I’ve tried a few different mesh jackets for hot weather riding, and the Hockliffe summer version does just as good a job at keeping me feeling cool. Either way I’m sweating in summer, but this overshirt actually looks good too. Plus I don’t get the permanent stink of those mesh synthetic fibers. I LOVE the napoleon pockets! They are perfectly-positioned, huge, and deep. I just throw all my stuff in there- wallet, phone, earplugs, sunglasses, gloves, etc and don’t even need to button them when riding. Pockets can be such a challenge with moto jackets, so these are mind-blowing, everyday-use awesome! Then there is the throat latch, so perfect to beat wind chill on a surprisingly cold ride. Not sure why they aren’t more common. Keep it hanging by one button, hide it in the placket, or throw it in your napoleon pocket when not in use. Armor pockets are all one-button, so easy in and out.

For improvements: The front buttons are a little smaller than I’d like for normal use, but they work fine and achieve the goal of making the jacket look more like a shirt. The zipper (they were wise to include) means I don’t use the buttons often anyway, but I do get more airflow using just buttons when it's super hot out. And Dyneema was only sewn into the panels on the arms, which I would really prefer throughout the jacket, but I’m sure that keeps cost way down so I could actually afford it. Overall, this is the best summer riding jacket I've found in 10 years of riding. I'd love to buy it in another color and get the other version! 

The Melton Wool version of this overshirt is the single most worn item in my wardrobe, a wardrobe that contains a few competing garments caused by a slight addiction to outerwear. The Hockcliffe is probably the best value item of clothing I own and one of the best made. The construction is especially durable with materials that feel and wear beautifully, the gnarly black wool with hints of silver-grey reminiscent of the best of middle-aged beards. The arms are lengthy, designed for keeping warmth around the wrists on a bike but providing the same effect in winter off one. The fit - I'm a medium - is tailored.

Best of all are the pockets, two at chest level with the genius of side entry. A search for similar practicality elsewhere turns up only one or two successes. The pockets sit deep too and the buttons have never needed replacing or even tightening in a couple of years.

This is high-end stuff for anyone, bike or no bike. In most weather (barring warmer summer days) a couple of years of wear has rendered no harm to it; it’ll last for at least a decade and likely several with only minor repairs at most. I'm compelled to leave a review because if you think the cost is high, it won't seem it down the line. Exceptional.

Spent ages looking for decent quality gear that offered a touch of style along with bundles of practicality and then hit on Ashley Watson's stuff. So pleased! Finally, someone that allows bike riders to not be forced into looking like the biker leather stereotype. Love my Hockliffe, made for all weathers, well worth it.

Perfect on and off the bike! The Eversholt quickly turned into my favourite piece of motorcycle gear because it offers a lot functionality and protection against the weather and potential crashes plus it doesn't look like protective equipment at all. It is a very stylish jacket for everyday use, the perfect allrounder.

I haven’t had a chance to ride while wearing this yet but the fit, materials and workmanship are outstanding! As an American who is sometimes between a large and extra large I went with the bigger size. Even with the armour installed it fits as if it were custom tailored to me. I couldn’t be happier.

I've had this a while now. Purchased ahead of a trip to the Alps. I love it, beautifully styled and well thought out. In practice; it's the details that count. The length of the sleeves. The easy-access pockets. The separate neck tab and of course the protective armour. Ok, it's not for track days, but for everyday riding at acceptable speeds, it ticks all the boxes. Warm. Durable. Practical. Stylish and thus far, hardwearing. I've lost a button, but that's replaceable, right? I take the armour out and wear it off the bike casually. I've machine-washed it cold once and it's still absolutely fine. The more it wears the better it looks. I considered it an investment and thus far I still feel the same way about it...

I came across Ashley's kit whilst visiting Idle Torque and Jack gave me the low down on how the kit is designed by a rider for riders and that the development for each product involves extensive real-world testing. Appreciate a lot of this can be marketing guff, but I thought I'd give it a go as supporting a UK independent business and really bought into the adventure lifestyle that the brand promotes.

I went away with a Hockliffe Overshirt and was blown away by the quality of the shirt and the detail that went into the design. The longer arms and dropped hem make for comfortable riding and the wind resistance is surprising good in any conditions. The fit is relaxed and even with all the armour and an extra back protection - it doesn't even look like an armoured piece! I would recommend to any rider and look forward to seeing new products!

Way back I bought an Overshirt in Navy from the preproduction of what later became the Hocklife Overshirt at the Bikeshed in London. As it was in those days without the protective armour, it is a basic garment for me which I love to wear as an overshirt or under the leather jacket when it starts to get cold outside. I just love it. I got to look at your stuff mostly because your w650 was standing at your booth and I noticed how much it was customised to your needs of riding - and so it is with your clothing! Go on like that, stay true.

Lightweight, yet surprisingly warm on even a chilly morning. Cleverly cool enough on pretty warm days too. Showerproof enough to keep out almost all, but a heavy downpour. And on top of all this smart enough to simply walk down the street without looking like a “power-ranger” or “urban warrior”. Just watch out for the buttons...two of mine fell off within a month..!

AW: Thanks for your review Keith. Just to let you know that all of our products come with a two year warranty. If you have any more with the buttons please let us know and we'll get it sorted. All the best, Ashley

Great motorcycling shirt for the warmer months, comfortable to wear, very stylish, practical and a lovely quality garment.