These motorcycle jackets really breathe in the heat but are tough where it counts (2025)

Oxford Dakar Dry2Dry Air 1.0 Textile Jacket - Grey Camo

Expert rating:

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie

"It's an impressively versatile garment that features highly breathable mesh panels and a water-and windproof drop liner in case the weather turns.

"In practise this means you can wear it without fear of a summer downpour, and even consider extending the season you wear it into the warmer weeks of spring and autumn.

"The HD polyester construction offers good abrasion resistance without being still and heavy to wear, while three colorways range from neutral silver and blue, off-road suitable green and (my favorite) grey camo.

"Whichever you end up with, you'll get a short, sporty cut and precurved arms that enable a more aggressive riding position without excess material bunching up.

"It's really comfy, incredibly lightweight andhighly ventilated– perfect for hot summer blasts, urban rides and short commutes. Worn by itself you get a proper gust of wind flowing through the chest and arm panels and out of the back, to combat the dreaded boiler suit effect of traditional leather ortextile jacketsin warm weather."

Read our full Oxford Dakar Dry2Dry Air review

RST S-1 CE Mesh Jacket

Expert rating:

Tried and tested by Dan Sutherland for three months, 1,200 miles

"There's plenty to like for the wallet-friendly price of £129.99. Comfort is a strong point, with the armor hugging my shoulders and elbows exactly as it should. The armor feels like it has been molded with the rider in mind but with the mesh construction, the jacket only reaches the basic CE A and Level 1 ratings. You also get a waterproof membrane, which has kept me dry in showery rides, plus reflective detailing for visibility and hoop adjustments on the arms and waist."

"There's no back protector as standard, although there is a pocket for one, and there's enough room to squeeze a chest and back protector vest inside - something I've come to favor on rides of any distance. Adjustable cuffs also allow me to make them nice and tight. What the S-1 doesn't get is an inside pocket, which is a shame. You get two external zipped compartments, but l like to have my phone in an inside space as it somehow feels more secure. But that's just my preference."

Oxford Iota 1.0 Air

Expert rating:

Tested by Ali Silcox for two years, 1,000 miles

"During the summer months, I love to have a vented jacket in my arsenal of riding kit. It’s one of those go-to bits of riding gear that I always feel is an extravagance to have hanging in the garage for much of the year, but it’s worth every penny. Over the years I’ve tested various, at varying price points and from different manufacturers and I’ve found this one from Oxford Products ticks all the right boxes.

"Made from polyester, the key areas are traditional fabric with around a third of the jacket made from perforated, air-tex style material, so it’s perfect for summer rides. It has a CE approved A-rating and comes fitted with CE approved protectors at the shoulders and elbows, with space for a back protector.

"The mandarin style collar is soft lined and comfortable and there are nice touches with adjusters at the hip and on the sleeves, which ensure a snug fit. A couple of zipped external pockets are large enough for keys, and an internal pocket will hold my mobile phone. I’ve opted for the black and grey version, that has subtle flashes of pink, not to my taste but it’s brighter than the black option. I wear a size 14 and it’s true to size."

Tucano Urbano Network 3G

Expert rating:

Tested by Michael Neeves for three months, 4,000 miles

"Tucano Urbano don’t claim this mesh jacket will make you look cool, although being designed and engineered in Italy it does a pretty good job. Instead, it definitely keeps you cool, especially during an abnormally hot British summer.

"Certified to CE class A, it’s nicely stitched together from a lightweight mesh fabric with polymide reinforcements and a polyester inner lining. There are lots of handy inner and outer pockets, a pouch at the back for your drink, protection from the zip on your fuel tank and a wide, zippable cuffs.

"It’s heavily vented around the front, back and arms, which makes it the perfect jacket for soaring temperatures, or if you’re just one of those people who naturally run hot and appreciate the relief of extra cooling. With the central heating of a lizard, the jacket is too cold for me to don at anything less than 20 degrees but wearing a thick mid-layer top underneath is perfect for keeping off the chill."

Knox Urbane Pro Mk3

Expert rating:

Previous version tested by Jim Blackstock

"The Knox Urbane Pro can be worn on its own as a mesh jacket, and it performs very well when you do. It offers lots of ventilation in all the right areas to keep you cool. Only leather will beat if for protection too, with a CE AA safety rating, and level 2 armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back.

"But it's designed as an 'armored shirt'; to be worn as a protective under-layer that you can wear anything you like on top of. It lets you approach your riding kit in a modular way, offering good impact and abrasion resistance to keep you safe, and nothing else. That means you'll need to add layers for extra abrasion resistance, waterproofing, or keeping warm, should you need it.

"But, there's little concession to safety as a result - the armor doesn't move out of place, since it's closer to the body than in a regular jacket. Plus you can wear any hoodie or non-motorcycle clothing you like on top, to get the best of both protection and style. I've tried the previous Mk2 version, and it is a seriously impressive bit of kit. It’s a very well thought-out and specified garment that offers excellent protection and versatility."

Read our full Knox Urbane Pro Mk2 review (previous version)

Pando Moto Armored Baselayer

Expert rating:

Tried and tested by Charlotte King for three months

"This armored baselayer by Pando Moto has really impressed me. It's like a second skin, so fitted and lightweight feeling that you feel like you shouldn't be wearing it on a motorbike, yet somehow it is AA CE rated with level 1 armor at the elbow and shoulder. I have also added the level 2 back protector for additional safety."

"I've worn it numerous times on it's own when the weather has been above 26 degrees or so, and it has proven to be very cooling when riding. The only downside to wearing it as a standalone garment is that there are no pockets for my earplugs, but this is only a minor thing. Ive also worn it under a regular unarmored hoodie as it is so snug that you can wear pretty much whatever you like over the top of it, pretty handy when you're out and about and the temperature changes throughout the day or into the evening."

"It's remarkable comfortable due to it's stretchy fit and flexible low profile armor and I find that I do opt for this baselayer and a hoodie in preference over my jackets due to how comfortable it is."

By Anders Carlson