CORDURA® is a family of high-performance fabrics known for exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and tear strength. Originally developed for demanding industrial and military applications, CORDURA has become a widely used textile in motorcycle clothing, outdoor gear, luggage, and workwear.
History and development
CORDURA was first introduced in 1967 as a nylon-based fabric designed to provide significantly improved strength and durability compared with traditional textiles. Over the decades, the material has evolved into a broad portfolio of fabric technologies now produced and licensed by INVISTA. Its long-standing reputation for toughness has helped establish CORDURA as a trusted material across performance and protective industries.
Composition and technology
Most CORDURA fabrics are manufactured using high-tenacity Nylon 6,6 fibres. These fibres are engineered to deliver excellent abrasion resistance, tear strength, and tensile performance while remaining relatively lightweight and flexible for wearable applications.
CORDURA is available in a variety of constructions including plain weave, ripstop, ballistic, and stretch variants. Depending on the application, fabrics may also feature additional coatings or laminates to improve water resistance, weather protection, and long-term durability.
Key material characteristics
- High-tenacity nylon fibres - provide strong abrasion and tear resistance.
- Tight weave structures - improve durability and resistance to scuffing and wear.
- Optional coatings and laminates - enhance weather resistance and performance longevity.
Protective performance
CORDURA fabrics are widely used in motorcycle clothing due to their ability to withstand repeated abrasion, impact stress, and environmental exposure. The dense weave structure helps resist friction during slides, while the high tear strength allows garments to maintain structural integrity under load.
Performance levels vary depending on fabric weight (often measured in denier) and construction type. Heavier variants such as 500D and 1000D CORDURA are commonly used in high-impact zones, while lighter versions may be used in mobility areas to improve comfort and airflow.
Applications in motorcycle clothing
CORDURA is commonly used in motorcycle jackets, trousers, gloves, and adventure touring apparel. Manufacturers frequently combine CORDURA outer shells with waterproof membranes, thermal liners, and CE-approved impact protectors to create all-season riding gear.
Motorcycle brands known to use CORDURA
- Rebelhorn - incorporates CORDURA fabrics into many textile jackets and trousers.
- Rukka - uses CORDURA in premium touring and adventure motorcycle clothing.
- Dainese - applies CORDURA fabrics across a range of textile riding gear.
- Rev’it - uses CORDURA in adventure, touring, and urban riding apparel.
- Held and Alpinestars - incorporate CORDURA in selected jackets, trousers, and gloves.
Comparison with other motorcycle textiles
CORDURA is often compared with materials such as leather, aramid-reinforced fabrics (including Kevlar-style textiles), and UHMWPE-based composites. While leather remains highly abrasion resistant, CORDURA offers a lighter and more breathable alternative that is well suited to touring and everyday riding. Compared to aramid reinforcements, CORDURA provides strong tear resistance and durability within multi-layer textile constructions.
The overall protective performance of a garment depends not only on the fabric itself but also on seam construction, panel layout, armour placement, and certification standards.
Variants and sustainability developments
The CORDURA brand includes a wide range of specialised fabrics such as ballistic CORDURA, stretch CORDURA, and denim blends. In recent years, eco-focused options such as CORDURA re/cor™ have been introduced, which use recycled fibres while maintaining durability and performance standards.
Care and maintenance
Care instructions vary by garment manufacturer, but most CORDURA-based motorcycle clothing should be cleaned according to the label instructions to preserve coatings, waterproof membranes, and structural integrity. Regular inspection of seams, high-wear areas, and impact protection pockets is recommended to ensure continued performance over time.
