The John Doe Ladies Mono Ruby Aramid Denim Jeans rely on a highly breathable monolayer construction that makes them stand-out performers in hot, dry weather. They’re best suited to commuting, casual day-to-day riding, or any trip where you can be confident the rain will stay away. Here's how I found them over 1000 miles of riding…
Fit & comfort
Sizing is snug compared to what I normally wear. I’d usually go for a size eight, but had to move up to get a comfortable fit, particularly through the legs. Thankfully John Doe have mid-sizes, so I didn't have to jump up to a 10 - I went for a size nine, which worked well for me. Having done this, I found the jeans to be a perfect fit in the waist, with just enough stretch to make them forgiving – even after a big meal. The regular length is a little short for me, but I would usually go for a longer leg. That's not an option in the light blue colour I reviewed, but longer leg jeans are available in the black or indigo options.
On the bike they’re very comfortable and I’ve had no problem wearing them off it too. In fact, I like this pair enough that I’ll be buying my own pair for casual wear with the armour removed.
The skinny cut won’t be for everyone, though. John Doe describe the cut as slim fit, but I would personally say skinny is a more accurate term.
I usually prefer a looser, straight leg, but the close fit of these jeans does provide confidence that they will stay put and do their job if needed.
Warm weather performance
This is where the Mono Ruby jeans shine. They’re the most breathable motorcycle jeans I’ve worn – even more so than some vented designs. On a cool 18°C evening ride I actually felt my legs getting chilly, which gave me high hopes for hotter weather.
In the 20°C-plus range, they performed very well, flowing plenty of air across the skin without the need for vents or removable liners. Paired with a Zerofit base layer, they were easy to slip on and off and stayed comfortable even in hotter conditions.
The jeans are not waterproof, and I wouldn’t recommend them for cold-weather use, though they didn’t let water through when I was caught in a very light shower.
Protection
The jeans carry a AA safety rating under CE and come fitted with CE Level 1 armour at the hips and knees.
Photography: Jose Mas
The knee armour is especially impressive thanks to its adjustability: large Velcro panels let you position it vertically and horizontally, so you can dial in a fit that matches your body shape. I’d be tempted to upgrade to John Doe's Level 2 protection for extra peace of mind, but the supplied protectors are comfortable, flexible, and not bulky.
Overall, the jeans feel tough, well-made, and confidence-inspiring, striking a solid balance between safety and comfort.
Pockets
The Mono Ruby jeans follow a traditional five-pocket denim design – two at the back, two at the front, and a small coin pocket. They also include a neat extra belt loop on the left side, which is handy for clipping on keys or other small items. None of the pockets are waterproof, but they’re useful enough for everyday items when you’re off the bike.
Durability
After 1000 miles of summer riding, the jeans still look great. There’s no visible wear or damage, and the lighter colour I chose has started to take on a slightly distressed look that only improves with use. The construction feels solid and I'm confident it will hold up well over time.
Conclusion
The John Doe Ladies Mono Ruby Aramid Denim Jeans are an excellent choice for summer riding. They’re lightweight, breathable, and protective, with clever armour adjustability that sets them apart from many rivals. The skinny fit won’t suit everyone, but if you like the style they’re hard to beat for warm, dry days.
