Motorcycle Jeans for Tall and Big & Tall Riders: A Fit Guide (2026)

Tall riders and big-and-tall builds often find that off-the-shelf riding jeans are close but not right: the hem rides up above the ankle when seated, the waistband drops at the back, or the knee protector lands above the kneecap. Here's what to check, and when made-to-measure makes sense.

Where standard sizing falls short

• Inseam. Your inseam in the riding position is longer than your standing inseam. If the hem doesn't cover your ankle on the pegs, skin is exposed in a fall.
• Waist range. Size ranges vary widely between makers. Check the largest waist and longest inseam offered before you order.
• Back rise. Longer torsos need more rise at the back so the waistband doesn't drop when you lean forward.
• Protector position. A knee protector only helps if it sits over your knee when you're seated. In a jean that's short in the leg, it can sit above the joint.
• Thigh and seat room. Broader builds usually do better in regular or relaxed cuts than in slim ones.

How to measure

1. Riding-position inseam: sit as you would on your bike and measure from crotch to ankle bone while wearing your riding boots.
2. Waist: measure where the jeans will actually sit.
3. Hip: measure at the widest point and size to the larger of waist and hip.
4. Thigh: measure at the widest point. This matters for athletic and big builds.
5. Back length (for jackets and vests): measure from the base of the neck to the natural waist.

Someone measuring you will get a more accurate result than you will measuring yourself. The full method is in our Size Guide.

Tailoring vs made-to-measure

Changing a hem is straightforward. Altering the body of a riding jean (waist, seat or thigh) can move the protector pockets and any lining out of position. If a jean needs more than a hem change, made-to-measure is usually the better route.

Don't trade protection for fit

If abrasion performance matters to you, look for the same certification whatever your size. EN 17092 classes are awarded to a finished garment model, and a certified garment carries a label stating its class, so check that the label is on the size you're buying.

Denimotto sizing and custom orders

Our men's riding jeans come in waist sizes 28–40 and our women's motorcycle jeans in 25–34, with internal pockets at the knees and hips for removable inserts (one set included with a standard order). Our riding jackets run S–2XL for men and XS–XL for women. If you're outside those ranges or need a longer inseam, we offer made-to-order sizing; choose the Custom Made-to-Order option on the product page, where its price and lead time are shown. We don’t publish test reports or protection classes for our garments. See Testing & Certification Information.