Summer motorcycle jacket: Mesh or ventilated?
In short: For very hot days, an EN 17092 certified mesh jacket is the coolest choice, while for warm days with changeable weather, a ventilated jacket with closable openings is ideal. In both cases, look for protection class AA, abrasion-resistant fabric in the impact zones, and low-profile protectors.
A hot summer day in the Po Valley, on Spanish country roads, or in a traffic jam before the Brenner Pass: when temperatures exceed 30°C, a heavy touring jacket quickly turns into a sauna. Mesh motorcycle jackets and ventilated summer clothing are the solution, but they differ greatly in how much air they allow through and how much protection they offer. Here’s how to find the right motorcycle jacket for summer.
Mesh jacket or ventilated jacket?
Mesh jackets have large mesh panels on the chest, back, and arms. As soon as you ride, air flows directly through them. They are the coolest option, but offer no protection against the elements. To qualify as genuine protective clothing, the impact zones must be equipped with abrasion-resistant fabric.
Ventilated jackets are made from breathable fabric with ventilation openings that you can open and close. They allow less air through than pure mesh, but you can close them when it gets cooler in the evening or a shower passes through.
What to look for in summer motorcycle clothing
- Certification of the entire garment according to EN 17092. Ventilation does not mean less protection: look for protection class AA.
- Abrasion-resistant fabric where it counts: on the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and seat.
- Low-profile, flexible protectors that retain less heat.
- A loose fit that allows air to circulate, but not so loose that the protectors shift.
- Light colours reflect more sunlight than black.
What do the protection classes according to EN 17092 mean?
The EN 17092 standard tests the entire garment, not just individual materials. It distinguishes five classes:
| Class | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AAA | Highest requirements for abrasion, tear, and seam strength, with impact protectors |
| AA | High protection for touring and all-round use, with impact protectors |
| A | Lighter protection, mainly for city traffic, with impact protectors |
| B | Abrasion protection like class A, but without impact protectors |
| C | Underwear or outerwear that holds protectors, without its own abrasion protection |
Protectors: Level 1 or Level 2?
Protectors are tested for residual force, i.e., the force that still reaches the body during an impact. The lower the value, the better the protection.
- Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee (EN 1621-1): Level 1 below 35 kN, Level 2 below 20 kN on average
- Back (EN 1621-2): Level 1 below 18 kN, Level 2 below 9 kN on average
Our summer models
| Desert Rider | Dryzone | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Short mesh jacket | Ventilated jacket & trousers |
| Ventilation | Maximum, through mesh fabric | High, through breathable outer fabric and ventilation openings |
| Outer fabric | Abrasion-resistant, breathable Cordura® fabric | Cordura® Ripstop |
| Protection class (EN 17092) | AA | AA |
| Protectors | SAS-TEC Level 2 on shoulders, elbows, and back | SAS-TEC Level 2 on shoulders, elbows, and back; trousers: knees Level 2, hips Level 1 |
| Ideal for | Hot days, also off-road | Warm, dry days, active riding, long stages |
The Desert Rider Mesh Jacket is our short, lightweight mesh jacket for the hottest days. It matches the Dryzone trousers.
The Dryzone is available for men (jacket, trousers) and in its own women's fit (jacket, trousers). Two-way front zip with covered ventilation placket, mesh lining, and elastic fabrics in the trousers that leave room for bulky enduro boots.
They pair perfectly with the lightweight Dryzone gloves made from leather and breathable stretch fabric.
Stay cool in the heat
- Stay covered. Bare arms burn quickly and dry out in the riding wind. A breathable layer is cooler than you think.
- Functional underwear instead of cotton, which wicks moisture away from the body.
- Dampen your shirt or neck scarf during a break. Evaporation in the riding wind cools you down.
- Drink before you get thirsty, and plan breaks in the shade.
- Take a lightweight rain layer with you. Summer thunderstorms come quickly, and mesh does not keep you dry. The Swamp rain jacket fits over any jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Are mesh motorcycle jackets safe?
An EN 17092 certified mesh jacket has passed the same test for the entire garment as other jackets in its class. Check the protection class and make sure that the impact zones are covered with abrasion-resistant fabric, not just mesh.
Which motorcycle jacket is best for summer?
A certified mesh jacket for very hot days. A ventilated jacket for warm days with changeable conditions, whose openings you can close.
Can I wear a mesh jacket in the rain?
Not on its own. Put a rain layer over it, such as the Swamp rain jacket.
Conclusion
Summer clothing should allow air to circulate without compromising protection. Choose a certified mesh or ventilated jacket, combine it with breathable trousers and gloves, and pack a rain layer for the afternoon thunderstorm.
Discover our motorcycle clothing for heat & summer.
