A riding vest is one of the most popular pieces of motorcycle gear, especially for cruiser and club riders. It keeps the wind off your chest, carries your patches and essentials, and looks right on the bike. But most vests on their own offer very little impact protection. This guide covers how to choose a vest that fits and lasts, and how to add certified armor so it actually protects you.

Leather, textile or denim?

Leather

The classic choice. Thick leather resists abrasion far better than fabric and gets more comfortable as it breaks in. It is warmer, so it suits spring, fall and evening rides. Look for heavy hide, strong stitching and a quality zipper or snaps.

Textile

Nylon or polyester vests are lighter, cooler and usually cheaper. Many include reflective panels and extra pockets, which makes them a good choice for summer riding and commuting.

Denim

Denim gives the traditional club look and breathes well in hot weather, but standard denim wears through quickly in a slide. Leather-and-denim combinations are a popular middle ground.

How a riding vest should fit

• Snug, not tight. You should be able to reach the bars without the vest pulling across your shoulders.
• No flapping. A loose vest catches wind at speed. Side laces or adjusters help dial in the fit.
• Room for layers. Try it on over the clothing you normally ride in, including a hoodie if you ride in cooler weather.
• Length. It should cover your lower back when you are leaned forward in the riding position.

Features worth paying for

• Visibility: reflective piping or panels help drivers see you at night.
• Pockets: inside and concealed pockets keep your phone, wallet and keys secure.
• Quality hardware: heavy zippers and snaps that won't fail on the highway.
• An armor pocket: rare on vests, but a big plus if you find one.

The part most riders miss: protection

A vest covers your torso, but unlike a proper riding jacket it almost never has built-in armor. In a fall, your back and spine take a large share of the impact, and a vest alone does nothing to absorb it.

The easiest fix is a strap-on back protector worn under the vest. Because it holds itself in place with shoulder and waist straps, it doesn't need an armor pocket, so it works under any vest, hoodie or mesh jacket. Our CE Level 2 Motorcycle Back Protector with Adjustable Straps is made for exactly this: CE Level 2 back protection that stays centered on your spine, whatever you wear over it.

If you also ride in a jacket with armor pockets, you can upgrade those too. Browse our back armor pads, or upgrade the whole jacket at once with an armor pad set covering back, shoulders and elbows. To understand the difference between ratings, read our CE armor glossary.

Don't forget your hands

Your hands are usually the first thing to hit the ground. Even with a vest, wear gloves with a reinforced palm. See our leather gloves.

Quick checklist

1. Pick the material for your riding season: leather for protection and warmth, textile for heat, denim for style.
2. Check the fit in the riding position, over your normal layers.
3. Look for reflective details and secure pockets.
4. Add a CE-rated strap-on back protector underneath.
5. Wear gloves every ride.

FAQs

Does a leather vest protect you in a crash?

Leather helps against abrasion on your torso, but a vest has no impact armor and leaves your arms uncovered. Adding a CE-rated back protector underneath gives your spine real impact protection.

Can I wear a back protector under a vest?

Yes. A strap-on back protector holds itself in place, so it works under any vest, even one without an armor pocket.

What's the difference between CE Level 1 and Level 2?

Both are certified. Level 2 lets less impact force through to your body than Level 1. Our CE Level 1 vs Level 2 buying guide explains it in detail.

Armor adds impact protection but does not replace a proper riding jacket, and no gear prevents all injury.