Do Motorcycle Jackets Really Prevent Road Rash – What You Need to Know

28th Feb 2025

We ride because we love it. It gets us from A to B and when you are feeling rebellious and want a little zest in your life, it goes from A to wherever the hell you want, and in style. But that statement of individuality and rebellion comes with some painful risks. Luckily, these risks can be minimised and you can lower your risk by looking cool and feeling comfortable at the same time.

Accidents can happen and sliding on the road is no fun, but let's find out, do Motorcycle Jackets Really Prevent Road Rash? Let's have a look and see why the answer is pretty clear...

Understanding Road Rash

Road Rash is when skin contacts and scrapes the road. Asphalt, concrete or a rough surface. Most commonly felt by high-speed activity junkies such as motorcyclists, skateboarders etc.

Unless it has happened to them, motorcyclists can underestimate the pain and damage road rash can do. Skin will be ripped to shreds, scars will be made and there will also be a risk of infection.

So, if you have a barrier between you and the asphalt such as a leather motorcycle jacket with added armour, your fashion statement could quickly turn into a lifesaver.

The Role of Motorcycle Jackets

Leather Motorcycle Jackets are specifically made to take the worst of the fall. Any impact and any abrasions will be minimised if you are wearing a proper Motorcycle Jacket.

A good quality jacket not only acts as a shield from debris and weather, but it also creates a strong barrier between you and the road if you were to fall and make contact.

Motorcycle jackets not only look cool, but they play security guard and armour your body.

Impact Protection

We have gone through jackets preventing road rash and acting as a barrier for abrasions, but what about impacts? In the real world, a simple jacket is not enough for motorcyclists.

Using a good quality Motorcycle Jacket with added CE rated armour in target areas like Elbows, Shoulders and Back, will give you extra protection and can prevent any direct force on those vulnerable areas.

CE rated armour absorbs the force produced by an impact therefore minimising the impact on your body. Sounds like a stretch for a bit of armour, but it's true! There have been tests done from people who love this stuff! Such as MOTOCAP- tried, tested and passed RhinoLeathers Torque jacket.

Comparative Analysis

Let's look at the difference in Motorcycle Jackets and see which one is best for Road Rash protection:

Leather Motorcycle Jackets - Without a doubt, the Leather Jacket is the winner by far. No textile will beat leather for protection. Good leather is strong and tough. Add armour for impact protection and that makes the ultimate jacket for safety.

Textile Jackets - Still ok for protection. Textile is breathable and lightweight but much less resistant to Road Rash than Leather.

Hoodies and Casual Jackets These are super comfy and seem to be in fashion these days but for Motorcycle jackets, they lack nearly all that is needed for protection. The durability is quite low and protective layers are minimal.

Each individual is different, so you know what you like. But owning a Leather Motorcycle Jacket is a great investment and will keep you safer if you fall.

Limitations of Motorcycle Jackets

Although Motorcycle Jackets can prevent Road Rash and when equipped with the right armour, reduce the impact of falls, they are not magical. Make sure the jacket fits well and is made from proper, good quality material.

Motorcycle Jackets don't cover your whole body, so pairing a jacket with other Motorcycle gear such as pants and gloves will give you the proper protection. And the helmet! Don't forget the helmet!

Choosing the Right Jacket

There a ALOT of Motorcycle jackets out in the Motorcycle world, we want to make sure you pick the right one. Here is a guide to tell if you are getting a great jacket for yourself:

MATERIAL: Make it genuine Leather, it is thick and durable. Built to last and best for road rash. Any imitation leather does not have the same strength and won't cut for motorcycle jackets.
ARMOUR: CE Rated armour in vulnerable high impact areas, elbow, shoulder and back.
FIT: Not too tight and not too loose. It should be a snug fit so the jacket stays where it should when riding or if you fall.
VENTILATION: Ventilation can make a ride more comfortable on hot or long rides.
STYLE: If the Men's Leather Motorcycle Jacket makes you feel right at home, then it's most likely the one. And if it matches your attitude, along with comfortability, then go for it.