Best multi-layer ‘midi’ textile motorcycle jackets

When it comes to motorcycle jackets the choice was traditionally between leather and textile. And while leather motorcycle jackets remain hugely popular for their protection and style, textile versions can bring added all-year versatility and features, such as multiple removable thermal layers, lightweight yet protective modern materials such as Kevlar and extra practicality by way of weather and waterproofing, ventilation systems, multiple pockets and more.
Ranging from bulky, expensive, all-season versions to lightweight summer options there are now so many it can be hard to know which to go for, though. As we head towards spring and you may be thinking of heading out for the first time this season we’ll try to make it easier for you. Between those two extremes mid-weight, multi-layer textile jackets are a brilliant compromise by offering near year-round warmth and waterproofing, but also more stylish, lighter weight and more versatile and affordable designs to suit a wide variety of riders. But what’s out there? Here are our current five top picks, in ascending price order, based on buyer ratings accrued on the UK’s leading online motorcycle store.

RST Pro Series Ventilator-X, £199.99

RST is one of the UK’s leading and most trusted motorcycle clothing brands with a knack of producing stylish, quality gear to suit most budgets. Its Pro Series Ventilator-X is a more lightweight, stylish, snug-fitting, summer-targeted textile jacket but also one which comes with a removable thermal liner for year-round use. It’s made from abrasion resistant ‘MaxTex’ material with mesh inserts for added airflow. There are bonded nylon triple stitched seams, a removable thermal and waterproof liner, heavy duty ‘Strong Max’ zips, subtle reflective details, adjustable ‘hook and loop’ straps at the waist and cuff and CE-certified shoulder and elbow armour. It also comes in a variety of colours and sizes and is priced at just under £200.

Alpinestars T-SP-1 jacket, £224.99

Motorcycle clothing brands don’t get much more glamourous and respected than Alpinestars, whose leathers, boots, gloves and now helmets dominate racing and whose textiles are among the most stylish and sophisticated as well. But they can also be relatively affordable, as this T-SP-1 jacket proves. It’s a sporty textile ‘urban’ jacket that looks great, has an advanced ‘poly-fabric’ main shell with reinforcements in all the key areas, a fixed waterproof membrane which is fully tape seamed but also a removable, full sleeve thermal liner and a zippered vent system, which makes it ideal for a wide range of weather conditions. There are also stretch panels to aid comfort, an adjustable waist band, a low collar with comfort fabric liner, CE-certified shoulder and elbow armour, two external zippered pockets plus a waterproof internal pocket and even reflective details to aid low light visibility.

Rev’it Tornado 3 jacket, £299.99

Rev’It is a Dutch motorcycle clothing brand founded in 1995 that has gone on to great global success in all areas of motorcycling. Its Tornado 3 is described as a ‘touring’ jacket but is so stylish and versatile we think that sells it short. It has a durable polyester ‘ripstop’ construction with a removable 2-in-1 waterproof thermal liner, vent areas and CE approved armour. On colder days the breathable and flexible ‘Hydratex Lite’ 2-in-1 liner keeps you dry and warm but on warmer days is removeable. What’s more, the liner can even be worn as a separate casual jacket. There is CE-level 2 armour at the shoulder and elbows with an optional back protector, waist, cuff and sleeve adjustment straps, internal pockets with additional waterproof pocket in the removable liner and, at under £300, it’s temptingly priced, too.

Oxford Hinterland, £329.99

Oxford is one of the UK’s leading motorcycle accessory and clothing companies and specializes in weatherproof textiles and luggage, such as its famous ‘Aqua’ line. Its Hinterland is a tri-laminate, waterproof touring jacket but, again, is so stylish and versatile it can be used virtually all year round. There’s a durable, abrasion resistant, nylon outer construction in a variety of colour ways, a ‘Dry2dry’ breathable and waterproof membrane and then a ‘WarmDry’ removable thermal lining. On top of that, if the weather is warm, there are also zip vents with exhaust vents on the rear for extra cooling. There is also CE approved, ‘AA’ certified elbow and shoulder protection, water-resistant YKK zips are used throughout, there is reflective printing for night-time riding, and it also comes with long and short connection zips for attachment to matching trousers.

Rukka Kalix 2.0, £609.99

Finally, for those with bigger budgets or who will settle for nothing less than the best, Finnish brand Rukka is one of the longest established and most respected motorcycle textile clothing brands of all. Its stylish Kalix 2.0 jacket is one of its highest rated and is a waterproof Gore-Tex jacket with ventilated openings and D3O limb armour. Outer construction is of Gore-Tex Pro two-layer laminated textile, there is CE level 1 D3O Air shoulder and elbow armour, a pocket for optional Rukka D3O back protectors, a soft neoprene comfort collar, upper arm and cuff adjustment straps, ventilation openings with two-way zips, no fewer than four pockets, including water-resistant ones and it also comes with an impressive six-year warranty. It’s not cheap but you get what you pay for!