Helmet
Get a full-face helmet. Look for ECE or Snell certification, good fit, comfort, and ventilation.
Avoid novelty helmets. Your brain is not decorative.
Gloves
Your hands instinctively go out during a fall. Get gloves with palm protection, knuckle armor, and abrasion resistance.
Jacket
A proper motorcycle jacket provides abrasion resistance, armor, weather protection, and visibility. Mesh jackets are great in hot weather.
Boots
Ankle injuries are extremely common. Wear over-the-ankle motorcycle boots. Work boots are better than sneakers. Motorcycle boots are better than work boots.
Pants
Regular jeans are not real motorcycle protection. Dedicated riding jeans with armor are a huge improvement.
Budget priority
Spend money on protection before cosmetic upgrades. Nobody ever says, “I wish I had bought worse safety gear.”