:?:Kevlar Fabric

Post by **Boxer** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 8:44 am

Anybody got a line on where to purchase Kevlar fabric similar to what is found in the Draggin' Jeans?

I would like to try and add some of this stuff to regular jeans. Maybe come up with a product similar to the $89 Draggin' Jeans.

big papa · Post by **big papa** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 8:58 am

http://search.ebay.com/kevlar-fabric_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1

Post by **JCsman** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:10 am

Based on prices provided via Big Papa, sounds like you may be on to something.

Dumb (?) questions of the day for those with much more knowledge than I:

- Is all Kevlar the same (thickness, flexibility, resistance to abrasion, weave, etc)?
- The Draggin' Jeans have the Kevlar against your skin. Is that OK with what is available, or was there a special treatment/type used for Draggin Jeans?
- Can Kevlar be readily cut and sewed?
- Are there special treatments needed for the edge?

Best of luck on this. If it works out, let us know, I might do some sewing here too.

Post by **JCsman** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 11:53 am

Boxer:

You got my curiosity up and I did a limited amount og Googling.

I found a site called Sound Rider! For Puget Sound in the State of Washington.

They had an archieved article by known motorcycle safety guy David Hough. In a long article on safety equipment he notes "pure" kevlar is not used. Then he adds:
"Only one company in the world produces Kevlar fabric suitable for motorcycle garments: Schoeller Textile Company in Switzerland."

There were no references given to support Mr. Hough, but, as I noted, he's pretty well known. There was no date on the article, so there may be others manufacturers available today.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 4:52 pm

I would not do it.

That kevlar cloth in BP's link is for fiberglassing type use...not inside jeans.

yikes!..

Lash out and go buy yourself some real Draggin's

I have some new custom ordered jeans on order from them like these in the pic...nice don't cha think.

There might be some info on the fabric they use here http://www.dragginjeans.com.au/

DJ

Post by **Pat** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 5:57 pm

I was told special scissors and special sewing needles are in order when working with Kevlar type material.

You can do a search on the web and find other outfits who make a similar jean to DragginJeans. I have three different pair from different outfits. The biggest advantage to DragginJeans is that the material inside the jean allows you attach (ala Velcro) knee armor.

Post by **NoRRmad** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 6:35 pm

You need special scissors only if you are cutting a lot of Kevlar. Regular scissors will go dull quicker, but it's not a factor making one pair, as long as the scissors are sharp to begin with. Sewing needles go between the fibers, so there's no special stuff needed there either. But do pick the fabric carefully. The wrong weight will be too stiff or not protective enough. I see that Draggin' Jeans use a knitted fabric, which isn't common; most are woven.

I'd follow Pat's advice and just buy a pair.

Post by **Boxer** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 8:27 pm

DJ-I already have a pair I have used for almost 3 years now. They fit a little low on the hips and tend to slide down on my derrier. Other than that they have been very practical and I feel relatively protected in case of a low sided get-off. During high summer here even they are a bit warm outside in the heat and humidity. But it a trade-off.

I was just interested to see if I could put together a pair similar but with maybe a different kind of kevlar or even a thinner kevlar material. Thin leather may also work as a protective material to sew into a lining in certain critical areas. ...knees...hips, etc, like the Draggin' Jeans. This would provide style AND function with enough peace of mind while riding to enjoy the ride.

Like Pat said, I have seen several varieties of the riding "jeans" on the net, but this is purely a curiosity for me and it might be a fun and worthwhile project. Like the guy a couple years ago who sewed his own heated underwear and gloves!

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 8:51 pm

Cool..Boxer....I just checked out what the R1100S guys are talking about..

I hope this guy is wearing his Daggin's...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthre ... did=244313

DJ

Post by **socalrob** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 10:30 pm

DJ, thanks for the link. I stuck it out all the way to page 4 & some of the photoshops were pretty funny. Hate to make fun of any crash, but thats hard to resist.

Sete Gravelnow? That name alone was worth the 4 pages.

The HD guy did look a bit unprepared for the road slide.

BTW, I wear draggin jean almost every day of the week unless I'm in shorts or the pool. Havn't tried em out yet though.

Post by **rph802** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 11:14 pm

I have a pair of Draggin's. While I definetly do not mistake them for my everyday pair of Wranglers, I do appreciate the degree of protection they could provide. I consider it more than a fair trade off. Thats not to say that after a 300 mile day I aint looking real forward to taking those suckers off for something more comfy. Thinking about getting a pair of Icon denim pants for comparison. Perhaps like the Corbin/Sargent/Russell debate, they are just not the right fit for me.

Craig