Best wax cotton motorcycle jackets

When shopping for a protective, stylish motorcycle jacket it’s easy to assume your choice is down to either leather or modern textiles. Not true. One of the most traditional, classic-looking and best performing materials is ‘waxed cotton’, effectively heavy-duty cotton or canvas that’s been weatherproofed with a wax or rubberised coating.
Historically, wax cotton jackets are most familiar via the Barbour and Belstaff brands and traditionally hip length with a zip and popper front closure, waist belt, tartan thermal lining, reinforced shoulders and elbows and four front ‘patch’ pockets. In black, green, brown or khaki they epitomise vintage, country style thanks to associations with the equestrian set. But they also afford decent weather and crash protection while being the perfect look when riding a retro or classic bike. Less favourably traditional wax cottons also require periodic ‘retreating’ to maintain their waterproof quality, and can never offer quite the same levels of protection as the most advanced textile or leather equivalents. In these modern times, however, the latest versions are also now available in a far wider range of styles and cuts (including female specific), feature the latest advanced fibre thermal linings, enhanced Kevlar protection panels and integrated CE-approved body armour. But what’s out there? Here are our current five top picks, based on buyer ratings accrued on the UK’s leading online motorcycle store. We’ve also chosen to highlight different styles and lengths, including a ladies version.

The Hardy is one of the best-selling of all wax cotton jackets, and the universally glowing buyer reviews put it top of our list here. It’s worth noting Oxford also a more traditional alternative, the Holwell, which is also very popular and priced just £10 more. The Hardy is, meanwhile, a classically-styled, short-length wax cotton jacket available in either black or olive green. It features a ‘micro mesh’ breathable wax cotton and polyester outer shell, a removable quilted thermal liner, CE-approved protection at elbows and shoulders, a pocket for an optional back protector, two front exterior chest pockets, two zipped ‘hand’ pockets, popper-secured cuffs and collar and even a removeable shoulder badge!

If the Oxford Hardy isn’t ‘traditional’ enough for you they don’t get much more classic looking than the Isle of Man TT Classic waxed cotton jacket from RST – so much so it even has official Isle of Man TT branding! It’s available both in navy and black with the option of three-quarter or short waist lengths and is packed with features. It’s made from ‘abrasion resistant’ heavy duty wax cotton; has both a fixed mesh lining and a removeable quilted thermal liner. There are CE certified shoulder and elbow protectors, a pocket for an optional back protector, classic front zip and popper front flap closure, an adjustable waist belt, handy zipped pockets so you don’t lose smaller items, ‘antique’ finish brash zips and, of course, those Isle Of Man TT embossed logos. RST also does a more modern looking, waist-length wax cotton jacket called the Brixton.

Belstaff is one of the best-known, most traditional and also respected names in the business when it comes to wax cotton motorcycle jackets. Yes, they’re more expensive, but this Glen Vine model is also very highly rated. It’s a shorter, ‘blouson’ or café racer style jacket made from water resistant rubberised cotton finished in ‘burnished green’ and fitted with D3O CE armour in the shoulders and elbows. Designed to give a snug fit there are also four ‘streamlined’ pockets and ‘linear’ quilting on the shoulders, a pocket for an optional back protector, a two-way front zip fastening with press stud flap (the lower press stud is rubber coated to prevent scratches) and a logo on the left sleeve. Belstaff also does a range of other traditional wax cotton jackets, including its famous Trialsmaster, but this is the highest rated overall.

Another stylish retro style wax cotton waterproof jacket with CE certified armour and a removable thermal quilted liner. The Richa Scrambler 2 is a snug fitting ‘shortie’ style jacket that manages combining the classic styling features of a traditional wax cotton with lots of modern protective features. It’s made from British ‘Millerain’ waxed cotton and has a fixed waterproof and breathable membrane with a removable cotton thermal liner. There are CE certified shoulder and elbow protectors, a pocket to accommodate optional back armour, quilted ‘checker’ panels on the elbows and shoulders, four pockets, a zip and popper flap front opening, and ‘antiqued’ brass finish press-studs for adjustment on the arms and cuffs.

As promised, one for the ladies! The Merlin Ladies Buxton 2 Silk Wax Textile Jacket – here in Olive – is a ladies’ textile jacket with a ‘Reissa’ waterproof membrane and a 150g removable thermal lining. It’s made from ‘Halley Stevensons’ 12oz silk wax cotton, has a waterproof membrane and removable thermal lining, D3O CE certified shoulder and elbow protectors, a pocket for an optional back protection, four patch pockets all with flap and stud closure, zip cuffs, an adjustable collar and even a jacket to jean connection zip. It also comes in black.