In the saddle, even in summer: technical clothing for hot weather

When summer arrives and temperatures climb, many riders are tempted to wear as little as possible. In reality, handling the heat on a motorcycle doesn't mean wearing less: it means dressing better.

Technical materials, perforated panels, and ventilation systems are increasingly advanced and now make it possible to ride even at the height of summer while maintaining a high level of protection and comfort. Because when temperatures rise, the difference comes not from the amount of clothing you wear, but from what you choose to wear.

Contrary to what you might think, riding in a T-shirt doesn't necessarily help you cope with the heat. Direct exposure to sunlight and scorching air quickly increases fatigue and dehydration, reducing comfort and concentration while riding. When temperatures rise, protecting your body from the sun becomes just as important as protecting it in a fall.

The Summer Motorcycle Jacket 

The first technical garment we'll look at is the summer motorcycle jacket. This garment consists of large mesh-fabric panels, effectively a true mesh that allows a great deal of airflow while offering considerable abrasion resistance. These panels are placed extensively across the front, the back, and even the arms.

Like all motorcycle jackets, of course, even the most summer-oriented models feature certified protectors on the shoulders and elbows, along with a slot for the back protector. The models best suited for summer use feature protectors that are themselves perforated, promoting ventilation even in covered areas. For greater versatility, the summer motorcycle jacket may include a lightweight removable windproof liner, useful when temperatures turn cooler.

Summer Motorcycle Airbag Protection

Complementing the jacket — and now indispensable in every season — is the motorcycle airbag vest. Modern electronic airbag systems are discreet and effective, protecting vital areas such as the back, chest, collarbones, and part of the neck. What's more, contrary to what one might think, due to their minimalist design they don't particularly compromise ventilation.

These are lightweight and versatile garments, designed to be worn on any occasion, even short trips, and paired with any jacket, whether over or under it; if underneath, provided it allows the volume needed for the bag to inflate.

Summer Motorcycle Pants

Pants go hand in hand with the motorcycle jacket. For the lower body, too, there are mesh-fabric garments, summer motorcycle pants designed to maximize airflow: They are a far cooler and more comfortable option than, say, an ordinary pair of jeans. Of course, they don't compromise on safety: The fabric resists abrasion and includes certified knee protectors and, in many models, soft hip protectors. 

Every surface of the body that's covered is a protected surface, against abrasion, but also against the sun and possible sunburn.

Summer Motorcycle Gloves  

Sometimes underestimated, motorcycle gloves are an essential part of technical gear when it comes to protection, even in summer. Not only for safety in a fall (the hands are often the first to hit the ground), but also for shielding from the sun, from the heat, and — why not — from close encounters with stinging insects.

Lightweight summer motorcycle gloves are made from ventilated fabric; the sportier models may feature leather inserts. In any case, the palm is reinforced and knuckle protectors are built in.

Summer Motorcycle Shoes and Boots  

Protecting your feet and ankles, too, is often underestimated, even though they're clearly the part of the body that touches the ground most often: Just think of every time you put a foot down and not always with the grace it deserves. They're also among the areas most exposed in a fall, especially the ankle.

For urban use or light touring, there are certified summer motorcycle shoes — lightweight and ventilated, built with perforated inserts in the upper. They keep a more casual look than traditional boots and can be worn all day, but they always feature a crush-resistant sole and include reinforcements at the heel, toe, ankle, and around the gearshift lever.

For maximum protection, however, you should look to summer motorcycle boots. Some are designed specifically for long trips, others for sport riding. Summer touring boots generally keep a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex®, but optimized for breathability and paired with a ventilated upper. Summer sport motorcycle boots, too, differ from their standard counterparts in their perforated microfiber upper.

Active Temperature Regulation: Technical motorcycle underwear

Breathable summer technical underwear isn't just an extra layer: it helps keep body temperature constant, reducing fatigue while riding. And you know that unpleasant feeling of sweaty skin sticking to your jacket or pants? That's exactly what a long-sleeve top or a pair of technical summer tights can spare you.

Summer Motorcycle Helmet 

When it comes to head protection, there are no helmets made expressly for summer; but some helmets are more versatile than others. Ventilation plays a key role: Efficient air vents and breathable interiors help keep your head cooler even on scorching days. In this respect, modular helmets are often one of the best choices for summer touring because, through their P/J homologation, they can also be worn open, significantly increasing comfort at low speeds or during stops.

Alternatives to Mesh: Perforated Leather and Four-Season

As an alternative to fabric, if you want a sportier look, you might consider perforated leather technical apparel — jacket or pants — currently the best material for abrasion resistance. In any case, these will be slightly heavier garments, less suited to riding in very hot climates. Shoulder and elbow protectors are always present, as are pockets for the back protector and the chest protector.

On the other hand, for clothing that works year-round and adapts to a wide range of temperatures, you'll want to look at four-season outfits, or all-season.

These are highly versatile garments that, depending on the chosen configuration, can be fully waterproof, insulated, or ventilated. They typically include removable waterproof membranes, inner padding, and large adjustable air vents. In their summer configuration — without the waterproof membrane and with all vents open — they can offer comfort even during the hot months, especially on long trips where you'll meet varying weather conditions.

In short, the principle to follow when riding a motorcycle in summer is much like the one that leads people in the planet's hottest deserts to cover up completely: Create a barrier between the body and the outside environment. For us riders, this serves both to protect us from impacts and abrasions and to keep us shielded from early dehydration and fatigue brought on by prolonged exposure to the sun's rays.