When searching for high-quality warm-weather riding gear, you're no doubt going to see Coolmax mentioned. But what is it, and why should you care?
Before choosing your next piece of riding apparel, discover the secret behind Coolmax, including how the technology was developed, and why you should look for riding gear made with Coolmax fibers.
What is Coolmax Technology?
Coolmax is a type of synthetic polyester fiber that was originally created for apparel used by high-performance athletes. It has the ability to absorb and evaporate moisture five times faster than natural cotton, which helps prevent discomfort, odors, and chafing.
The positive impact the fiber had on moisture management and body temperature led to its adoption for other products, including bedding and Coolmax clothing. Rather than being used for everyday clothing, the fabric was used to make outdoor gear, sportswear, and yes, motorcycle apparel.
Today, Coolmax material is widely used in the manufacturing of motorcycle apparel. Motorcycle jeans, shirts, and base layers are often designed with Coolmax fibers integrated into the fabrics to ensure maximum comfort while riding.
One of the key areas it's used for is summer riding gear, where hot and humid conditions require enhanced breathability and moisture management. That said, even winter riding gear can benefit from moisture-wicking fabrics with quick-drying properties, like Coolmax.
Essentially, it's all about keeping you comfortable while riding, whether you're just zipping about town, heading for the racetrack, or going on a gnarly off-road session out on the trails. Coolmax is a highly breathable fabric that provides rapid sweat-wicking on the go.
What is Coolmax Fabric Made Out Of?
Coolmax is an artificially engineered, synthetic fabric made from a specific blend of polyester fibers, unlike natural fabrics such as cotton or merino wool. Coolmax fibers have a unique property: instead of being round, Coolmax fibers have an oval shape and feature tiny grooves running alongside the threads. The oval shape is what gives the fabric its exceptional breathability and allows moisture and sweat to be drawn away from the wearer's skin quickly.
As the unique shape and grooves of the polyester fibers wick moisture away, it's drawn through the material and out to the fabric surface area, which allows for fast evaporation. That helps keep your skin feeling dry, cool, and fresh for a longer period of time, even in warm climates.
Different types of Coolmax
Today, there are several types of Coolmax produced, which are separated into three brands.
- COOLMAX® EcoMade technology
- COOLMAX® EcoMade ALL SEASON technology
- COOLMAX® EcoMade PRO
Each retains the core properties of Coolmax fabric, but has some slight tweaks. For example, COOLMAX® EcoMade ALL SEASON technology provides lightweight insulation that can help keep you warmer on cool days. All of them are made from at least 90% recycled resources, including PET bottles and textile waste.
When Was Coolmax Invented?
The story of Coomax began in 1986, when textile engineers at DuPont Corporation successfully developed a new type of polyester yarn that transferred both heat and moisture away from the body, due to its unique shape. If you've heard of DuPont textiles before, it's probably because they are known for their innovative engineering of synthetic fabrics (think Kevlar).
The Coolmax polyester yarn wasn't patented until 1998, but it was quickly recognized as a strong competitor to other moisture-wicking materials like Merino wool. From the 2000s onward, it became increasingly commonplace.
In 2003, the DuPont Corporation broke into two different companies, with the newly created Invista taking responsibility for Coolmax. Since then, Invista has been the world's sole supplier of Coolmax fabric, with manufacturing facilities all over the globe.
Today, Coolmax has surpassed many of its competitors and is widely used in athletic and outdoor apparel, including motorcycle gear.
The Properties and Benefits of Coolmax Clothes
Coolmax stands out from standard polyester fabrics thanks to its specially engineered structure. The unique Coolmax fabric properties can be very beneficial for people undertaking strenuous or intense activity.
Moisture Wicking
Coolmax fibers are engineered to wick moisture away from the skin and move it to the outer surface of the fabric. Moisture-wicking helps keep you dry during long or intense sessions, reducing that damp, clingy feeling that can cause discomfort.
Breathability
The Coolmax fabric fiber structure promotes airflow, allowing heat to escape more easily. This improves body temperature regulation, making Coolmax clothing especially effective in warm weather.
Fast Drying
Because moisture is spread across a larger surface area, Coolmax fabric dries significantly faster than many natural fabrics. This makes it ideal for high-intensity activity and multi-day use.
Lightweight Feel
Coolmax fabric is exceptionally lightweight and soft against the skin. It delivers performance without adding bulk, helping maintain comfort whether worn alone or layered under other gear.
Durability
Unlike many natural fibers, Coolmax is highly resistant to wear. It maintains its structure and performance even after repeated washing, making it a long-lasting option for active lifestyles.
Resistance to Shrinking
Coolmax is resistant to shrinking, fading, and wrinkling, helping clothing maintain its original shape and appearance over time. It does have a slight stretch, though, which allows for natural movement.
How Coolmax Fabric compares
It's always useful to know how a fabric compares in order to judge its properties, so this is how Coolmax fabric compares to other moisture-wicking choices.
| Fabric | Moisture Wicking | Drying Speed | Breathability | Odor Control | Weight |
| Coolmax | Excellent | Very fast | High | Moderate | Very lightweight |
| Merino Wool | Good | Moderate | High | Excellent | Mid-weight |
| Cotton | Poor | Slow | Moderate | Poor | Mid-weight |
| Nylon | Moderate | Fast | Moderate | Low | Lightweight |
| Bamboo Viscose | Good | Moderate | High | Low | Lightweight |
| Mesh Polyester Liners | Moderate | Fast | Very high | Very low | Very lightweight |
| Microfleece | Low | Moderate | Low | High | Mid-weight |
Why Coolmax Matters for Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle gear should be built for protection; it's the core function. But that protection can trap heat and moisture if it isn't designed well. Integrating Coolmax fabric is one way manufacturers like Pando Moto overcome this issue, making a real difference for riders.
Sweat Management
Coolmax actively pulls the sweat away from your skin and moves it to the outer surface of the fabric, helping you stay dry instead of feeling damp and overheated inside your gear. This is important because when you’re wearing abrasion-resistant fabrics or layer your protective gear, airflow is reduced, and sweat can build up.
Preventing Heat Build-up
Coolmax helps regulate temperature by improving airflow and accelerating moisture evaporation, reducing that heavy, sticky feeling during warm rides. As a result it’s often combined with the materials used to make protective motorcycle jeans and jackets, which are tough, but also thicker and warmer.
At Pando Moto, many of our designs use heavy-duty Cordura that's woven with Coolmax fibers to produce something that is strong and protective, with enhanced breathability.
Summer Riding
Coolmax dries quickly and doesn’t hold moisture like other fabrics, helping your body cool more efficiently and regulate your temperature in the heat. That is key during summer. When riding in hot or humid conditions, comfort is just as important as protection - without it, you can become distracted and fatigued, which isn't safe on the road.
Reducing Friction and Chafing
Sweat and trapped moisture increase the friction between your skin and gear, which becomes more and more uncomfortable as time goes by. By keeping the skin drier, Coolmax fabric helps minimize rubbing and irritation, particularly in high-contact areas like the inner thighs, waist, and underarms.
Maintaining Comfort
The lightweight feel, soft texture, and consistent moisture control of Coolmax fabrics help maintain conditions inside your gear, so you stay focused on the road, rather than fixating on an irritating or painful feeling.
Choosing Coolmax Fabric for Your Riding Gear
When researching motorcycle gear, make sure you take a look at the list of fabrics used to see exactly what you're getting. If you see Coolmax in the mix, along with a CE certification, you know your gear will be protective and comfortable, especially for summer riding.
FAQ
Where Is Coolmax Fabric Used?
Coolmax fabric is largely used in performance clothing, such as sportswear, outdoor gear, and motorcycle clothing. That said, it can also be found in other products, including bedding, pillows, workwear, and accessories like socks and compression sleeves.
Does Coolmax prevent odor?
While Coolmax doesn't have antibacterial properties, it helps prevent odors indirectly by wicking moisture away from the skin. That reduces the damp environment needed for odor-causing bacteria to thrive.
Is Coolmax better than cotton?
Cotton generally has a light feel and good airflow, making it great for daywear. But, when things get sweaty, it absorbs the moisture, holding on to it and making you feel wet and uncomfortable.
By comparison, Coolmax moves moisture away from the skin and dries much faster, making it more suitable for warm weather, long rides, and high levels of activity.
Is Coolmax better than Merino Wool?
Whether or not Coolmax is better than Merino wool depends on the riding conditions.
Coolmax excels in hot weather due to its moisture-wicking properties, fast drying speed, and lightweight feel. Wool meanwhile, can absorb a significant amount of moisture and takes longer to dry, which can be a disadvantage in high-intensity activities compared to Coolmax.
When it comes to cooler weather, Merino wool does offer better insulation, so it can be a more appropriate choice over Coolmax.