Summer is a precious season on a motorcycle or scooter; don't waste it with the wrong gear. Ride light, ride protected, ride in style.
But finding the right motorcycle jacket for summer can become a real headache, torn between the discomfort of wearing a jacket when it's hot and the absolute necessity of protecting yourself.
In this article, FLUX will compile a non-exhaustive list of brands that offer summer jacket solutions. We will highlight their strengths and, this is our own personal opinion, their weaknesses. Since we all have our own criteria and requirements, one thing stands out: the best summer motorcycle jacket is the one that best suits your needs, your riding style, and your aesthetic sensibility. It's a very personal alchemy.
Our work is based on 13 years of experience in the two-wheeler sector, product testing, discussions with our specialist distributors and customer feedback at Inventive Citi and then VEST .
First things first, let's start with the elegant technical jacket from VEST, the V4 summer motorcycle jacket that has revolutionized the sector for 10 years.
VEST and its V4 model, the ultimate
VEST and its V4 model are the aesthetic answer to your search for a summer motorcycle jacket. The VEST brand is aimed at a high-end urban clientele looking for a very rare combination in this sector: the alliance between safety and refined design.
Since 2012, VEST has focused on this marriage of safety and timeless elegance . The French brand offers waterproof technical jackets equipped with motorcycle protections that last over time. The VEST team has chosen the most advanced and durable textiles, favoring those that breathe like a second skin, that wick away perspiration without ever compromising robustness.
Pleasure is at the heart of the V4 technical jacket. The pleasure of wearing a lightweight garment that breathes summer, the pleasure of projecting an image of elegance and the pleasure of feeling safe thanks to the CE-approved SAS TEC protectors , placed on the elbows, shoulders and back.
A final advantage for this model, the brand manufactures its jackets on demand within 18 days, you can personalize your jacket, modify the length of the sleeves, choose a particular fabric etc ... a unique option on the market.
However, let's be honest. For days of intense heatwave, when the thermometer flirts with the peaks and city traffic turns into a furnace, the V4's ventilation, while efficient, could find its limits when compared to models made entirely of mesh. Likewise, its resolutely urban aesthetic, favoring subtlety over aggressiveness, might not appeal to fans of a more radically sporty look. And French quality and noble materials come at a price, positioning the V4 in the high-end segment of the market.
Established brands of summer motorcycle jackets
Our investigation then takes us across the globe, to meet the giants and artisans who shape the summer motorcycle jacket market.
The heavyweights of the market
At Dainese , the racing heritage translates into summer jackets where technicality serves performance. Imagine jackets sculpted by the wind, mesh panels that transform the airflow into a refreshing breeze, protectors that seem to merge with the body. The style is often aggressive, tailored for speed, appealing to those who experience motorcycling as an extension of their adrenaline. But this obsession with performance comes at a price, and elegance is not always there. A shame for an Italian brand.
Alpinestars , the other Italian giant, competes in ingenuity to offer jackets that push the limits of ventilation and abrasion resistance. Their designers juggle technical materials, creating lightweight yet robust pieces, often with a range of styles from assertively sporty to urban. The selection is plentiful, but the price often remains a significant investment.
Rev'it , with its pragmatic Dutch approach, offers a happy medium. Their summer jackets are designed for everyday use, with efficient ventilation and a versatile aesthetic that adapts to different types of motorcycles and environments. Value for money is often a plus, even if the design sometimes lacks the panache of Italian brands.
At Speedy, some summer models often attempt to combine fitted cuts and technical materials that promote breathability, while integrating discreet protections. Speedy is the brand that was most inspired by Inventive Citi before the latter became VEST. It must be recognized that in recent years there has been real work to improve the design. We therefore welcome this effort, which should nevertheless be continued on several points that we believe are still problematic: the choice of materials that are sometimes a little low-end, the weight of the jacket, which is problematic for summer, an overly prominent logo, and heavy and bulky protections.
Tucano Urbano is also a solution for motorcyclists and scooter riders who primarily ride in urban environments. The Italian brand combines functionality with urban aesthetics. Its summer models are lightweight and offer ventilation solutions. In our opinion, Tucano Urbano technical jackets could still benefit from more durable materials and more sophisticated finishes. Those on a tight budget will still find what they're looking for.
BMW Motorrad resonates with an image of quality, engineering, and performance. While prices are often high, the range of summer jackets is no exception. Designed with premium materials and careful attention to detail, BMW jackets often offer an excellent balance between ventilation, protection, and a style that reflects the brand's identity: a combination of sportiness and understated elegance.
Klim and Rukka, technical jackets for extreme adventurers
For those whose summer means long journeys and exploration, Klim and Rukka are the go-to brands. Imagine jackets designed for crossing deserts or tackling mountain passes under a blazing sun. Ventilation is an obsession, with XXL mesh panels that transform the jacket into a veritable air sieve.
Robustness is key, with materials capable of withstanding the harshest conditions. But this uncompromising technicality comes at a cost, both in terms of price and sometimes in terms of aesthetics, which are often very "adventure-oriented."
Roland Sands Design and Fuel Motorcyclee, the vintage jacket
For another type of biker, summer is as much about style as it is about performance. Roland Sands Design and Fuel Motorcycles embody this fusion.
Imagine jackets with a bold vintage look, perforated leathers that evoke a bygone era, but with discreetly integrated modern protection. The look is undeniable, perfect for roaming urban streets with a touch of stylish rebellion. Ventilation, however, can be a compromise when it comes to aesthetics.
Ixon and Furygan, the affordable alternatives
These two French brands offer a wide range of summer motorcycle jackets at lower prices. Here too, they're primarily aimed at bikers who want to show off their motorcycle credentials with highly visible logos and distinctive motorcycle-inspired cuts.
However, both brands have put a lot of work into the ventilation of their jackets, with effective protection. For FLUX, while the technicality and quality of the materials don't always reach the heights of premium brands, the value for money is unbeatable.
Disruptive brands
Beyond the established brands, an ecosystem of niche brands is bubbling with ideas and offering alternatives for those looking for a more personal style and a different approach to motorcycle gear.
In addition to VEST, we could mention the Californian brand Aether Apparel, known for its clean designs, high-quality technical materials and an aesthetic that combines outdoor and urban style with a discreet motorcycle touch.
The Spanish Fuel Motorcycles, already mentioned above for its vintage style, also offers summer jackets with a distinctive look, inspired by adventure and classic rallies, with particular attention to detail and durable materials.
Finally , Belstaff , a historic brand with a rich motorcycling heritage, combines traditional materials like waxed cotton with modern protection, offering a chic, rugged style and versatility for different summer conditions. Prices are low, and the Italian-acquired brand is struggling to regain its former glory. It's a safe bet nonetheless.