THE FIVE-RULE WASH METHOD
Kevlar is sensitive to UV, heat, and chlorine. The denim itself is fine with normal
washing, but the lining behind it isn't. Follow these five rules and the protective layer
outlasts the denim layer.
REMOVE THE ARMOR FIRST
Take all CE inserts out of every pocket before washing. They don't tolerate water and won't dry inside the garment. Put them somewhere safe — usually next to the washing machine so you don't forget to reinstall.
TURN INSIDE OUT
Reduces friction on the outer denim, prevents fading and indigo bleed. More importantly, it protects the surface stitching and hardware from snagging on other items in the wash.
COLD WATER, MILD DETERGENT
Cold water (≤30°C / 86°F). Mild detergent (Persil, Tide Free, Woolite Dark — anything without bleach or optical brighteners). Skip fabric softener — it coats the Kevlar fibers and reduces protection.
AIR DRY, NEVER TUMBLE
Heat damages aramid fiber. Lay flat or hang in a shaded area. Avoid direct sun (UV degrades Kevlar over time). A drying rack indoors is ideal. Takes 12–18 hours depending on humidity.
REINSTALL ARMOR BEFORE NEXT WEAR
Once fully dry, slot the CE inserts back into their pockets. Don't ride without them — they're the impact protection. The Kevlar lining only handles abrasion; armor handles impact.
DON'T DRY-CLEAN UNLESS NECESSARY
Dry-cleaning solvents are harsher on Kevlar than washing. If a stain absolutely needs it (oil, paint, road tar), use a professional cleaner experienced with technical fabrics.
HOW OFTEN TO WASH
Less often than you'd think. Raw denim devotees wash every 3–6 months. For Kevlar-
lined pieces, we recommend every 8–15 wears or when visibly dirty. Frequent washing
degrades both the indigo and the aramid lining faster than wear does.
DO and don't
Every Denimotto piece has armor pockets at the impact zones the data says matter.
Below is what comes with each product type, and where to add armor if you want full
protection.
- Wash inside-out in cold water
- Use mild detergent without optical brighteners
- Remove armor before every wash
- Air dry in shade
- Spot-clean small stains instead of full wash
- Store flat or hung on wide hangers
- Re-treat with denim conditioner annually
- Get small tears repaired by a tailor early
- Use bleach (destroys Kevlar)
- Use fabric softener (coats the lining)
- Tumble dry (heat degrades aramid)
- Iron the inside (heat damage)
- Hot wash above 30°C / 86°F
- Leave wet for hours (mildew)
- Wash with metal-zippered items in the same load
- Use a pressure washer to remove stains
STORAGE between seasons
- Clean before storing — body oils and sweat attract moths and weaken fibers over time.
- Wide hangers for jackets — wire hangers distort the shoulders.
- Cedar in the closet — moth deterrent. Replace cedar blocks annually.
- Breathable garment bag if storing long-term. No plastic bags (traps moisture).
- Remove armor inserts for long storage — D3O slowly hardens when compressed in pockets.
- Cool, dry, dark — UV degrades both denim and Kevlar. Avoid attics and direct light.
REPAIRING TEARS
Small tears in the outer denim are fixable and worth the trouble. Tears through the
Kevlar lining are different — the abrasion resistance is gone in that spot, and the
garment is no longer safe to ride in at that zone.
| Damage Type | Self-Repair? | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Stitch | Yes | Re-sew with denim-weight thread |
| Small Fabric Tear | Yes | Patch from inside; tailor preferred |
| Worn Knee | Maybe | Inside patch — but check Kevlar layer first |
| Kevlar Tear | No | Retire from riding use |
| Broken Zipper | Maybe | YKK Excella replacement; tailor |
| Snap Loss | Yes | Brass replacement snap kit |
WHEN TO retire A PIECE
Protected denim has a working lifespan. Retire from riding use (it's still fine for casual
wear) if any of the following:
- Visible tear through the Kevlar lining at any impact zone
- Multiple seam failures that can't be repaired
- Significant abrasion damage from a previous slide
- 10+ years of regular riding (Kevlar slowly degrades from UV exposure even with care)
- Any signs of mildew or rot from improper storage
THE RETIREMENT TEST
Pinch the Kevlar lining between your fingers. If it feels stiff, brittle, or you see daylight
through it when held up, it's time to retire from riding. The denim outside can still be
fine — the protection inside has just done its job for a decade.
THE HONEST TRUTH ABOUT
LONGEVITY
A well-cared-for pair of Denimotto jeans should give you 5–10 years of regular riding,
before the aramid lining needs retirement. Five years is conservative for daily riders.
Ten years is achievable for weekend riders who follow this guide.
Compare that to a $250 pair of textile riding pants which usually need replacement at
3–5 years. Or a $40 pair of cotton jeans which give you zero years of actual protection.
Cost per protected mile, our denim is cheaper than either alternative.