You’re a rider, not a seamstress. Denim is much easier to sew, iron, or pin on any badges or patches from your motorcycle travels. It is also lightweight and breathable, while still channeling the same biker heritage as leather.
A patched-up denim vest used to be synonymous with motorcycle gang rags, but these days you’ll see denim on the backs of non-violent riding clubs, solo riders and average Joes -  modern motorcycle riders don traditional denim vests in spades for various reasons.
Ironbutt riders and long distance touring bike riders wear patches from all over to commemorate the good times they’ve had on 2 wheels. Guys and gals on Electra Glides, Goldwings and everything else under the sun may collect patches from rallies or get a 48 state US map on the back so they can mark each state they’ve ridden to.
A plain denim vest is stylish all on its own, with a classic American look that goes well with just about everything. If you just want some pockets to carry your phone, wallet, and shades while you bomb around town on your bike in nice weather, it doesn’t get much simpler.

Textile Motorcycle Vests FAQ's

Why wear a textile motorcycle vest?
Riders wear textile vests for a few reasons. They offer a good balance of core protection and freedom of movement, and they're cooler than a full jacket in hot weather. Many riders also use them as a "carrier" for their patches, or for the high-visibility (hi-viz) color they provide over a regular jacket.

Do textile vests have armor?
Some textile vests do! They often have a pocket for a CE-rated back protector, which is a great way to add spine protection if you're riding in a lighter setup. However, they almost never have shoulder or elbow armor, as there are no sleeves.

Is a textile vest a safe replacement for a jacket?
No, a vest is not a direct replacement for a full jacket. A jacket protects your arms and shoulders, which are very common areas to hit in a crash. A vest only protects your torso. It's a trade-off, offering less protection in exchange for more airflow and a different style.

Are textile vests better than leather vests?
"Better" just depends on what you want. Textile vests are much lighter, breathe better, and often have more practical features like waterproof pockets or hi-viz panels. Leather vests offer that classic cruiser style and can be a bit more durable for sewing patches on, but they're heavier and hotter.

Can I wear a vest over my jacket?
Yes, and this is a very popular setup. Many ADV and touring riders will wear a simple vest over their main jacket to get more pockets. Commuters will often throw a hi-viz textile vest over their jacket to be more visible to cars in traffic.