Many motorcycle jackets are "waterproof" these days, and yet after three hours of steady rain you arrive damp. Water creeps in through seams, at the collar, at the sleeves or between jacket and trousers. A motorcycle rain suit is therefore a small, cheap piece of safety on every trip. Here's which type suits you and what to look for when buying.
Why staying dry is a safety issue
Wet clothing chills you, even in summer. If you're cold, you react more slowly, tense up and tire faster. A rain suit keeps out water and wind and keeps you focused. How to ride on wet roads is in Riding a motorcycle in the rain.
One-piece or two-piece?
| One-piece | Two-piece | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | very good, no gap at the waist | good, with enough overlap |
| Putting on | more awkward, a hassle at the roadside | easier, parts can be used separately |
| Flexibility | all or nothing | jacket alone works as a windproof |
| Breaks | take it all off for a toilet stop | more practical |
If you ride a lot in steady rain, for example in Scandinavia or Scotland, you'll be happy with a one-piece. For changeable weather and short showers the two-piece is more convenient.
The right size
The rain suit goes over all your motorcycle clothing including armour. So always try it on over jacket and trousers. Sit on a motorcycle and stretch your arms to the bars: the sleeves must not ride up and the legs must reach over your boots. Too tight means stretched seams that let water through.
Material and features
- PVC or coated nylon: completely waterproof and cheap, but not breathable. You'll sweat underneath in warm weather.
- Breathable membrane: more expensive, more comfortable on longer rides and in warmer weather.
- Welded or taped seams: a must, otherwise the suit isn't waterproof.
- Zips with storm flap and Velcro: the front zip is the most common weak spot.
- Wide leg zips: so you can pull it over your boots.
- Reflectors or high-vis colour: others see you less well in the rain.
- Heat-resistant panel on the inner leg: so the suit doesn't melt on a hot exhaust.
- Small pack size: it has to fit in a tank bag or pannier.
Hands, feet and neck
The best suit won't help much if water gets in over gloves and boots. For your hands there are waterproof gloves or thin covers. For your feet, overboots help if your boots aren't waterproof. A neck tube or balaclava stops water running in at the collar.
Care
After the ride, hang the suit up to dry, never pack it away wet. Wash membranes occasionally according to the manufacturer's instructions and re-proof them. More tips on caring for motorcycle clothing are in Washing and caring for motorcycle clothing.
Summary
A rain suit is small, cheap and worth its weight in gold on tour. One-piece for steady rain, two-piece for changeable weather. Buy it big enough for your full protective gear, look for welded seams and think about hands and feet. It's at the top of our motorcycle trip packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rain suit if my jacket is waterproof?
Often not for short showers. In steady rain, though, water gets in at the collar, sleeves or between jacket and trousers even with good jackets. On trips a rain suit makes sense.
What size rain suit do I need?
Big enough to fit loosely over all your motorcycle clothing. Try it on over jacket and trousers while sitting on a motorcycle.
One-piece or two-piece: which is more waterproof?
The one-piece, because there's no gap at the waist. The two-piece is more practical to put on and take off.
Why does my rain suit melt on the exhaust?
Many cheap suits are made of PVC or nylon. Look for a heat-resistant panel on the inner leg.
Sources
- Riding a motorcycle in wind, rain or thunderstorms (ADAC, German)
- Riding in the wet (Tourenfahrer, German)
Last checked: September 2026.