Merlin Cooper Multi Layer Jean

We measured a sampling of these jeans of different waist sizes and lengths and find they are NOT vanity sized which is counter to what you would expect from most other jeans you’d buy these days. They measure out to the stated size at the full stretch of the waist and are pretty true in the length. And of course, these are denim and may shrink just a tad too. So my overall advice would be to go up one size from the waist size you normally wear in jeans; you’ll likely find a fit. If you aren’t sure whether your jeans are vanity sized like I’m describing, then either measure your waist where your normal jeans ride or measure your favorite pair of jeans to verify. Again, casual jeans and most riding jeans these days actually measure out about 2” above the stated size but this style does not! You’ll probably find that you measure out a bit bigger than your normal jeans stated size and also the waist of your favorite jeans measures out an inch or two bigger than their stated size. If so, you will be on track following my advice. Or to make it even simpler, just measure those other jeans that you like and find comfortable and whatever they measure out to buy that size!

The inseam lengths measured out about 1 inch shorter than the stated size. You may want to choose a longer inseam than your ordinary jeans for a couple of reasons. First, jeans ride up your legs when you sit on a motorcycle so to maintain a good length, you can choose one size longer. So with those considerations in mind I’d recommend you buy one size longer than you normally wear. If between sizes, choose the longer.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Cooper multi-layer jeans from Merlin are a part of their Leisure collection that is designed to bring protective motorcycle clothing and the latest fashion trends together. Right off the bat I am going to say that I am not a fan of these jeans and am typically not a fan of multi-layer jeans like these as they have as their name implies, multiple layers. This means that instead of having one single protective layer (like you are used to in your regular jeans, just one layer) you have multiple layers that do different things that are combined in to one pant. To me this is typically less comfortable, more bulky, makes the jeans look less like normal jeans when worn, and to me, worst of all, they typically run hotter (big problem here in the Texas heat). Also in the case of the Cooper jeans, they are less protective, with only being CE Level A abrasion resistance rated vs for example the single layer Merlin Dunford jeans being CE Level AA rated (so in reality it is extra bulk an layers without the benefit of more protection). Overall construction is a 11.5oz Premium Cotton, a YKK® Locking Fly Zipper, and 180GSM DuPont Kevlar Fibre Twill 60/40.

Looking at protection, removable, CE Level 1, knee armor is included, but there are only him armor pockets as the hip armor is purchased separately. You also get a YKK® Jacket-To-Jean Connecting Zipper to ensure that your jacket is secured and won’t ride up in the case of an accident. Some additional features include a large stretch panel on the back/seat part of the pants that makes the pants more comfortable, especially in the sitting position, as well as multiple pockets on the front and rear in a traditional five pocked design. Overall the Cooper jeans offer a regular fit, so they don’t taper much, but I will say that like other Merlin jean styles that they are a “European Cut” meaning that even they are a regular fit, to me they fit more like a slim or skinny fit compared to a regular fit from an American brand like say Klim, so keep that in mind, they might be a tad tighter than you might expect. Also speaking of sizing, these jeans are NOT VANITY sized, meaning that you don’t get the typical extra one to two inches of space in the waist but you get the actual size, meaning that a size 36 actually measured 36 inches rather than the vanity 38 inches, also the inseam is about an inch shorter than the stated size, for example a “regular” inseam is a size 32, but it measures right at 31 inches.

Overall with their multi layer design, lower single A abrasion resistance rating and lack of included hip armor, the Cooper jeans come in at a lower price point of $179.99, this is about $100 cheaper than say Merlin’s Dunford jeans. To me the $100 savings isn’t worth it. Once you add in the hip armor you are only saving about $50, and I would be more than happy to pay an additional $50 to get a more comfortable and more protective AA rated, single layer jean from the same brand. Overall a solid pair of riding jeans for the money, but, again, if your budget allows it I would recommend stepping up, the comfort and safety boost will be worth it. :: Damir 7/2/24