Table of contents
Why Motorcycle Jacket Maintenance Matters
Your motorcycle jacket isn’t just a style statement—it’s protective equipment. Sweat, UV, bugs, salt, and road grime can degrade fabrics, finishes, and waterproof membranes over time. Regular, correct maintenance preserves impact protection, breathability, water resistance, and the jacket’s fit and finish—so it keeps performing ride after ride.
💡 Golden Rules (Read These First)
Always follow the care label inside your Alpinestars jacket. If the label and this guide differ, the label wins.
Remove electronics, armor, and liners before any wet cleaning.
No bleach, fabric softener, dryer sheets, solvents, or dry cleaning.
Avoid heat: do not tumble dry or iron unless the care label explicitly allows a low-heat step (e.g., for DWR activation on some textiles).
Spot clean first; full washes only when necessary.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Alpinestars uses varied constructions (e.g., leathers, stretch panels, Drystar®/GORE-TEX® membranes, reflective prints, Tech-Air® compatibility). Your care label will specify:
Leather jackets: Never machine wash. Clean by hand only.
Textile jackets: Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle only if the label permits.
Removable liners: Clean separately per their own labels.
Tech-Air® compatibility: Remove the Tech-Air® electronic system and airbag vest before any cleaning.
Step 2: Remove Liners and Armor
- Detach thermal and waterproof liners.
- Remove CE armor at shoulders, elbows, and back.
- Wipe armor with a damp microfiber cloth; do not soak.
- Store liners and armor flat in a cool, dry place while you clean the shell.
Step 3: Cleaning Leather Motorcycle Jackets (All Leather Types)
Leather needs gentle, low-moisture care to preserve its structure and finish.
What you’ll need
Soft microfiber cloths (one damp, one dry)
A pH-neutral leather cleaner or a small amount of pH-neutral soap diluted in lukewarm water
Leather conditioner/protector appropriate for motorcycle leather (non-greasy, dye-safe)
How to clean
Dust & wipe: Use a dry microfiber to remove grit; then wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
Spot clean: Mix cleaner with water per product instructions. Lightly work on soiled areas. Do not saturate seams or perforations.
Rinse wipe: Pass with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue.
Air dry: Hang on a wide hanger in shade, away from heaters and sun.
Condition: Once fully dry, apply a thin, even layer of leather conditioner. Buff lightly after absorption.
Finish-specific notes
Nubuck/suede panels: Do not use liquid cleaners or conditioners. Use a nubuck brush/eraser; protect with a dedicated nubuck spray.
Perforated leather: Keep moisture minimal; blot rather than rub to avoid stretching holes.
Printed/reflective logos: Wipe only—no abrasives.
Stain tips (leather)
Bug splatter/salt: Soften with a damp cloth, then wipe; repeat rather than scrubbing.
Oily marks: Sprinkle a tiny amount of talc/cornstarch, rest 1–2 hours, brush off; repeat if needed.
Mold (from storage humidity): Move to a ventilated area; wipe gently with a cloth dampened in mild leather cleaner (avoid vinegar/strong alcohol). Dry thoroughly; condition after.
Explore Leather Jackets
Step 4: Cleaning Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Textile shells (including those with Drystar®/GORE-TEX® layers) are easier to wash but still require care.
What you’ll need
Mild liquid detergent (fragrance-free, no softener)
Clean sink/tub or front-load washer with delicate cycle
Laundry bag (recommended)
Soft brush (optional, for cuffs/hem grime)
Prep
Close all zippers, vents, Velcro®, snaps, and adjusters (protects seam tape and avoids snagging).
Turn the jacket inside-out if the label suggests to protect prints.
Hand wash (safest)
Submerge in lukewarm water with a small amount of detergent.
Gently agitate 5–10 minutes; spot brush cuffs/collar if needed.
Rinse thoroughly—drain and refill until water runs clear. Soap residue can inhibit breathability and DWR.
Machine wash (only if permitted by label)
Place in a laundry bag.
Delicate cycle, cold to 30 °C (86 °F).
Select extra rinse.
Do not overload the machine.
Drying
Hang dry in a ventilated space, away from direct sun/heat.
Never tumble dry unless your label explicitly allows low heat (some waterproof laminates permit a brief low-heat cycle to reactivate DWR—if and only if stated).
Solvents & services
No bleach, no softener, no dry cleaning, and avoid stain removers that contain solvents—they can damage coatings and tapes.
Explore Textile Jackets
Step 6: Reassembly & Fit Check
Ensure the shell is bone dry before reinserting liners/armor.
Reinstall armor fully seated in pockets (check orientation arrows).
Cycle zips/Velcro®; confirm vents, cuffs, and collar close smoothly.
Step 7: Storage Best Practices
Hang on a wide, padded hanger to support shoulders.
Store in a cool, dry, ventilated place.
Use a breathable garment cover (no plastic).
Add drying sachets/silica gel in humid climates.
Never store damp; if caught in rain, air dry before putting away.
Final Considerations
Long-Term Maintenance Schedule
- After dirty rides: Rinse mud/grit with a damp cloth the same day.
-
Every 3–6 months (use-dependent):
- Textile: full clean + DWR refresh if water no longer beads.
- Leather: clean light grime monthly; condition every few months to keep it supple.
- Annually: Inspect seams, zipper sliders, hook-and-loop, reflective panels, and armor pockets. Replace damaged components promptly.
After a crash: Even if the jacket looks fine, inspect carefully; abrasion/impact can compromise performance. Replace if in doubt.
Special Situations & Pro Tips
Odor control: Air out after rides. For textiles, a second plain-water rinse helps remove trapped detergent (which can hold odors). Don’t use fragranced additives or softeners.
Zippers sticking: Clean teeth with a soft brush; apply a small amount of zipper lubricant or a rub of paraffin—keep away from fabric.
Color fade: Avoid prolonged sun exposure when drying or storing.
Mixed-material jackets (leather + textile): Treat each panel by its material (leather steps for leather zones; textile steps for fabric zones).
Reflective/printed logos: Wipe gently; avoid abrasion and heat.
Airbag systems (Tech-Air®): Only wipe the outer carrier shell as directed on its label. Keep electronics dry and never use heat sources.
Quick Reference: Do/Don’t
✅ Do
Follow the care label
Hand wash when unsure
Use mild liquid detergent
Rinse thoroughly
Air dry fully
Condition leather periodically
Reproof textile DWR when beading stops
❌ Don't:
Machine wash leather
Use bleach or softeners or solvents
Wring or twist garments
Tumble dry (unless the label says low-heat OK)
Iron prints, logos, or seam-taped areas
Store damp or in plastic
Can I wash my textile Alpinestars jacket in a machine?
Only if your care label says you can. Use a delicate cycle at 30 °C max, mild liquid detergent, extra rinse, and a laundry bag. Air dry.
How often should I clean my jacket?
Spot-clean after dirty rides; deep clean when the garment looks grimy, smells, or when water stops beading (textile).
Will conditioning make leather greasy?
Use a motorcycle-appropriate conditioner sparingly. Apply thinly, allow to absorb, and buff—proper products won’t leave a slick film.
Do I need to heat-activate DWR?
Some reproofers benefit from low heat, but only do this if your care label allows it. Otherwise, choose a spray-on treatment that air-dries.
What if I rode in heavy rain?
Air dry fully, then test water beading. If the outer wets out, clean and reproof to restore performance.
