These jeans have AA protection rating, so while not the outright best in terms of abrasion and tear resistance compared with AAA items, they do have Level 2 CE armour in both knees and hips. The outer shell is Demin, while the yarn is a blend of Dyneema, Cordura and Polyester, with a tiny bit of Elastane woven in for stretchiness. The RST X Kevlar is a single-layer denim jean, combining denim cotton with abrasion-resistant DuPont Kevlar for a supreme blend of comfort, style, and protection. This unique fabric composition retains the exceptional protective qualities of Kevlar, including its tensile strength, durability and thermal stability, whilst offering the softness and casual look of a regular jean. I haven’t seen many that use an abrasion-resistant material throughout the denim as well as full reinforcing at key zones, and part-lined jeans are becoming less common. The second area is in their impact protection. Just like regular riding trousers, the best motorcycle jeans should include at least knee armour and ideally, hip armour as well, these being the most common parts of the lower body that suffer from impact injuries. As with other forms of armour, this can be either Level-1 or the more impact-absorbent and protective Level-2 and should be specified on the sales material.

Many brands supply their jeans quite long, so this might not suit riders with a shorter leg, while others offer varying lengths and some will adjust the length of your jeans to suit you, free of charge. Personally, I don’t like turn-ups on a bike as I seem to keep getting the footpegs caught in them.Many bikers know that their pants can become quite unbearable after a few days of heavy riding and sweating! See our guide to the best summer motorcycle trousers for some more warm weather options. It must be noted that outside of their protective features, the Daiji jeans closely resemble other high-end jeans in terms of appearance, and this is reflected in the slightly disappointing CE A safety rating. However, it is the fusion of Diesel's signature style and Alpinestars' expertise in motorcycle gear that sets them apart. In terms of protection, the Onyx jeans come equipped with CE level 2 hip and knee armour as standard. These protective elements can be easily adjusted or removed when transitioning from riding to off-bike activities. Whatever your choice of motorcycle protective jeans or pants, think ahead to the type of riding you’ll be doing and the weather you’ll be exposed to. There’s little reason for a good-quality pair of single-layer or lined motorcycle jeans – with knee and hip armour – to not be rated as AAA, so make that your first filter. You might hear some excuses for products not having the top rating, but the only way to know for sure is through testing, so be wary of bluster.

Whether we like it or not, a high-speed impact with the nakedness of a motorcycle exposes our entire bodies to severe injuries. While much focus is rightfully afforded to the head, feet and hands, let’s not forget that injuries to the legs and lower mid-section can be equally unforgiving. Despite the knee protectors‘ flexibility, the armor takes on a flat shape when the rider is not on a bike. The flat discs at the knees of the Chinos immediately hint at the riding use. Most commuters and casual riders favor riding jeans for their adaptability and discretion. Equipped with Oxford's Dynamic CE level 2 knee and hip protectors, these jeans offer optimal impact resistance without compromising flexibility or comfort. The protectors are thin and flexible, ensuring a natural range of motion while providing vital protection. About the author: Justin Hayzelden is MCN’s Product Specialist and has been a regular contributor since 2009. He has built up a wealth of experience in putting the latest machinery through its paces, as well as subjecting every aspect of motorcycle kit to the rigours of real-world riding.Of course, abrasion resistance isn’t the only measure of safety – burst and tear strength is just as vital, which is why I think it’s important to go for AAA-rated jeans.