The Advantages and Disadvantages of Leather and Textile Motorcycle Gear

There are many possibilities when picking motorcycle riding clothing, but only a few materials are available. For motorcycle riders, Leather and Textile Motorcycle Gear are the most popular options. Textile comes in various forms, including mesh, Gore-Tex, and other polyester-type textiles, and sometimes all of the above are combined to meet the needs of individual riders.

The rider must make a personal decision depending on their riding style, the climate, and the location while selecting their riding clothes, including both their pants and jacket. Personal comfort matters most, so when choosing, go with the outfit that keeps you well protected from the weather and in the event of an accident without compromising your ability to control the motorcycle.

To assist you in making an informed decision, we have listed some of the advantages and disadvantages of leather and textile motorcycle gear.

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1. Leather Motorcycle Riding Gear

The only material of choice for many motorcyclists nowadays is leather, which still rules the road. Today’s leather also has a variety of ventilation elements incorporated into it, including perforated panels, zippered mesh-lined vents, and carefully placed breathable textile materials. 

Certain designs have flex panels for a better fit and mobility for the rider, and most designs contain pockets for updated armor packages if an armor kit is not included. Since the warm, tightly fitting clothing that was widely worn decades ago, leather jacket design and overall construction have advanced significantly.

Leather is the most durable material overall and for resilience to impact and abrasion. It also comes more fitting and less loose than other fabrics, so it takes some time to break in like a baseball glove that gradually conforms to your hand. You can anticipate that leather pants and jackets will become more comfortable with time, but in the meanwhile, you must put up with any stiffness until it expands and molds to your body.

Expect to return home wet in the rain, even though most leather clothing needs to be treated for wet weather. Leather motorcycle gear typically doesn’t make much sense in locations with continuous rain or other moist weather.

Advantages of Leather Motorcycle Gear

• The highest resistance against impact and abrasion
• More “tailor” fitting generally
• Most include back, elbow, and shoulder armor
• Stylish 

Disadvantages of Leather Motorcycle Gear

• Heavy, possibly hot
• After being exposed to the elements, it needs conditioning and treatment
• Demands a break-in period
• Seasonal
• Higher-end jackets cost more since they have more features
• Not the greatest option for riding in heavy rain

2. Textile Motorcycle Riding Gear

Compared to leather or denim, textile clothing is still relatively new on the market. Any material made of synthetic fiber, except leather and denim, is called a textile. Textile jackets offer many additional benefits, such as breathability, space for armor, and waterproofing. Nothing compares to textile for waterproof efficiency, and unlike leather, you may wear a textile jacket or pair of pants over other clothing, including a leather jacket.

Also, textile has the best ventilation, and you can easily locate clothing that is functional all year round in any climate or weather.

Textile does not perform as well against abrasion or impact as leather, so it is generally necessary to put CE-approved armor on the elbows, shoulders, and back pads of jackets, as well as the hip and knee plates of pants. The majority of textile jackets and pants have an inbuilt armor system. However, some have additional padding with places for armor that require additional purchases.

One thing to notice is that more and more makers have included new materials that provide today’s textile gear the best abrasion resistance in its class but still don’t match the leather.

Advantages of Textile Motorcycle Riding Gear

• Strong resistance to impact and abrasion
• Providing greater autonomy and versatility
• Wide price range
• Waterproof options
• Comfortable right out of the box

Disadvantages of Textile Motorcycle Riding Gear

• Impact and abrasion resistance are inferior to leather
• Armor is included in certain clothes, but not all 

Conclusion

Regardless, leather is generally a little more demanding and high-maintenance, but you might find your soul mate if treated well. On the other hand, textile is often resilient and useful in a hurry but is also simple to replace.

Most riders own multiple sets of riding clothing, with a favorite used most frequently and one or two backup sets of jackets and pants for the weather or other potential riding conditions. Wear what makes you feel safe against the worst-case circumstances and comfortable in the best-case scenarios, whether you choose leather motorcycle gear, textile, or a combination of both.

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