I do have a NYC Schott Leather Jacket and chaps that I ride in when weather cools down. Looking at HD cotton, button down shirt/jacket to wear in warmer weather. Does heavy cotton offer much protection against road rash?

 

I would suggest you look at some of the mesh textile jackets for warm weather riding. They come in varying quality (good ones arne't cheap). I use an Olympia mesh jacket with armor and it's pretty good in the warmth.

 

I agree, My mesh even came with armor protection. Venting is so good that under 70 degrees it get chilly if you are traveling 60+ mph. Sometimes I will drive to the jersey shore in the day and it is hot, but if I am staying past sundown, I bring along a summer leather jacket.

 

They make some heavy denim that may provide some protection against road rash, something like a Carhartt, and some other companies even have some with armor. I have a heavy denim with armor as well as mesh, but the mesh allows more air though and is cooler in hot weather. Not sure how well mesh will hold up i a slide though.

 

Motoport Kevlar.

 

Tourmaster AirIntake. Mesh with armor. Good airflow when moving. Anything will be hot when stopped. With the 2 liners in, it's also good down into the 30's. It's my summertime jacket.

HD FXRG leather when it's 75 or below.

 

I wear a mesh nylon jacket in summer. Works great.

 

+1 on the Tourmaster AirIntake - it's my spring/summer jacket. Switch to leather when it's colder.

 

I slid 60 ft down the road once.......the denim of my blue jeans didn't fare so well

 

A few years ago I found a HD perforated leather jacket that has great airflow through it. I don't think they make it anymore, but I would rather wear it than mesh. It also came with pads which I promptly removed.
If you're looking for cotton, Draggin Jeans makes kevlar lined jackets and shirts. I wear their jeans as well.