A quality motorcycle rain suit keeps you dry and focused on the road when the weather turns. Worn over your existing riding gear, textile waterproof suits from Thor, Oxford, Nelson-Rigg and Motodry deliver full-body coverage in one fast pull-on layer, so a downpour never cuts a ride short.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Rain Suit
A rain suit sits over your armoured riding gear, so fit and packability matter as much as waterproofing. The right choice depends on how long you ride in the wet, if you need high-visibility coverage and how compact the suit needs to pack for touring.
One-Piece vs Two-Piece
One-piece suits seal at the waist automatically, eliminating the gap where water ingresses on a two-piece set. Two-piece designs offer more flexibility to fit different torso and leg lengths and can be worn as a jacket-only shell on lighter showers. Sealed or taped seams are the critical construction detail to check on either style, as untaped stitch holes allow water to track through in sustained rain above 20mm/hour.
Waterproofing Construction
Effective textile rain suits use heat-bonded seam tape at least 20mm wide on all primary seams. Look for a full-length zipper with a waterproof storm flap and elasticated or adjustable cuffs that close to within 10mm at the wrist to prevent water running up the sleeve. Oxford Rainseal suits feature a water-resistant full-length zip with an internal flap. Nelson-Rigg Stormrider suits are available in High-Viz Yellow, improving conspicuity in low-light and wet-weather conditions. Note that recreational rain suits are not rated to AS/NZS 4602 occupational high-visibility standards.
Rain Suit Comparison
| Brand | Style | Visibility Option | Fit System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thor | One-piece | Black only | Elasticated waist |
| Oxford Rainseal | One-piece and two-piece | Bright/Black option | Full-length sealed zip |
| Nelson-Rigg Stormrider | One-piece | Hi-Viz/Black option | Adjustable cuffs and ankles |
| Motodry Storm | One-piece | Black only | Stretch panels at joints |
Sizing and Storage
Rain suits are sized to fit over textile or leather riding jackets and pants, so size up at least 1 to 2 sizes from your standard riding gear measurement. Chest sizing on most suits spans from 90cm to 130cm across XS through 3XL, accommodating bulkier armoured layers underneath. Most suits compress into their own carry pouch and pack down to approximately 3 litres, making them viable for a tail bag or top case. At 360 degrees of coverage, a hi-viz suit adds retroreflective surface area that significantly improves night visibility in heavy rain at distances over 100 metres.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a motorcycle rain suit over my armoured jacket and pants?
Yes. Rain suits are designed to pull on over your full riding kit, protecting your armour and textile layers from saturation without replacing them. Size up at least 1 to 2 sizes to ensure you have enough room over a jacket with back and shoulder armour.
What is the difference between a one-piece and two-piece rain suit?
A one-piece suit seals automatically at the waist so water cannot enter between jacket and trouser sections. A two-piece lets you adjust top and bottom sizing independently and wear the jacket alone in lighter conditions.
Do high-visibility rain suits meet Australian road standards?
Hi-viz rain suits such as the Nelson-Rigg Stormrider in High-Viz Yellow improve conspicuity in low-light and heavy-rain conditions. For occupational use on roads, check whether your employer or road authority requires AS/NZS 4602 certification, as recreational riding gear is not rated to that standard.




















