Care Tips for Your HEMA Jacket

TL;DR:

• Your 800N HEMA jacket is not just a piece of clothing – it’s protective armor designed to save you from thrusts, bruises, and friction burns.
• To keep it safe and long-lasting, always air it out after training.
• Clean it with vinegar or disinfectant spray instead of washing.
• Use professional dry cleaning only.
• Never tumble-dry, iron, or expose it to heat.
• Treat it like your sword – respect it, and it will serve you for years.

🗡️ Why Proper Care of an 800N HEMA Jacket Matters

HEMA jackets with 800N certification are built to resist high-speed thrusts and punctures. That “800N” means the fabric can withstand 800 Newtons of pressure before penetration – roughly the force of a direct sword thrust during sparring.

But here’s the catch: this level of protection depends on how you maintain the jacket. Washing it wrong, storing it damp, or using the wrong detergent can quietly destroy its structural fibers. So caring for your jacket is about more than cleanliness — it’s about preserving your safety and keeping your gear tournament-legal.

🧵 What Does “800N” Actually Mean?

When you see “800N” on your jacket’s label – like the Timeblade Guild Strider 800N, SPES AP 800N, or Superior Fencing ARCEM Heavy – it refers to the European standard EN 13567 Level 2 for puncture resistance.

The outer layer usually includes:

• tightly woven Dynatex or Cordura composite,

• a bonded resin coating to stiffen the weave,

• multiple layers of padding and lining for impact absorption.

That complex structure gives you both mobility and safety. However, it’s also the reason why machine washing or soaking can destroy the internal bonding. Once the resin softens or delaminates, the jacket might lose its 800N rating even if it still looks fine.

🧼 Can You Wash an 800N HEMA Jacket in the Washing Machine?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Only if your manufacturer explicitly says so — and most don’t.

Many fighters assume a quick 30°C cycle won’t hurt. Unfortunately, the heat, spin, and moisture combine to break the fiber coating that makes your jacket puncture-proof. The result? A “clean” jacket that no longer protects you.

So unless the care tag clearly allows washing, stick to air cleaning and professional dry cleaning only.

🌬️ How to Keep Your HEMA Jacket Fresh After Every Training

You sweat. The jacket absorbs it. Bacteria start their party inside. To stop that, you just need a consistent post-training ritual.

Step 1. Air It Out

Right after training, hang your jacket fully open – all zippers unzipped – in a dry, ventilated place.
Avoid radiators and direct sunlight, as heat and UV light break down synthetic coatings.

Step 2. Neutralize Odor

Use a mix of 70% water + 30% white vinegar in a spray bottle, or a sports gear disinfectant like Dettol, Hexon, or Nikwax BaseFresh.
Lightly spray the inside lining (not the outer layer), wipe with a soft cloth, and let it air-dry overnight.

Step 3. Absorb Moisture

Slip a silica gel pack, charcoal bag, or SmellWell deodorizer into each sleeve.
These absorb humidity and prevent mildew – a common killer of 800N coatings.

🧴 How to Handle Deep Cleaning (Dry Cleaning Only!)

Even with good maintenance, you’ll eventually need a full cleaning — especially after tournaments, summer events, or heavy sparring months.

When to Do It:

• Every 4–6 months if you train regularly.

• Immediately if the jacket smells or has visible salt stains.

How to Do It:

1. Bring it to a professional dry cleaner – ideally one that handles motorcycle, ballistic, or protective sports gear.

2. Show them the label and say:

   “This jacket uses synthetic coated textiles. Please avoid perchloroethylene. Use hydrocarbon or silicone-based solvents only.”

3. Make sure they don’t apply heat drying – only air drying.

This keeps the jacket’s protective weave intact while removing embedded sweat salts and odor.

🔧 Spot Cleaning: When You Don’t Need a Full Clean

For smaller issues like sweat rings, dust, or visible marks:

• Mix lukewarm water with mild detergent (like Nikwax Tech Wash).

• Dampen a soft microfiber cloth, not the entire fabric.

• Gently wipe the area, then let it air-dry fully before packing.

Never soak or scrub the fabric. The goal is to clean the surface, not wash the structure.

🪡 What to Do If Your HEMA Jacket Gets Damaged

Even the best jacket eventually wears out in high-movement zones like armpits, shoulders, and cuffs.
Here’s how to manage it safely:

1. Inspect regularly. Every few months, look for fraying, tears, or loose stitching.

2. Patch from the inside with Cordura or ballistic nylon if small tears appear.

3. Use high-strength polyester thread (like Gutermann Tera 80) for repairs.

4. If you notice padding displacement or delamination, contact your manufacturer or a HEMA gear repair shop.

Many HEMA gear suppliers offer in-house repair services or certified tailors.

📦 How to Store Your HEMA Jacket Properly

Do:

• Hang it on a wide hanger to maintain shoulder shape.

• Keep it in a dry, shaded room.

• Insert odor absorbers inside sleeves during storage.

Don’t:

• Fold or compress it under other gear.

• Leave it in your bag overnight.

• Store it in direct sunlight or near a heater.

Compression damages padding; heat breaks fiber tension. The jacket should “breathe” even in storage.

⚔️ Why Vinegar Works Better Than Fabric Spray

It might sound old-fashioned, but vinegar remains one of the safest and most effective textile cleaners.

• It kills bacteria naturally.

• It doesn’t react with synthetic coatings.

• It neutralizes odor instead of masking it.

• It evaporates completely without residue.

So if you’re worried about damaging your expensive jacket, vinegar is your best ally – cheap, effective, and protective.

🧍‍♂️ Common Mistakes That Ruin HEMA Jackets

Let’s be real — we’ve all made at least one of these mistakes:

Avoiding these is the fastest way to extend your jacket’s life by several years.