Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe, gearing up for a ride, and wondered—should I go leather or textile today?
I get it. Choosing the right motorcycle jacket isn’t just about looking good—it's about safety, comfort, and practicality, especially considering Australia's unpredictable climate. Let’s go through the differences between leather and textile motorcycle jackets to help you decide on which one is best for your riding needs.
Why Choose Leather Motorcycle Jackets?
There's something undeniably appealing about leather. It's the classic biker look…timeless, stylish, and, at the same time, protective. Leather jackets are famed for their excellent abrasion resistance. If you slide across asphalt (which we obviously hope you don’t), leather holds up remarkably well, often better than textile materials.
Although I did say it’s stylish…Leather jackets can be heavy and less breathable, especially in hot Australian summers. Although perforated leather jackets are an option (I talked about these perks in another article on the benefits of perforated leather jackets), they still might not match textiles for all-round comfort.
Is a textile jacket a better choice for comfort?
Absolutely! Textile jackets offer versatility, particularly suited to Aussie climate. They're lighter, breathable, and often waterproof or water resistant. If you're a commuter or an adventure rider, a textile jacket usually means you'll have a more comfortable ride year-round. If you're frequently caught in unpredictable weather (which Melbournians often are), textile jackets from my range of textile motorcycle jackets might be your best mate.
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But comfort absolutely shouldn't compromise safety. Thankfully, modern textile jackets are catching up, with advanced materials and construction offering solid abrasion resistance and impact protection. Here’s an article that explains this in depth.
Which jacket is better in different weather conditions?
Riding in Melbourne’s chilly winters or Sydney’s humid summers demands gear that's adaptable. Textile jackets typically excel here. They’re often waterproof, breathable, and easily layered—perfect for changing conditions. Speaking of changing conditions, you can check out my collection of winter motorcycle gear or summer-specific motorcycle gear so you can decide (depending on when you’re reading this article) which gear you’d like to have.
Leather, meanwhile, tends to perform best in dry and moderate climates, although perforated options can help as we’ve already discussed. Just remember leather does not like exposure to rain—it can and absolutely will degrade over time.
What about maintenance—leather or textile?
If ease of care is a priority, textile jackets win hands down!! They're generally machine washable or easy to clean by hand. Leather jackets require regular maintenance—cleaning and conditioning to avoid drying out, cracking, or losing protection levels. But if properly cared for, leather jackets age gracefully, often looking better over time.
Since you’re cleaning your leather jackets, you might as well have a look at our motorcycle cleaning range to help you keep everything clean and looking spotless.
Which material offers better protection?
Traditionally, leather has been regarded as superior when it comes to abrasion resistance. This reputation still stands true, particularly in high-speed scenarios or track days. If protection is your highest priority, leather is hard to beat. Check out my favourite options in the leather jackets collection.
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That said, textile jackets have come a long way, especially with advancements in materials like Kevlar and Cordura. Many textile jackets now feature CE-rated armour and reinforced impact zones. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I've discussed it extensively in my article on choosing CE-rated motorcycle gear.
You can also explore additional details about protective layers in my article on single-layer versus double-layer motorcycle gear.
Does style even matter?
Let’s face it, style is entirely personal and super subjective. Leather jackets give off that classic motorcycle look - timeless, rugged, and edgy. Textile jackets often provide a more practical, modern aesthetic, with diverse styles suited to adventure riding, commuting, or casual street rides. I stock both, knowing style and personality change from person to person and matter hugely when you gear up.
So what’s my final take?
Honestly, it depends on your riding style, location, climate, and personal preference. If you're frequently commuting or touring across Australia's varying climates, textile jackets offer unmatched versatility. If protection at higher speeds or track days is paramount, leather remains king.
Personally, I like having both. Leather for spirited weekend rides and textile for my daily commutes. Both have a place in every rider’s wardrobe, depending on your specific needs.
Still undecided? Reach out via my contact page, and let's chat about finding your perfect riding companion!
