What You Must Wear Vs What You Should Wear
Riding through a British winter can be brilliant, but it can also be cold, wet and confusing when it comes to what you legally need to wear.
With Christmas around the corner, here is a clear, no-nonsense guide to UK rules vs best practice, plus simple kit ideas you can gift, bundle and wear right now. You will also find a quick checklist at the end to make winter prep easy.
UK law: what must a motorcyclist wear?
Helmet
This is the only item UK law says you must wear.
Your helmet must meet ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06; 22.06 is the current, tougher testing standard.
Fit and fastening
The strap must be done up; a loose or unfastened lid can fail you when it matters.
Visor / goggles
There is no separate requirement to wear them, but if you do use a tinted visor or goggles they must be road-legal and kept clean enough for safe vision.
That is it in law. No jacket, no trousers, no gloves mandated by legislation.
But that does not make riding without proper kit a good idea.
Common myths, busted
Is it illegal not to wear motorcycle clothing?
No, it is not illegal to ride without a jacket, trousers, gloves or boots in the UK. It is simply risky. Without abrasion resistance and impact armour, even a slow slide can cause serious injury.
Are open face motorcycle helmets legal in the UK?
Yes, open face helmets are legal if they meet ECE 22.05 or 22.06. Choose a quality model with a good fit and consider extra face protection in winter.
Hi-viz
Not a legal requirement. High-visibility elements can help you get noticed in poor light, but they are not a magic shield against distracted drivers.
What you should wear, season by season
Here is a best-practice kit list for winter first, then how to adapt for the rest of the year.
Helmet
Choose an ECE 22.06 lid for the latest safety standard.
Full face or modular keeps windchill down, reduces rain ingress and is quieter.
Fog control matters. Look for Pinlock or similar anti-fog inserts.
Fit is everything. Drop in and we will help you size up from our range of motorcycle helmets, with friendly advice on shapes and features.
Style tip: wondering how to look better on a motorcycle? A well-fitted lid in a clean, simple colourway, paired with a tidy jacket, always looks sharp. Avoid scratched visors and mismatched, baggy kit.
Jacket
Winter:
An insulated, waterproof textile jacket with a breathable membrane is your friend. Add a heated mid layer if you feel the cold.
All-year:
Choose a jacket with removable thermal liner, CE armour and vents for spring and summer.
Giftable idea:
RST, Richa and Dainese all make excellent, great-value winter and all-season jackets. You can browse our curated selection of motorcycle clothing, and we will help you pick the right cut and size.
Trousers
Winter:
Textile trousers with a waterproof membrane and thermal liner, plus hip and knee armour.
Summer:
Single-layer AA or AAA rated riding jeans with Kevlar-type reinforcement work well. On wet days, add overtrousers.
Gloves
Winter:
Insulated, waterproof gloves are essential. If your fingers suffer, go heated; you can choose wired or battery packs.
Summer:
Ventilated CE-rated gloves with knuckle protection.
Giftable heroes:
Richa Inferno and other Richa heated gloves for toasty hands, with optional Richa heated glove batteries if you prefer cable-free rides.
RST Paragon 6 heated gloves are a brilliant option if you want a well-known, weatherproof winter glove with heat.
Boots
Winter:
Waterproof boots with ankle, heel and shin reinforcement. Look for grippy soles for wet pavements.
Summer:
Lighter touring or urban boots, still with ankle protection.
Try TCX for a solid fit and protection balance. You can browse TCX motorcycle boots and find a style that suits your ride and your daily wardrobe.
Base layers, thermal and waterproof layers
Base layers:
Wick sweat, keep you warm and reduce bulk. They also make getting in and out of gear easier.
Mid layers:
Down or synthetic jackets and heated vests work under a riding jacket without restricting movement.
Waterproofs:
Packable over-jackets and trousers create a wind and rain barrier on long winter slogs.
Visibility without the builder’s vest vibe
You do not need to wear a hi-viz vest. It will not make you immune to inattentive drivers.
Smarter approach: pick gear with integrated reflective piping, subtle hi-viz panels or reflective decals on your helmet and luggage. You get extra pop in low light without looking like site gear.
What is best to wear when riding a motorcycle?
Think about the slide, the impact, the weather and your trip.
Your best setup will tick these boxes:
CE-rated armour at shoulders, elbows, back, hips and knees, with abrasion-resistant outer materials.
Weatherproofing that matches the forecast. Waterproof membrane plus thermal liner for winter, vented or mesh panels for summer.
Comfortable fit so you can move, reach controls and ride without distraction.
Visibility that suits your commute and rides, from subtle reflectives to small hi-viz accents.
If you want a one-and-done winter solution, look at laminated textile suits. They keep water out from the first mile and dry fast.
How to look better on a motorcycle
Fit first: well-fitted gear looks better and works better. Avoid oversized kit that flaps and bunches.
Keep it clean: a quick wipe of visor, a clean jacket and tidy boots always elevate your look.
Coordinate: pick a simple colour palette across helmet, jacket and gloves; add a single accent colour if you like.
Practical accessories: a neat tail pack beats stuffed pockets. Consider Kriega luggage for clean lines and weatherproof convenience.
Handy stocking fillers and winter bundles
Heated glove batteries or a compact power pack for heated gear.
A balaclava or neck tube, thin base layer top and thermal socks for instant comfort.
A motorcycle puncture repair kit and a small inflator for peace of mind on winter roads.
Intercoms and sat navs are brilliant upgrades for touring riders; if you are planning routes and group rides this winter, check out comms options in store.
Remember, we offer FREE UK shipping over our standard threshold and EASY RETURNS on clothing, so you can gift with confidence. If in doubt on sizes, pop in and we will size you up before the holidays.
Quick winter kit checklist
ECE 22.06 helmet fitted and strap secure, anti-fog insert ready
Waterproof textile jacket with thermal liner, CE back protector fitted
Waterproof textile trousers with hip and knee armour
Winter or heated gloves plus spare batteries or bike lead
Waterproof touring boots with good tread
Wicking base layers and a warm mid layer
Neck tube or balaclava
Compact over waterproofs if your jacket is not laminated
Subtle reflective details or decals for low light
Puncture kit and mini inflator, plus charged phone and card for fuel
Before you ride out, or before you gift
If you have been wondering what must a motorcyclist wear, now you know the legal basics. If you were unsure whether it is illegal not to wear motorcycle clothing, you also know the answer and the risks.
The safest, smartest choice is proper protective kit that fits your body and your season.
Drop in to our Sittingbourne showroom for sizing advice and quick try-ons, or shop online for fast dispatch. We are here to help you pick the right gear for your riding, your budget and your style.
Pop in before the holidays; we will get you sorted and comfortable so you can ride through winter with a warm grin.