Lozzo

My clothing expert (someone who's worked on the design and testing of bike kit) always told me that Goretex and other waterproofing membranes need regular washing to keep the membrane waterproof and breatheable. He recommended using a cheap non-bio washing powder and a 30 deg wash cycle followed by a warm tumble dry until the garment was damp, then hang it out to dry fully naturally. The outer garment should easily be able to physically withstand being put in a washing machine, if it can't then I don't want to be out riding in it so I wouldn't even consider buying it. It does make life easier if the armour is removed from the garment first

I've used this technique for at least the last 10 years on all my textile kit, which I tend to use more than leathers, and my old Gericke Voyager 3 jacket and trousers lasted 8 years without leaking or fading. I've done both my newish Held jackets and the Held trousers a couple of times and they are still like new after 2 years/10,000 miles each.

I don't bother using Nikwax or similar waterproofing treatments because my textiles have waterproofing membranes that work very well, but I can see the point if you don't like the outer garment getting wet or don't have somewhere to hang it where it will dry overnight or while working. I have been told that some waterproofing treatments gum up in the seams and collect grit, which wears away at the stitching thread and makes the seams weaker.

The simplest way of making sure you don't get discoloured kit is to buy good old honest black stuff that doesn't pander to fashion. Black is the one true colour for all things motorcycle related