Merlin Mason WP 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 Mason Waterproof 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 will give Merlin credit as they offer this jean in both a blue and a black (for some reason many Moto pants makers as of late have been avoiding making or discontinuing their black pants so nice to see a pair available) and credit for offering multiple lengths, both a short and a regular, again some brands give one size for all and obviously that doesn’t work. Overall construction for the Mason Jean is a 11.5oz denim with a water repellent treatment (huntsman) in a combination with a Reissa® Waterproof/Breathable Membrane and a comfort mesh lining. The end result is a jean that is waterproof and one that earns a CE Level A abrasion resistance rating.

From a protection standpoint the Mason jeans add 220gsm DuPont™ Kevlar® Fiber Lining In Impact CE Zone 1 for additional abrasion resistance, CE Level 2 adjustable knee armor is included as well as a short jacket to jean connection zipper. The disappointment for me here is that at the $249.95 price point that the hip armor is not included, yes you do have pockets for adding in your own but there are plenty of riding jeans for the same price or less that include the hip armor.

To further enhance the Mason Jeans’ waterproof qualities, the main front closure is a zipper that has a locking fly that is designed to keep water out and both the two rear pockets as well as the front storage pocket have welded zipper that too help keep the water out. There are also two additional front pockets that are normal every day jean like pockets. Overall for the exterior the Mason WP jeans look fairly normal and could easily be mistaken for a regular pair of jeans.

Overall I think the Mason jeans are a solid pair of jeans, especially if you are looking for something waterproof but fair warning, as with all waterproof pieces of gear you do lose some movement, comfort, and gain some bulk with that extra layer containing the waterproof membrane. Also I would say that if you don’t need the waterproofing that there are better jeans for the money, ones that include hip armor and also that offer AA abrasion resistance vs the Mason’s single A. Again not a bad jean by any means, especially not if you need waterproofing just not necessarily the best value and feature set for the money. One last thing to note is to pay attention to our sizing advice above as these jeans are NOT VANITY sized like most jeans so a size 34 for example was actually 34 inches, not the usual extra one to two inches bigger like most vanity sized jeans offer, additionally a size short is a 30 inch inseam according to Merlin’s website, but I measured it at 29 inches, so it looks like the inseams run a tad short, another thing to keep in mind when ordering. :: Damir 7/2/24