What to Wear Dirt Biking: A Head-to-Toe Gear Guide

Heading out on a dirt bike for the first time, or taking a friend along? What you wear matters more than almost anything else. The right gear protects you when you fall (and everyone falls), keeps you comfortable over a long day and makes riding a lot more fun. The wrong gear means scraped arms, sore shins and a short day. This guide covers what to wear dirt biking from head to toe, what you can skip as a beginner, and how to dress for trail rides, track days and different weather.

The non-negotiables

Some pieces are must-haves from day one, no matter how slow you plan to ride:

• A DOT-approved off-road helmet. Fit is everything: snug all around with no pressure points, and it should not roll forward when you push on the back.
• Goggles. Roost, dust and branches will find your eyes. Sunglasses are not enough.
• Off-road boots. Real moto boots protect your ankles, shins and feet from the bike, rocks and pegs. Hiking boots and sneakers are not a substitute.
• Gloves. They improve grip, prevent blisters and save your palms when you go down.

The riding uniform: jersey and pants

A motocross jersey and riding pants make up the rest of the basic kit:

• Jersey. A lightweight, long-sleeve, moisture-wicking jersey keeps you cool, protects your arms from branches and roost, and blocks the sun. Many of our long sleeve motocross shirts are UPF 30+ rated.
• Pants. Riding pants are made of tough, abrasion-resistant fabric with leather panels at the knees, cut to fit over knee guards and into boots. Jeans are a poor substitute: they tear, bind at the knees and get heavy when wet.

Why not just a T-shirt? Cotton holds sweat, gets heavy and offers almost no protection. A proper jersey costs about the same as a nice tee and does the job far better. Browse our motocross jerseys to find your style.

Protection to add next

• Chest protector or roost deflector. Guards your chest and back from roost, rocks and handlebar impacts. Wear it under your jersey for a cleaner look.
• Knee guards or knee braces. Knees take a beating on a dirt bike. Start with guards; consider braces as you ride more.
• Elbow guards. Especially useful in rocky or wooded terrain.
• Neck brace. Popular with track riders who jump.
• Kidney belt. Some riders like the extra support on rough terrain.

Are you supposed to wear pants under dirt bike pants?

Most riders wear compression shorts or moisture-wicking base layer bottoms under riding pants rather than regular underwear or another pair of pants. Base layers reduce chafing, wick sweat and help knee guards stay in place. In cold weather, thin thermal leggings work well. Avoid cotton underneath for the same reason you avoid a cotton tee on top.

What to wear for trail riding vs. track riding

• Trail riders often prefer a slightly roomier jersey, elbow guards and a hydration pack. Many choose trail-specific pants with vents and pockets.
• Track riders lean toward a race fit, a chest protector, knee braces and often a neck brace. Bright, matching kits are common, and many racers wear a jersey with their name and number.

Dressing for the weather

• Hot weather. Vented jersey and pants, a cooling base layer and plenty of water. Light colors help, and UPF fabric protects your skin.
• Cold weather. A thermal base layer, a thin fleece mid layer and an enduro jacket you can stuff in a pack. Heavier gloves help, but keep enough feel for the levers.
• Rain and mud. A packable waterproof jacket, extra gloves and goggle roll-offs. Bring a change of clothes for the drive home.

What women should wear dirt biking

The gear list is the same, but fit matters. Women's cuts are shaped through the hips and shoulders, so pants sit better over knee guards and jerseys do not swallow you. Check out our women's motocross jerseys for women-specific cuts.

Gear for kids

Kids need the same protection as adults: helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, jersey, pants and a chest protector. Buy jerseys and pants one size up for growth, but never size up helmets or boots. A youth jersey with their name on it makes gearing up something they look forward to. See our youth motocross jerseys.

What to bring in your gear bag

Besides what you wear, pack a few extras: a spare pair of gloves, goggle tear-offs, a towel, plenty of water, sunscreen for your neck, a basic tool kit and a change of clothes for the drive home. On muddy days a second jersey is worth its weight in gold, because nothing is worse than pulling a soaked jersey back on after lunch.

Beginner gear checklist

1. DOT off-road helmet
2. Goggles
3. Off-road boots
4. Gloves
5. Long-sleeve motocross jersey
6. Riding pants
7. Knee guards
8. Chest protector

Start with this list, then add braces, elbow guards and weather layers as you ride more.

Common beginner mistakes

• Riding in sneakers. Your feet and ankles are close to the pegs, chain and ground. Moto boots are essential.
• Skipping gloves on a "short ride." Most tip-overs happen at low speed, and hands hit first.
• Wearing a cotton hoodie. It traps sweat, gets heavy and catches branches.
• Buying a helmet a size up to "grow into." A loose helmet does not protect properly.
• Forgetting water. Riding is a full-body workout. Dehydration ruins a day fast.

Looking the part

Safety comes first, but there is nothing wrong with looking good on the bike. Many riders match their jersey to their plastics, and groups that ride together often wear matching kits so they can spot each other on the trail. A jersey with your name and number on the back is a classic touch. See our custom motocross jerseys for designs you can personalize.

Caring for your riding gear

Hose off heavy mud before washing, wash jerseys and pants cold and inside out, skip fabric softener and hang dry. Clean and dry boots after each ride and air out your helmet liner. Well-kept gear lasts longer and smells a lot better.

Getting your jersey in time

Our jerseys are printed to order. Allow 2–3 business days of processing and 3–7 business days of US shipping (7–14 days internationally). Orders of $50 or more ship free, and you can request a return within 30 days if the fit is off. Use our size guide and measure over your chest protector.

FAQ: what to wear dirt biking

How should I dress for dirt bike riding?

Wear a DOT helmet, goggles, off-road boots, gloves, a long-sleeve motocross jersey and riding pants, plus knee guards and a chest protector.

Can I ride a dirt bike in jeans?

You can for a slow first ride, but riding pants protect better, move with your knees and do not get heavy with sweat or mud.

What protective gear do I need for dirt bike riding?

At minimum: helmet, goggles, boots and gloves. Add a chest protector and knee guards as soon as possible.

Why do dirt bike riders wear long sleeves?

Long sleeves protect arms from roost, branches, sun and scrapes in a fall, and lightweight jerseys stay cool even in summer.

What do trail riders wear?

Most wear the same basic kit as track riders, often with a roomier jersey, elbow guards, vented pants and a hydration pack.

Ready to gear up? Shop our motocross collection and ride in comfort.