Balaclavas and neck tubes are the base layer that makes every helmet and jacket work harder. Thin textile hoods wick sweat off your face, block windchill and keep your collar clean. Shark Leathers stocks lycra, neoprene, thermal and moisture-wicking options from ZAN HEADGEAR, Oxford, Macna, Motodry and Merlin to suit every season.
NEOPRENE FACE MASKS - SKULL GHOST
Oxford Comfy - Black & White Tartan (3 Pack)
Oxford Comfy - Blue, Black & Grey (3 Pack)
NEOPRENE FACE MASKS - BLACK FULL
Whites Microfibre Neck Tube - Black
NEOPRENE FACE MASKS - SKULL GLOW
NEOPRENE FACE MASKS - RED FLAMES
Macna Neck Tube Pink "THAT'S WHAT WE CALL RIDING GEAR"
Macna Neck Tube Dark Grey "THAT'S WHAT WE CALL RIDING GEAR"
MOTODRY NECK WARMER POLYPROPYLENE THERMAL BLACK
NEOPRENE FACE MASKS - CHROME SKULL
NEOPRENE FACE MASKS - HANNIBAL
NEOPRENE FACE MASKS - CHROME SKULL FULL
How to choose a motorcycle balaclava
A balaclava does three jobs: it wicks sweat, blocks wind and keeps your helmet liner clean. The right weave depends on the season you ride. Lighter lycra and moisture-wicking weaves suit summer, while thermal fleece weights around 180g hold heat in winter. A neck tube or neck sock covers the gap between collar and helmet that lets cold air down your back.
| Type | Material | Best for | Key spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lycra balaclava | Stretch textile | Year-round, under any helmet | 1 to 2mm flat seams, single or dual eye port |
| Thermal balaclava | Fleece-backed textile | Sub-10C winter rides | 180g fabric weight, full face coverage |
| Neoprene face mask | Neoprene | Wind and cold blast | 2 to 3mm panel, half-face fit |
| Neck tube / sock | Microfibre textile | Collar gap, light layering | One-size tube, 12-plus wear styles |
Fit and layering facts
Fit decides comfort. A flat-seam balaclava sits under a helmet without pressure points, and one-size designs stretch across roughly 95% of adult head shapes. Keep total head-layer thickness under 3mm so your helmet still passes its 20mm cheek-pad fitment check and does not loosen. A dual-eye-port hood gives a wider field of view than a single round port. For winter touring, pair a 180g thermal hood with a neck tube to seal the 2 to 3cm gap most jacket collars leave open. Layer it under a certified jacket and a properly sized helmet for a complete cold-weather setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a balaclava and a neck tube?
A balaclava is a full hood that covers your head, neck and most of your face under the helmet, with an eye port for vision. A neck tube is an open-ended sleeve that covers only the neck and lower face, and it can be worn several different ways. Many riders use a thermal balaclava in winter and switch to a lighter neck tube in milder weather.
Will a balaclava affect how my helmet fits?
A thin balaclava is designed to sit flat under a helmet without changing the fit. Keep the head-layer thickness under about 3mm so your cheek pads still hold the helmet securely. Lycra and moisture-wicking weaves are thinnest, while 180g thermal fleece is warmer but bulkier, so try your helmet on over the hood before a long ride.
Which balaclava material is best for cold weather?
For sub-10C riding, a thermal fleece-backed balaclava around 180g fabric weight holds the most heat and blocks windchill across the full face. A neoprene face mask adds extra wind protection over the nose and mouth. Pair either with a neck tube to seal the gap between your jacket collar and helmet.