At Moto Central, we understand that motorcycle gear needs to strike a delicate balance between protection, comfort, and mobility. A key material that helps achieve this is Elastane. Renowned for its incredible stretch and recovery, Elastane is a staple in modern riding apparel. But which brands use it, why do they rely on it, and what benefits does it bring to riders? Let’s dive deeper into the role of Elastane in motorcycle clothing and accessories.
Which Motorcycle Brands Use Elastane?
Many leading motorcycle brands incorporate Elastane into their designs to ensure a superior fit and flexibility. Some of the most notable names include:
- Revit: Known for its innovative use of materials, Revit blends Elastane into riding jeans and adventure suits for enhanced stretch and comfort.
- RST: This British favourite uses Elastane in touring and casual wear to provide riders with greater freedom of movement.
- Alpinestars: In their high-performance riding gear, Alpinestars employs Elastane for stretch panels in jackets, trousers, and gloves.
- Dainese: Dainese incorporates Elastane into its base layers and hybrid protective wear for a close, ergonomic fit.
- Richa: Richa uses Elastane in its reinforced jeans and gloves, ensuring flexibility and a comfortable fit without compromising durability.
These brands, available at Moto Central, demonstrate how Elastane is crucial in delivering functional and rider-friendly gear.
Why Do Brands Use Elastane?
Elastane’s ability to stretch up to eight times its original length and return to its shape makes it indispensable for motorcycle clothing. Manufacturers use it to:
- Improve fit and flexibility, ensuring riders can adopt various positions without discomfort.
- Enhance comfort by allowing garments to move with the rider’s body during long journeys.
- Reduce bulk by incorporating stretch panels instead of adding loose fabric, creating a sleek and aerodynamic design.
Its lightweight nature and compatibility with other fabrics like denim, Kevlar, and Cordura make it versatile for diverse riding conditions, from urban commutes to rugged adventures.
Benefits of Elastane in Motorcycle Gear
Riders appreciate Elastane-enhanced gear for its:
- Comfort: Stretch panels reduce pressure points and ensure a snug fit.
- Mobility: Allows for greater range of motion, especially on sport and adventure bikes.
- Lightweight Design: Enhances flexibility without adding unnecessary weight.
- Versatility: Used in everything from gloves and jeans to base layers and adventure suits.
Downfalls of Elastane
While Elastane offers many advantages, it is not without its drawbacks:
- Abrasion Resistance: Elastane itself is not abrasion-resistant, so it must be combined with stronger materials for safety.
- UV Sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can weaken its fibres, reducing stretch and durability.
- Heat Sensitivity: High temperatures can cause Elastane to lose its elasticity over time, making it less suitable for extreme heat conditions.
- Environmental Concerns: As a petroleum-based material, Elastane’s production and disposal have an environmental impact. Many brands are working on more sustainable solutions to mitigate this issue.
How Moto Central Can Help
At Moto Central, located in the heart of Leicestershire, we stock an extensive range of Elastane-enhanced motorcycle gear from top brands like Revit, RST, Alpinestars, and Dainese. Our showroom features dedicated sections for Sports, Touring, Adventure, and Urban/Classic styles, ensuring you find gear that suits your riding needs. Whether you’re looking for stretch-enhanced riding jeans, flexible gloves, or base layers that provide a second-skin fit, we’ve got you covered.
Alternatives to Elastane in Motorcycle Gear
While Elastane is widely used, there are alternative materials in motorcycle gear that offer comparable functionality:
- Aramid Fibre: Found in materials like Kevlar, aramid fibres offer excellent abrasion resistance while maintaining some flexibility. They are commonly used in reinforced jeans and jackets.
- Schoeller-Dynamic: This stretch fabric is specifically designed for activewear and riding gear, providing flexibility and durability for demanding conditions.
- Stretch Cordura: A variation of Cordura fabric, this material combines durability with a degree of stretch, making it ideal for adventure and touring gear.
- SuperFabric: While less stretchy than Elastane, SuperFabric panels are often placed in high-wear areas for unmatched abrasion resistance and a close fit.
- Polyamide Blends: These blends often include stretch properties while offering higher levels of durability compared to pure Elastane fabrics.
Each of these materials is used to address specific needs, from abrasion resistance to flexibility, ensuring that motorcycle gear meets the highest safety and comfort standards.
Conclusion
Elastane has revolutionised motorcycle gear, offering riders the flexibility and comfort needed for all types of journeys. By incorporating this versatile fibre, brands ensure their apparel moves with the rider, enhancing performance without sacrificing protection. Explore our range of Elastane-infused motorcycle clothing and accessories at Moto Central and experience the perfect balance of comfort, style, and safety.
