The genius of « Architexture » is that the technology is integrated
directly into the fabric and not used as a lining for a garment.
ARMALITH® is a patented material, made by assembling a cotton fibre with a high-performance reinforcing fibre.
ARMALITH 2.0 is the only textile capable of protecting against abrasion (including as defined in the motorcycle standard 13595-2) with a single layer of fabric, while still providing the comfort and look of real jeans.
ARMALITH 2.0 is a composite fabric, but it is also flexible, soft, absorbant, breathable, and dyed with a beautiful indigo color that will acquire a patina over time.
ARMALITH® is not only resistant to abrasion, snags and tears, but is also an integral part of the history of real jeans.
57% cotton – 10% Lycra® – 33% UHMWPE.
The weft yarn is visible inside the monolayer fabric, and is composed of cotton for its ability to absorb water and its authentic denim look, and Lycra® for its exceptional comfort.
The high performance reinforcing fibre is UHMWPE, a product of aerospace research.
Compared to Kevlar®, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene is 5 times more resistant to abrasion, 40% lighter, has 2.5 times greater tensile strength, and retains its properties 10 times longer when exposed to UV light.
Abrasion resistance is a complex phenomenon to analyze. In general, materials with a high level of compression resistance are more efficient. In the world of protective gloves, standards have been created to compare materials (see bar chart). UHMWPE is by far the best material compared to other fibres and even to leather.
UWMWPE is the lightest of the reinforcing fibres. Its density (0.95 Kg/L) allows it to float while other fibres exceed 1.6 Kg/L.
UHMWPE has features that are unique in the world. It is so tough that it has enabled improvements in the manufacture of bullet-proof vests (formerly made of Kevlar®), offshore platform mooring cables (formerly made of steel), military armor, re-entry cables for space modules…
UV resistance is the weak point of many high-performance fibers such as Kevlar® or PBO. This phenomenon is accentuated by the rate of moisture absorbency (or hydrophilic). Can you trust a fibre to protect you, if it loses its properties when exposed to the sun or in the washing machine? UHMWPE has a moisture absorbency rate of 0%. As a result, the fibre maintains its performance even when exposed to UV rays and household washing cycles.
Fibre quality, respect for processes and the environment, commitment to mechanical performance... spinning, weaving, and finishing are all strictly monitored to provide the exceptional quality ARMALITH has been known for over the last 12 years.