Julia LaPalme

Rev’It Crosby Denim Moto Jacket Review

Classic denim styled in a vented and armored moto jacket

A few years ago, I was sitting in a Buffalo Wild Wings just minding my own business, when I noticed a couple in full riding leathers with helmets on the table starting to get up and get their things together to leave. We were sitting by the window so the parking lot was in clear view. The couple got up, zipped up their leathers, and walked, helmets in hand, into a GMC Suburban where they cranked up the A/C and drove on home. Now, there's a chance they had just dropped the bike off for service somewhere and hopped in the courtesy car, but in my mind they were posers trying to look like bikers at a restaurant. I never wanted to be that couple. Even if I did have a bike out in the parking lot—I never wanted it to really matter that you knew, and I still don't. That's why I tend to reach for pieces like this when I am shopping for moto gear. Pieces that look like a nice, tailored, fashionable jacket, but also hide protective and comfort qualities throughout.

Rev'It Crosby jacket is available for $289Julia LaPalme

The Cosby jacket is constructed of Rev’It’s 12.5 Cordura denim that feels sturdy and offers abrasion resistance, as well as a Coolmax element to help keep temperatures down while you’re riding. Tucked into the seams by the chest pockets are two large vents, closed by zippers, that combine with a large back vent to make sure you’re getting plenty of airflow through the body of the jacket when you want it.

The fit is slim, similar to that of a Levi’s trucker jacket with a short body. CE Level 1 armor comes equipped in the elbows and shoulders in the form of Rev’It’s patented SeeSmart padding, and there’s a spot for a back protector if that’s your thing. There is one long chest pocket on the inside left, as well as two outer upper chest pockets that snap shut, and the lower zippered hand pockets double as vents when open. The collar comes with a small snap-on piece that bridges the gap and keeps it closed, but I lost that almost immediately.

The Rev'It Crosby jacket looks like dark washed selvedge denim, but has much more to offer in terms of protection.Julia LaPalme

For $289, it's in the upper range for a casual textile protective layer, but you’re getting a lot of jacket with the Crosby. It’s good looking enough to wear out whenever you want, and comfortable enough to wear all day on the bike. The only disadvantage that comes to mind is that I lost the little neck thing, but I doubt I would really use it anyway.