What is Dyneema®: The Fabric Explained

Have you ever wondered how motorcycle jeans can feel so soft and comfortable yet be highly protective and abrasion-resistant in case of a crash? Motorcycle apparel manufacturers use several different fabrics and combinations of fabrics to achieve this. Still, one of the most versatile materials in motorcycle gear is Dyneema®. Most of the time, it’s either blended or uniquely meshed with other fabrics. Dyneema® is one of the highest-quality materials used in motorcycle jeans and other protective gear.

So what exactly is Dyneema®? How is it unique, and why should you choose gear that uses it?

Material Properties of Dyneema®

First things first: Dyneema®is a result of innovative engineering rather than a natural fiber, so much so that it’s often dubbed space-age fiber or space fabric. However, there’s nothing otherworldly about it: Dyneema®is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which gives it extremely high tensile strength and lightweight: Dyneema® fabric is fifteen times stronger than steel, but it can float on water. Dyneema®is also known as Cuben Fiber (CTF3), but don’t mistake it for carbon fiber – Dyneema®is a different animal altogether. It is one of the most robust materials in the world. They are frequently used in military and law enforcement armor, sails, outdoor gear, and, most recently, protective motorcycle apparel.

Dyneema® fiber is used in many different ways: as a laminate, as a standalone fabric, or, in the case of riding gear, in combination with other fibers and materials to create the unique blend that offers exceptional protection. At the same time, the garment remains soft and comfortable rather than heavy or rigid. Dyneema®is incredibly versatile and is manipulated and integrated into different ways to produce different results.