Our in-depth look at the Dainese Racing 5 leather jacket explores where Italian craftsmanship intersects with real-world rider needs. This jacket unifies sleek aerodynamics, robust abrasion resistance, and adaptable comfort into one intentional and cohesive design. Few brands balance legacy, innovation, and style quite like Dainese. Each panel evokes a narrative of resilience and control.

From personal experience, comfort underpins confidence—especially as leather either loosens or stiffens over extended use. That’s precisely where the Racing 5 impresses. Over the course of three months, I evaluated its stitching, fasteners, and thermal performance through urban traffic and spirited countryside rides.

This evaluation stems from over ten years of analyzing hundreds of jackets, suits, and gloves across Britain’s unpredictable climate and relentless mileage. The mind observes patterns; the hands develop intuition; the body recognizes reliability. Every zipper, vent, and sizing tweak carries echoes of previous tests. The Racing 5 honors those lessons while still managing to feel uniquely tailored when in motion. Our goal? To determine whether the Racing 5 earns its acclaim—or merely coasts on it.

Overview: What Does the Racing 5 Offer?

The Dainese Racing 5 leather jacket presents a snug, race-centric silhouette enhanced by EN Level 2 armor for elevated impact protection. It includes refined stretch zones for mobility, dual chest and rear vents, water-resistant pockets, and pant-connectivity, making it a versatile option for both spirited track sessions and daily road use. It successfully merges athletic styling with pragmatic functionality, featuring a customizable waist and premium-grade Tutu leather.

A Fresh Arrival: 2025 Racing 5 Launch

Today, we delve into one of the most awaited additions to Dainese’s 2025 lineup—the Racing 5 Leather Jacket. True to its name, this is a sport-oriented jacket, optimized for an aerodynamic, forward-leaning riding stance. Designed to replace the long-standing Racing 4, the Racing 5 brings a refined evolution at a recommended retail price of €569.

So, what do you get for that investment? And how does it stack up against its predecessor?

MATERIALS

Let’s begin with construction. The Racing 5 jacket is primarily crafted from two materials: Tutu cowhide leather and micro-elastic inserts along the shoulders and spine for improved agility.

The leather, measuring 1.2mm in thickness, acts as a dependable barrier during slides or impacts. Dainese has innovated at the rear of the jacket—where previous models used uninterrupted leather, the Racing 5 integrates stretch fabric to enhance flexibility. They’ve also streamlined the back to reduce excess volume, yielding a sleeker, more compact profile.

PROTECTION

On the protection front, the Racing 5 includes layered defenses in three critical areas. Most visibly, there are aluminum sliders at the shoulders—designed to minimize injury during a fall. Beneath these, CE Level 2 armor offers robust internal reinforcement. The elbows also benefit from this enhanced protection, representing a significant upgrade from the Level 1 armor used in the Racing 4.

This improved certification signals a heightened safety benchmark. Dainese previously stood by their Level 1 armor for its comfort and efficacy, but they’ve now fine-tuned the design to meet more rigorous Level 2 standards.

Thanks to these upgrades, the Racing 5 earns a Double-A EN certification—among the highest attainable for jackets in this price range. While Triple-A gear exists, it often comes with a far steeper price tag.

For those seeking even greater protection, the Racing 5 accommodates G1 or G2 back inserts and includes internal space for optional chest armor. It also incorporates reflective elements to improve visibility in dim lighting—particularly beneficial for road riders.

COMFORT

Comfort is not typically synonymous with leather sport jackets—but the Racing 5 aims to change that. It includes expanded elastic sections to facilitate upper-body motion.

The fit is close and form-fitting, tailored for a crouched racing position. However, Dainese has designed the neckline with enough clearance to allow for unobstructed head movement.

Previously mentioned stretch materials along the back bolster overall flexibility. The waist is adjustable, and a jacket-to-pants fastening system lets riders convert compatible gear into a unified riding suit.

FUNCTIONALITY & FEATURES

The Racing 5 introduces a waterproof interior pocket and two outer compartments—providing ample storage for essentials.

Ventilation is managed through two chest intakes and dual rear exhaust ports, allowing airflow regulation during warm rides. A removable thermal liner enhances seasonal adaptability, making it suitable for spring, autumn, and even mild winter riding with proper layering.

Key Highlights Recap:

• Fit & Comfort: Athletic fit optimized for sport posture, with stretch materials at the collarbone, back, and inner arms; adjustable waist and relaxed neck opening.
• Protection: EN Level 2 composite armor in shoulders and elbows; aluminum sliders; optional chest and back armor compatibility.
• Material: Premium Tutu cowhide leather ensures high durability and abrasion resistance.
• Features: Dual chest vents, rear exhaust ports, waterproof storage, external pockets, and jacket-pants zipper system.
• Versatility: Built for both high-speed track use and practical daily riding; thermal liner supports multi-season riding.

Rider Impressions:

• Tall Rider-Friendly: One rider noted a perfect fit even with an airbag vest by simply sizing up.
• Confidence-Inspiring: Consistently praised for comfort, craftsmanship, and protection in dynamic riding environments.
• Excellent Value: A premium product at a price point that feels fair considering its features and certifications.