SuperFabric® is a high-performance protective textile known for its exceptional abrasion, cut, puncture, and durability characteristics. Engineered using a unique guard-plate technology, SuperFabric is widely used in motorcycle clothing and protective equipment where both strength and flexibility are required.
History and development
SuperFabric was developed in the 1990s following the need for a flexible textile capable of resisting sharp objects and high levels of abrasion. The resulting patented technology bonded microscopic protective plates to a base fabric, creating a material that combines rigid protection with fabric-like movement. Since then, SuperFabric has been adopted across a range of industries including personal protective equipment, automotive interiors, outdoor clothing, and motorcycle apparel.
Composition and technology
SuperFabric begins with a base textile layer, commonly nylon or polyester, which is then overlaid with thousands of small, hard guard plates. These plates are arranged in precise patterns that protect the underlying fabric from abrasion, cuts, and punctures while maintaining flexibility.
The spacing between guard plates allows air and moisture to move through the material, improving breathability and reducing heat build-up. Different plate shapes and densities can be used depending on the intended application, allowing manufacturers to tailor protection levels for specific riding conditions.
Key material characteristics
- Guard plate technology - provides abrasion, cut, and puncture resistance.
- Flexible base fabric - maintains comfort and mobility for the rider.
- Breathable structure - improves airflow through the material.
- Liquid-shedding surface - helps water and contaminants bead off rather than soak in.
Protective performance
SuperFabric is designed to perform in high-risk impact and abrasion zones on motorcycle clothing. The raised guard plates absorb and deflect abrasive forces during slides, while also reducing direct contact between the road surface and the base textile.
In addition to abrasion resistance, SuperFabric provides strong cut and puncture resistance, making it well suited for gloves, elbows, shoulders, knees, and reinforcement panels on jackets and trousers.
Applications in motorcycle clothing
SuperFabric is commonly used as a reinforcement material in motorcycle jackets, trousers, gloves, and adventure riding gear. Rather than replacing the main shell fabric, it is typically placed in high-impact and high-abrasion areas where additional protection is most beneficial.
Motorcycle brands known to use SuperFabric®
- Rebelhorn - integrates SuperFabric into selected jackets and trousers for high-risk impact zones.
- Rukka - uses SuperFabric reinforcement in premium touring and adventure apparel.
- Klim - applies SuperFabric in elbow and shoulder areas on adventure and off-road gear.
- Held - incorporates SuperFabric into gloves and protective outerwear.
- Spidi - uses SuperFabric panels in selected motorcycle garments.
Comparison with other protective textiles
SuperFabric is often compared with traditional abrasion-resistant textiles such as leather, CORDURA, and aramid-based reinforcements. While leather and high-denier nylon fabrics provide strong overall abrasion protection, SuperFabric’s guard-plate system offers enhanced localized protection in targeted zones without significantly increasing garment weight or stiffness.
As with all motorcycle clothing, overall safety performance depends on garment construction, seam strength, armour integration, and certification standards, not just the outer fabric alone.
Variants and specialised applications
SuperFabric technology can be customised for specific performance requirements, including enhanced stain resistance, flame retardancy, and different surface textures. This allows manufacturers to adapt the material for use across multiple riding styles and environmental conditions.
Care and maintenance
Care guidelines vary by manufacturer, but SuperFabric-based garments should generally be cleaned according to the product label to avoid damaging coatings or base fabrics. Regular inspection of reinforcement panels and high-wear areas is recommended to ensure continued protective performance.
