Gear Review: DRIRIDER Ladies Classic 2.0 Jeans

My fairly casual workplace means I have the option to wear jeans to work every day, but even with a daily commute, I’m not proud to admit I don’t wear motorcycle jeans to work every day on my scooter. I was interested to see how the DRIRIDER Classic 2.0 jeans performed however.

DriRider Classic 2.0 Ladies Jeans

Motorcycle jeans for me are normally hot, abrasive and uncomfortable. They’re a weekend, long ride, motorways and freeway piece of gear. That and I’ve never found motorcycle jeans to be as stylish as regular jeans.

They have a tendency to drag across the ground off the bike or scooter too, which you can imagine is not an attractive image when a client drops by unexpectedly. I need a pair of jeans that look semi-professional, are comfortable to wear all day and offer protection when riding to and from work. The DriRider Women’s Classic 2.0 jeans meet these needs.

Starting with the most important feature – protection – the jeans feature safety stitching (great for avoiding seam failure) and are lined with DuPont Kevlar fibre based fabric in all major crash zones (knees, inner/ outer thighs, backside).

DriRider Classic 2.0 Ladies Jeans

I found the lining soft, unlike other Kevlar lined jeans I’ve tried where the fibre becomes coarse over time with wear and washing. I also appreciated the placement of the lining; just enough to be safe but not too much that the body overheats or the hips and thighs have added bulkiness.

The jeans also feature CE YF Beetle Armour at the knees. I found they moved naturally when sitting and standing, not snagging on my knee cap or on the material. The armour is removable, but only from the inside which is a slight hassle as you have to practically remove the jeans to pull them out, and they are also noticeable when worn. When standing, they also feel lower than they should be, almost like you’re expected to be taller, but that’s only because they line up perfectly with the knee’s crash zone.

In terms of styling, the Classic 2.0 jeans are semi-boot cut which is best for wearing over ankle-length motorcycle or regular boots. I don’t own a mid-calf length boot myself, but I would expect the jean legs to fit over the top of these as well as the leg is fairly wide up to the knee.

DriRider Classic 2.0 Ladies Jeans

They are mid-high rise, which is my preferred and also great for protecting your vital organs. Moreover, they are slightly higher at the back, so I’m confident I’m not exposing myself when leaning over or pillioning. The jeans also feature all the usual jean necessities – regular front and rear pockets, button and zip close and belt loops.

The jeans are made from a heavy duty stretch denim and are available in blue and black. The same jean is also available in men’s, with an additional option of brown. The blue is a soft, medium blue; a casual wear colour. And although heavy duty they don’t appear to weigh any more than a regular pair of jeans.

The classic is available in women’s sizes 8 to 20. I went with a size bigger than my normal not realising they were actually a stretch denim. They are true to size – meaning if you’re a 12 normally, you’re a 12 in the Classic too! That said, in terms of length I was expecting the additional centimeters but I’m not sure what to do with the additional length when I’m off the bike and not wearing boots. But then I’m comparing the length with regular jeans.

Overall I felt the cut was flattering, and the stitching designs on rear pockets and around the knees adds interest ensuring the Classic is not just a simple, ordinary jean. The only thing to watch out for, as with all motorcycle jeans, is slight bulkiness from the thickness of the materials.

The Classic 2.0 jeans are comfortable to wear, when riding, sitting or standing up. As with any motorcycle jean they keep your legs warm in cold weather, and in the rain (without wet weather gear) they become a little heavier, but still dry fairly quickly.

DriRider Classic 2.0 Ladies Jeans

Finally, a note on washing. The Classic doesn’t require any fancy care, simply remove the armour, zip up, and wash on a short cold cycle. They’re even dry-cleanable if that’s your thing. Easy to care for and easy to wear!

Special thanks to McLeod Accessories; www.mcleodaccessories.com.au

For more information see McLeodAccessories.com.au for the full DRIRIDER range or DriRider.com.au, or visit your local DRIRIDER stockists. The DRIRIDER Classic 2.0 Ladies jeans are available for $179.95 RRP.