustable CE rated knee protectors. If you’ve ever put on a pair of motorcycle pants and had the knee protectors sit on your shins, you understand why this is such a nice feature.
Other great features of these pants include seat and hip reinforcements, reflective knee panels, and heat-resistant lower legs.
Bottom Line
These are a great choice if you’re looking for something light and easy to wear for stop-and-start commutes or longer summer rides. They have great ventilation to keep you cool, and the reflective knee panels increase visibility to help you stay safe.
Best Leather Motorcycle Overpants:
Xelement B7440
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers feel that these pants are a great value for the price. They’re made of real leather, though a little thinner than some people expected. People mentioned that the zippers and snaps were high-quality and that the pants themselves seemed very well made.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you prefer leather riding pants, these are a great choice. They’re cut from a single front panel, which is a little hard to find. Because there are fewer seams, these pants are less likely to tear.
The zipper closures are durable and well made. Plus, the side zipper and snap button closure make it easy to get these pants on and off over your other clothes. There’s also an inner liner up to the knee for increased comfort.
These pants have two zippered side pockets where you can safely keep personal belongings. They’re available in waist sizes 30 to 50.
Bottom Line
These pants are a great choice if you prefer leather. The material may be a little thin, but the quality is there. The snaps and zippers are reliable, and the single front panel is made to last.
Best Motorcycle Overpants With Armor:
Wicked Stock Waterproof Over-Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report that these pants are a great choice for the money. The fit can be a little big, but some report avoiding this by reading the sizing chart very carefully before ordering. One downside is that some users thought these pants were a little tricky to get off and on.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants are extremely durable. The outer shell is made of highly abrasion-resistant fabric, and the thin mesh layer on the inside helps air circulate to keep you cool and comfortable while riding.
The foam hip pads and knee armor provide extra protection but can be removed if needed. The knee armors are adjustable using a three-strap fastener; the hip pads with a two-strap adjuster. This way, you can be sure to get the right positioning.
Another thing we like about these pants is that they are available in so many different sizes, including short and tall.
Bottom Line
These pants are a great choice if you have a hard time finding overpants that fit you properly. Because they’re available in short and tall sizes, there’s something for just about everyone. Plus, you can adjust both the knee and hip armors to sit in just the right spot.
Best Women’s Motorcycle Overpants:
Joe Rocket 1524-2003 Cleo Elite
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
These pants get a lot of good reviews from recent users. Most are impressed with the quality and find them to be cool and comfortable. There are some issues with sizing. Some felt that they were too small, while others thought they were too big. Check the sizing chart carefully.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants have some great features that make them some of the best overpants for women. We love the removable high-density hip padding and knee protectors. The reflective material over the knees and lower legs increases visibility, making your ride even safer.
The melt-resistant fabric on the lower legs is great because you don’t have to worry about getting too close to the exhaust. The mesh shell keeps air flowing, which makes these pants a great option for hot weather. Plus, the eight-inch zipper lets you add a jacket if needed and the adjustable waist prevents annoying bunching.
Bottom Line
There are a lot of great features about these overpants. We love that they’re suitable for warm weather riding. The padding adds extra protection while the reflective material increases visibility for another layer of safety.
What Purpose Do Motorcycle Overpants Serve?
Motorcycle overpants are both useful and convenient. Here are some of their main functions:
Commuting
If you take your motorcycle to work but don’t want to have to fully change your clothes once you get there, overpants are a great choice. You can wear over your jeans or even some suit pants if necessary, hop on your bike, and take them off when you get to the office. Without overpants, you would have to change every morning when you got to work and again before you head home in the evening.
Everyday Riding
Let’s say you’re riding your motorcycle to visit a friend at their home or meet someone for dinner. You don’t want to have to wear your riding gear when you’re at a restaurant or hanging out at a friend’s house. Overpants come in really handy in cases like this where you want to be safe but don’t want the hassle of changing clothes.
Extra Protection
Some people don’t wear riding pants. That’s not necessarily the smartest move. Overpants are a great alternative to a riding suit or pants if you find them uncomfortable or just prefer not to wear them.
What Size Motorcycle Overpants Do I Need?
The best thing to do is to check the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Remember, these pants are supposed to be bigger than your normal pants because they fit over them. Some people have a difficult time getting the sizing right, so it’s important to remember that they are meant to be a little big.
Each brand is different, so you have to make sure you look at the sizing specifications for the brand you choose. There should be a sizing chart available that helps you determine the size you need depending on the style of pants you’re getting.
Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Overpants
If you’re still unsure, take a look at the pros and cons of wearing motorcycle overpants:
Pros
They add multiple layers of safety. First, overpants are another layer of protection between you and the road. If you do have an accident, overpants are designed for abrasion resistance and can help avoid injury. Second, a lot of these pants have armor in the knees and hips. If you hit the ground, they protect you much more than an ordinary pair of jeans would.
Finally, some of these pants are made using reflective materials that increase visibility on the road. This is so important to staying safe especially at night.
Overpants are also convenient. They keep you from having to change into and out of riding pants every time you go somewhere, whether it’s a friend’s house or to work.
Cons
The biggest con to overpants is that they can be a bit difficult to get on and off. That said, if you think about this when choosing a pair of overpants, you should be able to find a pair that are specifically designed to go off and on easily.
HWK Motorcycle Pants
Types of Motorcycle Overpants
Choosing the right type of motorcycle overpants isn’t always straightforward. Here are a few types of motorcycle overpant types to keep in mind:
Chaps
Chaps are a great choice for overpants and one of the most stylish. The great thing about chaps is that they leave the seat of your pants exposed, which is often more comfortable when riding. They’re usually designed to be easy to get off and on, and most are made out of durable leather so they’ll last a long time.
Full Pants
Full overpants are the most popular. It takes a special person to rock some chaps, but most people can pull off a pair of full overpants. These pants are usually made of durable polyester material. They often have removable armor in the hips and knees as well as reflective properties to add more protection.
Leather
Leather pants are usually considered a little more durable than nylon or polyester. That said, they’re a little more difficult to get on and don’t have the same ventilation. Leather pants are great for cold weather riding and one of the best options to protect against abrasion in an accident.
Comparison Overview
Here are some direct comparisons to help you figure out what kind or overpants are right for you:
Motorcycle Overpants vs Pants
Motorcycle pants and overpants have a lot of things in common. They’re typically made of similar materials, and they both have padding and hi-vis materials. The major difference between the two is that overpants are worn on top of your regular pants while motorcycle pants are worn instead of regular pants. Each has its place. If you’re heading out for a long day on the track or taking your dual sport out on the trails, riding pants are an appropriate option. That said, if you’re heading to work or to meet someone out and about, overpants are a better choice. You can take them off when you arrive so you’re not stuck wearing riding pants all day in the office.
Motorcycle Chaps vs Overpants
Chaps are a form of overpants. They both serve the same function. The biggest difference is that chaps don’t cover your rear end. This makes them a little more comfortable and some people find they can move easies in chaps. That said, chaps are usually made of leather and are usually pretty heavy. They’re also a definite look that not everyone feels they can pull off.
Conclusion
Now that you know a little more about overpants, we hope you’re able to find the right pair for you. Keep in mind all of our tips and tricks while you shop, and you’re sure to find a great pair that suits your needs.
People Also Ask
If you still have questions, don’t worry. We’re here to help! Here are some of the most common things people want to know when shopping for motorcycle overpants.
How to Wash Motorcycle Overpants
It depends on the fabric. Leather overpants and chaps really can’t be washed in the traditional send. You should just wipe them clean with a high-quality leather cleaner. As for other materials, read the label. Some can be tossed in the washing machine with a gentle detergent. Others require handwashing.
How to Store Motorcycle Overpants
The most important thing to remember is that you should never store your overpants if they’re wet. If you get rained on, let them dry first. Then, carefully fold them and place them in the closet or somewhere that’s dry and room temperature.
Wicked Stock Waterproof Over-Pants
How to Pack Motorcycle Overpants
Packing motorcycle overpants is the same as storing them. Wait until they’re dry, then carefully fold them and tuck them away in your suitcase or pack.
Can Motorcycle Overpants Be Worn Over Shorts?
Yes, but some are more comfortable than others. If you’re planning to wear your overpants over shorts, look for a pair with a soft lining at the bottom of the legs or a mesh lining for more comfort.
Can You Wear Motorcycle Overpants by Themselves?
No, that’s not really what they’re made for. Overpants are sized to fit over other pants and should only be used as intended.
