Last updated: April 18th, 2024
RST’s guide to: Vegan motorcycle clothing
Veganism has been growing in popularity in recent years, and it's not just limited to food. More and more people are choosing to adopt a vegan lifestyle, which includes the clothes they wear.
Vegan motorcycle clothing, in particular, is gaining popularity among riders who are looking for protective gear that is not only durable and functional but also ethical and sustainable.
At RST we have a number of vegan-friendly products (full-list below), this includes our textile jackets and textile jeans range, plus a selection of our footwear.
Leather vs Synthetic
The traditional choice for motorcycle clothing has been leather, which is known for its durability and protective qualities. However, leather is made from animal hides, and the use of animal products in clothing goes against the ethical principles of veganism.
Vegan motorcycle clothing, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane, nylon, and polyester, which are durable and long-lasting. These materials are also water-resistant, windproof, and offer excellent abrasion resistance, making them ideal for motorcycle riders.
Benefits of vegan motorcycle clothing
One of the benefits of vegan motorcycle clothing is that it can be more affordable than traditional leather gear. This is because synthetic materials tend to be less expensive to produce than animal hides.
Another advantage of vegan motorcycle clothing is that it is easier to maintain than leather gear. Synthetic materials are often machine washable and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, whereas leather requires special care to maintain its suppleness and prevent it from drying out.
Safety
One concern that riders may have about vegan motorcycle clothing is whether it can match the protection offered by leather gear. The good news is that many vegan motorcycle clothing manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to create products that offer the same level of protection as traditional leather gear.
The construction of vegan motorcycle jackets tend to be made with high-quality ballistic nylon or Kevlar, which provides excellent abrasion resistance in the event of a fall. Some jackets also come with built-in armour at the shoulders, elbows, and back for added protection. An example of this would be our Ranger Textile Jacket and Pro Series Adventure-X Textile Jacket, both meet a AA CE rating and include a full suite of CE rated armour.
Conclusion
In addition to being functional and protective, vegan motorcycle clothing can also be made in the same styles and fashion trends as non-vegan, meaning rider ‘style’ doesn’t have to be compromised.
RST offers a range of designs and colours to suit different tastes, so our riders can express their individual style while still maintaining their ethical principles.
In conclusion, vegan motorcycle clothing allows riders to make an ethical and sustainable choice that aligns with their values, whilst ensuring that they are safe and protected to the highest standards.
Full list of RST Vegan motorcycle clothing
Jackets
IOM TT Crosby 2 CE Men’s Textile Jacket
Ventilator XT CE Men’s Textile Jacket
S-1 CE Men’s Textile Jacket
S-1 Mesh CE Men’s Textile Jacket
Pro Series Adventure-X CE Men’s Textile Jacket
Ranger CE Men’s Textile Jacket
Pro Series Ambush CE Men’s Textile Jacket
Maverick Evo CE Men’s Textile Jacket
Lumberjack CE Men’s Textile Shirt
Jeans
Pro Series Adventure-X CE Men’s Textile Jean
Ranger CE Men’s Textile Jean
Pro Series Ambush CE Men’s Textile Jean
Ventilator XT CE Men’s Textile Jean
Maverick Evo CE Men’s Textile Jean
S-1 CE Men’s Textile Jean
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Christopher Impey