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Top 5 Riding Shirts 2023

One of the quickest-growing segments in our range over the last few years has been the riding shirts category. For anyone going for a casual look on the bike, you can’t go wrong with one of these. Recent improvements in abrasion-resistant fabrics and impact-absorbing armour have allowed manufacturers to develop some truly impressive garments, both in comfort and protection. Park your bike, walk away and go about your day without looking out of place. We have compiled a list of our five favourite motorcycle shirts for this year, have a look!

Watch Our Top 5 Riding Shirts 2023 Video


One of the quickest-growing segments in our range over the last few years has been the riding shirts category. For anyone going for a casual look on the bike, you can’t go wrong with one of these. Recent improvements in abrasion-resistant fabrics and impact-absorbing armour have allowed manufacturers to develop some truly impressive garments, both in comfort and protection. Park your bike, walk away and go about your day without looking out of place. We have compiled a list of our five favourite motorcycle shirts for this year, have a look!


ROLAND SANDS DESIGN CERRITOS

Let’s start with a newcomer: the Roland Sands Design Cerritos (for men) or Appian (for women). This CE Level A approved shirt is available either in black or sage. At £159, it is one of the most affordable shirts on this list, while also being one of the lightest here. Inconspicuous in look and feel, the Cerritos Riders Shirt from RSD does a fantastic job of disguising its credentials as a technical bit of kit.

Crafted from a durable and lightweight nylon/poly hybrid fabric, the Cerritos brings plenty of abrasion resistance to the table, without the bulk and rigidity that you might expect. Armour inserts at the shoulders and elbows provide impact protection, and there’s a pocket for an optional back protector too.

Designed to be worn solo on warmer rides, or great for layering up if the temperature falls, the Cerritos Riders shirt is versatile, and ready for everyday use. This is a capable modern riding shirt with an attractive, laid-back attitude.


MERLIN BRODY

Introduced in last year’s collection, the Brody riding shirt was an immediate smash-hit. Constructed from a single-layer, 4-way active stretch cotton twill, the Brody strikes a perfect balance between comfort, all-day wearability, and abrasion resistance.

The pre-fitted D3O Level 1 Ghost shoulder and elbow armour is ultra-thin and breathable, so you will barely notice it’s there, and a back protector pocket is present if you wish to upgrade your armour. Iconic square chest pockets complement the look, while subtle zipped side-entry pockets and inner storage allows you to stow your essentials with ease. Lightweight in nature thanks to its single-layer design, the rear ventilation panel is extra-handy when the temperature rises, allowing cool air to flow over you in the heat.

The Brody Utility Riding shirt is everything we’ve come to expect from Merlin - exquisite detailing, rugged durability, and premier styling, executed flawlessly. A truly gorgeous armoured riding shirt that will be a go-to for warm weather rides from the city streets to winding back roads and beyond. CE Level AA. Now available in two new colours.


REVIT ESMONT

Another newcomer to the range is Revit’s Esmont shirt. It features an oversized pocket design influenced by 1950s USMC standard shirts, blending the lines between a jacket and an overshirt. The standout feature of the Esmont is its use of a newly developed Cordura® stretch twill, a 14.2oz weave that combines traditional and technical performance for a natural wool-like look and feel. This overshirt provides protection both inside and out, with a Cordura® shell known for its abrasion resistance and the option to add a SEESOFT back protector. The overshirt also comes with impressive SEESMART CE-level 1 armour at the shoulders and elbows. CE level AA.


BELSTAFF MANSION

Trust Belstaff to produce yet another garment to lust after. The Mansion Riding Shirt has been a staple in our top-5 lists. This military-inspired, pared-down riding shirt oozes luxury, yet will keep you comfortable and safe at the same time.

A great new addition to the line for the summer riders who want to keep it casual, the Mansion shirt is destined to replace your previous summer riding jacket. The outer is crafted from High Tenacity Poly/Cotton Canvas, providing ample abrasion resistance, with D3O Ghost CE Level 1 protectors in the way of impact protection, just like the Merlin shirt above.

This is the lightest riding shirt in our range, and the one that feels least like a jacket. Still it has received a CE Level A safety rating. Perfect for the urban rider!


JOHN DOE XTM MOTOSHIRT

This list would not be complete without the John Doe Motoshirt. It is after all one of our most popular riding shirts and a firm customer and staff favourite. Made using innovative XTM fibre technology blending Aramid, Coolmax and Lycra, this western-style shirt is a great casual wardrobe option for spring summer days that will also deliver impressive safety standards while on the bike.

If you are looking for a quality motorcycle garment that is fashionable, lightweight and comfortable then the Motoshirt is your answer with every detail developed for the ride. This shirt comes in as a regular straight fit in order to work with any riding stance no matter how aggressive - from cafe racer to chopper you won't feel stretched or uncomfortable. Another key feature of the Motoshirt is its ventilation which makes it breathable enough to be ideal for summer days.

For the Motoshirt John Doe use a 100% cotton twill outer for a soft, comfortable feel like that of your trusty fashion shirts. This is then paired with a hardcore aramid fibre for abrasion resistance and a Coolmax layer then features on the inner skin side. The XTM Motoshirt initially received a CE Level AA safety rating, but John Doe felt like they could do better and applied for the maximum level of CE Level AAA, which they received without having to make any changes to the initial product. Pick from a vast range of colours. Available for him and her.

ROLAND SANDS DESIGN CERRITOS

Let’s start with a newcomer: the Roland Sands Design Cerritos (for men) or Appian (for women). This CE Level A approved shirt is available either in black or sage. At £159, it is one of the most affordable shirts on this list, while also being one of the lightest here. Inconspicuous in look and feel, the Cerritos Riders Shirt from RSD does a fantastic job of disguising its credentials as a technical bit of kit.

Crafted from a durable and lightweight nylon/poly hybrid fabric, the Cerritos brings plenty of abrasion resistance to the table, without the bulk and rigidity that you might expect. Armour inserts at the shoulders and elbows provide impact protection, and there’s a pocket for an optional back protector too.

Designed to be worn solo on warmer rides, or great for layering up if the temperature falls, the Cerritos Riders shirt is versatile, and ready for everyday use. This is a capable modern riding shirt with an attractive, laid-back attitude.


MERLIN BRODY

Introduced in last year’s collection, the Brody riding shirt was an immediate smash-hit. Constructed from a single-layer, 4-way active stretch cotton twill, the Brody strikes a perfect balance between comfort, all-day wearability, and abrasion resistance.

The pre-fitted D3O Level 1 Ghost shoulder and elbow armour is ultra-thin and breathable, so you will barely notice it’s there, and a back protector pocket is present if you wish to upgrade your armour. Iconic square chest pockets complement the look, while subtle zipped side-entry pockets and inner storage allows you to stow your essentials with ease. Lightweight in nature thanks to its single-layer design, the rear ventilation panel is extra-handy when the temperature rises, allowing cool air to flow over you in the heat.

The Brody Utility Riding shirt is everything we’ve come to expect from Merlin - exquisite detailing, rugged durability, and premier styling, executed flawlessly. A truly gorgeous armoured riding shirt that will be a go-to for warm weather rides from the city streets to winding back roads and beyond. CE Level AA. Now available in two new colours.


REVIT ESMONT

Another newcomer to the range is Revit’s Esmont shirt. It features an oversized pocket design influenced by 1950s USMC standard shirts, blending the lines between a jacket and an overshirt. The standout feature of the Esmont is its use of a newly developed Cordura® stretch twill, a 14.2oz weave that combines traditional and technical performance for a natural wool-like look and feel. This overshirt provides protection both inside and out, with a Cordura® shell known for its abrasion resistance and the option to add a SEESOFT back protector. The overshirt also comes with impressive SEESMART CE-level 1 armour at the shoulders and elbows. CE level AA.


BELSTAFF MANSION

Trust Belstaff to produce yet another garment to lust after. The Mansion Riding Shirt has been a staple in our top-5 lists. This military-inspired, pared-down riding shirt oozes luxury, yet will keep you comfortable and safe at the same time.

A great new addition to the line for the summer riders who want to keep it casual, the Mansion shirt is destined to replace your previous summer riding jacket. The outer is crafted from High Tenacity Poly/Cotton Canvas, providing ample abrasion resistance, with D3O Ghost CE Level 1 protectors in the way of impact protection, just like the Merlin shirt above.

This is the lightest riding shirt in our range, and the one that feels least like a jacket. Still it has received a CE Level A safety rating. Perfect for the urban rider!


JOHN DOE XTM MOTOSHIRT

This list would not be complete without the John Doe Motoshirt. It is after all one of our most popular riding shirts and a firm customer and staff favourite. Made using innovative XTM fibre technology blending Aramid, Coolmax and Lycra, this western-style shirt is a great casual wardrobe option for spring summer days that will also deliver impressive safety standards while on the bike.

If you are looking for a quality motorcycle garment that is fashionable, lightweight and comfortable then the Motoshirt is your answer with every detail developed for the ride. This shirt comes in as a regular straight fit in order to work with any riding stance no matter how aggressive - from cafe racer to chopper you won't feel stretched or uncomfortable. Another key feature of the Motoshirt is its ventilation which makes it breathable enough to be ideal for summer days.

For the Motoshirt John Doe use a 100% cotton twill outer for a soft, comfortable feel like that of your trusty fashion shirts. This is then paired with a hardcore aramid fibre for abrasion resistance and a Coolmax layer then features on the inner skin side. The XTM Motoshirt initially received a CE Level AA safety rating, but John Doe felt like they could do better and applied for the maximum level of CE Level AAA, which they received without having to make any changes to the initial product. Pick from a vast range of colours. Available for him and her.