Bowtex – Belgian, locally designed and European manufactured – grew from a need that motorcyclists themselves experienced, after which they decided to produce what they needed. In that regard, this Elite Shirt is definitely an eye-catcher. One that makes heads turn.
The net numbers are unambiguous: the Elite Shirt by Bowtex weights 1 kilogram. Yes, you read that right, 1,000 grams. And, it gets the same protective value (AAA) as a one-piece motorcycle suit. That will surely snap your hanger.
Bowtex has created the Elite Shirt to exist on its own or to wear underneath (any type of) clothing. This doesn’t even have to be motorcycle clothing. It’s perfectly okay to wear this under a regular jacket – the choice is yours. Do whatever feels easy, comfortable and whatever you feel like doing. Bowtex makes sure that it is safe. Something like that. You get the highest achievable homologation, in the most discreet and lightweight version thinkable. Wear-resistant and shock-resistant.
The Elite fabric that has been used, has been specifically developed by Bowtex®, in cooperation with Dyneema®. It is unique and 100% manufactured in Germany. The thermal conductive properties of the material provide a soft and cool contact with your skin and optimal wearing comfort. It is highly chemical and UV-resistant, cut and wear-resistant. The black result won’t fade anytime soon. Dyneema® is produced according to a patented gel spinning procedure that stretches, heats and then cools the fibres. The final result is 15 times stronger than steel. The café racers that founded Bowtex occasionally tie a rope to the back of their motorcycles to check how tear-resistant their products really are. Although evidently, it’s the independent lab that bears the certification responsibility.
Anyway, the Elite Shirt is a versatile addition to your gear; as a protective underlayer as well as when used autonomously. There’s no doubting the wear-resistance. Nor the comfort. There’s plenty of breathability. Waterproofness there is not. That is something to consider. But that’s actually the only thing. You just wear your rain jacket over it to be safe on the road. Something makes us suspect you’ll even be more comfortable skiing down the slopes with this underneath your ski suit. No problem at all with this tight-fitting, delicious piece of underclothing that keeps your body temperature at the right level.
We’ll admit that it needs some getting used to. Motorcycle riders wear either many layers or want to feel as much riding wind as possible. This is neither. One layer that includes everything. This is something new. The SAS-TEC® level 2 impact protection on the shoulders and elbows is flexible and ultralight. A little more substantial than pyjamas but not that much more – with regard to feel, that is. Chest and back protection is an option.
It's practical too: you can attach the belt loops to the pants – also Bowtex – and the longer back keeps everything covered neatly.
The price tag? This is complete motorcycle gear. High-tech. Comfortable. Versatile. Something to wear every day. After a year, this comes down to less than one euro a day. For the same protection level as a motorcycle racing suit.
