Motocross Hoodie vs Jersey: Which Should You Ride In?

Motocross hoodie vs jersey: what is the difference? A motocross jersey is a lightweight, breathable riding top built to vent heat and fit over chest protection while you ride. A moto hoodie is a warm, fleece-lined layer for cold mornings, the pits, the drive home and everyday wear. Neither one is protective gear: whichever you wear, a helmet, boots, gloves, goggles and body armor still do the protecting.

Below we answer the questions riders actually ask — can you ride in a hoodie, why riders wear hoodies at all, and whether to put a jersey over a hoodie — so you can pick the right top for the day. See our new motocross jerseys and hoodies.

Motocross hoodie vs jersey at a glance

Can you wear a hoodie for dirt biking?

You can, and plenty of riders do for slow trail rides on cold days. But a hoodie has real downsides on the bike:

• It gets hot fast. A fleece-lined hoodie traps heat once you start working the bike, and a sweaty layer gets cold the moment you stop.
• The hood and drawstrings flap. Tuck the hood inside your collar or under your chest protector, and tuck or remove the drawstrings so nothing can catch.
• It doesn't sit well over armor. Most chest protectors are designed to go over or under a thin jersey, not a thick sweatshirt.
• It is not protection. A hoodie will not stop roost or protect you in a crash. Keep wearing your helmet, boots, gloves, goggles and armor. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has rider-safety resources if you are new to riding.

Why do riders wear hoodies?

Mostly for everything around the ride: early-morning gate drops in fall, waiting between motos, loading the truck, and hanging out at camp. A moto-themed hoodie with your name and number is also the off-bike way to rep your team or your favorite racing style. Our hoodies are fleece-lined layers made for cool mornings and evenings.

What is the point of a motocross jersey?

A jersey is built for the work of riding. It is thin and breathable so heat and sweat can escape, cut long enough to stay tucked in, long-sleeved to cover your arms from sun and branches, and roomy enough to go over a chest protector or roost guard. Bright, all-over prints and a big name and number on the back make you easy to spot on the track. Our Long Sleeve UPF jerseys are 100% polyester, lightweight, quick-dry and moisture-wicking with UPF sun protection, in adult and kids sizes.

Do people wear jerseys over hoodies?

Some riders throw a jersey over a thin layer on cold days to keep the look and add warmth. If you do, choose a thin base layer instead of a thick fleece so the jersey still fits over your armor, and size the jersey up so it isn't stretched tight. On a warm day, skip the extra layer — a jersey alone breathes far better.

Which should you buy first?

1. If you ride regularly: start with a jersey. It is the top you will actually ride in most days. Use our motocross jersey size chart to pick the fit.
2. If you ride in cold mornings or travel to races: add a hoodie for the pits and the drive home.
3. For a gift: a hoodie is the safer bet when you don't know the rider's armor size; a jersey is the better pick when you do.

For the rest of your kit, read what to wear dirt biking, and keep prints looking new with our guide on how to wash a motocross jersey.

Shop new motocross jerseys and hoodies

• Motocross Riding Hoodie (teal) — $49.99
• Motocross Off-Road Racing Hoodie — $49.99
• Custom Orange Motocross Racing Jersey — Long Sleeve UPF, adult and kids
• Girl Racing MX Jersey
• Custom Purple MX Racing Jersey

Every item is printed to order: 2–3 business days processing, then 3–7 business days US shipping, with free US shipping on orders of $50 or more. Care for both: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, do not bleach, hang dry.

FAQ

What's the difference between a jersey and a hoodie?

A motocross jersey is a thin, breathable riding top that fits over armor; a hoodie is a warm, fleece-lined layer with a hood, made for cold mornings and off-bike wear.

Can you ride a dirt bike in a hoodie?

You can on slow, cold rides, but tuck in the hood and drawstrings, expect it to get hot, and keep wearing all your protective gear — a hoodie is not protection.

Why do sport bike riders wear hoodies?

Mostly for style and casual comfort. A hoodie offers no abrasion protection, so riding gear designed for motorcycling is the safer choice on the street.

Do people wear jerseys over hoodies?

Some do on cold days. A thin base layer under the jersey works better than a thick hoodie because it still fits under or over chest protection.