The tagline for the Knox Urbane Pro MK3 armoured shirt sums it up neatly: 'no jacket required'. Traditionally, an armoured shirt would give you impact protection but need a separate layer for abrasion resistance. The Urbane Pro MK3, however, offers both in one garment, with an AA safety rating in CE for resistance to abrasion, cuts and seams bursting.
This mid-range model in Knox’s line-up is designed for all-season use — wear it solo in summer for maximum airflow, then add weatherproof or thermal layers when conditions change. That versatility made it an ideal choice for a recent European riding tour, especially as it worked well under an airbag vest that would have been very bulky when worn with a regular jacket underneath.
Fit & comfort
The Urbane Pro MK3 uses a combination of high-tenacity nylon on the shoulders, outer forearms, and side panels, with mesh across the torso, inner arms, and back for breathability. Stretchy panels help keep the fit close so the armour stays in place, while maintaining flexibility at the elbows and chest.
The collar is lined and stretchy for comfort, the cuffs have a soft lining, and the shirt closes with a zip that has a backing placket to prevent irritation. There’s even a zip garage at the top to stop the puller from striking your neck.
Thumb loops are included to prevent sleeve ride-up, though I found them uncomfortable due to my longer arms and stopped using them. Even without them, I didn’t have wrist gapping when paired with short gloves — though longer gloves would solve it if needed.
Sizing runs from small to 5XL for men and there's a womens version that ranges from size 8 to 20. My usual size medium fit perfectly in the body, though the sleeves are a bit fuller than I’d like. Our returns data suggests the Urbane Pro MK3 runs slightly small, so if you’re between sizes, consider sizing up.
Cold weather performance
On its own, the MK3 isn’t designed for cold-weather comfort — the mesh allows too much airflow to retain body heat. However, its tailored fit makes layering easy. I wore it over a base layer and under a windproof, waterproof shell in cooler European conditions, and it worked well without feeling bulky.
Photography: Helen Meeds
Knox offer specific thermal and waterproof layers to pair with the shirt, which you can see by clicking on this link to their seasonless shells.
You can also use your own overlayers if you prefer, and the snug cut means layers stay in place and armour remains correctly positioned.
Warm weather performance
In high summer, the mesh panels deliver strong airflow, keeping me cool on hot riding days — even with an airbag vest restricting much of the ventilation. Without the airbag, the cooling effect through the sleeves and torso is excellent.
Like all mesh gear, there’s a limit when temperatures climb above 30°C — with less difference between air and skin temperature, airflow offers diminishing returns. But for typical warm-weather riding, the MK3 excels.
Protection
The MK3’s AA rating in CE means it’s been tested for abrasion resistance and other technical tests across all panels, including the mesh.
Impact protection comes from Knox’s Level 2 Micro-Lock Compact armour at the shoulders, elbows, and a full-coverage back protector. There’s also the option to add a CE Level 1 chest protector via a velcro panel behind the zip.
I felt properly protected when riding in the Urbane Pro MK3, with armour being held close to the skin and robust materials in all the right places.
Reflective piping on the collarbones and back, plus reflective detailing on pocket toggles, adds subtle night-time visibility.
Pockets and practicalities
The two hip pockets on the outside are joined by six internal ones — including a phone pocket (which just fits my 6.6in Samsung A35) and an earplug pocket. Knox’s Security Belt Loops let you connect the shirt to riding jeans, although I found them fiddly to use.
Conclusion
At the time of writing, the list price is £259.99 for the men’s or women’s version, so the Knox Urbane Pro MK3 sits at the higher end for a mesh armoured shirt. But its build quality, protection, and versatility justify the price in my opinion.
The concept is genuinely innovative — in summer it’s a standalone jacket, while in cooler or wetter conditions you can layer up with Knox’s own outer shells or your own alternatives.
For my European trip, it provided exactly what I needed: a protective, breathable base layer that worked seamlessly with my airbag vest. Since then, it’s become a regular go-to in my riding wardrobe — which, for me, is the strongest recommendation I can give.
