How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Jeans
April 10, 2025
When it comes to motorcycle safety your riding pants are an essential part of the equation. But, with so many options on the market it can become overwhelming to find something that ticks all the boxes.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the perfect pair of motorcycle jeans, from the types of materials that are good to use, to the features and design elements that are useful to have.
The denim jeans myth
Before we go any further let’s address an important question – Are jeans good for motorcycle riding? The answer to this depends on the type of jeans they are.
If you’re wondering if regular jeans are ok for motorcycle riding, the answer is absolutely not. While they’re heavy duty enough for daily wear, regular denim can’t stand up to the demands of the road. It’s something that’s been tested many times in the lab and on the bitumen, and it’s not worth risking your safety wearing them.
Motorcycle jeans on the other hand might look casual, but when you choose the right ones they can quite literally save your skin. This is something Lei experienced first hand, when a 17.5 ton truck pulled in front of her on a highway and she found herself sliding down the road, thankfully wearing a pair of PANDO MOTO ladies jeans.
1. Prioritize safety when choosing motorcycle jeans
A good pair of motorcycle jeans should provide a solid layer of protection, after all, that’s the core function. To ensure you’re getting the best possible protection you’ll want to assess the materials, construction and CE certification.
Materials
What your riding jeans are made of determines their durability and ability to protect you in the event of an accident. Unlike standard denim jeans, quality motorcycle jeans are made using high-tech textiles developed to provide enhanced protection.
- Cordura is a blend of military grade INVISTA T420 nylon 6,6 staple fiber and cotton, resulting in a denim-like fabric that offers superior abrasion resistance and durability
- Balistex combines spandex with next generation Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) to create an ultralight yet extremely strong fabric
- Armalith integrates UHMWPE with cotton fibers, producing a denim that has the durability and mechanical properties of leather
We at PANDO MOTO are always on the lookout for new developments in textile technology so if you ever come across a material you don’t recognise, it’s a good idea to do a little research and find out what makes it appropriate for motorcycle apparel.
Single layer or double layer jeans
Motorcycle jeans come in two main types; single layer or double layer. Which one is right for you will depend on where you ride.
Single layer jeans, like the LORICA Black A, are made of a single layer of protective fabric. Due to this they’re less durable than the double layer jeans, but are also lighter weight, cooler for riding in warm weather and can be more comfortable because of the reduced bulk.Double layer jeans, also called lined jeans, are made using two layers of fabric. This increases the durability and protective qualities, but can also make them heavier and warmer. One way around that is for manufacturers to use lightweight, heat conducting fabrics for the inner layer that are also strong and abrasion resistant. PANDO MOTO has done just that in the MARK Black AAA jeans, using Cordura for the shell and Balistex for the inner liner.
Armor
Adding to the safety of a pair of motorcycle jeans is the armor used to cushion the most high risk areas of the legs from impact; the hips and knees. PANDO MOTO jeans are designed with discreet armor pockets and come with hip and knee armor inserts as standard.
To check whether the armor is any good, look for a CE certification. For example, the D3O® Ghost™ and SAS-TECTripleFlex armor used by PANDO MOTO are both rated Level 1 under the European CE standard (EN1621-1:2012).
Construction and durability
Protective materials and armor won’t be as effective if the jeans aren’t well made. To help yourself choose the right pair of motorcycling jeans, look for these things and take them as a sign of the quality.
- Double stitched, triple stitched or chain stitched seams for added strength
- Reinforced panels in high abrasion risk areas like the knees
- High quality zippers and closures, such as those from YKK
Reflective elements
If you ride at night then reflective elements on your helmet, jacket and pants can make you more visible to other riders on the road. Many of the PANDO MOTO designs, including the DESERT CARGO Beige riding jeans, feature reflective tape on the turn up hem for added safety.
CE Ratings
In Europe, motorcycle jeans with a CE rating (EN 17092) have been independently tested and classified based on the performance. For jeans that are certified, there are three levels.
- Level A
- Level AA
- Level AAA
Of the three, Level AAA offers the highest level of protection, a level that designs like the Mark Black AAA, MARK Olive AAA and KARL DEVIL AAA+ have achieved. Checking for that CE certification should give you peace of mind, knowing that the jeans you’ll be wearing on the road have actually been performance tested.
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2. Consider the functionality of the riding jeans for your needs
Beyond safety, motorcycle jeans should be practical and suited to your riding style, climate, and personal preferences.
Ventilation and cooling
Where and when you ride plays a significant role in choosing the right motorcycle jeans. For warm weather riding, mesh ventilation panels and heating conducting materials like Balistex and Cordura with Coolmax can help keep you cool. Some riding jeans including the MARK Olive AAA incorporated mesh into ventilation pockets that can be secured with YKK zippers.
Fit and comfort
Wearing the right size motorcycle jeans is a matter of comfort and safety. Jeans that are too loose may cause armor to shift out of place, while overly tight jeans can restrict movement and be distractingly uncomfortable. Before purchasing, measure your waist, hips and inseam accurately then compare it to the size chart to select the right pair.
Additional features to consider
In assessing the functionality of a pairing of riding jeans, take the time to really think about any other features the jeans could have that would add convenience and comfort to your ride.
Pockets
Consider whether you need zippered pockets for secure storage, would prefer larger cargo pockets with snaps, or a classic five pocket design for everyday use.
Elasticized or standard hems
The bottom hems of motorcycle jeans can be tighter, designed to fit inside or bunch above your riding boots, or be adjustable and elasticized, to fit over your boots. Which one you’d prefer is up to your personal sense of style, and whether you’d rather the top of the boot be totally covered to help prevent water getting in.
3. Choose a motorcycle jeans style that matches your look
Motorcycle jeans don’t have to look bulky or overly technical. Instead, thanks to advancements in technology and design, there are a variety of fits and finishes available, allowing you to maintain your personal style while staying protected.
The PANDO MOTO range provides a huge selection of modern riding pants ranging from the classic blue denim look to sleek black jeans, beige chinos and olive cargo pants, catering to riders who want protection without compromising fashion. In some designs there’s discreet embroidery details while others have undergone a unique hand-made aging process (washed down). You can actually see both of those design elements in the KAYA SLIM Grey ladies jeans.
Check out the base layers as an alternative to motorcycle jeans
If you want lightweight motorcycle pants without having to wear a full pair of riding jeans, a protective base layer is a great alternative. These lightweight armored leggings can be worn on their own or underneath your regular clothing, giving you more flexibility in what you wear on the road, without compromising safety.PANDO MOTO offers a few base layer options which are crafted from Balistex, including the SKIN UH 03 and SKIN UH AAA protective motorcycle leggings.
The takeaway
Finding the perfect motorcycle jeans requires the right balance of safety, comfort, and personal preference. Investing in high quality, CE-rated jeans with proper armor and durable construction ensures you’re well protected without sacrificing style.
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