5 things to look for in textiles
1 Armour
All jackets should have CE armour in elbows and shoulders; betterspecified ones will also have a back protector (but most will just have a foam pad in the pocket and you’ll have to use one you already own or buy a new one). There are two CE levels for armour: Level 2 is better than Level 1.
2 Material
Not all textiles are the same. A higher Dernier number means the material is tougher (600D is stronger than 200D). But will this make a jacket too heavy and hot for summer weather? Look for reinforcement panels of tougher material on areas like shoulders or elbows. Mesh jackets will be really cool (but also not particularly waterproof in case of showers).
3 Adjusters
Jackets should fit snugly, to hold the armour in place and adjusters should alter the fit if a jacket’s loose. Stretch panels can help get a good fit but if it’s too tight, there’s not much you can do (except diet or buy a different jacket).
4 Liners
Some jackets come with a removeable thermal liner – these sporty jackets are likely to still get cold in winter, but the liner may make them practical in cooler spring and autumn conditions. Check whether it’s a full liner or just a bodywarmer – and that removing the liner doesn’t also remove all the inside pockets.
5 Waterproofing
Summer jackets don’t need to be waterproof… but it can help. However, if the waterproof element is a removeable liner, ask yourself whether you’ll likely have it with you if the weather turns – and whether you’ll really stop and take the jacket off to refit it.