5 Best Riding Gear Motorcycles: Top Picks for Safer Rides (2026)

By Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Finding the best riding gear motorcycle riders actually wear comes down to protection, comfort and fit for the kind of riding you do. Crashes happen at low speed and on dirt as well as on pavement, so the gear you choose should cover your head, eyes, torso, legs and hands. This guide compares five well-regarded options across those areas. Our selection criteria were specifications, brand reputation with riders and recurring owner feedback, with a focus on certified impact protection, weather resistance, fit range and everyday comfort. We have not tested these products ourselves, so check the specs and sizing charts before you buy.

Our Top Picks

Motorcycle Armored Shirt CE 2 Protection Removable Armor Set Breathable Lightweight Summer Riding Gear

Motorcycle Armored Shirt CE 2 Protection Removable Armor Set Breathable Lightweight Summer Riding Gear

View on Amazon

Best for: Warm-weather riding with impact protection on the chest and back.

This armored shirt suits riders who want protection without a heavy jacket, especially on summer street rides and light trail days. It works well under a mesh jacket or on its own.

Key specs

• Removable CE-rated armor set
• Lightweight, breathable construction
• Designed as a base layer for summer riding

Pros

• Keeps the armor in place without bulk
• Removable armor makes washing and drying simpler
• Good layering option for hot days

Cons

• Offers less weather protection than a full jacket
• Limited wind and rain resistance

Bottom line: A strong choice for riders who ride mostly in heat and want armor under a breathable outer layer.

View on Amazon

BORLEN Motorcycle Jacket for Men with Armor CE Certified (EN 17092) Model D-020

Windproof Biker Riding Jacket with Full Body Protection for All-Season Riding Model D-020 BORLEN Motorcycle Jacket for Men with Armor CE Certified (EN 17092)

View on Amazon

Best for: All-season riding with certified armor and wind protection.

This jacket is aimed at commuters and weekend riders who face changing temperatures and want a single piece that handles wind and cool air. The EN 17092 designation is a European standard for motorcycle protective clothing, which is useful to know when comparing armor ratings.

Key specs

• Windproof shell
• CE-certified armor (EN 17092)
• Full-body protection design for all-season use

Pros

• Standard-referenced armor gives an objective point of comparison
• Windproof construction suits variable conditions
• Covers the torso and arms as a single piece

Cons

• Heavier than mesh or summer options, which can feel warm in heat
• Sizing can run differently from brand to brand, so check the chart carefully

Bottom line: A practical pick for riders who want one jacket that works across spring, fall and mild winter days.

View on Amazon

Motorcycle Pants for Men and Women Armored Cordura Overpants Enduro ATV Dual Sports Motocross Cargo Work Touring

Motorcycle Pants for Men and Women Armored Cordura Overpants Enduro ATV Dual Sports Motocross Cargo Work Touring

View on Amazon

Best for: Off-road, enduro and dual-sport riding where leg protection and abrasion resistance matter.

These overpants are built for riders who mix trail riding with street miles. The Cordura fabric is a common choice for abrasion resistance, and the cargo-style design suits riders who carry tools or supplies.

Key specs

• Armored Cordura construction
• Overpant cut for use over regular clothing
• Cargo-style pockets

Pros

• Abrasion-resistant fabric suits dirt and gravel
• Works for both men and women based on the listing
• Pockets add practical storage on longer rides

Cons

• Bulkier than street-only pants, which can affect comfort in heat
• Fit depends heavily on waist and inseam measurements

Bottom line: Best suited to riders who spend significant time off road or on mixed terrain.

View on Amazon

KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves for Men Touchscreen Motorcycle Gloves with Hard Shell and Palm Padding

KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves for Men, Touchscreen Motorcycle Gloves with Hard Shell & Palm Padding for Sports Motorcycle Cycling Tactical Airsoft Paintball Hunting Hiking

View on Amazon

Best for: Hand protection with touchscreen compatibility for navigation and phone use.

Riders who use a phone for navigation or want to keep knuckles protected in a fall will find these gloves a practical option. The hard-shell knuckle and palm padding are the features that matter most for impact protection.

Key specs

• Hard-shell knuckle protection
• Palm padding
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertips

Pros

• Touchscreen fingertips reduce glove removal at stops
• Hard shell adds knuckle protection in a fall
• Palm padding helps with hand fatigue on longer rides

Cons

• Tactical styling may not suit riders who want a traditional look
• Stiffer hard-shell gloves can take a short break-in period

Bottom line: A good match for riders who want knuckle protection and phone use in one glove.

View on Amazon

3 Pair Motorcycle Riding Glasses Padding Goggles UV Protection Dustproof Windproof Motorcycle Sunglasses for Outdoor Actives

3 Pair Motorcycle Riding Glasses Padding Goggles UV Protection Dustproof Windproof Motorcycle Sunglasses for Outdoor Actives

View on Amazon

Best for: Eye protection on a budget, with dust and wind shielding.

Eye protection is one of the most overlooked parts of riding gear. This multi-pack suits riders who want spare pairs for different light conditions or who tend to lose glasses.

Key specs

• Three pairs per pack
• UV protection
• Dust and wind shielding with padding

Pros

• Multiple pairs cover different light conditions
• Padding helps seal against wind and debris
• Budget-friendly way to protect your eyes

Cons

• Not a substitute for a full-face helmet or certified goggle system
• Lens clarity and fit vary by face shape

Bottom line: A sensible starting point for riders who need affordable eye protection for daily use.

View on Amazon

Buying Guide

Impact Protection and Certification

Look for armor that is labeled to a recognized standard, such as CE-rated armor under EN 1621 for limb and body protectors or EN 17092 for complete garments. Certification tells you the armor has been tested to a defined impact threshold, which makes comparison easier than marketing claims alone.

Good picks for this: Motorcycle Armored Shirt CE 2 Protection, BORLEN Motorcycle Jacket Model D-020

Weather Resistance and Season

Match the gear to the conditions you ride in most. Mesh and lightweight fabrics breathe well in heat but offer little wind or rain protection. Windproof shells help in cool weather, and waterproof layers matter for rain. Plan your layers so you can add or remove insulation as temperatures change.

Good picks for this: BORLEN Motorcycle Jacket Model D-020, Motorcycle Armored Shirt CE 2 Protection

Fit and Sizing

Fit affects both protection and comfort. Armor should sit against the body without shifting, and sleeves and legs should not restrict your riding position. Measure chest, waist and inseam, then compare against the manufacturer’s size chart rather than your usual clothing size, since sizing varies between brands.

Good picks for this: Motorcycle Pants for Men and Women Armored Cordura Overpants, BORLEN Motorcycle Jacket Model D-020

Riding Style and Terrain

Street riding, dual-sport, enduro and touring place different demands on gear. Off-road riders benefit from abrasion-resistant fabrics and flexible armor, while touring riders often prioritize weather protection and pockets. Choose gear for the terrain you ride most, not the terrain you might ride once a year.

Good picks for this: Motorcycle Pants for Men and Women Armored Cordura Overpants, KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves for Men

Abrasion Resistance and Materials

Fabrics such as Cordura and leather resist abrasion better than standard textiles. In a slide, material matters as much as armor. Check whether the fabric is rated for abrasion and whether reinforced panels cover the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.

Good picks for this: Motorcycle Pants for Men and Women Armored Cordura Overpants, BORLEN Motorcycle Jacket Model D-020

Hand and Eye Protection

Gloves and eye protection are often the first things riders reach for after a fall, and they are easy to overlook. Look for knuckle armor, palm sliders and secure wrist closures on gloves. For eyes, choose lenses that block UV and debris, and make sure they fit under or over your helmet without pressure points.

Good picks for this: KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves for Men, 3 Pair Motorcycle Riding Glasses Padding Goggles

Care and Maintenance

Follow the care label and manufacturer instructions for washing and drying. Remove removable armor before washing when the design allows it, and air-dry gear away from direct heat. Inspect armor, seams and zippers regularly, and replace armor after a significant impact or if it shows cracks or deformation.

Good picks for this: Motorcycle Armored Shirt CE 2 Protection, 3 Pair Motorcycle Riding Glasses Padding Goggles

FAQ

What is the most important piece of riding gear?

A certified helmet is the most critical item and should be worn on every ride. After that, body armor, gloves and eye protection provide the next layer of protection for common crash injuries.

What does CE certification mean on motorcycle armor?

CE marking indicates that the armor meets a European standard for impact protection. Standards such as EN 1621 cover limb and body protectors, and EN 17092 covers complete garments. Certification means the product was tested, though it does not guarantee protection in every crash.

Can I wear regular clothing under motorcycle gear?

You can, but riding in synthetic or heavy fabrics can cause overheating. Many riders prefer moisture-wicking base layers. Make sure your clothing does not bunch under armor or restrict movement.

How should motorcycle gear fit?

Gear should be snug enough that armor stays in place when you move, but not so tight that it limits breathing or reaching the controls. Always check the manufacturer’s size chart, since sizing differs from brand to brand.

Are touchscreen gloves safe for riding?

Touchscreen compatibility is a convenience feature and does not affect impact protection. Choose gloves for protection first, then consider touchscreen fingertips as an added benefit for navigation and phone use.

How often should I replace motorcycle protective gear?

Replace armor after a significant impact or if it shows damage. Check manufacturer guidance on lifespan, and inspect gear regularly for worn seams, cracked shells and degraded zippers. Consult the manufacturer or a qualified professional if you are unsure whether an item is still safe to use.

Is riding gear worth the investment for short rides?

Crashes can happen on any ride, including short trips in town. Protective gear reduces injury risk regardless of distance, so wearing it on every ride is the safer habit.

Conclusion

The best riding gear motorcycle riders choose depends on climate, terrain and how much protection they want. For hot-weather street riding, the Motorcycle Armored Shirt CE 2 Protection pairs armor with breathability. The BORLEN Motorcycle Jacket suits variable conditions and offers a clear standard reference. For off-road and dual-sport riding, the armored Cordura overpants add abrasion resistance. The KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves cover hands and touchscreen use, and the 3 Pair Motorcycle Riding Glasses offer affordable eye protection. Build your kit around a certified helmet first, then add the pieces that match your riding.

Sources

• Motorcycle safety guidance, helmet and protective gear recommendations (nhtsa.gov)
• Consumer product safety information and recall notices for protective equipment (cpsc.gov)
• Rider training resources and gear recommendations from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Related reading

• Summer Riding Gear Motorcycle: 7 Best Picks for Hot-Weather Riders
• 5 Best Rain Gear for Motorcycle Riding: 5 Picks Compared (2026)
• The Primary Benefits of Using Good Riding Gear Are: A Practical Guide (2026)
• Sport Motorcycle Riding Gear: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
• Safest Motorcycle Riding Gear: A Piece-by-Piece Guide for Dirt and Trail Riders
• Motorcycle Adventure Riding Gear: 7 Essentials for Dual-Sport Trails

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our ATV, UTV/side-by-side & dirt bikes guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.