Belstaff Roberts Canvas jacket in olive

The reason that we particularly cite this jacket as a new-for-2025 model is that there is another Belstaff Roberts jacket that is still in the range. It's been around for a while; and it's technically quite a different jacket. The other Roberts is made from a British Millerain waxed cotton. It comes equipped with a waterproof membrane. And it is rated as a single-A garment under EN 17092.

 

The new jacket is not made from waxed cotton. The construction is cotton with Polyester. This jacket achieves an AA rating under EN 17092, but importantly it does not have a waterproof membrane. Belstaff claim that because it has been treated with a Durable Water Repellent the jacket is water resistant, but even that is to overstate the actuality. In fairly short order the DWR coating will wear off, and unless you regularly wash and re-proof the jacket, the jacket will do very little to protect you from the wet stuff.

 

Not that this concerns us in the slightest. If you want a waterproof Roberts, buy the other one, although so short does the jacket sit that it will never be great in the rain. The membrane on that jacket, though, will help protect you from the wind chill. And so, actually, for us the real difference between the jackets is their breathability. The new Roberts will better flow air. It will be really nice to wear on a warm, summer's day; the old Roberts will not be as breathable, although it will help you retain body heat better on a cooler day.

 

The new Roberts is very much a lightweight, summer jacket. It's not a mesh jacket, but with no waxing of the outer fabric, and with no membrane, it will flow air quite nicely. To enhance the airflow, you get vents in the biceps, and exhaust vents on the back of the jacket.

 

As we have stated, the jacket is rated AA under EN17092 for abrasion resistance. In terms of protection from impacts, the jacket comes equipped with vented, Level 1 D3O. But if you want to improve the level of protection, with no trade off in wearability, we would recommend upgrading to D3O's latest Level 2 Diablo armour. And here's the thing. You would double the level of of protection, yet this new armour is softer, lighter, more breathable and more pliable than the standard armour. In every way, it would be a win-win. The only downside would be the cost. For the elbows and shoulders, you'd be in for another £60.

 

And whilst you're at it, you should think about a back protector. The standard D3O Level 1 back protector would cost you £40.00. It weighs 278g. The Level 2 Rheon protector that we prefer these days costs £50.00. It weighs 20% less than the standard, Level 2, D3O protector.

 

Truth be told, most of the other stuff is pretty standard fare for Belstaff; the kind of features you might expect to find on most Belstaff jackets.

 

So we're talking about two, upper, flap pockets and two lower zip pockets. An inside pocket. Corduroy in the collar for comfort. A check lining. A waist adjuster. Antique brass fixtures and fittings. Including the main zip. Under arm aerators. A silicone covering of the bottom snap to protect the bike. And a system of elasticated loops that allows you to fasten the jacket to a trouser belt.

 

In the past, and in its previous iterations, we have never been massively taken by the Roberts. It was neither one thing nor t'other. It didn't really work as a properly, waterproof jacket. Yet the membrane meant that it didn't really work when it got hotter.

 

The new Roberts is what it is. And not what it's not. It's a summer jacket, pure and simple.

 

Infused with Belstaff's recognisable DNA from top to bottom, it's a cool-looking jacket. It will be comfortable to wear on the bike, as well as around town. And if you hit the deck it will look after you there too; especially if you've upgraded to Level 2 armour.