A, AA and AAA in Motorcycle Clothing: Classes Explained

When it comes to motorcycle clothing, the abbreviations A, AA and AAA come up quickly. To outsiders they're just letters. For you as a rider, though, they say a lot about how well a jacket, trousers or suit protect you in a crash, how much they can take and what they're designed for.

What do A, AA and AAA mean in motorcycle clothing?

The letters come from the European standard for motorcycle protective clothing, EN 17092. The armour itself is tested separately: limb armour to EN 1621-1, back protectors to EN 1621-2. The older professional standard EN 13595 was withdrawn in 2023. EN 17092 has five classes: AAA, AA, A, B and C. B only protects against abrasion (no armour), C is purely an armour carrier without abrasion protection. The three A classes combine both and divide clothing into performance levels:

• A (basic protection): abrasion protection plus armour at shoulders, elbows and knees. Hip armour is not required in class A. Intended for occasional riders or short trips in town. CE-tested, but with lower requirements for abrasion resistance and seams than AA or AAA.
• AA (extended protection): higher requirements for abrasion and seam strength, armour at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees is mandatory. Well suited to everyday riders and longer tours. Typically robust textile touring suits, often with reinforcements in the impact zones.
• AAA (highest protection): the highest level with the strictest requirements for abrasion and seams, armour required as for AA. Recommended for sporty riders, track days or long tours. Mostly leather suits or very elaborate textile clothing with an ergonomic fit.

These classes let you choose clothing that suits your riding style. That's more than a question of comfort, because in a crash it can save your life.

The classes in detail: material, armour, fit

Motorcycle clothing consists of several layers and components that together provide protection. The following material details are typical examples, not requirements of the standard:

1. Outer material: A: lighter abrasion-resistant fabrics, often in city jackets and riding jeans. AA: Cordura or leather with reinforced seams. AAA: mostly thick leather, less often textile with aramid reinforcements (such as Kevlar), sometimes with reflective elements for better visibility.
2. Armour: A: armour at shoulders, elbows and knees, hips optional. AA and AAA: hip armour also mandatory. Important: the class says nothing about whether the armour is level 1 or level 2. That's stated separately on the protector (EN 1621-1 for limbs). A back protector (EN 1621-2) isn't required in any class and often has to be bought separately.
3. Cut and ergonomics: AAA clothing often has pre-curved sleeves and stretch panels so the armour stays in the right place when you move. AA clothing has a good fit with fewer stretch panels but still protects adequately in everyday use. A clothing tends to have a universal cut, less ergonomic but light and affordable.

Why AAA is more than a label

AAA-certified motorcycle clothing gives you a good feeling on the bike. For many riders that means:

• Safety: material and seams last much longer when sliding over tarmac than with class A. That doesn't automatically apply to the armour: look for level 2 there.
• Confidence: you know that seams, armour and material have been tested. That makes for a more relaxed ride.
• Comfort: modern AAA clothing combines protection with good ergonomics and ventilation, so you don't feel restricted.

If you ride a lot and love it, these letters are more than technical data. They show that you've thought about your protection.

Choosing the right protection class

1. Know your riding profile: town riding: A or AA is often enough. Touring and sporty riding: AA or AAA. Track: AAA, usually a leather suit. The organiser's terms state exactly what's required.
2. Look at the material mix: AAA clothing: mostly leather, sometimes textile with aramid reinforcement. AA clothing: robust textile mix, sometimes with leather reinforcement. A clothing: simple textile fabric.
3. Check the labels: CE mark with EN 1621-1 or EN 1621-2 and the level on the armour. EN 17092 with the class (AAA, AA, A, B or C) on the clothing label. AAA marking for the highest abrasion protection.
4. Test the fit: AAA clothing fits more snugly and has an ergonomic cut. Make sure the armour sits in the right places. AA clothing has a looser cut and still protects well.

Summary

The right gear can save your life. The letters A, AA and AAA show you at a glance how robust and well cut a jacket, trousers or suit are. For beginners A or AA is often enough, for keen touring riders AA is a good choice, and if you ride sportily or go on track, choose AAA.

In short: AAA gives you the highest protection class of EN 17092. Still check the armour level too and add a back protector. A small detail on the label that makes a big difference in a crash.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• EN 17092: Protective clothing for motorcycle riders (SATRA)
• EN 1621: Motorcyclists' clothing protecting against mechanical impact (SATRA)
• Motorcycle clothing and safety standards, reprint from Tourenfahrer 3/2023 (PDF, German)
• Safety standards for motorcycle clothing (Motorrad Online, German)
• Mechanical engineering: internal market (European Commission)

Last checked: September 2026. Standards and requirements can change.