Merlin Dunford Jeans

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 Dunford jeans from Merlin are a part of their Leisure collection that is designed to bring protective motorcycle clothing and the latest fashion trends together. Overall these jeans look quite normal and would easily pass for a regular pair of black jeans (black is the only color that they come in) and they do give a great classic, almost vintage, pair of black jeans vibe, I definitely like the look/design. Overall construction is a single layer Cordura® denim that features a YKK® fly zipper and Merlin-branded cotton armor pockets. This construction earned the Dunford jeans a CE Level AA abrasion resistance rating, and speaking of protection, unlike some of the other Merlin offerings, the Dunford jeans come with both hip and knee armor included, and they are D3O®’s ‘fit and forget’ Ghost knee and hip armor that is certified to CE Level 1 impact resistance. With the combination of such minimal armor and the overall design of the Dunford jeans it is very easy to forget that they are riding jeans.

Some additional features to note, these jeans are considered a regular cut, 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 design is a simple 5 pocket design, there is a reflective strip as you turn up the pant legs and lastly a euro hoop jacket to jean connection point is included, but, unlike other Merlin jeans, a short connection zipper is not.

Overall I like these jeans, I think they look good, offer solid protection and do a great job of looking like a regular pair of jeans. Also, with their single layer design, they are quite comfortable and make it easy to ride in them for multiple hours. My personal favorite riding jeans to date are Klim’s K Forty two, and the Dunford jeans from Merlin are right there with them in terms of fit, design, comfort and protection. The only big difference is that these are $10 more expensive coming in at $289.99 and that they are more of a “European Fit” so if you are a fan of how skinny, slim or slightly tighter jeans fit I would recommend giving the Dunford jeans from Merlin a try. If you are a bit thicker or more “American cut” be careful with sizing or perhaps try an American brand. :: Damir 7/2/24