Today marks the debut of an eagerly awaited and entirely fresh addition to the lineup — Dainese’s Racing 5 Leather Jacket. As the title implies, this is a performance-oriented jacket, specifically tailored for a tucked-in riding stance. The Racing 5 belongs to Dainese’s 2025 collection and is designed to succeed the well-regarded Racing 4 jacket, which has been available for quite some time.

It carries a suggested retail price of 569 euros. Let’s explore what you’re getting for that investment and whether Dainese has implemented any significant enhancements over the Racing 4.

MATERIALS

First up: materials. The Racing 5 jacket is primarily constructed from two core elements — Tutu cowhide leather, which dominates the outer shell, and micro-elastic inserts strategically placed along the back and shoulders to enhance your range of motion.

The cowhide leather is approximately 1.2 millimeters thick, offering dependable resistance in the event of slides or spills on asphalt. Turning our attention to the back of the jacket, Dainese has introduced some thoughtful refinements — notably, the incorporation of stretch fabric alongside the leather.

Where earlier versions relied exclusively on leather in this area, Dainese now favors added flexibility. They’ve also slimmed down some of the bulk found on the back of the Racing 4 to deliver a more streamlined silhouette. And that wraps up the material overview — now, on to protection.

PROTECTION

The Racing 5 comes equipped with protective components in three primary zones. Most visible are the aluminum sliders on the shoulders, purpose-built to mitigate injuries during a slide. Beneath these external pieces lie upgraded CE Level 2 protectors inside the shoulder areas — a substantial enhancement over the previous Level 1 equipment used in the Racing 4.

This bump in certification means these protectors now meet higher safety thresholds. While Dainese previously vouched for the comfort and reliability of their Level 1 armor in premium gear, they’ve now recalibrated it to satisfy Level 2 standards.

Thanks to these enhancements, the Racing 5 achieves EN 17092-AA certification — among the top-tier safety ratings available at this price point. While an AAA rating exists, that level typically belongs to far pricier garments.

You also have the option to augment protection with additional inserts — including G1 or G2 back protectors and chest armor, thanks to designated compartments built into the jacket.

Lastly, reflective details have been added to help enhance visibility in dimly lit environments — a critical bonus for street riding.

COMFORT

Now onto comfort — an area where leather sport jackets often fall short. So, how has Dainese made the Racing 5 more wearable?

For starters, they’ve integrated larger elastic panels than those found in its predecessor, which increases upper body mobility, particularly in the arms.

The jacket is designed with a form-fitting, body-conforming profile that suits a forward-leaning racing posture. However, Dainese smartly eases the fit around the neck to allow natural head movement and visibility.

Also contributing to the enhanced fit are the stretch panels at the rear — as mentioned earlier. Additional adjustability is available at the waist, and the jacket includes a fastening system for connecting to compatible riding pants — converting your gear into a unified one-piece suit.

STORAGE & VENTILATION

In terms of storage, the Racing 5 debuts a new waterproof internal pocket, accompanied by two exterior compartments to house your essentials.

Ventilation is handled via two intake zippers on the chest and two exhaust vents located at the back — allowing for decent internal airflow management during rides.

CONCLUSION

The Racing 5 is a dynamic, race-ready jacket that’s equally practical for casual street use. On the protection front, it introduces a welcome evolution with Level 2 CE armor and earns a top-tier certification for its class. Simultaneously, Dainese has paid extra attention to wearer comfort — striking an impressive balance between safety and flexibility in a leather sport jacket.