Why the John Doe Motoshirt is the Best Protective Motorcycle Shirt for Style and Safety

First Impressions: Fit, Feel and Colour

I’ve recently picked up a John Doe Motoshirt in Woody, and I have to say, I’m already a big fan. The earthy colour looks fantastic in person, subtle yet stylish, and it feels great on. If Woody isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other colour options available too, so you can pick a motorcycle riding shirt that matches your own style. The fit is excellent, and what really impressed me was the adjustability. John Doe use adjustable position pockets for the body armour, so you can shift it up, down, left or right until it sits just right. As a broader rider, I needed to raise the shoulder armour slightly, and once I did, it felt spot on. This same clever system is also used in the elbow pockets and even in John Doe’s motorcycle riding jeans, which makes a huge difference to your comfort and protection. We do love a pair of motorbike jeans with adjustable armour pockets.

AAA Safety Rating: A Protective Motorcycle Shirt That Means Business

Here’s the thing that still blows my mind: this is a motorcycle riding shirt with a AAA CE  rating. That’s the highest rating a garment can currently achieve, the same rating as many premium textile and leather jackets receive. I know some riders still have doubts about aramid-based products, plenty still prefer traditional leather, and some are only just warming up to textiles, but the reality is that products like this protective motorcycle shirt are certified to the very top standard. The chances are, if you're considering upgrading your jacket, that your current jacket is not AAA. The Motoshirt also comes with John Doe's lightweight and flexible, Level 1 XTM armour in the shoulders and elbows as standard (you can upgrade to Level 2 elbow and shoulder protectors for extra peace of mind). Like most motorcycle jackets, the back protector is sold separately, and is available in Level 1 or Level 2 options for the very reasonable sum total of £24.

Ventilation: Hidden but Effective

One of the big reasons riders choose a casual looking motorcycle jacket or shirt is style. The John Doe Motoshirt nails that balance perfectly. It has discreet ventilation panels hidden under the arms and across the back of the shoulders, but unless I showed you, you’d never know they were there. On warm days, though, you’ll definitely feel the benefit. This is a motorbike shirt that breathes well, without looking like a technical touring jacket.

Waterproofing: Do You Really Need It?

Unlike some other jackets, the John Doe Motoshirt doesn’t come with a waterproof membrane – and that’s actually a good thing. Adding waterproofing to a motorcycle riding shirt usually sacrifices breathability. Most riders don’t plan to head out in the rain anyway, and if you do, it’s much better to carry a waterproof over jacket as a back-up. It keeps the Motoshirt lightweight and breathable for the majority of riding conditions.

Value for Money

At £229, the John Doe Motoshirt represents fantastic value. You’re getting a protective riding shirt with a AAA rating, lightweight, level 1 armour, hidden vents and casual styling you’d happily wear off the bike. Compared to many bulkier options on the market, this motorbike shirt with armour gives you a perfect blend of safety and style at a very reasonable price.

Final Thoughts

The John Doe Motoshirt is proof that you don’t need to compromise. It delivers the protection of a technical textile jacket, the style of a casual looking motorcycle jacket, and the comfort of your favourite casual flannel shirt. For riders who want to stay safe without giving up their personal style, this is one of the best motorcycle riding shirts out there. Better still, with a wide range of colours available, you’re not limited to just one look -  there’s a Motoshirt to suit every rider’s style.