Choosing the right riding jacket feels overwhelming when you’re staring at hundreds of options online, doesn’t it?
Trust me, I’ve been there too. You want something that keeps you safe, looks good, fits your budget, and actually fits your body properly – not some oversized men’s jacket that makes you look like you borrowed your brother’s gear.
After months of research and talking to fellow women riders across India, I’ve put together this guide to help you find that perfect jacket. No fancy jargon, no confusing technical terms – just honest reviews of jackets that actually work for us.
Why Women Need Different Riding Jackets
Here’s something most people don’t talk about – women’s bodies are built differently than men’s. Shocking, right?
Regular men’s jackets don’t account for our bust, waist, and hip proportions. They bunch up weird, ride up when you lean forward, and the armor never sits where it should.
Women-specific jackets solve these problems with:
- Tailored cuts that follow your natural curves
- Stretch panels in the right places
- Armor placement designed for female anatomy
- Adjustable waist and chest areas for better fit
What Makes a Great Women’s Riding Jacket
Before we dive into specific jackets, let’s talk about what you should look for:
Protection First
Your jacket needs CE-certified armor. Level 1 is okay for city riding, but Level 2 gives you better protection for highway speeds. The armor should sit at your shoulders, elbows, and ideally your back too.
Materials That Matter
- Leather: Best abrasion resistance, classic look, but can get hot
- Textile: Lighter, breathable, often waterproof
- Mesh: Maximum airflow for hot weather, less protection
Ventilation for Indian Weather
Let’s be real – India gets hot. Look for jackets with chest vents, back exhausts, and zippered openings. Some jackets even have removable mesh liners for different seasons.
Fit and Comfort
The jacket should feel snug without restricting movement. Pre-curved sleeves are a must for riding position.
Top 10 Best Women’s Riding Jackets in India
1. Klim Artemis Women’s Jacket – Best Overall Adventure
Price: ₹45,000 – ₹50,000
The Klim Artemis is what happens when you don’t compromise on anything. This jacket combines GORE-TEX waterproofing with serious ventilation and women-specific fit.
Why It’s Great:
- D3O Level 2 armor comes standard
- GORE-TEX shell keeps you dry in any weather
- Extensive ventilation system prevents overheating
- Built specifically for women’s proportions
The Reality Check:
Yes, it’s expensive. But if you’re serious about touring or adventure riding, this jacket delivers everything you need. The crash replacement warranty is a nice bonus too.
Best For: Long-distance touring, adventure riding, all-weather protection
Woman wearing a black armored motorcycle riding jacket, posing with an adventure touring motorcycle in a desert landscape
2. Raida Empress Women’s Riding Jacket – Best Value for Money
Price: ₹5,999 – ₹7,499
Made in India and designed for Indian conditions, the Raida Empress proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for good protection.
What You Get:
- CE Level 2 Safe-Tech armor at shoulders, elbows, and back
- 600D polyester construction with Cordura panels
- 3D mesh for ventilation
- Women-specific apple cut for better fit
The Catch:
It’s not waterproof and the finish isn’t as premium as international brands. But for daily commuting and weekend rides, it’s hard to beat this value.
Best For: Daily commuting, budget-conscious riders, first-time buyers
3. REV’IT! Sand 5 H2O Women’s Jacket – Best for Adventure Touring
Price: ₹35,000 – ₹40,000
REV’IT! knows adventure riding, and the Sand 5 shows it. This jacket handles everything from city traffic to mountain passes.
Key Features:
- SEEFLEX CE Level 2 armor
- Polyester ripstop shell for durability
- Multiple ventilation options
- Extensive pocket system for storage
The Trade-off:
No thermal liner included, so you’ll need to layer for cold weather rides.
Best For: Adventure touring, long-distance travel, varied weather conditions
Woman wearing a red and black armored riding jacket holding a helmet on a motorcycle, showcasing stylish women’s motorcycle gear
4. Roland Sands Maven CE Women’s Leather Jacket – Most Stylish
Price: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000
If you want a jacket that looks as good off the bike as it does on it, the Maven CE delivers. Premium cowhide leather with a flattering cut.
Style Points:
- 1.1-1.3mm premium cowhide leather
- Pre-curved sleeves and dropped back
- CE Level 1 armor included
- Satin lining feels luxurious
Keep in Mind:
Leather gets hot in summer and there’s no thermal liner for winter. Also runs snug – consider sizing up.
Best For: Urban riding, style-conscious riders, shorter trips
Woman biker in black leather jacket and full-face helmet with sport motorcycle in urban setting
5. Joe Rocket Women’s Atomic 4.0 – Best All-Weather Option
Price: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000
The Atomic 4.0 handles India’s crazy weather changes with removable liners and good ventilation.
Weather Protection:
- 100% waterproof RockTex 600 construction
- Removable insulated liner for cold weather
- Variable flow ventilation system
- CE armor at shoulders, elbows, and back
The Reality:
It’s a bit bulky with all liners in place, but the versatility makes up for it.
Best For: Monsoon riding, varied climates, touring
6. Alpinestars Stella T-GP Plus – Best for Hot Weather
Price: ₹20,000 – ₹25,000
When it’s 40°C outside and you still need to ride, the Stella T-GP Plus keeps you as cool as possible while staying protected.
Cooling Features:
- Maximum airflow mesh construction
- Perforated panels in high-heat areas
- Sport-oriented fit for aggressive riding
- CE Level 1 armor
The Limitation:
It’s designed for hot weather only – you’ll need another jacket for monsoon or winter riding.
Best For: Hot climate riding, sport bikes, aggressive riding position
7. Dainese Avro 5 Women’s Leather Jacket – Premium Sport Option
Price: ₹40,000 – ₹45,000
For women who want the absolute best in sport riding protection, the Avro 5 brings race-level gear to the street.
Premium Features:
- Tutu cowhide leather with S1 fabric inserts
- Removable aluminum plates at shoulders and elbows
- Microelastic 2.0 for flexibility
- Race-inspired aerodynamic fit
Consider This:
It’s designed for sport riding positions and may not be comfortable for touring or upright bikes.
Best For: Sport bikes, track days, aggressive street riding
8. Icon Tuscadero 2 – Best Low-Profile Option
Price: ₹18,000 – ₹22,000
Sometimes you want protection without looking like a Power Ranger. The Tuscadero 2 offers serious safety in a subtle package.
Low-Key Protection:
- D3O LP1 impact protection
- Female-specific fit
- Waterproof capability
- Removable insulated liner
The Style:
Simple, clean design that works with any bike style.
Best For: Commuters, casual riders, style-conscious protection
9. Viaterra Ellis Women’s Street Mesh Jacket – Lightest with Level 2 Protection
Price: ₹12,000 – ₹15,000
The Ellis proves you can have serious protection without the weight. It’s the lightest jacket with Level 2 armor.
Innovation:
- SAS-TEC CE Level 2 armor (lightest available)
- CrossFlowTech ventilation paradigm
- Stretch panels in bust area
- Cordura reinforcement in impact zones
Perfect For:
Indian summers when you need maximum airflow but don’t want to compromise safety.
Best For: Hot weather city riding, daily commuting, weight-conscious riders
10. Royal Enfield Tourer Women’s Jacket – Best Indian Heritage
Price: ₹9,950
Royal Enfield finally made gear specifically for women riders, and it shows understanding of what Indian women need.
Made for India:
- CE Level 2 Safe Tech armor
- Stretchable textile construction
- All-weather capability
- Royal Enfield heritage styling
The Appeal:
Combines brand legacy with modern protection at a reasonable price point.
Best For: Royal Enfield owners, heritage bike enthusiasts, patriotic riders
Understanding Protection Levels and Materials
CE Armor Explained Simply
CE ratings aren’t just marketing – they tell you how much impact the armor can absorb.
Level 1: Good for city riding and lower speeds
- Maximum impact transmission: 35 kN
- Suitable for daily commuting
Level 2: Better for highway and aggressive riding
- Maximum impact transmission: 20 kN
- Recommended for touring and sport riding
Where You Need Armor:
- Shoulders: Take the brunt of most crashes
- Elbows: Hit the ground first when you go down
- Back: Protects your spine – often sold separately
Black and orange WILDFIRE motorcycle jacket with CE Level 2 armor protection for elbows and shoulders, designed for women bike riders
Material Breakdown for Indian Conditions
Leather Jackets
Best abrasion resistance but can be hot. Great for:
- Short city rides
- Evening rides
- Style-focused riders
- Dry weather conditions
Textile Jackets
Most versatile option for India:
- Often waterproof
- Better ventilation than leather
- Lighter weight
- Easy to clean
Mesh Jackets
Maximum cooling for extreme heat:
- Best airflow
- Lower abrasion resistance
- Perfect for stop-and-go traffic
- Summer-only option
Sizing and Fit Guide for Women
Getting the right size is crucial – a poorly fitting jacket won’t protect you properly.
How to Measure Yourself
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part
Waist: At your natural waistline
Shoulders: From shoulder point to shoulder point
Arm Length: From shoulder to wrist with arm extended
Fit Tips That Actually Matter
Shoulders: Should sit at your shoulder point, not hanging off
Length: Should cover your lower back when in riding position
Sleeves: Long enough when arms are extended forward
Chest: Should have room for light layers but not be baggy
Try This: Put the jacket on and reach forward like you’re grabbing handlebars. If it pulls tight or rides up significantly, try the next size up.
Safety Features Beyond Armor
Visibility and Reflective Elements
Indian roads can be chaotic, especially at night. Look for:
- 3M Scotchlite reflective strips on arms, chest, and back
- High-visibility color options like bright yellow or orange
- Reflective piping that follows the jacket’s lines
Weather Protection Features
Waterproofing: Look for laminated membranes or removable rain liners
Ventilation: Front intakes and back exhausts work best
Temperature Control: Removable thermal liners for versatility
Maintenance and Care Tips
Keeping Your Investment Protected
Leather Jackets:
- Use leather conditioner every few months
- Avoid soaking in water
- Store on wide hangers to maintain shape
Textile Jackets:
- Machine washable (usually)
- Remove armor before washing
- Air dry to prevent shrinkage
Mesh Jackets:
- Gentle cycle only
- Check for tears after crashes
- Replace if mesh is compromised
Budget Considerations
What You Get at Different Price Points
Under ₹10,000:
Basic protection, Indian brands, good for beginners
₹10,000 – ₹25,000:
International brands, better materials, more features
₹25,000 – ₹40,000:
Premium protection, advanced materials, specialized features
Above ₹40,000:
Top-tier gear, latest technology, professional-level protection
Value for Money Champions
Based on protection-per-rupee:
- Raida Empress – ₹7,499 for Level 2 protection
- Royal Enfield Tourer – ₹9,950 with brand backing
- Viaterra Ellis – ₹15,000 for lightest Level 2 option
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Buy Too Big
Loose armor won’t protect you properly. Snug is safe.
Don’t Ignore the Weather
One jacket can’t handle all Indian seasons. Plan for layering or multiple jackets.
Don’t Forget About Crash Replacement
Some brands replace damaged gear after accidents. Factor this into your decision.
Don’t Compromise on Armor
Level 1 protection is the minimum. Level 2 is worth the extra cost for highway riding.
Final Thoughts
The best riding jacket is the one you’ll actually wear. It needs to fit your body, your budget, your riding style, and your climate.
If you’re just starting out, the Raida Empress offers incredible value with proper protection. For serious touring, the Klim Artemis justifies its price with unmatched versatility. Hot weather riders should seriously consider the Viaterra Ellis for its unique combination of cooling and Level 2 protection.
Remember – your jacket is not the place to save money if you can avoid it. It’s literally the barrier between your skin and the asphalt. Buy the best protection you can afford, make sure it fits properly, and wear it every single time you ride.
Your future self will thank you for choosing safety over savings.
What’s your experience with women’s riding jackets? Drop a comment below and help other riders make better choices.
