Most riders invest a lot of time and money in their jacket, but often far less in their trousers. Yet in a crash, knees, hips and thighs hit the tarmac just as often as shoulders and elbows. If you want to buy motorcycle trousers, you can choose between textile, leather and riding jeans. Here you'll learn how they differ, what matters with armour and fit, and which trousers suit the way you ride.
Textile, leather or jeans compared
| Material | Strengths | Weaknesses | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textile | weatherproof with a membrane, versatile, often cheaper | can get warm in the heat, protection varies a lot by class | tourers, commuters, all-year riders |
| Leather | very high abrasion resistance, good fit | not waterproof, heavier, needs care | sporty riders, dry tours |
| Riding jeans | practical for everyday use, inconspicuous | usually not waterproof, often only class A or AA | city, short trips, summer |
Protection classes under EN 17092
Since motorcycle clothing counts as personal protective equipment, it's tested to the EN 17092 standard. The classes range from C to AAA:
- AAA: highest abrasion resistance, typical of leather trousers and high-quality textile trousers.
- AA: the standard for touring riders, a good compromise between protection and comfort.
- A: lighter trousers, for example many riding jeans, for the city and short distances.
- B and C: special cases, B without armour, C armour only without abrasion protection.
The class is on the label inside the trousers. If it's missing, the trousers aren't certified protective clothing. How the tests work and where their limits lie is explained in CE label and AAA: why even expensive jackets fail in a crash.
Armour: knees and hips
Knee and hip armour is tested to EN 1621-1. Level 2 absorbs much more than level 1.
- Knee armour is already fitted in most trousers.
- Hip armour is often missing. Many trousers only have pockets for it, with foam placeholders inside. Ask in the shop and fit real armour; it doesn't cost much.
- Adjustable knee height: good trousers have several positions for the knee armour so it matches your leg length.
Fit: check it sitting down
Almost all trousers fit when you stand. What matters is the riding position.
- Sit down: try the trousers on in a squat or on a motorcycle in the shop. Does the knee armour stay on your knee, or does it slide onto your shin?
- Length: sitting down, the trousers ride up. They must still reach over the top of your boots, otherwise your shin is exposed.
- Waist: the trousers mustn't dig into your stomach when seated, and your back must stay covered.
- Not too loose: loose trousers shift in a crash, and the armour is no longer where it should protect you.
Connecting zip
A zip between jacket and trousers stops the jacket riding up in a crash and your back scraping over the tarmac. Make sure the jacket and trousers are compatible. This often only works within one brand. On leather, the zip should be sewn firmly into the leather, not just into the lining. More on combining different brands in Combining motorcycle clothing from different brands.
Riding jeans: what they can and can't do
Riding jeans look like normal jeans but have aramid linings or are made entirely of high-strength fibres such as Dyneema. Normal jeans wear through after a very short slide. Certified riding jeans last much longer.
- Look for the CE class (usually A, sometimes AA) and pockets for knee and hip armour.
- Single-layer jeans made of high-performance fibres are more comfortable in summer than jeans with an extra aramid lining.
- For motorways and long tours, leather or high-quality textile trousers offer more reserves.
Weather: membrane, ventilation, lining
- Membrane: textile trousers with a membrane keep rain out. Laminates, where the membrane is bonded to the outer fabric, don't soak up water.
- Ventilation: zips on the thighs bring noticeable airflow in summer.
- Thermal lining: removable for the cold season.
- Rain trousers: if you ride in leather or jeans, take rain trousers with you. Tips in Buying a motorcycle rain suit.
Are motorcycle trousers mandatory?
In many countries, including Germany and the UK, the law only requires a helmet. Some countries go further: in Belgium, long trousers or an overall are mandatory, along with a jacket, gloves and boots. More in Riding a motorcycle in Belgium. Regardless of the law, certified motorcycle trousers are one of the best investments in your safety.
Buying checklist
- CE class under EN 17092 on the label: at least AA for touring.
- Level 2 knee armour, adjustable in height.
- Pockets for hip armour, ideally with real armour.
- Fit checked while seated, length over the top of your boots.
- Connecting zip that matches your jacket.
- Membrane or rain trousers depending on use.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycle trousers
Which protection class should my motorcycle trousers have?
At least AA for touring and motorways, AAA for sporty riding. Class A is enough for the city and short distances.
Do I need hip armour?
Yes, the hip hits the ground first in many crashes. Many trousers only have pockets with placeholders, and you can add real armour cheaply.
Are riding jeans safe?
Certified riding jeans protect much better than normal jeans, but usually only reach class A or AA. For long tours and high speeds, leather or high-quality textile trousers are better.
How should motorcycle trousers fit?
Seated, the knee armour must stay on the knee and the trousers must reach over your boots. They mustn't dig in or be too loose.
Can I zip together a jacket and trousers from different brands?
Sometimes. Connecting zips are often brand-specific, but there are adapters and brands with universal zips.
Are motorcycle trousers mandatory?
Not in Germany or the UK, but in Belgium long trousers or an overall are required.
Summary
Your motorcycle trousers deserve as much attention as your jacket. Look for the protection class, real knee and hip armour and a fit that works when you're seated. Then your trousers will protect you exactly where a crash often hurts most.
Sources
- EN 17092: Protective clothing for motorcycle riders (SATRA)
- EN 1621: Protection against mechanical impact (SATRA)
- CE certification of motorcycle clothing (Polo Motorrad, German)
- Motorcycle rules in Belgium (ADAC, German)
Last checked: September 2026. The label on your trousers with class and standard is what counts.