How to Care for Motorcycle Jeans: Washing, Storage & Inspection

How long a pair of motorcycle jeans lasts depends on how often you ride, the conditions you ride in and how you look after them. There's no fixed lifespan, but a lot of early wear comes from avoidable habits: washing too hot, tumble drying, putting them away dirty or damp, and ignoring small damage until it grows. Here's a simple routine to get the most out of any pair. Always follow the care label on your own garment first.

Wash gently, and not too often

• Take out all removable inserts first; protectors don't go in the washing machine.
• Turn the jeans inside out.
• Wash cool on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, unless the label says otherwise.
• Skip bleach and fabric softener.
• Air dry, out of direct sun and away from heat, rather than tumble drying.
• Spot-clean small marks between washes instead of running a full wash every time.

More detail in our care guide.

Store them clean, dry and out of the sun

• Between rides, hang them or fold them loosely, away from direct sunlight.
• Before a long break, clean and fully dry the jeans, then store them somewhere cool, dark and dry in a breathable garment bag rather than sealed plastic.
• Store removable inserts flat so they keep their shape.

See our off-season storage guide for more.

Inspect them before each riding season

• Outer denim: thinning or holes at the seat, knees and inner thigh; early tears at seams and pockets.
• Inside: if the jeans have a lining, look for pilling, fraying, holes or discoloration.
• Hardware: zips run smoothly; buttons, rivets and snaps are secure.
• Insert pockets: no torn pocket fabric, and the inserts sit where they should when you're seated.
• Inserts: not cracked, hardened or deformed.

Fix small problems early

A small tear at a seam, a loose button or a fraying hem is a quick job for a tailor while it's small. Left alone, small damage tends to grow. If you use a water-repellent treatment, check the care label first and reapply it as the product directs.

Everyday habits that help

• If you ride most days, rotate two pairs so each gets a rest.
• Wipe off road salt and grime after winter rides.
• Hang damp jeans up to dry instead of leaving them balled up in a corner.

When to retire a pair

• After any crash or slide, even if you can't see damage.
• When the outer denim or any lining has worn through at the knees, hips or seat.
• When there are tears at high-stress zones, or several problems at once.

A retired pair can live on as garage or casual jeans, just don't ride in it.

About Denimotto jeans

Our riding jeans have internal pockets at the knees and hips for removable inserts, which should always come out before washing. We don't publish a service life for our garments. We don’t publish test reports or protection classes for our garments. See Testing & Certification Information.