Protective motorcycle jeans and cargos give you everyday street style with abrasion resistance built in. Shark Leathers stocks Kevlar-lined denim and textile cargos from Shark Leathers, Merlin, Macna and Oxford, in straight, slim, skinny and cargo cuts so you ride covered without looking kitted out for the track.
Oxford AA Men's Straight Jean - Black (Regular)
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Green 40 822894
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Green 34 822863
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Black 42 823013
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Green 36 822870
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Black 36 822818
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Black 38 822825
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Black 32 822795
Merlin Jeans Mason II D3O WP Black 38 822405
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Green 42 823020
Merlin Jeans Mason II D3O WP Black 34 822382
Merlin Jeans Mason II D3O WP Black 40 822412
Merlin Remy II D3O® Cargo Jeans Green
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Black 40 822832
Merlin Cargo Jeans Remy II D3O Black 34 822801
Merlin Jeans Mason II D3O WP Black 42 822979
Merlin Jeans Mason II D3O WP Black 36 822399
Macna Indax Single Layer Utility Jeans
How to choose protective motorcycle jeans
Abrasion resistance is the first thing to check on any riding jean. The EN 17092 standard sets four classes: AAA, AA, A and the lighter urban C grade. A single-layer AA jean weaves the protective fibre right through the denim, while older designs use a separate Kevlar liner across the seat, hips and knees only. Decide on slide protection before you decide on the cut.
| Construction | EN 17092 Class | Slide Time (approx) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single layer AA denim | AA | 4 seconds | Daily commuting, warmer days |
| Kevlar-lined denim | A | 2.5 seconds | Town riding, casual fit |
| Reinforced AAA denim | AAA | 6 seconds | Higher speed touring |
| Textile cargo | A to AA | 3 seconds | All-season utility |
Armour matters as much as the fabric. Most jeans include pockets sized for CE Level 1 or CE Level 2 hip and knee inserts. CE Level 2 armour transmits no more than 9 kN of force in testing, against 18 kN for Level 1, so it is the stronger choice for the knees. Check that pockets are height-adjustable so the protector sits over the joint when you are in the riding position, not standing.
Fit drives both safety and comfort. A jean that rides up exposes the shin, so look for a longer inseam, around 34 inches, on taller frames. Super-stretch panels add roughly 15 percent give for the crouch. Buy snug at the knee so the armour cannot shift during a slide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between single-layer and Kevlar-lined motorcycle jeans?
Single-layer jeans weave the protective fibre through the denim itself, so they look and feel like normal jeans and run cooler in summer. Kevlar-lined jeans add a separate aramid liner across the seat, hips and knees. Single-layer AA construction generally rates higher under EN 17092 than a partial liner.
Do these jeans and cargos come with armour fitted?
Most protective jeans and cargos include pockets at the hips and knees sized for CE Level 1 or CE Level 2 inserts. Some ship with armour included and others leave the pockets ready so you can add your preferred protectors. Always confirm the armour is fitted before you ride.
How should motorcycle jeans fit compared to normal jeans?
Buy them snug at the knee so the armour stays over the joint when you crouch into the riding position. Allow a slightly longer inseam, around 34 inches on taller riders, so the leg does not ride up and expose your shin. Stretch panels add give for the riding crouch.