The Best Retro-Inspired Motorcycle Gear for Vintage Good Looks

Over the last decade or two, there’s been a massive influx in interest in vintage-styled products, from shoes to backpacks to cars to watches. And such is the case with the motorcycle gear space, which is another sector that’s been massively influenced by the ongoing nostalgia craze. As this sub-segment continues to spike in popularity, riders are being treated to an ever-increasing number of retro-inspired pieces of moto gear to pick from. While this gives motorcyclists more options than ever before, it’s also made it increasingly difficult to sort through the seemingly endless sea of offerings in the segment to hone in on the few standout items. Well aware of this reality, we’ve thoroughly scoured the space in order to deliver this hand-picked guide to the best pieces of retro motorcycle gear. 

There’s undeniably something very attractive and compelling about motorcycle riding gear from yesteryear. Often born out of the so-called “golden era of motorcycling,” these vintage pieces of protective moto equipment sport a distinctive retro charm and gobs of character. Unfortunately, vintage motorcycle gear is almost always incredibly antiquated, offering absolutely atrocious protective capabilities compared to contemporary pieces of kit. And this is essentially what makes today’s retro-inspired motorcycle gear so noteworthy, as it offers something of the best of both worlds in the form of unmistakably vintage-inspired aesthetics backed by thoroughly modern safety standards and tech, benefitting from contemporary materials and armor, and the abrasion and impact resistance they they afford. 

As products that merge vintage and contemporary traits, it can sometimes be a little tricky knowing exactly what to look for when shopping for retro-style motorcycle gear. Knowing this firsthand, we’ve pieced together this mini guide to the most important areas to consider when shopping for retro-inspired moto gear. 

Materials: Whether it’s a helmet, jacket, or pair of gloves or boots, the materials used to craft a piece of motorcycle gear will always play a pivotal role in determining the item’s overall quality and durability — unequivocally making this one of the most pivotal areas to consider when shopping. When reviewing this area, you’ll want to pay close attention to an item’s primary (shell) construction. We also recommend exploring any piece of moto gear’s secondary constructions such as liner material, flex panels, or overlay reinforcements. 

Protection: Alongside their unmistakably retro appearance, the other main selling point of vintage-style riding gear is undoubtedly the modern levels of protection that it offers. A piece of retro-style riding gear’s protective capabilities largely boil down to the item’s resistance to abrasions and impacts — the former of which is typically achieved through the use of leather, high-denier constructions, or other highly abrasion-resistant proprietary materials, while the latter is made possible thanks to the inclusion of integrated padding or armor. 

Versatility: Pieces of retro-inspired riding gear often sport fairly fashion forward appearances. This allows them to look just as good on the bike as they do off of it — a trait that affords these items markedly more versatility than regular pieces of modern protective kit. Comfort is another pivotal area to consider when reviewing an item’s versatility, as the more comfortable items from this segment can easily be worn all day.

Climate: The climate that you plan on riding in should also be factored into your decision, as this one area can massively impact the overall user experience. For riders residing in warmer climates, we recommend looking for hot-weather-specific gear that’s perforated and/or equipped with a series of ventilation ports to increase airflow and keep the rider cool. On the flip side of the coin, riders living in colder regions will want to look for pieces of retro-style gear that boast insulation, waterproof membranes, and/or special exterior coatings or treatments to bolster water resistance. There are also some highly versatile pieces of riding gear with removable liners and other layered elements that allows them to lend themselves to a wide variety of climates and weather conditions. 

Style: Retro-inspired moto gear’s main selling point is undoubtedly its vintage style. As a result, this is obviously an area you’ll want to think about when shopping. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to see the same piece of retro-style gear offered in multiple materials or color options — another factor worth reviewing when shopping in this space. It’s also worth pointing out that, while the majority of products in this segment draw inspiration from products from the ‘60s and ‘70s, there are also items modeled after ’80s, ‘90s, and even early aughts-era items. 

Fit & Adjustability: In order for motorcycle gear to properly function, it needs to precisely fit its wearer. As such, you’ll want to pay close attention not only to the size of any item, but also the adjustability said item affords, as greater levels of adjustability almost always mean a greater, snugger, more precise fit — and therefor a more effective piece of gear with better protective qualities. 

History & Lineage: Though every product in the retro-style moto gear space draws some level of inspiration from riding gear from the past, some items either pay homage to or are directly modeled after specific pieces of riding kit from yesteryear. While this doesn’t necessarily change the product or user experience, it’s nonetheless a factor that makes a piece of gear more noteworthy and/or interesting. There are even some items in this space that are replicas of vintage pieces of gear recreated for the modern era using contemporary materials, tech, and safety features. 

With the proliferation of all-things nostalgia, there’s now an enormous number of vintage-style pieces of protective motorcycle riding gear. In a bid to simplify our search, sort through the litany of available options, and hone in on the sector’s creme-de-la-creme, we’ve broken the retro-inspired moto gear space down into different sub-segments. From there, we proceeded to hand-pick roughly half a dozen best-of items from each of these sub-segments — such as best helmet, best gloves, best jacket, etc. We then narrowed down these initial picks to a just three choices that we felt represented the best of the best. 

The Best Retro-Inspired Motorcycle Gear

While most people are apt to use any old pair of work gloves in order to round out their retro kit, they’re putting their hands in harm’s way. Instead, grab a pair with some knuckle guards — whether you’re taking your scrambler off the beaten path or you’re lane-splitting through traffic, you’ll appreciate the added impact protection.

Biltwell Work Gloves 2.0

For those who are looking for a simple, no-frills pair of riding mitts that are as hard-wearing as they are handsome, Biltwell’s Work Gloves 2.0 are a great buy. Made from goatskin leather, they come with suede cow leather palms, and raised welt detailing at the back of the hands. Quilted expansion panels allow for a natural range of movement, while new wrap-around elasticated wrist closure helps to ensure snug and comfortable fit. The palm, thumb, and index fingers’ seams have also been located on the outside of the glove, hugely mitigating chafing and bolstering long-term comfort. 

GoldTop Viceroy Gloves

Founded in 1951, British-based GoldTop has been making high-quality retro motorcycle gear before it was considered retro — so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about what goes into a good pair of gloves. The short-cuff Viceroy model shown here is a unique offering in that it looks the part while also packing a plethora of protective qualities. For instance, the gloves feature a “floating” armored knuckle, as well as gel-padded fingers, double-stitching at crucial wear points, and a reinforced palm and thumb. So, in addition to being a solid pair of safe gloves, they’re also incredibly tough. Should you want an even richer look and feel, you can always spring for water-repellent Ducks Wax — it’ll help preserve and maintain the gloves while giving them a bit of added water protection.

SA1NT Inside Out Gloves

Developed with help from off-road racer and brand ambassador Terry Madden, the SA1NT Inside Out Gloves are the epitome of modern retro-inspired moto wear, as they combine an unmistakably vintage appearance with an impressive host fo throughly contemporary features and amenities. Cut from soft yet rugged goat leather, these riding gloves come loaded with all external seams, touchscreen-compatible thumb and trigger finger tips, and adjustable stretch cuffs secured via a Velcro closure and decorated via embossed SA1NT branding. CE-rated, the Inside Out Gloves also benefit from underlying hard knuckle protection complemented by impact palm protection. Add in the brand’s usual top-notch build quality and craftsmanship, and you’ve legitimately got some of the best leather riding gloves that money can currently buy. These moto mitts also afford pretty stellar bang for your buck, as well. 

Save your Redwing Moc-toes and Wolverine 1000-mile boots for around-town wear. Sure, they’re heaped with heritage, but they were made for logging and other occupations — not riding a motorcycle and certainly not protecting your ankles. The good news is that even with their added safety elements, all of the picks we’ve featured here fit right in with any old-school outfit.

Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Shoes

Part of the world-renowned Italian firm’s 1960s-inspired OSCAR heritage sub-brand, the newly-released Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 is a classically-styled boot with a moc toe and a wedge outsole. CE-rated, this second boot benefits from an even stronger and more robust 1.6mm full-grain bovine leather shell, an added welt, and a new midsole layer that makes them even more comfortable to walk in while off the bike. Underneath the surface, this boot conceals a reinforced heel counter and a dual-density ankle protection system with discs that have been integrated into the footwear’s elastic band. Helping to ensure a precise fit is a standard lace closure that’s been supplemented via a hidden medial side zipper. Astars’ original OSCAR Monty boots already represented one of the very best retro-style riding boots that money can buy, so the fact the company has returned to the drawing board and managed to deliver an even more elevated iteration is beyond noteworthy. 

Stylmartin Yu’Rok WP

Pairing outward punk style with subtle in-built safety, Stylmartin’s Yu’rok Boots are one option we’d rock any day of the week, whether that’s on a miserable Monday commute or a spirited weekend getaway. For starters, they come with an upper made from full-grain leather, meaning that they’ll hold up for many miles to come. But that’s not all — inside, they feature a breathable, waterproof lining. In other words, they’ll not only keep your toes from getting too toasty; they’ll also stop moisture in its tracks. And because they come with an internal PU malleolus protection on both sides, you can ride assured knowing your ankles are safe from harm. Secured by a hook and lace fastening, these babies provide a stable, supported fit.

Roland Sands Design x White’s Foreman Boots

With super robust materials and equally an hardwearing construction, White’s Foreman boots have long been popular amongst motorcycle riders. In a bid to make them more conducive to riding, White’s linked up with moto gear, lifestyle, and moto customs shop Roland Sands Design to deliver an upgraded take on the Foreman. Boasting a full Stitch down construction, these 6” boots are cut from water-resistant full-grain Horween Chrome-Excel leather and feature a leather mid-sole and shank, a stitched toe pad, Ortholite insoles, and Vibram Cristy Crepe outsoles. Built on White’s legendary 610 last, these decidedly premium riding boots are also crafted entirely by hand, entirely in America. These boots are also produced in an oxblood version with black outsoles, a tobacco-colored variant with off-white soles, and a completely blacked-out model. Though they admittedly don’t come cheap, these genuinely are heirloom quality boots that have been built to last a lifetime — a fact that’s practically guanreteed considering that they’re rebuildable and re-solable — before being passed down to future generations. 

No longer are you limited to leathers if you’re looking for a set of safe riding pants. Thanks to the industry’s appropriation of Kevlaar, Dyneema, and other specialty fabrics, moto-specific denim now packs plenty of protection against road rash and other unwanted eventualities. And with inserts for armor at key impact points, it keeps bony areas like knees and hips safe from bruising.

Dainese Strokeville Jeans

While most protective denim at this price point is more mom than it is moto, Dainese’s Strokeville jeans are an exception to the rule. Woven with DuPont Kevlar and featuring additional support behind the knees, hips, and rear, these slim-fit, mid-rise jeans will keep you safe and looking good while they’re at it. And with included Pro-Armor in the knees (hip armor sold separately), you can ride confidently knowing that you’re properly protected against any eventuality. But that’s not all — the Strokeville jeans also come with a set of reflective inserts to keep you visible and some straps under the foot to help them stay in place while you ride. Sure, they come in at our first pants pick, but they’re an option that punches well above their weight.

SA1NT Unbreakable Slim Jeans

 Made by riders for riders, SA1NT’s jeans are as good as it gets when it comes to motorcycle denim. Their Unbreakable series is their longest-running offering, and with each iteration, it’s only gotten better. For starters, these jeans are made from Dyneema — a fiber 15x stronger than steel used to stop bullets and tether space shuttles — so you know it can stand up to even the sketchiest of slides. And because its denim is so strong, SA1NT has managed to make its jeans out of a single layer, meaning that in addition to being extremely safe, they’re also incredibly lightweight and breathable. Last but not least, they come with built-in elastane for stretch, allowing for unrivaled comfort on and off the bike.

El Solitario ES-1 Protective Jeans with Dyneema

Part bespoke bike builder, part moto apparel purveyor, El Solitario is one brand that lives and breathes all things high-octane. Like the above pick from SA1NT, the ES-1 Protective Jeans are sewn with a Dyneema denim construction. Nigh-on indestructible, they’ll survive over 4 seconds of slide time, so there’s no doubt they’ll save you some skin. What’s more, Dyneema has the benefit of being lightweight and thermally conductive, ensuring that you stay cool and dry in even the hottest conditions. And with their relaxed fit and gentle taper, they wear comfortable at the thigh before narrowing at the ankle to stay out of the way. While they’re a bit of a markup compared to the competition, no one does badass like El Solitario.

Although your dad’s leather jacket may make you feel like James Dean, it’s better to check your ego and save the sentiment for the street. With no protective provisions and questionable construction quality, you wouldn’t be doing yourself any favors repping it on the bike. Thankfully, today’s jackets are both stylish and safe, ensuring that your look is on point while you ride.

JANE Moto Driggs Waxed Canvas Jacket

In addition to making eye-catching customs, Brooklyn-based Jane Motorcycles also sells some of the most stylish riding gear on the market. Designed to be worn on and off the bike, the Driggs is one jacket that’ll keep you safe on a ride while being plenty fashionable for the street. It’s made from 8.5oz waxed canvas, meaning that it hits the sweet spot between being light enough for warm weather riding and hefty enough to hold up in the event of an accident. And with its D30 armor at the elbow, shoulder, you’re protected from impacts and blunt force trauma — plus the thing boasts a pocket to accommodate an optional spine protector (sold separately). A great option if you’re looking for a simple design and a slim fit with subtle protective elements.

Roland Sands Design Clash CE Leather Jacket

The Roland Sands Clash CE Leather Jacket is a retro-style garment that combines a classic 1959 jacket design with modern materials and construction techniques. Offered in multiple color options, this CE-rated, AA-certified leather riding jacket is cut from a proprietary 1.2mm GT Racer cowhide leather that’s been washed, oiled, waxed, and finished entirely by hand. The jacket boasts a rocker style, with a shorty snap collar, an offset zipper, front zip pockets, riveted elbows, and quilted accents across the shoulders and lower back. Low-profile SAS-TEC armor is also present at this jacket’s shoulders and elbows, plus it features a pocket for housing an optional spine protector. 

Belstaff Trialmaster Motorcycle Jacket

Inspired by the iconic Barbour International, Belstaff’s Trialmaster Jacket is an offering that oozes retro British styling — with its four-pocket design, hand-waxed bovine leather construction, and interior cotton check lining, and corduroy-lined neck cuffs, you’ll cut quite the classy gent. However, underneath its cool exterior. the Trialmaster is a highly protective piece of kit. Built to European CE standards, it comes with removable D30 inserts in the shoulders and elbows, as well as a large back interior pocket if you’re in need of even more safety. Should you want to rock the jacket for casual wear out on the street, simply slip the armor out of the pockets and you’ll be good to go. Oh, and if you were in any doubt of the Trialmaster’s appeal, just check out Ewan McGregor or David Beckham. If it can be worn by those hotshot personalities, there’s no doubt it’ll level up your look on (and off) the bike.

With the recent boom in custom bike-building, retro helmets are hotter than ever. Whether you’re looking for something that’s off-road appropriate or something that’s tested on the track, there are options aplenty for you to choose from. Just be sure to check that your lid is up to date with your country’s safety regulations.

Bell Moto-3

With over 60 years of helmet engineering experience to its name, Bell is well-versed in making quality protective gear that’s good-looking, comfortable, and — most importantly — safe. Based on the original Moto 3 design, this helmet isn’t some old-school impersonator; it’s a full-on retro redux. So, while it shares the same outward appearance, underneath this off-road-style model has been updated to meet today’s safety standards. It’s made from a fiberglass composite shell with an EPS-lined chinbar, a combination that’s been rated to both DOT and ECE certifications. And with 3 different shell sizes and 4 different interior EPS sizes, there’s a fit perfect for everyone. Make sure to rock the 5 snap visor and some goggles for that added vintage cool factor.

Hedon Hedonist

Hedon is a brand built on the relentless pursuit of pleasure, so it goes without saying that their Hedonist open face helmet would be a cut above the rest. With its bold, nostalgic design and quality handcrafted construction, it makes for an option fit for even the most discerning of riders. The shell of this retro-style moto lid is made from a composite combination of fiberglass and carbon fiber, ensuring that it’s not just highly protective; it’s also incredibly lightweight (about 1.8lbs). Paired with a liner made from 360-degree Hed Armour cushion padding, Merlin anti-bacterial fabric, and natural calf leather, it makes for quite the premium on-head experience. As with the above pick from Bell, it comes DOT and ECE certified, so you’re good to rep it wherever your travels take you.

Arai Concept-X 

Founded in 1926, Japanese-based Arai Helmets got its start with caps, after which it switched to military headwear before it finally entered the racing helmets game. Since that time, they’ve emerged as one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycle helmets, routinely ranking amongst the best in terms of build quality and all-out safety. And the Concept X is a model that ticks all the right retro boxes. For instance, its design pulls straight from the ’80s, with a smooth outer shell from brow to base. Coupled with a six-grilled chin bar and a pair of rear openings, this full-face moto helmet is also surprisingly breathable. And when it comes to protection, Arai has demonstrated their dominance as per usual. Made with an outer shell design that distributes impact more effectively, as well as a Variable Axis System visor (essentially lowering the mounting points for improved shock-resistance), the Concept X is a proven performer that meets SNELL, DOT, and ECE safety certifications.

The Best Retro-Style Motorcycles To Buy Right Now

If you possess a proclivity for vintage-inspired riding gear, you’ll almost certainly appriceite today’s crop of vintage-inspired production bikes — the latest and greatest of which we’ve counted down in our guide to the best retro-style motorcycles.