How to Care for CE-Rated Motorcycle Gear

CE-rated motorcycle gear is an investment in your safety. Washing it incorrectly, storing it badly, or ignoring wear can degrade the protective properties over time. Here's how to keep your gear performing the way it was certified to perform.

Washing CE-Rated Motorcycle Jeans

Kevlar® and aramid fibres require more care than standard denim. The wrong wash cycle or detergent can weaken the protective weave over time.

• Always remove armor before washing — CE armor inserts should never go in the washing machine
• Turn jeans inside out — reduces abrasion on the outer fabric and protective panels
• Use a gentle or delicate cycle — 30°C maximum for most Kevlar® denim
• Use a mild detergent — avoid bleach, fabric softener, and optical brighteners, which can degrade aramid fibres
• Do not tumble dry — air dry flat or hang. Heat degrades Kevlar® over time
• Do not iron directly on protective panels — if ironing is needed, use a low heat setting on the outer fabric only

Always check the care label on your specific garment — the FlexGuard® Hydro Jeans and FlexGuard® Air Mesh Jeans include specific care instructions for their DuPont™ Kevlar® construction.

Washing Armored Shirts and Hoodies

The same principles apply to armored shirts and hoodies with CE-certified panels:

• Remove all armor inserts before washing
• Follow the garment care label — mesh and hybrid constructions may have different requirements
• Cold or warm wash, gentle cycle
• No bleach or fabric softener
• Air dry — avoid tumble drying

Caring for CE Armor Inserts

CE armor inserts — the hard or soft shell protectors at shoulders, elbows, knees, and back — should be cleaned separately:

• Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Do not submerge in water or machine wash
• Allow to dry completely before reinserting
• Inspect regularly for cracks, deformation, or damage

When to Replace Your Gear

CE-rated gear doesn't last forever. Here's when to replace:

• After any significant impact or crash — armor that has absorbed an impact may be compromised even if it looks intact. Replace it.
• When protective panels show visible wear — thinning, fraying, or holes in Kevlar® panels reduce abrasion resistance
• When armor is cracked or deformed — hard shell armor that has cracked will not perform to its rated standard
• After 5–7 years of regular use — protective fibres degrade over time even without visible damage. Most manufacturers recommend replacement within this window.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — UV exposure degrades Kevlar® and aramid fibres over time
• Don't compress or fold armor inserts for extended periods — store flat or hanging
• Keep away from petroleum products, solvents, and strong chemicals

DWR Finish Maintenance

Some motorcycle jeans — including the FlexGuard® Hydro Jeans — have a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that causes water to bead off the surface. This finish degrades with washing and wear over time.

To restore DWR performance: after washing and air drying, apply a DWR spray or wash-in treatment designed for technical fabrics. Follow the product instructions. This restores the water-repellent finish without affecting the protective properties of the Kevlar® construction.

The Bottom Line

Proper care extends the life of your gear and maintains its protective properties. Remove armor before washing, use gentle cycles and mild detergent, air dry, and replace gear after any significant impact or when protective panels show visible wear.