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.
That brings us to REV’IT!. The Dutch riding gear brand recently released a video explaining its effort to move away from PFAS in its products while maintaining the performance riders expect from technical gear.
Naturally, however, this is all much easier said than done. You see, PFAS became the industry standard for a reason. These chemicals create a surface that repels both water and oil, which is exactly what you want in a motorcycle jacket. Rain beads up and rolls off, while sweat, sunscreen, road grime, and chain lube have a harder time soaking into the fabric. Take that chemistry away and suddenly you’ve got gear that simply isn't as effective.
REV’IT! says it has been working on PFAS free alternatives for years, particularly for the durable water repellent coatings used on outer shells. These coatings are what help riding jackets shed rain before it can soak into the material underneath.
The challenge is that PFAS free coatings tend to do well with water but struggle with oil resistance. That means things like sunscreen, greasy road grime, and yes, our own natural body oil can start penetrating fabrics more easily. Over time that can reduce water repellency and make a jacket look worn faster. And remember, motorcycle gear deals with conditions most outdoor jackets never see. Riders spend hours blasting down the highway at 70 miles per hour through rain, bugs, and road spray. Jackets also have to deal with abrasion resistance, armor pockets, and ventilation panels while still keeping water out.
REV’IT! says the goal is to phase out PFAS without sacrificing the performance riders rely on. That means developing new coatings and treatments that can handle real world riding conditions while avoiding the chemicals the industry is trying to leave behind.
It’s part of a broader shift happening across technical apparel. Environmental concerns and new regulations are pushing brands to rethink the materials they use, and motorcycle gear companies are starting to adapt. The tricky part is doing that without compromising the function that keeps riders dry and comfortable on the road. In other words, ditching PFAS isn’t the difficult part. Alternatives—albeit not as effective ones—exist. And so the real challenge is making sure your riding jacket still works exactly the way it’s supposed to regardless of what it's made out of.
Source: REV'IT!
