Women’s Motorcycle Pants: Top Picks for Safety and Comfort
Joanne Rushton
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“Most women’s motorcycle pants just don’t fit.”
That’s what I hear from every female rider I know (including myself). Too tight in weird spots, loose where they shouldn’t be, and the armor never lands where it’s supposed to.
And it’s not just about comfort. If the fit’s wrong, the protection’s off. If you’re adjusting your gear every five minutes, you’re not focusing on the ride.
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The good news is the options are getting better. More cuts, more styles, and more gear built that comfortably fit a woman’s shape.
This guide rounds up the best women’s motorcycle pants for different body types, riding styles, and setups. So you can find something that fits, feels right, and lets you get on with the ride.
Busting Myths About Women’s Motorcycle Pants
Before we get into the best picks, let’s clear up a few outdated ideas about women’s motorcycle pants.
- “Shrink it and pink it” is good enough. Not really. Simply making men’s gear smaller and adding feminine colors often results in a poor fit and compromised protection for women riders.
- Comfort and safety don’t mix. They do now. You can get real protection without sacrificing how you look or how you move on the bike.
- Leggings can’t be real riding gear. Forget the gym-wear image. The right riding leggings offer legit abrasion resistance, armor, and flexibility for all-day comfort.
- Your style stays in the closet. Not anymore. There are women’s pants built to blend in with your regular clothes, so you can ride protected and still look like yourself when you get there.
Top Picks: Best Women’s Motorcycle Pants
We’ve rounded up the best women’s riding pants for protection, comfort, and fit.
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Best Comfort 
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The Klim Artemis Women's Pants are premium adventure gear built for comfort and protection, featuring GORE-TEX® waterproofing and D3O® armor. | The Pando Moto Skin UH 03 are armored base layer leggings made with abrasion-resistant fabric and CE Level 1 armor for added protection and comfort. | The Bowtex® Elite Ladies V2 leggings offer AAA-rated abrasion protection using Dyneema® fabric, combined with Level 2 SAS-TEC armor at the knees and hips. Designed specifically for women, they provide a comfortable fit and can be worn alone or under other pants. |
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The Klim Artemis Women's Pants are premium adventure gear built for comfort and protection, featuring GORE-TEX® waterproofing and D3O® armor.
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Great airflow with multiple vents
- Tailored women-specific fit
- Expensive
- Few color options
- Tight over bulky boots
The Pando Moto Skin UH 03 are armored base layer leggings made with abrasion-resistant fabric and CE Level 1 armor for added protection and comfort.
- High abrasion resistance with Balistex fabric
- Lightweight and breathable for comfort
- Includes adjustable CE Level 1 knee and hip armor
- Limited color options
- May feel snug for some body types
- Zippers at ankles can be uncomfortable with certain footwear
The Bowtex® Elite Ladies V2 leggings offer AAA-rated abrasion protection using Dyneema® fabric, combined with Level 2 SAS-TEC armor at the knees and hips. Designed specifically for women, they provide a comfortable fit and can be worn alone or under other pants.
- High-level CE AAA safety rating
- Lightweight and breathable design
- Versatile wear: standalone or as a base layer
- Premium price point
- No external pockets
- Fit may vary; trying on recommended
The Best Women’s Motorcycle Pants for Every Ride
Bowtex Elite Ladies V2 Leggings
The Bowtex Elite Women’s Riding Leggings are CE AAA-rated, built with a Dyneema® blend that rivals race-level abrasion resistance. Designed to be worn under your favorite jeans, pants, or even a skirt, they let you ride fully protected without sacrificing your look or comfort.
Evan owns the men’s version of these, and the quality is identical: top-tier protection in a layer that feels like casual wear.
These come with pockets for CE-rated armor at the hips and knees, and Bowtex now offers their own upgraded Level 2 pads as an option.
Fit-wise, the latest version sits better, holds tighter at the waist, and stretches naturally with your movement. They breathe well, stay put, and feel secure even on longer rides or in warmer weather.
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The Catch? You’ll still need an outer layer for weather protection. Like most base layers, they’re not meant to be worn alone.
The Silver Lining: You get AAA-level protection that feels like your favorite pair of leggings. Light, breathable, and built to disappear under your clothes while doing serious work if you go down.
Alternative Option: The Knox Urbane Pro Women’s Pants offer similar CE AA-rated protection in a more structured, outerwear-style pant that doesn’t require layering. They include armor at the knees and hips and are designed to be worn on their own, making them a solid choice if you prefer a more traditional look with built-in protection.
The Bowtex® Elite Ladies V2 leggings offer AAA-rated abrasion protection using Dyneema® fabric, combined with Level 2 SAS-TEC armor at the knees and hips. Designed specifically for women, they provide a comfortable fit and can be worn alone or under other pants.
- High-level CE AAA safety rating
- Lightweight and breathable design
- Versatile wear: standalone or as a base layer
- Premium price point
- No external pockets
- Fit may vary; trying on recommended
Our Rating: 4.6 / 5: I trust these every time I ride in mine. For women who want freedom of movement, stealthy protection, and serious abrasion resistance, the Bowtex Elite leggings are hard to beat. Read our full review of the Bowtex Elite on It’s Better On The Road.
Pando Moto Skin UH 03 Armored Leggings
If I could only own one pair of motorcycle pants, these would be high on the list. I’ve got the men’s version of the Skin UH 03, and they don’t mess around. CE AAA-rated and built with Dyneema® stretch fabric, they offer race-level abrasion resistance in a sleek, second-skin fit that moves with you. You get SAS-TEC TripleFlex Level 1 armor for the knees and hips included, and it’s all slim enough to disappear under any outfit.
They’re insanely comfortable, especially for long rides or hot weather, and they move with your body like a good pair of athletic tights. Unlike bulkier outerwear, these leggings give you full flexibility and don’t weigh you down.
You can wear them under jeans, joggers, or even solo, they don’t scream “motorcycle gear,” which is part of the appeal.
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The Catch? Like most base layers, they’re not made to handle weather on their own. There’s no wind or rain protection, so you’ll need to layer up depending on the conditions.
The Silver Lining: You get real CE AAA protection in a sleek, breathable layer that feels like casualwear. The included armor is slim but effective, and the fit is flattering without compromising safety.
Alternative Option: The Bowtex Elite leggings offer a similar level of protection, with a slightly more rugged construction and different fabric blend. They’re another solid choice if you prefer a base layer with a bit more structure.
The Pando Moto Skin UH 03 are armored base layer leggings made with abrasion-resistant fabric and CE Level 1 armor for added protection and comfort.
- High abrasion resistance with Balistex fabric
- Lightweight and breathable for comfort
- Includes adjustable CE Level 1 knee and hip armor
- Limited color options
- May feel snug for some body types
- Zippers at ankles can be uncomfortable with certain footwear
Our Rating: 4.7/5: I’ve tested a lot of leggings, and these strike the best balance of comfort, protection, and everyday wearability. If you want one piece of gear that does almost everything, this is it. Read our full review of the Pando Moto Skin UH 03 on It’s Better On The Road.
Klim Artemis Women’s Pants
For the ladies out there who ride long days through changing weather, the Klim Artemis Women’s Pants are a solid choice. They’re built with Gore-Tex for waterproofing and have D3O Level 1 armor at the knees and hips. Superfabric panels give you extra abrasion protection in high-impact zones, and the venting setup actually works when temps start to climb.
Fit is women-specific and runs true to size, with enough room for base layers if needed. There’s no thermal liner included, so you’ll want to bring your own for colder rides. But the outer shell is durable, flexible, and doesn’t get in your way when moving around the bike.
There’s also a MOLLE system on the thigh and a few well-placed pockets. Everything about the design feels purposeful, like it came from riders who understand what works over long distances.
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The Catch? No built-in insulation, and the price puts it in premium territory.
The Silver Lining: You get a highly durable, fully waterproof and breathable pant with top-notch impact protection, designed specifically for the demands of adventure riding and tailored for a comfortable women’s fit.
Alternative Option: The Rev’It! Sand 5 H2O Women’s Pants offer a similarly versatile adventure touring experience with excellent waterproofing and protection at a potentially more accessible price point.
The Klim Artemis Women's Pants are premium adventure gear built for comfort and protection, featuring GORE-TEX® waterproofing and D3O® armor.
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Great airflow with multiple vents
- Tailored women-specific fit
- Expensive
- Few color options
- Tight over bulky boots
Our Rating 4.4/5: The Klim Artemis Women’s Pants are highly rated for their fit, durability, waterproofing, and overall performance in adventure riding scenarios. Pair it with the matching Klim Artemis Jacket, which we reviewed previously on It’s Better On The Road. The full kit offers top-to-bottom coverage built for demanding adventure riding.
Rev’It! Sand 5 H2O Women’s Pants
As a strong alternative in the adventure touring segment, the Rev’It! Sand 5 H2O Women’s Pants build upon the legacy of the Sand series. These pants feature a durable outer shell with a removable waterproof Hydratex® liner and a removable thermal liner, making them adaptable to various climates.
They include SEEFLEX™ CE Level 2 knee protection and SEESMART™ CE Level 1 hip protectors. Ventilation panels enhance airflow in warmer conditions, and multiple pockets offer practicality for touring. The women’s specific fit ensures comfort during long rides.
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The Catch? While highly versatile, managing multiple liners can sometimes be a bit cumbersome.
The Silver Lining: You get highly adaptable pants capable of handling a wide range of weather conditions with robust protection and a comfortable women’s fit, often at a more competitive price than some premium adventure brands.
Alternative Option: The Klim Artemis Women’s Pants offer a step up in premium materials and potentially more robust construction for hardcore adventure riding.
The REV'IT! Sand 5 H2O Women’s Pants are rugged, all-season adventure pants with waterproof liners, armor protection, and a women-specific fit.
- Removable waterproof and thermal liners
- Adjustable fit for comfort
- Good ventilation for airflow
- On the pricey side
- Few color choices
- Fit may feel snug for some
Our rating: 4.6/5. Great protection, ventilation, and all-season layering in a women’s-specific fit. Comfortable, adaptable, and built to handle long ADV miles.
Knox Urbane Pro Women’s Pants
If you’re riding mostly in the city and want protection without the bulk, the Knox Urbane Pro Women’s Pants are worth a look. They’re designed to be worn on their own (not as an underlayer) and come with CE Level 1 Micro-Lock armor at the knees and hips. The fabric has a good amount of stretch, and the cut is high-waisted and straight through the leg, which works well over riding boots.
They’re CE AA-rated, which is decent for abrasion protection, especially for commuting and short trips. Not quite at the level of something like Dyneema leggings or triple-layer textiles, but enough to give you confidence around town. They breathe well, move with you, and don’t scream “bike gear” when you’re off the bike.
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The Catch? Not AAA-rated, no waterproofing, and no insulation. These are warm-weather, dry-condition pants through and through.
The Silver Lining: You get standalone riding pants with armor already in place, a comfortable fit, and low-key styling that works on and off the bike. Great for urban rides and short runs where layering isn’t ideal.
Alternative Option: For a more casual denim look with similar urban protection, check out the Street & Steel Oakland Women’s Jeans. They’re comfortable, flattering, and give you a step up from regular jeans when paired with CE-rated armor.
The Knox Urbane Pro Women's Pants are lightweight, breathable riding trousers with CE-rated armor and abrasion resistance, ideal for warm weather.
- CE AA-rated protection
- Excellent airflow
- Removable knee and hip armor
- Not suited for cold or wet weather
- Limited pocket space
- Fit may run small
Our Rating: 4.1/5: Some riders have noted fit quirks and expected more for the price, which is fair. But if you want light, protective pants that don’t need layering or a gear change when you park the bike, the Urbane Pro holds its own. Solid option for city rides and warm-weather runs.
Alpinestars Stella Techstar Melt Women’s Pants
If your weekends are all about dirt, ruts, and roost, the Stella Techstar Melt Pants are a solid pick. These are Alpinestars’ top-tier women’s motocross pants, built to handle aggressive off-road riding with comfort and flexibility. They’re specifically tailored for women, and that alone makes a big difference in how they feel once you’re on the bike.
The chassis is made from lightweight yet durable poly-fabric, and leather panels on the inner knees add abrasion resistance where it matters, especially if you’re running knee braces. You get stretch panels in key areas like the waist, calves, and crotch for unrestricted movement, and the pre-curved leg design helps them feel natural in the riding position. Ventilation is decent, with mesh inserts helping move heat out when the pace picks up.
Fit is athletic and streamlined, but with enough room to layer protection underneath. Just keep in mind these don’t come with armor. They’re made to be worn with separate knee braces or guards, which is standard for proper MX gear.
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The Catch? No built-in impact protection, and they’re really built just for off-road. Not ideal for dual-sport or street crossover use.
The Silver Lining: You get pro-level mobility and construction in a women’s-specific cut. These pants are lightweight, race-focused, and made for maximum performance on the dirt.
Alternative Option: The Fly Racing Lite Women’s Pants bring similar durability and fit, with a bit more color and style variety.
The Alpinestars Stella Techstar Melt Women’s Pants are premium motocross pants built for mobility, durability, and a women-specific fit.
- Ergonomic female fit
- Flexible stretch panels
- Good ventilation
- High price
- Few color choices
- May need break-in time
Our Rating: 4.5/5: There aren’t many rider reviews out yet for the 2025 version, but the Techstar line has a solid track record. If you’re after off-road pants that blend comfort, durability, and a proper women’s fit, these check all the right boxes.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bowtex Elite Women’s Leggings | Pando Moto Skin UH 03 Leggings | Klim Artemis Women’s Pants | Rev’It! Sand 5 H2O Women’s Pants | Knox Urbane Pro Women’s Pants |
| Primary Use | Urban, Layering | Urban, Layering | Adventure Touring | Adventure Touring | Urban, Lightweight |
| Abrasion Protection | CE AAA | CE AAA | CE AA | CE AA | CE AA |
| Material | Dyneema Blend, Stretch | Power-stretch Balistex | Gore-Tex Performance Shell, Cordura | Polyester, detachable Hydratex® liner | Nylon with Spandex |
| Included Armor | None (optional Level 2 available) | Level 1 (knees & hips ) | Level 1 (knees & hips ) | Level 2 (knees), Level 1 (hips) | Level 2 (knees & hips ) |
| Weather Protection | Minimal | Minimal | Waterproof & Breathable | Waterproof & Thermal Liners Included | None |
| Fit | Slim, Form-Fitting | Second-Skin Fit | Women’s Specific, Touring Cut | Women’s Specific, Adjustable | High-Waisted, Straight Leg |
| Get One | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Finding Your Perfect Fit: More Than Just Size
Fit matters more than the tag. What works off the bike doesn’t always translate once you’re in the saddle, especially with armor placement and movement in mind.
Start with your measurements. Use a soft tape to check your natural waist (above your hips), the widest part of your hips, and your inseam. Then match those to the brand’s chart. Every brand cuts a little differently, so numbers matter more than labels.
Look for pants that are snug but still let you move. Armor should sit where it’s supposed to—on your knees and hips—and stay there while riding. If it slides around or shifts when you crouch, it’s not doing its job.
Think about how and where you ride. City riders might want breathable fabrics and low-profile armor. Touring riders will want room for layers and some weather resistance. If you’re off-road, focus on stretch, airflow, and space for knee braces.
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Always check the fit in the riding position. Stand-up fit can lie to you. Sit on the bike or squat into position, make sure nothing pulls, bunches, or feels out of place.
Good fit means you stop thinking about your gear. Once it’s on and adjusted, it should just work every mile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just wear regular jeans or leggings?
Regular jeans and fashion leggings aren’t designed to withstand the abrasion of sliding on asphalt in a motorcycle crash. Motorcycle-specific pants and leggings use stronger materials like Cordura®, Dyneema®, and reinforced stitching to offer significantly better protection. They also often include or have pockets for impact armor at the knees and hips.
How should women’s motorcycle pants fit?
They should fit snugly enough to keep any included armor in place but still allow for a full range of motion while riding. Consider the riding position when trying them on. The legs might seem a little long when standing, but this is to ensure they cover your ankles when you’re on the bike. Women’s specific cuts are designed to be more comfortable and flattering.
What’s the difference between textile and leather women’s motorcycle pants?
Leather offers excellent abrasion resistance and a classic style but can be hot in warm weather and may not be as versatile in rain. Textile pants are often more versatile with features like waterproofing, breathability, and removable liners, making them suitable for various weather conditions. Advancements in textile technology now offer abrasion resistance comparable to some leathers.
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Are women’s motorcycle leggings as safe as traditional pants?
Yes, if they are certified to high safety standards like CE AAA. Leggings made with materials like Dyneema® offer excellent abrasion resistance, and when paired with CE-rated impact armor, they can be just as protective as traditional riding pants while offering superior comfort and style versatility.
What should I look for in adventure touring pants for women?
Key features include a durable and abrasion-resistant outer shell, a waterproof and breathable membrane (like Gore-Tex or Hydratex®), removable thermal liners, CE-rated impact armor at the knees and hips, ample ventilation, adjustable fit options, and practical pockets for storage. A women’s specific fit will also enhance comfort on long rides.
How do I care for my women’s motorcycle pants?
Care depends on the material. Leather pants typically require specialized leather cleaners and conditioners. Textile pants can often be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, but always check the manufacturer’s care label. For leggings, follow the specific care instructions to maintain the integrity of the high-performance fabrics.
Should I always wear armor with my motorcycle pants?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Armor provides crucial impact protection to your knees and hips, which are common injury areas in motorcycle accidents. Ensure the armor fits securely in the designated pockets and doesn’t shift while riding.
Are there stylish women’s motorcycle pants that I can wear off the bike?
Absolutely! Riding jeans and armored leggings are designed to blend in with everyday wear. Look for options with a flattering cut and subtle styling that don’t scream “motorcycle gear” when you reach your destination.
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To wrap it up… there’s no one size fits all when it comes to women’s motorcycle pants. The right pair should fit your body, match your ride, and keep up with everything your day throws at you. Whether you’re carving corners, commuting in the city, or heading off-road, don’t settle for gear that doesn’t feel right.
Get the fit, the function, and the freedom to ride like yourself: confident, protected, and fully in control.
