Drop liner

Waterproof motorcycle trousers are commonly produced using three different construction methods: drop-liner, laminated, and removable liner systems.

With a drop-liner design, the waterproof barrier is permanently positioned inside the outer protective shell, hanging freely behind the abrasion-resistant fabric. Although the name can be misleading, this lining is not removable; it is fixed within the garment.

Drop-liner trousers provide dependable waterproof performance and are widely recognised for offering excellent value. Compared with laminated alternatives, they are typically more comfortable to wear, delivering improved thermal insulation in colder conditions while remaining usable during warmer rides.

One downside of this construction is that, during extended exposure to heavy rain, moisture can soak into the outer fabric and remain between the shell and the waterproof membrane. While the rider stays dry, this retained moisture can increase heat loss and create a colder sensation — a process often described as wetting out. When this occurs, drying times can also be longer. A solution to this is to add a waterproof over the top, such as the Held waterproofs, as this stops the outer fabric from wetting out.

That said, most riders rarely encounter the extreme conditions required for wetting out to become problematic. Which is why we are of the view that, for most motorcyclists, a drop-liner trouser is the best solution.