Cafe Racer Jacket: Our Top 10 Picks in 2023

While motorcycle jackets might not be as popular as racing helmets when it comes to safety equipment, they play an equally important role in keeping you safe. A good quality, durable motorcycle jacket is essential for every rider out there. 

It is common for riders to acquire burns and abrasions in case of an accident. The heavy padding in a motorcycle jacket in areas of high impacts, such as your chest and shoulders, protects against such injuries. 

For most riders, comfort is just as important as safety. Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and wind speed significantly affect a rider’s comfortability and, hence, their performance. Most jackets protect against the sun, wind, and even bugs, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. 

Biker jackets recently gained popularity as a fashion symbol around the globe. They are considered stylish, trendy, and fashionable.  Hence, investment in a good quality jacket will meet your safety requirement and prove to be a cool addition to your wardrobe. 

The article discusses the top 10 motorcycle jackets of 2022 to help you find the right one for you!

Top 10 Best Café Racer Jackets

#1 Street & Steel Blade Jacket

 Street & Steel Blade Jacket

Street & Steel Blade Jacket is a classic wear made from drum-dyed leather. The jacket is a suitable fit for all riders out there. The protective padding, mesh airflow lining, and waist adjusters fulfill all your safety, comfort, and style requirements. 

The jacket comes with shoulder and elbow protectors that cushion the impact of a fall on areas vulnerable to injury. This minimizes the rider’s risk of acquiring a fracture or dislocation of the joint in case of an accident. 

The mesh airflow lining and the perforation on the sides of the jackets allow air to flow through, providing extra breathability easily. This feature is especially useful to riders in the summertime, when jackets are usually avoided due to the heat and humidity.  The expansion zipper on the waist adjusts the waistline, ensuring a nice, sleek fit. The variety of jacket sizes allows you to choose the perfect size for yourself.

Shop here: Street & Steel Blade Jacket

#2 First Manufacturing Enforcer Jacket

First Manufacturing Enforcer Jacket

If you’re looking for a trendy addition to your fashion closet that also fulfills your safety needs, First Manufacturing Enforcer Jacket is the right pick for you! This café racer jacket meets all our requirements for a jacket, and we’re sure you’ll love it.

While the thick fabric of the jacket provides a cushion against impact and protection against harsh wind, the chest zipper vent, and the perforated action backs maintain breathability to keep you feeling light and breezy.

The main selling feature of this product, however, is its design. The adjustable buckles on the sides make sure the jacket fits nicely around your waist. The zipper details, asymmetrical design, and the American cut of the garment set it apart from all other traditional jackets, which is just what your wardrobe needs right now.

Shop here: First Manufacturing Enforcer Jacket

#3 REAX Apex Pro Mesh Jacket

REAX Apex Pro Mesh Jacket

The thick leather material of most biker jackets is inconvenient for hot summer days. The REAX Apex Pro Mesh Jackets provide a summer-friendly alternative that keeps you feeling cool and breezy while keeping you safe. 

The CE-rated armor on the shoulders and elbows provides a buffer against strong impact. The poly air mesh provides excellent ventilation, while the stretch inserts ensure easy movement and a nice fit, keeping the rider comfortable.

The REAX Apex Pro has a waterproof liner, and the interior of the jacket has moisture-wicking stretch mesh lines. They quickly move the moisture to the outer surface of the jacket, keeping you dry and sweat-free. 

The reflective inserts in the jackets allow the rider to be easily spotted through the darkness of the night, reducing the chances of a crash. The waterproof pockets sewed into the interior allow you to carry things through the rain, keeping you prepared for an unexpected weather change.

Shop here: REAX Apex Pro Mesh Jacket

#4 Merlin Barton II Jacket

Merlin Barton II Jacket

Merlin Barton II is the perfect sporty jacket with a waxed cotton fabric and a stylish cut. The jacket is adaptable to all kinds of weather, keeping you comfortable while providing a protective layer against any scratches you might acquire during an unfortunate crash. 

The jacket has removable thermal liners that provide insulation against the chilly winter winds. While the waterproof membrane backs and the ventilation point at the front and back keep you cool during the summer heat. 

The Merlin Barton II has internal storage pockets, allowing you to carry your belongings safe while riding. You can adjust the jacket around the cuff, collar, and bicep to ensure a nice, seamless fit. While the neat leather cut near the collar and the merlin branded studs give the perfect edgy look that most bikers are in search of.  

Shop here: Merlin Barton II Jacket

#5 Alpinestars Domino Tech Hoody

Alpinestars Domino Tech Hoody

The Alpinestars Domino Tech Hoody is a unique item with a non-removable hood, a feature that is hard to find in most motorcycle jackets. Its soft shell exterior and armor inserts make this hoody perfect for an urban escapade.

The water-resistant outer fabric and the mesh lining interior increase ventilation and allow sweat to dry off quickly. The rear-profile covers protect the lumbar area, minimizing the intensity of an impact on your spinal cord, while the reflective logo at the back maintains the visibility of the rider at night. 

The hood of the jacket gives it a contemporary look and protects the rider against the harsh wind while driving. The hoodie has lower shock cords that adjust the jackets around your waist for a customized fit. The best thing about this item is that it looks like any other regular hoody that you can use for everyday wear.

Shop here: Alpinestars Domino Tech Hoody

#6 Schott 641 Cafe Racer Jacket

Schott 641 Cafe Racer Jacket

The Schott 641 Cafe Racer Jacket is one of the finest from the USA that keeps you warm in the frosty weather with its thick leather material while maintaining your chic biker vibe with its timeless design, heavy steer hides, and stands a stand-up collar. 

It’s common for riders to acquire frostbite on their knuckles while riding through the chilly winter winds. The Schott 641 Cafe Racer Jacket has hand-warmer pockets, protecting your hands from the cold. While the zip-out vest liner keeps wind from entering your jacket, keeping you warm and cozy through the winter.  

The jacket comes with underarm gussets that allow free movement of the arm so that the rider can drive comfortably, while the rest of the jacket has a close fit to give you a nice, sleek look.  The Schott 641 Cafe Racer Jacket is a classic that you want in your closet.

Shop here: Schott 641 Cafe Racer Jacket

#7 REV’IT! Glide Jacket

REV'IT! Glide Jacket

Suppose you’re looking for sporty outerwear with an aggressive look, the REV’IT! Glide has got you covered. It’s a fine piece of clothing that is perfect for everyday street riding and keeps you safe and comfortable.  

The jacket has CE-rated armor covers that protect high-risk areas like shoulders and elbows from potential damage during an accident. Riders can achieve added protection by simply inserting extra padding in the chest and rear pockets. These inserts allow variable impact absorption without compromising on comfort. 

REV’IT! Glide Jacket is a classic leather jacket with jeans loop and stretchy fabric that can be dressed up with sleek leather pants for the modern biker vibe and dressed down with a nice pair of jeans for a casual everyday look.

Shop here: REV’IT! Glide Jacket

#8 Alpinestars Stella Vika v2 Jacket

Alpinestars Stella Vika v2 Jacket

We’ve got good news for all the female riders out there! Alpinestars brings you a lovely piece of clothing that allows you to live your biker chick dream. The Alpinestars Stella Vika v2 Jacket is a fine piece straight from the runway that is fashionable and safe. 

The jacket comes with CE-certified elbow and shoulder protectors that might be slim to maintain the femininity of the clothing item but perform just as well as their thicker counterparts. Its laminated panels protect against wind, and the rear pockets allow you to slip in back protectors for additional safety.  

The Alpinestars female fashion team designed the jacket with a seamless silhouette to make you feel like a moto goddess. It is available in black and blue, both equally stylish. The durability of the fabric and its timeless design will allow you to rock this fine piece of clothing for a very long time.

Shop here: Alpinestars Stella Vika v2 Jacket

#9 BILT Techno 2 Women’s Jacket

BILT Techno 2 Women's Jacket

The BILT Techno 2 Women’s Jacket is another great option for female riders looking for something comfortable and stylish that you can wear anytime, anywhere. 

BILT Techno 2 Women’s Jacket is a unique piece that can be worn throughout the year, across all seasons. While the mesh interior of the jackets increases ventilation, keeping you light and airy on a hot day, the removable quilted liners can be attached to keep you warm through the winter season. 

The BILT Techno 2 Jacket has CE-rated shoulder and elbow pads and removable back protectors to keep you safe while driving. If you’re bored of the basic black biker jackets, you can opt for the ones in black/white or black/yellow that look just as stylish.

Shop here: BILT Techno 2 Women’s Jacket

#10 First Manufacturing Daisy Women’s Jacket

First Manufacturing Daisy Women's Jacket

Bored of all the basic biker jackets out there? Daisy has got you covered! Its unique fringe design and modern, edgy look will make you stand out from the crowd. Its asymmetrical zipper design and a full fringe panel that runs from the back and down the sleeves make this jacket a unique fashion piece. 

The jacket is fully lined with a soft fabric that will keep you comfortable while you slay this exclusive fashion item. It also contains multiple pockets that allow you to carry all your essentials without the hassle of a handbag. It also has a small pocket that is perfect for lipstick, allowing you to do the frequent touch ups that keep you fabulous!

Daisy is available in a range of unique colors, including black, oxblood, and whiskey, allowing you to choose one that suits you best. Its distinctive design is something you won’t find elsewhere. So if you’re feeling experimental and looking for something that will have people staring, you might want to get your hands on this product.

Shop here: First Manufacturing Daisy Women’s Jacket

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to wear a motorcycle jacket?

Most motorcycle jackets are constructed from high impact-resistant material that cushions the impact of a fall on areas such as your chest, backbone, shoulders, and elbows. Injuries are mostly acquired in these regions in case of an accident, so one should take the necessary precautions and invest in a good quality jacket.

These jackets usually come with reflective logos that maintain visibility when riding in the dark. They also act as a shield against harsh weather, keeping you warm in winter and dry during the monsoon.

What material is best for a motorcycle jacket?

A motorcycle jacket made of thick material is usually more effective in its purpose, making leather an excellent choice. The durability of this material allows it to last for a very long time, making the investment in a good quality leather jacket worth it. 

However, leather is not exactly a summer-friendly fabric. For this reason, jackets in other lighter materials can also be found, such as nylon, which has excellent heat-resistant and strength properties.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t own a motorcycle jacket yet, you should strongly consider getting one. It will not only complete your biker look but also protect against potential injuries in case of an accident. Investing in a good quality jacket will keep you safe and will also prove to be a great addition to your wardrobe.

Motorcycle jackets have become a mainstream fashion piece around the globe. They entered the fashion world long ago and will most likely stay in style for a while. With the range of jackets available that cater to all your safety, comfort, and style needs, you will definitely find a piece you love. 

If you’re considering purchasing a café racer jacket, go through our picks. We’ve ensured that all the jackets on our list are made from high-quality materials to keep you safe!  So don’t wait any longer; get yours today.

Michael

a 35-year-old web developer and cycling coach based in Boulder, Colorado. Over the past ten years, my passion for cycling has transformed from a casual hobby into a way of life. As a lover of all things cycling, I am thrilled to share my journey with others who share the same enthusiasm for this incredible sport.