Racing Leathers
Racing leathers are specialized protective suits made primarily from thick leather that motorcycle racers wear to shield their bodies from serious injuries during high-speed crashes and slides across pavement.
When a motorcycle racer falls at high speeds, their body can slide across the track surface at over 100 miles per hour. Without proper protection, this contact would cause severe "road rash"—essentially friction burns that strip away skin and tissue. Racing leathers act as a second skin, designed to take this punishment instead of the rider's body.
The most common material used is cowhide leather, which offers excellent durability and abrasion resistance at an affordable price. Professional racers often prefer kangaroo leather because it's lighter and more flexible while providing similar protection. The leather typically measures between 1.2 and 1.4 millimeters thick—thick enough to resist tearing but thin enough to allow movement.
Racing leathers include built-in armor at critical impact points. Hard protective pads sit at the shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, and back, absorbing the force when a rider hits the ground or barriers. Many of these armor pieces are CE-approved, meaning they've passed European safety standards for impact protection. Riders can often remove or upgrade these armor inserts based on their preferences.
One distinctive feature you'll notice on racing suits is the hard plastic or metal sliders attached to the knees, elbows, and shoulders. These aren't just for show—they allow racers to safely drag these body parts on the track surface while leaning into corners at extreme angles. The sliders are replaceable since they wear down through use.
The construction quality of motorcycle leathers matters tremendously for safety. High-end suits use double, triple, or even quadruple stitching in areas most likely to experience stress during a crash. The thread itself is made from strong nylon or polyester that won't easily tear apart on impact.
To keep riders comfortable in their aggressive riding positions, racing leathers incorporate stretch panels made from flexible leather or Kevlar fabric. These panels, typically placed at the lower back, crotch, and behind the knees, allow the suit to move with the rider without bunching up or restricting motion.
Many racing suits feature a hump on the back that serves multiple purposes. It can house a hydration system with a drinking tube, helps with aerodynamics at high speeds, and provides some additional protection for the spine during tumbling crashes.
While racing leathers are mandatory equipment for track racing, many experienced street riders also choose to wear them for maximum protection during regular road riding. The level of safety they provide is unmatched by casual motorcycle jackets, though they're less convenient for everyday use due to their snug fit and lack of weather protection.