PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have pretty much become the backbone of the modern apparel industry. For decades, they’ve been used in durable water repellent coatings that make jackets bead rain, resist stains, and shrug off oil and grime.
They’re incredibly effective, which is exactly why they became so common. The downside is they don’t really break down in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals” and putting them squarely in the crosshairs of regulators and sustainability advocates.
That shift is now rippling across the entire technical apparel world. Outdoor brands have already started moving away from PFAS treatments, and motorcycle gear is starting to follow suit. Riding jackets and pants have relied on the same chemistry for years because they need serious weather protection. Riders expect gear that can handle hours of rain at highway speeds, resist oil and road grime, and still breathe well enough to stay comfortable. But like the rest of the apparel industry, motorcycle gear makers are now figuring out how to keep up with changing expectations.
