BUYER’S GUIDE: ‘Casual’ jackets

While they might not match the outright protective qualities of a set of race leathers, or the all-weather ability of a good textile suit, there’s something special about a good-looking motorcycle jacket that you’re happy wearing both on and off the bike.

Do casual jackets have e-Numbers?

You bet. Just because a jacket is casual/lightweight, it doesn’t mean it skimps on protection.

Our old friend EN17092 shows up again. There are four ratings:

■ B – Fine for Urban use, but no armour

■ A – Urban use with armour (which has it’s own rating; back to that in a moment)

■ AA – Think of it as fit for touring or major A road

■ AAA –Rated for use at the highest road speeds, so motorway.

Casual suggests you’re doing more local riding, so A is most likely what you’ll be looking at.

As we said, armour has it’s own rating: EN1621 has two ratings, split Level 1 and 2, 2 giving the best impact protection.

Is there a ‘type’ of casual jacket?

Not really. Casual again suggests lightweight. Within this are specialist mesh jackets that are all about maximum airflow, jackets more like shirts, even protective hoodies are being made now.

So what should I be looking for?

Apart from the ratings we talked about, have a look at the materials used. I’ve got a shirt made from Cordura with Kevlar lining and Level 2 armour. I’m happy that’s going to take care of me.

If you’re riding over a wider spread of seasons, a mesh jacket probably isn’t a great idea; they’re amazing when it gets properly hot, but the dip in temperature from summer to autumn? In a mesh you’re going to feel it. And they’re going to let in rain. Some jackets may have a waterproof layer (made from something like Sinaqua) and even a removable thermal lining.

Textile jackets work across a broader range of conditions. The shirt I mentioned is a good urban choice but as the mercury drops it’s best supported by a really good base layer like Zerofit, EDZ, etc. 

Anything else?

Zips need to be high quality and long enough (on a hoodie? You might get a short one that lets you slip it on easier; on a jacket/shirt style they should be full length), a storm flap either over or under the zip is preferable.

Pockets? Keys, wallets, mobile phones, they’re all going in these. So you really want them to be secure and safe. Poppers are oky, but if what goes in there is to be really secure, zips are best, though Velcro is decent on things like a purpose-built mobile pocket. A zippable Napoleon pocket for your wallet wins big points (inside the protective layer, so harder for thieving scum to reach).

Which ones to get?

Over the next few days we’ll show you a few to give you a bit of a flavour. Keep checking back!