When you see a CE label on your riding jeans, it’s not just marketing — it’s the result of real, destructive testing under the EN17092 standard. Jeans are pushed to failure in abrasion, tear, and seam strength tests, and only then do they earn their safety rating.
The main difference between AA and AAA? Abrasion resistance. That’s the test most influenced by speed and real-world sliding.
The CE EN17092 Tests
Abrasion Resistance (Darmstadt machine)
A drum covered in abrasive paper spins at a fixed speed while fabric samples are pressed against it. The rating depends on how long the denim survives before holed through.
Going from AA to AAA is a big jump: 71% faster drum speed and double the survival time, with a lot more margin for high-speed offs.
Seam Strength (Burst Test)
Seams are pulled until they split apart.
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AAA and AA jeans: must withstand ≥ 7 N
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A-rated jeans: ≥ 6 N
So AAA and AA set the same minimum bar on seams.
Tear Resistance
Fabric panels are stretched until they rip. Requirements vary by body zone (high-risk vs. low-risk areas).
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AAA demands tougher performance in high-risk zones.
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AA also has strong requirements, but slightly lower in critical areas.
It’s not that AAA fabric always tears less easily across all areas, but in the zones most likely to strike the road, it must prove tougher.
Impact Protection (EN1621 armor)
EN17092 doesn’t mandate impact protection levels, but the jeans must have armor pockets and come fitted with CE-certified protectors.
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CE Level 1: transmits ≤ 35 kN
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CE Level 2: transmits ≤ 20 kN (better option for knees and hips)
What The Ratings Mean
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AA-rated jeans: There are lower ratings availble but this is the minimum we reccomend — breathable enough for summer, protective enough for everyday road speeds.
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AAA-rated jeans: Higher protection. Bulkier and heavier but adds more confidence for highway or spirited riding.
Real-World Scenarios
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AA Jeans: Cool enough for hot Aussie summers, and paired with CE Level 2 armour, they offer strong everyday protection without overheating.
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AAA Jeans: A heavier single layer weave to meet the high standard. AAA jeans will holdi up better in higher-speed crashes. Single layer still offers more comfort than thicker layered jeans that offer more protection but struggle to provide comfort.
The Trade-Off: Comfort vs Protection
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AAA: Thicker denim, warmer, more ridgid — but more insurance for high-speed crashes.
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AA: More relaxed and lightweight, easier for all-day riding. With CE Level 2 armor, it’s a very safe option for routine use.
Final Word
AA vs AAA isn’t a case of “good vs bad” — it’s about your riding style.
Around 65% of riders admit they wear nothing more than normal denim on the bike. The problem? Regular jeans shred in seconds during a slide. The real risk is riding in zero protection. If you ever find yourself tempted to throw on regular jeans, AA might be the smartest choice to make sure you’re always wearing something built to save your skin.
