As seasoned bikers know, the same rules apply for biker trousers as they do for jackets. That means they’re all CE-rated for abrasion and build quality, with the highest as AAA and the lowest as B.
Nearly every style includes armour in the knees, and some have hip-shields built-in too. Again, like jackets, this is given a rating. This could be Level 1 or Level 2, with Level 2 being the more absorbent of the two, or D30, which is lauded as the most advanced protection available on the market.
If you’re likely to be using them for casual or urban riding, perhaps investing in a pair of riding jeans is your best bet - so you can easily hop off your bike and still look ready for anything the day has in store.
Leather pants are best if you’re motorcycling for sports purposes, at once offering a more streamlined silhouette and protective credentials, whilst textile trousers are perfect for longer trips or those commuting to work.
When it comes to the all-important style factor, you can go hell-for-leather in a logo-emblazoned motorcross-inspired design, choose a simple, sleek monochrome set or even stick to a trusty pair of jeans.
What's the best fabric for motorcycle trousers and why?
It’s all about safety and comfort. While not essential according to law, a good set of trousers are imperative in ensuring your protection while on the road. Your hips and knees are delicate joints and an injury to them can seriously affect your mobility, so selecting a tough and durable material is essential.
Leather jumps to mind when you think of motorcycle gear – and there’s good reason for that. The fabric is notoriously robust, while its breathability makes for comfortable year-round wear.
Meanwhile, riding jeans, unlike garden-variety denim, typically include a secondary, more resistant material woven into the fabric, making it more protective and less resistant to rips and tears. The downside? Their water-resistant capabilities leave something to be desired.
Textile trousers have snuck up in recent years as a favourite amongst bikers. With all the durability of leather, and the comfort of denim, as well as being lightweight and water resistant, these are a great reliable option.
Do you need to wear anything underneath motorbike trousers?
Heavy-duty padding and protective features make motorcycle trousers so effective, but this doesn’t always make for the most comfortable fit against skin so you’re probably best off with an extra layer beneath. Dry, breathable fabrics like cotton will keep you cool; in cooler months, thermal layers will help you maintain a comfortable body temperature.
How to clean motorcycle trousers
How you treat your motorcycle trousers will inevitably vary from pair to pair, so always consult the label before you start.
For leather trousers, treat surface-level damage with a soft cloth, gently removing any excess dust or dirt from the crevices. A good-quality leather cleaner is a worthy investment as are leather conditioners.
Textile motorcycle wear requires gentle care, and should preferably be cleaned by hand. If you want the convenience of slinging them in the washing machine, select a short wash with a spin cycle at no higher than 30°. Exercise patience and allow your trousers to dry at room temperature, as heat may have a negative impact on the material's performance. Similarly, it’s best to avoid high temperatures when cleaning your riding denim and, much like with normal jeans, frequent washing will impact the quality of the denim.
A handy hack for keeping your motorcycle denim clean without over-washing them is to chuck them in the freezer: the low temperatures kill the germs without affecting the material.
Best motorcycle trousers at a glance
Keep scrolling for the best
Belstaff Mcgregor Motorcycle Trousers
Best for: Ewan McGregor fans
Fabric: leather
Anyone who’s seen the hit Netflix docuseries the Long Way Up will be familiar with Belstaff’s McGregor trousers - aptly named after Ewan McGregor, the lead in the show.
Expertly constructed from full grain leather, with an interior corduroy waistband and viscose lining, they’re extremely comfortable - and the cowhide outer and D30 armour at the hip and knee ensure optimum protection.
Buy now £550.00, Belstaff
RST Pro Series Ventilator-X Trousers CE Air WP - Silver Black
Best for: versatility
Fabric: textile
RST’s multifunctional trousers will work all-year-round. Pairing a lightweight and durable textile design with a removable thermal and waterproof liner, you’ll be ready whatever the weather. Even better, there’s Level 1 armour at the knees and hip which will keep you in safe hands.
Buy now £132.80, Sports Bike Shop
Texpeed Mens Motorcycle Waterproof Overtrousers Motorbike Moped Scooter Rain Biker Pants
Best for: value for money
Fabric: textile
Featuring a breathable and waterproof lining, knee armour, and an adjustable waist belt, Texpeed’s trousers tick a lot of the boxes for a fraction of the price.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Triumph Craner Riding Jeans In Indigo
Best for: style
Fabric: denim
A brand known primarily for its motorcycles, Triumph also offers a great range of riding gear, too - and these are a case in point.
A classic slim fit indigo five pocket design, they’re crafted using a protective 13.5oz denim and also feature extra D30 knee protection.
Buy now £80.00, Triumph
Rev It Cayenne 2 Motorcycle Trousers
Best for: off-road adventure
Fabric: textile
Built for the summer months, Rev It’s motorcycle trousers are highly ventilated with mesh panels at the front and back of the upper legs - so you’ll stay cool even in hotter temperatures. They don’t compromise on protection, either, with level 2 knee protectors and level 1 hip protectors.
Buy now £379.99, Ghost Bikes
Belstaff Long Way Up Motorcycle Trousers
Best for: all weather protection
Fabric: textile
Another design from the Long Way Up, Belstaff’s trousers with braces have been treated with GORE-TEX so they’re fully weatherproof, and the D30 hip and knee armour will shield you from harm.
There’s also an antibacterial mesh lining for freshness and coolness when you’re likely to be in the saddle for a lengthy amount of time.
Buy now £340.00, Belstaff
Spada Camber Proof Trousers CE WP
Best for: wet-weather riding
Fabric: textile
If you’re likely to get caught in a downpour, Spada’s trousers are the ones for you. With a laminated waterproofing technique, the fabric doesn’t become heavy and sodden and dries super quickly, afterwards - and there’s knee and hip armour included, as well.
Buy now £169.99, Race Leathers
Richa Viper 2 Street Leather Motorcycle Trousers
Best for: a sporty aesthetic
Fabric: leather
For the true motorcyclist aesthetic, Richa’s leather trousers are the ones for you. With sporty accents, logo detailing and race knee cups, you’ll be ready for any biking exploits. The 1.3mm cowhide leather is paired with perforated panels for ventilation, making them both hardwearing and comfortable.
Buy now £349.99, Ghost Bikes
