Bowtex Elite Protective Underlayer: The One Layer to Rule Them All

Let me tell you, I sweat a lot in the 100% humidity and 100°F weather here in Thailand. And for a long time, that made me dread wearing a motorcycle jacket or pants.

There’s also the comfort issue; if I was just zipping across town to go to lunch, I’d rather not wear motorcycle pants I have to strip off at my destination.

However, road rash is also no fun.

So when I saw what Bowtex built with the Bowtex Elite protective underlayers, I was itching for a pair. Thankfully, our Senior Editor Jan Marc Staelens gifted me his old set, which fit just right.

Designed to bridge the gaps between comfort, style, and protection, the Bowtex underlayers are a revolution for riders who hate the bulk of traditional armored clothing, yet still want to survive a highway slide (which Bowtex will)

Here’s why I love the Bowtex Elite

You’ll forget you’re even wearing it. This underlayer is as close as you’ll get to riding in your pajamas while still packing a CE AAA rating that means key abrasion zones will survive a 75 mph (120 kph) slide on asphalt.
You’ll stay cool in the heat (and warm in the cold). This is one of the most breathable protective layers out there, even in 100°F weather, making it a lifesaver for those hot summer days. Plus you can layer whatever you want over it, so it’s good for cold weather too.
You won’t look like a motorcycle rider. If you’re tired of looking like an armored turtle just to please your wife, the Bowtex Elite have your back: wear them under your favorite jeans and jacket, so you don’t have to choose between safety, style, and comfort.

I’ve taken this underlayer through city commutes, countryside twisties, and everything in between in both hot and cold weather, dry and wet. Here’s what makes it a game-changer—and where it might fall short for certain riders.

Our Pick

Bowtex Elite Shirt and Pants

The Bowtex Elite is a strong, abrasion resistant and slim-fitting armored underlayer that's also breathable and lightweight. The best in its category that I've tried. CE AAA rated for slide and impact resistance - same as a MotoGP race suit.

Pros:

CE AAA safety rated - same as MotoGP race suit
CE Level 2 armor at elbows, shoulders, knees, hips
Wear over a t-shirt, under a jacket
Mesh all around for airflow
Belt loops to hold the shirt down

Cons:

Meant to be layered with casual jacket / pants

Shirt Pants

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How I Wear Bowtex

It should go without saying that your safety is your responsibility; don’t take the opinion of a guy on the internet as fact. But I can tell you from my experience how and when I wear Bowtex, and if you’d like to vent, drop it in the YouTube comments.

The Bowtex Elite is an armored underlayer designed for motorcyclists who prioritize safety, versatility, and comfort. It is not made for track racing or excessive speeds over and above what’s legal on most roads.

Made from ultra-durable materials like Dyneema and Kevlar, it offers abrasion resistance that rivals (and exceeds) full-on motorcycle jeans, but with the flexibility and breathability of a lightweight base layer. The CE AAA rating the Bowtex Elite earned means the key abrasion zones on the garment can survive a slide of 75 mph (120 kph). That’s an insane amount of abrasion protection.

And while the Bowtex set is shipped with CE Level 1 armor at the hips, knees, chest, back, and elbows, it’s designed to be thin and flexible rather than provide maximum impact protection or coverage.

This all makes Bowtex perfect for:

Touring: Spending hours in the saddle? This underlayer is lightweight, breathable, and so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing it. Wear whatever you like on top.
Urban Riders: Slide it under a pair of jeans and your favorite jacket for a stylish yet protective ride through the city.
Summer Rides: Ditch the swamp of riding in heavy leathers: The Bowtex Elite’s cooling properties make it a fantastic choice for hot weather.

I find myself wearing underlayers like Bowtex when I go out for dinner or I’m on a tour that features much more than just riding; like cruising around Japan to onsens and fish markets.

What is Bowtex NOT for? Track days and spirited street riding where speeds push beyond 75 mph. A proper track suit, tight helmet, and airbag are much better suited to that environment.

Now that we have that out of the way…

What I Love

It’s a lot…

All-Weather Comfort and Versatility

The Bowtex Elite truly shines as an all-season, all-conditions underlayer – mostly because it’s as thin as can be, allowing you to layer whatever you want on top. Over the past year, I’ve ridden with this set in everything from cold, crisp mornings in Japan to the sweltering, humid afternoons of Thailand.

In Japan, where temperatures dipped and layering was key, the Elite fit seamlessly under a Patagonia R1 and a Rab jacket, plus my favorite pair of jeans. I was even able to sneak a layer of long underwear underneath them for even more comfort and warmth. These layers were enough insulation to keep me warm without overheating when I stopped for a coffee. Sometimes I unzipped the Bowtex shirt at a stop, but often I kept it on.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Thailand’s relentless heat and humidity were a real test. Riding in over 100°F (40°C ) temperatures, I feared the Elite would trap heat, but its lightweight, breathable fabric proved otherwise. Air flows freely through the underlayer when I’m moving, and wearing it under a light dirtbike jersey means the black material doesn’t suck in any heat from the sun.

CE AAA Protection in a Featherweight Package

The Bowtex Elite’s AAA abrasion rating is its crowning achievement. This is the same rated level of protection you’d find in a MotoGP racing suit, so theoretically on a highway-speed slide you’re getting the same protection.

What’s incredible is how thin and lightweight the material is. Hold it up to the light, and you can see through the weave—yet it’s tough enough to withstand a slide at 75 mph on asphalt. That’s a level of protection you don’t expect from gear this unobtrusive.

One of the standout moments in my experience was watching footage of the Bowtex founder being dragged behind a bike while wearing this gear. If that’s not confidence in your product, I don’t know what is. This toughness doesn’t just live in marketing—it’s real-world proven.

Ergonomically Thought-Out Design

The Bowtex Elite has a host of thoughtful design features that enhance its usability. For instance, the thumb loops on the shirt ensure the sleeves stay in place, even during a slide. Similarly, the pants come with belt loops that you can attach to your jeans, preventing the underlayer from riding up—a small but significant touch.

Another feature I appreciated was the placement of armor pockets. The shirt and leggings come equipped with CE Level 1 pads for shoulders, elbows, back, chest, knees, and hips. I upgraded mine to CE Level 2, and the pads stayed perfectly aligned, even after hours of riding. The seams, triple-stitched for durability, add to the confidence I have that this garment is not coming apart in a crash.

It’s also very easy to clean this set, and I notice very little wear and tear from washing. Just take out the armor and toss it in a washing machine on cold. Fresh as a daisy.

Stealthy Style for Urban Riders

The Bowtex Elite is perfect for riders who want safety without sacrificing style. One rainy day here in Chiang Mai, I layered the Elite under my favorite pair of jeans and a casual jacket. When I got to my destination—a bustling café—no one could tell I was wearing AAA-rated protection. Even after hours off the bike, I didn’t feel the need to change out of my gear. It’s that lightweight and discreet.

This aspect of the Elite is particularly appealing for urban commuters or anyone who needs to transition between riding and everyday life without lugging around bulky gear. Whether grabbing dinner with friends or running errands, the Bowtex Elite ends the trade-offs between comfort, style, and safety.

What I Don’t Like

While the Bowtex Elite is an impressive piece of gear, there are a few aspects that left room for improvement.

Elasticity Concerns in the Waistband

One of the most noticeable drawbacks was the waistband on the leggings. After several months of consistent use, the elastic started to lose its stretch, which made it harder to keep the leggings snug, especially when worn without a tighter pair of pants and a belt.

However, Bowtex has addressed this in their next iteration of the product by adding a drawstring for a more secure fit.

Lack of Pockets for Standalone Use

The minimalist design of the Elite means no external pockets on either the shirt or leggings. For riders like me who occasionally wear the underlayer (especially top) as standalone gear on short rides or super hot days, I found this occasionally inconvenient.

While this isn’t a design flaw—since the Elite is meant to be worn under regular clothing—it’s a limitation I couldn’t shake.

Warmth in Extreme Heat

Although the Elite is highly breathable when moving, it doesn’t perform miracles when you’re stationary in extreme heat and sun. At stops, the lightweight material becomes less effective at keeping you cool, and the added armor traps heat against the skin. Riders in tropical or desert climates might want to pair the Elite with a highly ventilated light layer on top, like a mesh jacket or a dirtbike jersey.

Differentiation with Bowtex

The Bowtex Elite stands out in several ways, but it’s essential to see how it compares to similar options on the market. Whether you’re debating between brands or deciding if it’s the right gear for you, here’s a breakdown of what makes Bowtex unique versus its competition.

Unparalleled AAA Protection in an Underlayer

The Bowtex Elite is among the very few underlayers that achieve a AAA abrasion rating. This level of protection is rare for gear designed to be worn discreetly under casual clothing, though it is becoming more common with Pando Moto, Knox and a few others starting to level up their garments to match that AAA rating.

I am also a big fan of the Pando Moto Skin UH AAA leggings, though they do not use their tough Balistex fiber all around the garment like Bowtex does with their Dyneema. Pando puts a thinner, more flexible and breathable material on the inside of the legs, as CE AAA testing criteria doesn’t hold that part of the garment to as high an abrasion resistance standard.

Style: In The Garment or Outside?

Bowtex takes a fresh look at the style debate in motorcycle gear (for those who care).

Instead of working great style into the gear itself, just wear whatever you want on top. I think that’s a win not just for style, but for practicality in different weather conditions; I can layer on whatever technical jackets or rain clothes I like best, and also use them for non-riding (hiking, daily use, etc). That allows me to stretch my dollar further and get more use out of solid pieces like the Patagonia R1 and Rab Microlight jackets.

Worth it?

The Bowtex Elite is a remarkable underlayer that blends high-level protection with everyday comfort. Over a year of testing, it proved versatile across diverse climates, offering AAA-rated abrasion resistance in a lightweight, breathable package. It excels for riders who want protection without bulky gear, sliding seamlessly under regular clothing while keeping you safe.

However, it’s not perfect. The version I tested has wear issues with the waistband that affect fit, and the lack of standalone features like pockets may be inconvenient for some. It also doesn’t provide much warmth on cold rides, so layering is essential in cooler weather.

If you’re after gear that prioritizes safety, comfort, and adaptability for touring and commuting, the Bowtex Elite is an outstanding choice. It’s a worthwhile investment for riders looking to elevate their gear without sacrificing mobility or style.