What a time to be a motorcyclist! More companies than ever before are making denim riding pants with abrasion resistant panels sewn in so riders who like to wear jeans on their motorcycles can be protected in the event of an accident.
I met the folks behind Bull-it Jeans, one company at the forefront of offering protective denim jeans, at the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando last fall.
Bull-it Jeans was founded in the U.K. in 2006 and launched in the U.S. in early 2015 after establishing itself in the U.K., European, Australian and South African markets. Paul Gomez, president of Bull-it, tells me the proprietary technical material Covec, used in their jeans, has set the standard in those markets enhancing the protection that aramid offers to the rider. (Aramid fibers are a class of heat-resistant, strongsynthetic fibers that go by the brand names Kevlar and Dyneema.)
Essentially aramid fibers get to high thermal levels in a very short period through which the heat is conducted, so it will melt the mesh lining or the Dyneema. The melting point is only 130 degrees Celcius (266 Fahrenheit), which could burn the rider in a crash. Covec is a polymer with a flash point of 300 degrees Celcius (572 Fahrenheit). Once this temperature is reached, the Covec fibers crystalize instead of burning the rider.
Bull-it’s ladies range has been designed specifically for the female anatomy. The CEOs wife actually develops and produces race suits exclusively for women racers.
Here’s a video that shows how the jeans hold up in a drag test.
There are several different versions of the jeans in a variety of denim colors offering a range of protections based on the amount of Covec material that is used. For example, the SR4 range of jeans offers more than 4 seconds of abrasion resistance. The SR6 offers more than 6 seconds of abrasion resistance. And there are knee and hip armor pockets for optional CE-approved protectors.
To learn more about the jeans and to find a store near you, visit Bull-it.com.
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Bull-it jeans are now sold exclusively at oxford-products.com. I found this out by ordering from Bull-it directly (there was a US website that doesn’t exist anymore). They were in the middle of sending all product to Oxford, who are based out of Florida. I got my jeans last week, they’re awesome. The most awesome thing? They are long. Another reviewer mentioned Sliders Bella; Sliders doesn’t make anything near long enough for me, and I’m not that tall (5 feet 9 inches). Neither does Draggin, they all seem to run between a 30-32-inch inseam, which doesn’t work for me. The Bull-its are also good-looking, despite the five-layer construction. I got the vintage wash. If they weren’t nearly $200 a pair I’d get another color. If you do purchase a pair, pay attention to the sizing, as they’re listed in UK sizes, which are not the same as US sizes. I ordered a UK 6, which is a US 4. Oxford links to the sizing chart, it’s in metric so it takes a bit to figure out what the right size is. Safe riding!
Thanks for his helpful update on where to order Julianna, as well as your feedback on the jeans.
I wear the Sliders Bella jeans with knee cups every day and love them. They offer different lengths and three cup positions. I’m 5 feet 1 inch and the short length fit me perfectly. Of course, I’m always interested in new products and thank you for the information.
Do they have low rise jeans? I don’t like high waisted jeans. Sort of like Marisa style of Ann Taylor Loft. Made for a certain fit and are consistent. If so, I’ll buy some quick!
Check with their website at the end of the article. The jeans look low rise to me, but that all depends on how low you want them.
I have to find out where they sell these jeans. They may prevent the severe blistering I get on my thighs from the engine heat.
Cathy,The website where they are sold is at the end of the story.
Thanks for the review. I’ve been searching for a good looking, slim, long abrasion-resistant pair of jeans, and these just might be them! Glad they decided to sell in the USA.
Passed? All I see is holes in the jeans.
The denim ripped, but the Covec liner, what is against the skin, is in tact.