Leather Vs. Textile: The Great Motorcycle Gear Debate

Having the proper riding gear can make all the difference between a good or bad riding experience. Knowing what type of gear to go with can be a difficult decision when you’re unsure or unaware of the differences in the materials. There is a long-standing debate of which is better, leather or textile? The answer is that there is no right answer, it varies from rider to rider. Becoming better educated on what each material can offer you is a great way to start thinking about which will suit you more. Comfort, style, and protection are what we mainly look for but these materials can each offer different features or facts that another material may not. Consider which could be the best option for a buyer on a budget, best for harsh weather, which material is easier to clean, most durable and best for achieving higher speeds. We will go over each of these categories to help you choose which jacket will be the best option.

Best for Buyers on a Budget:

Having a jacket for all different types of weather conditions would be ideal but unfortunately, not all of us have that option. Textile is always going to be a more economical option. There are textile jackets that can run at a higher price than a leather jacket. We must remember to keep in mind that with price comes the quality of a jacket or any riding gear.

Best for Budget Riders: Textile

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Best for Harsher Weather Conditions:

Being comfortable on your motorcycle is very important. Not having the proper gear for whatever weather Mother Nature may throw at you can distract you from the road and can be a big safety hazard. Leather jackets are great for cold riding as they keep the warmth in and are very wind resistant, however, they are not the best option for rainy conditions. Leather jackets often color bleed when they come into contact with water and then may also shrink. You can always carry a rain suit to wear over the leather jacket as well. Leather jackets are not recommended for summer riding either as they are very heavy and do not offer much ventilation like textile jackets. Textile jacket offers more ventilation for hotter weather, they are often waterproof which is great for rainy weather, but sometimes require an extra layer under it because it does not keep the warmth in as good as a leather jacket. Just remember that you need to be comfortable while on your bike and your gear should never distract you from the road.

Best for Harsher Weather Conditions: TIE, this will depend on what temperatures you're riding in!

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Easiest to maintain:

If you are a busy rider with a lot on your schedule it is probably best to go with textile gear because the majority of the time you can throw it in the washer and dryer and go. Leather cannot just be thrown in the washer it normally requires more attentive care like dry cleaning. Textile gear can typically wear down a little faster and develop holes or rips which in some cases will just need to be replaced with new gear. Textile gear does not normally last as long as leather does with the proper care.

Easiest to maintain: Textile

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Most Durable

With the proper care, leather can last you a long, long time. Leather is a lot more durable than textile gear. Although leather gear may cost more at the time of purchase you will save money overall because you’ll only have to purchase a leather jacket once instead of multiple times for a textile jacket that you have to replace. Textile jackets tend to need replacement once they've got a hole or major rip.

Most Durable: Leather
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Best for Achieving High Speeds:

Think about what type of riding you do. If you are more of a commuter textile gear is a good choice because that gear can transition better to a commuters needs. Leather is typically more known to be for performance riding as leather gear can cut the wind and at the same time keep you warm while you’re moving so fast. Leather is the best option for faster riding. This factor alone can end the textile vs. leather debate because leather will ALWAYS be the best option.

Best for achieving high speeds: Leather

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Comfortable:

Any gear that you wear should have a snug fit to it. Textile is more bulky but lighter than leather. Also, textile is more flexible than leather. Some riders prefer flexibility in their gear. Leather gear is softer and more fitted to your body. Each material has pros and cons so just try both on and think about what you’d personally feel more comfortable with.

Most comfortable: TIE, everyone has their own preferences! Try them on!

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So Which Is Right for You?:

Keeping these factors in mind will help you choose which material is right for you!
Key points to go over again:
Leather is heavy and better for colder weather, it typically lasts you longer with the proper care, but is a little pricier than textile. Textile is also good for cold weather but may require additional layers under, but lighter for the warmer weather. Textile is the more affordable material but may need to be replaced sooner than leather. But the most important key point is that you’re comfortable!

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