i would at least get some textile gear...at the moment i have an Icon Arc jacket and the Arc overpants. the jacket is textile, with leather on the shoulders and arms (good compromise i think), and of course armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. the pants have aramid (kevlar) in the knees and hips, as well as some padding and knee protection. i took out the knee stuff though, and prefer to wear my MX knee guards. strap in place and stay put.
plus, having overpants is great for going to work, or to a friends house, or whatever. just take them off when you get there so you dont have to walk around in your riding gear all the time!
gloves...get something with leather in them. carbon fiber i dont think is necessary. i have Icon Tarmac 2.0 gloves...comfy, and protect well. ive had lots of bugs and various types of debris hit my hands, and hardly feel a thing!
boots...im still looking there. my work shoes are working for now...steel toe/metatarsal guards, full leather, stiff around the ankles, no slip sole. pretty much a riding boot LOL
helmet...again i got an Icon. Mainframe Hooligan. comfy, plenty of venting, easy to take off the visor and clean it.
you dont need leather...it does protect the best, but getting some decent textile gear is MUCH better than a tshirt and jeans. but, as it is ive got a Teknic Chicane jacket (leather) on the way. its good to have options
