When only the best airflow will do, Dainese is a go-to brand for innovative technology fused with stylish Italian design—the Dainese Sevilla Air mesh jacket with its distinctive looks and a strong reputation.
But does it provide the cooling performance, comfort, and protection needed for sweltering summer rides?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best mesh motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Dainese Sevilla Air Mesh Jacket
Sub Title
- Lightweight yet protective
- Athletic styling looks sharp
- Superb ventilation performance
Overview and First Impressions
My first impressions after unpacking the Dainese Sevilla Air were overwhelmingly positive. The understated style and slim silhouette looked sporty yet elegant, with several nice design touches.
I immediately noticed the carefully constructed shoulder sleeves with pre-curved shaping and subtle Dainese badging on the collar.
The predominant matte black color scheme is accented with contrasting black-on-black logos and glossy black zippers. I like that it avoids loud branding and favors a refined, athletic aesthetic. The materials felt high-end and durable while maintaining a lightweight feel.
My size large jacket weighed in at just 1.1 lbs on my digital scale. For comparison, I measured other mesh jackets at least .3 lbs heavier. The soft poly-fabric exterior has a quality texture, though the inner liner is fairly basic.
The textile material isn’t as supple as leather or abrasion-resistant as Cordura, but those would compromise ventilation.
The streamlined design and premium materials justify the price tag. The jacket seemed thoughtfully engineered for real-world performance. It was time to take it onto the open road.
Hitting the Road in Soaring Temperatures
I was eager to test ride the Sevilla Air mesh jacket on blistering hot days when airflow really matters. For my first outing, I wore it on an hour-long jaunt around town in 96°F heat. The built-in CE-rated armor offers abrasion protection without adding excess bulk or weight.
Within minutes I could feel the continuous airflow cooling my upper body. The jacket has mesh paneling across the torso, sleeves, back, and sides, so air circulates freely even at low speeds. I rode through some stop-and-go traffic, and it continued to breathe well.
Ventilation Performance
Next, I wanted to evaluate the Sevilla Air’s ventilation on the highway and backroads. I took it on a spirited 90-mile ride with temperatures reaching 100°F!
The airflow was noticeable as low as 45 mph and increased substantially above 65 mph. The ventilated armor never got more than lukewarm, even at highway speeds.
My favorite cooling feature is the extra-long rear vent that draws air up from the back. I didn’t expect such a great performance based on looks alone.
This jacket keeps you from overheating, even seated at a stoplight or when the speeds vary. The mesh material also proved quite durable, retaining its structure after multiple long rides.
Design and Construction
Now let’s take a more detailed look at the design elements and construction quality of the Dainese Sevilla Air:
- The outer shell uses durable 100% polyester with mesh paneling for maximum airflow. The mesh feels tightly woven rather than flimsy.
- The inner lining lacks the stylish fabrics of pricier Dainese jackets but contributes to the light weight. It has a smooth polyester feel.
- The pre-curved sleeves move naturally in the riding position. They’re cut slim but allow wearing a base layer underneath.
- The rear volume adjuster and Velcro wrist tabs allow customizing the fit.
- YKK zippers operate smoothly and have pull tabs that are easy to grip with gloves.
- The collar has a basic hook and loop closure. It lays flat but could use more padding for comfort.
Armor Protection
Protection is vital for any motorcycle jacket, especially if you ride aggressively or at high speeds. The Sevilla Air includes removable CE Level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders to cushion impacts while maintaining flexibility:
- The lightweight Dainese Pro-Shape armor fits comfortably and allows a full range of motion.
- Soft padding on the outside helps minimize armor dig-in if you go down.
- Grooves and perforations aid ventilation so the armor never gets too hot.
- There are convenient external access points for removing the armor.
- A pocket accommodates an optional G1 or G2 back protector for added spine coverage.
Storage and Convenience Features
For daily use, jackets require well-designed storage options and convenience features:
- There are two zippered hand pockets plus an interior slot pocket for organization.
- The hand pockets are roomy enough for a phone, wallet, and keys.
- The slot pocket can hold a credit card and ID but is trickier to access once the jacket is on.
- A Velcro-sealed pass-through port allows access to pant pockets.
- No jacket-to-pant connecting zipper is included for attachment to riding pants.
Fit, Sizing, and Style
The right fit is crucial for comfort, protection, and appearance. I’ll cover the fit, sizing, and styling of the Sevilla Air:
- The tailored cut has an athletic silhouette without being too tight or loose.
- I typically wear a size large but prefer a trim euro fit. Size down for the ideal slim shape.
- Women may want to size down even more as the jacket runs larger than expected.
- There’s adequate room to layer a hoodie or light shell underneath.
- The sleeves are longer to cover your wrists in a riding position.
- The hem falls just below the waist for good coverage when leaning forward.
- The monochromatic style works well on a sportbike, standard, or naked bike.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
To summarize the highs and lows of the Dainese Sevilla Air jacket, here is a quick pros and cons list:
Pros
- Superb ventilation from extensive mesh keeps you cool in summer
- Lightweight and flexibility from perforated CE armor
- Understated, athletic styling fits any motorcycle
- Durable construction and abrasion-resistant materials
- Generous airflow, even at low speeds
Cons
- Only includes shoulder and elbow armor
- The collar and cuffs could be more comfortable
- Limited storage with just three small pockets
- Not compatible with pants attachment systems
- Only comes in black
Comparable Mesh Jacket Options
The Dainese Sevilla Air holds up well versus mesh jackets from other premium brands in the $300 to $500 range:
| Jacket | Weight | Armor | Airflow | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dainese Sevilla Air | 1.1 lbs | Shoulder & Elbow | Excellent | Minimal |
| Alpinestars T-GP Plus Air | 1.4 lbs | Shoulder, Elbow & Back | Very Good | Ample |
| Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 | 1.3 lbs | Shoulder & Elbow | Good | Ample |
| Rev’It! Ignition 3 | 1.2 lbs | Shoulder & Elbow | Very Good | Moderate |
The comparison table shows that the Sevilla Air excels at ventilation and lightweight performance but includes minimal armor and limited storage versus some competitors.
The Alpinestars T-GP Plus Air trades a bit of airflow for more coverage and pockets.
Final Verdict on the Dainese Sevilla Air
So does the Dainese Sevilla Air mesh jacket live up to expectations? Based on extensive testing, I can confidently recommend it for warm-weather riding.
The ventilation is phenomenal, and the Italian styling is undeniably cool. It’s lightweight and packable enough to take along on any trip.
The streamlined design does sacrifice armor coverage and storage versatility. But the premium materials and construction are worth the price for riders who prioritize beating the heat above all else.
If you want the absolute best airflow for summer and care more about ventilation than storage, the Sevilla Air is a fantastic choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Dainese Sevilla Air flow as well as the perforated leather Dainese Super Speed?**
A: The Sevilla Air has better airflow due to the extensive mesh paneling. Perforated leather still doesn’t breathe as well as mesh.
Q: How does the sizing compare to other Dainese jackets?**
A: It runs at least one size larger than typical Dainese sizing. Size down for a proper slim fit.
Q: Does it include a waterproof liner?**
A: No, the Sevilla Air is focused solely on ventilation and does not include a waterproof liner.
Q: Is the jacket comfortable in very hot weather?**
A: The excellent ventilation keeps you from overheating even in 100-degree temperatures.
Q: Does Dainese offer replacement armor for the jacket?**
A: Yes, the Dainese Pro Armor Shoulder and Elbow Set are the exact replacement set for the Sevilla Air jacket.
The Bottom Line
The Dainese Sevilla Air mesh jacket delivers exceptional airflow for sweltering summer rides. It combines Italian styling, premium construction, and functionality to create an exceptional warm-weather riding companion.
If you demand best-in-class ventilation, love lightweight gear, and appreciate quality craftsmanship, the Sevilla Air is a sound investment in comfort and protection. Just don’t expect tons of storage or the most comprehensive armor.
Look no further than Dainese’s impressive entry in the mesh jacket segment for the ultimate breathability.
Previous Article: Dainese Energyca Air Jacket Review
Next Article: Dainese Air-Frame D1 Women’s Motorcycle Jacket Review