Textile is the default choice for serious road riders who need a jacket to handle anything. This range covers four-season touring, summer mesh, waterproof laminate, hi-vis commuting and winter builds from Merlin, Macna, Motodry, Oxford, Shark Leathers, Shot, Berik, Difi and Leatt.
SHOT CONTACT ASSAULT 2.0 JACKET BLACK/ORANGE M
Merlin Edale D3O® Jacket Olive
Merlin Barton II D3O® Jacket Black
Leatt 5.5 ADV Rally Jacket - Grey
MOTODRY TOURMAX 2 JACKET BLACK/ANTH
Leatt 7.5 ADV MultiTour Jacket - Stealth
Leatt 7.5 ADV FlowTour Jacket - Stealth
BERIK TRANSFORMER JACKET BLACK / GREEN
BERIK EXPLORER-ADV PANTS BLACK / GREY
BERIK STAR HOODIE BLACK / FLURO-RED
Difi Shuttle Aerotex Jacket Black
Merlin Brody D3O® Utility Shirt Camel
How to choose a road textile jacket
The right textile jacket comes down to riding climate, certification level and how the jacket handles water. Each factor is measurable and independent of brand preference.
Protection standards: EN 17092 and CE armour levels
EN 17092 is the current European abrasion standard for motorcycle jackets. AAA is the highest class, requiring a slide distance of at least 70 metres at 45 km/h. AA requires 45 metres; A requires 25 metres. CE Level 2 armour tolerates a mean transmitted force below 20 kN versus 35 kN for Level 1. Back protectors must meet EN 1621-2 and fit the jacket's dedicated back pocket.
Material comparison
| Material | EN 17092 rating | Waterproofing | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard textile (polyester/nylon) | A to AA | DWR or removable liner | Summer and warm commuting |
| Cotton-aramid / Kevlar blend | AA typical | None inherent | Urban and casual road |
| Laminated textile | AA to AAA | 20,000 mm hydrostatic head | All-weather touring |
| 3-layer bonded laminate | AA | 10,000–20,000 mm hydrostatic head | Four-season touring |
Fitment and seasons
A correctly fitted jacket should allow full arm extension without lifting the back hem. Cuffs should reach the wrist bone with arms extended at handlebar width. Four-season jackets include a removable thermal liner rated to around 5°C and a separate waterproof membrane. Summer builds open 30–50% of the jacket face area to mesh panels. Hi-vis panels must meet EN 13594 to count as conspicuity rated.
Brands in this collection
Merlin and Difi specialise in technical laminate and cotton-aramid construction. Macna produces CE-certified waterproof touring jackets with dedicated liner systems. Motodry covers the value touring and commuter segment with full CE armour as standard. Oxford builds all-weather jackets tested to IP-rated waterproofing. Shark Leathers own-brand jackets including the Tract, Project Tourer, Venture Pro and Maverick are developed in-house and CE-certified.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and Level 2 armour in a textile jacket?
CE Level 1 armour must transmit a mean force below 35 kN on impact. CE Level 2 armour must transmit below 20 kN, meaning it absorbs significantly more energy. Level 2 shoulder and elbow armour is the better choice for road riding at highway speeds.
Are textile jackets waterproof, or do I need a separate rain layer?
It depends on the construction. Laminated textile jackets bond a waterproof membrane directly to the outer shell and are waterproof by design, typically rated to 10,000–20,000 mm hydrostatic head. Standard textile jackets rely on a removable inner membrane or a DWR coating that degrades over time. Check the product spec before assuming waterproofing.
How do I know if a textile jacket meets EN 17092?
Look for the CE mark and the EN 17092 rating printed on the internal label. The label will state the protection class: AAA, AA, or A. It will also list which zones carry certified armour. A jacket claiming EN 17092 compliance must be tested by an accredited body; the label is the legal proof.