What Is CORDURA® Motorcycle Clothing?
When choosing motorcycle clothing, riders need gear that can handle everyday riding while providing appropriate protection in the event of a crash. CORDURA® motorcycle clothing is a popular textile option because CORDURA® fabrics are engineered for durability and resistance to abrasion and tearing.
CORDURA® is a family of branded technical fabrics rather than one single material. Different CORDURA® fabrics have different constructions, fibres, weights and finishes, so the performance of a particular motorcycle garment depends on the exact fabric and garment construction used. The CORDURA® brand includes fabrics specifically used in motorcycle gear and apparel. (Cordura)
For motorcycle jackets and trousers, this makes CORDURA® an attractive alternative to traditional leather for riders looking for a combination of durability, flexibility, comfort and everyday practicality.
Why Is CORDURA® Used for Motorcycle Clothing?
Motorcycle clothing needs to withstand demanding conditions. Riders can encounter rain, wind, road debris, repeated movement and, in a crash, significant abrasion forces.
CORDURA® fabrics are known for properties including abrasion resistance and tear strength. For example, CORDURA® Classic fabrics are available in different constructions and deniers and are specifically listed for applications including motorcycle clothing. (urbankevlar.co.uk)
This is one reason technical textile motorcycle clothing has become popular for:
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Touring
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Commuting
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Adventure riding
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Long-distance riding
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Everyday motorcycle use
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Four-season riding
What Are the Main Benefits of CORDURA® Motorcycle Clothing?
1. Excellent Abrasion Resistance
One of the most important characteristics of motorcycle clothing is its ability to resist abrasion.
CORDURA® fabrics are engineered for durability, with CORDURA® Classic specifically described as offering excellent abrasion and tear resistance. (urbankevlar.co.uk)
However, the word CORDURA® alone does not mean that a finished motorcycle garment is CE-certified. The complete garment must be assessed against the applicable requirements if it is being sold as protective motorcycle PPE.
2. Strong and Durable Construction
Motorcycle clothing experiences constant movement and wear. CORDURA® fabrics are designed to provide high durability without necessarily requiring the weight and rigidity associated with some traditional protective materials.
Different CORDURA® constructions are available, including woven and mesh options, allowing manufacturers to select materials according to the intended application. (Cordura)
3. Comfortable for Everyday Riding
Textile motorcycle clothing can provide riders with greater flexibility and comfort for commuting and touring.
Some CORDURA® technologies are specifically designed around breathability and airflow. For example, CORDURA® AFT uses an open-knit construction designed to allow airflow while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to abrasion and snagging. (Cordura)
This can be particularly useful during warmer-weather riding.
4. Suitable for Motorcycle Jackets and Trousers
CORDURA® fabrics are used across different types of motorcycle apparel, including:
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Motorcycle jackets
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Motorcycle trousers
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Adventure riding gear
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Touring clothing
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Protective textile garments
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Garment reinforcement panels
The exact performance depends on the fabric specification, construction and design of the finished garment. (urbankevlar.co.uk)
Is CORDURA® Waterproof?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction when buying motorcycle clothing.
Some CORDURA® fabrics can have water-repellent finishes, coatings or laminates, but CORDURA® itself should not automatically be described as waterproof. (urbankevlar.co.uk)
A motorcycle jacket may achieve water resistance or waterproof performance through a combination of:
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Fabric treatment
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Waterproof membrane
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Coating
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Sealed construction
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Waterproof zippers
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Storm flaps
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Garment design
Therefore, always check the specifications of the particular motorcycle jacket rather than assuming every CORDURA® garment is waterproof.
CORDURA® vs Leather Motorcycle Clothing
Both textile and leather motorcycle clothing can be suitable for riders, but they have different characteristics.
| Feature | CORDURA® Textile | Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent, depending on fabric | Excellent |
| Flexibility | Generally very good | Can require break-in |
| Weather versatility | Can be designed for rain/wind | Usually needs additional weather protection |
| Breathability | Can be engineered for airflow | Depends on leather and construction |
| Touring | Excellent | Good |
| Everyday commuting | Excellent | Good |
| Adventure riding | Excellent | Good |
| Maintenance | Generally straightforward | Requires leather-specific care |
The important point is that material alone does not determine the protective performance of motorcycle clothing. The garment's construction, seams, protective zones, armour and testing all matter.
Is CORDURA® Motorcycle Clothing CE Certified?
This is where riders should be particularly careful.
CORDURA® is a fabric brand; CE certification applies to the finished protective product and its conformity assessment.
For motorcycle protective clothing, EN 17092 is the key European standard series covering protective garments for motorcycle riders. It includes different classes such as AAA, AA, A, B and C, with requirements appropriate to the particular class.
For example:
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Class AAA – higher protection requirements
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Class AA – intermediate protection requirements
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Class A – minimum protection requirements within the full-garment classes
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Class B – abrasion-focused garments without impact protectors
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Class C – supplementary impact-protection garments
What Makes a Good CORDURA® Motorcycle Jacket?
When buying a CORDURA® motorcycle jacket, don't look only at the fabric name.
Look for:
Durable outer construction
Check the exact CORDURA® fabric specification, construction and weight.
CE-rated motorcycle protection
Check the protectors supplied with the jacket and the relevant standards.
Abrasion protection
Look for information about the garment's tested protective class rather than relying only on marketing claims.
Strong seams
Seam construction is an important part of the overall garment's performance.
Adjustable fit
Waist, sleeve and cuff adjustments can improve comfort and help keep protective equipment correctly positioned.
Ventilation
Air vents and breathable panels can make a major difference during warmer riding.
Weather protection
If you regularly ride in Britain, consider waterproof membranes, removable liners and water-resistant construction.
Reflective details
Reflective elements can improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Why CORDURA® Is Popular With Touring Riders
For touring riders, motorcycle clothing needs to perform across different environments.
A CORDURA® textile jacket can combine a durable outer layer with ventilation, weather protection, removable thermal liners and CE-rated protective equipment.
This versatility makes textile motorcycle clothing particularly attractive for riders who use their motorcycle for both daily commuting and long-distance touring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CORDURA® motorcycle clothing?
CORDURA® motorcycle clothing uses branded technical CORDURA® fabrics in motorcycle garments such as jackets and trousers. These fabrics are known for durability, abrasion resistance and tear strength, although performance varies between different CORDURA® technologies and constructions. (Cordura)
Is CORDURA® better than leather?
Neither material is universally better. Leather and CORDURA® textile garments have different characteristics. The protection of a motorcycle garment depends on its complete construction, materials, protective zones and testing.
Is CORDURA® waterproof?
Not automatically. Some CORDURA® fabrics have water-repellent finishes or can be combined with coatings and membranes, but you should check the waterproof specification of the individual garment. (urbankevlar.co.uk)
Is CORDURA® abrasion resistant?
Yes, many CORDURA® fabrics are specifically engineered for abrasion resistance. However, the performance of the finished motorcycle garment depends on its fabric, construction and design. (Cordura)
Final Thoughts
CORDURA® motorcycle clothing is a strong choice for riders looking for durable textile riding gear with practical everyday performance. Its combination of abrasion resistance, tear strength, flexibility and the availability of different fabric constructions makes it suitable for a wide range of motorcycle apparel. (Cordura)
However, riders should look beyond the word CORDURA®. The most important question is how the complete motorcycle garment has been designed, constructed and tested.