DISCOVER DAINESE
- About brand
- Dainese History
MISSION: SAFETY
TO ADVOCATE AND DELIVER SAFETY IN DYNAMIC SPORTS
Dainese is dedicated to producing the most effective safety solutions in every arena where athletes continually push the human body and mind to surpass their prior achievements. From Dainese motorcycle racing origins to alpine skiing, mountain biking, competitive sailing and outer space.
Dainese most recent achievements in a history of innovation include the world’s first ultrarapid-deployment airbag suit and jacket systems for motorcycle racing and road use that don’t require any vehicle-mounted sensors, the first performance suit for sailing yacht racing that combines flotation, protection and communication functions in a single solution, and a gravity load simulation suit for the International Space Station.
Like all Dainese innovations, they’ve been developed in close collaboration with their pioneering users, designed around their needs to fully support their achievements. Or – to put it another way – they are inspired by humans.
Humans that include legendary multiple world-championship-winners Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini, America’s Cup champions Emirates Team New Zealand, astronauts Andreas Mogensen and Thomas Pesquet… and all Dainese riders and athletes worldwide!
- VALUES THAT ARE LIVED NOT ASPIRED TO
-
Like all sports enthusiasts, at Dainese live brand passion every day. It’s a natural part of who company are and how company work and play, of shared passion to push the boundaries of human achievement in dynamic sports and beyond.
These values are:
- COURAGE
The courage to dare. To follow a hunch. Not to give up where others claim the impossible. The courage to create protective clothing that is both lighter and stronger. To develop an airbag system for motorcyclists contained within clothing that allows total freedom of movement while offering previously inconceivable levels of protection. A space suit that recreates gravity’s load on the body irrespective of an astronaut’s alignment in the International Space Station. And which does so without being bulky or restricting movement (it’s called SkinSuit for a reason). Inspired by humans, company strive to develop solutions that help the bold perform at their peak in comfort and safety. Dainese will not let technology, convention or tradition limit that potential or company own curiosity and creativity, but invest all the resources, time and ingenuity it takes to deliver life-saving, championship-winning, horizon-expanding solutions.
- TRUSTWORTHINESS
Dainese has always been driven by the passion that true sports enthusiasts share. Company are committed to and have a unique track record for delivering. Dainese are proud of brand reputation and credibility. And because Dainese live brand products alongside company's customers and champions, company engage with them openly and honestly to continually push the performance envelope. And it shows in every area from award-winning innovation and design to materials and construction. Whatever their sport, enthusiasts know brand standards meet their ambitions.
- LEADERSHIP
Dainese are focused on ceaselessly improving safety, performance and comfort. For the thrill of winning, but also for the joy of living. Which is why one innovation has followed another throughout brand history. Built on passion, teamwork and a determination not only to achieve outstanding performance but to make it truly competitive and accessible. So that it is widely used. Raising performance standards and saving lives. Leading where others follow.
- STYLE
Dainese understand how form follows function. But Dainese also Italian company, so brand don't separate innovation from style. Or fun. From artistic graphics and kaleidoscope colors to ergonomic performance fits and the vintage lines of timeless classics, sculpted in the natural hides with which it all began. Because style says who company are and how brand feel. And Dainese live it with individuality, expression, exuberance, flair... After all, that’s what the sports brand love are all about.
- A TALE OF PASSION
-
Dainese was established in 1972 by Lino Dainese, a 24-year-old motorcycle enthusiast driven by endless curiosity, a constant desire to experiment and a strong interest in contemporary art and design.
Right from these early days, Dainese’s mission has always been to advance and promote ergonomics, performance and above all safety in dynamic sports.
Lino Dainese’s vision initially saw him combine the technical expertise of two areas in the Italian province of Venetia - Arzignano with its unique hide-tanning tradition, and Marostica/Molvena with its clothing expertise. The result, presented at the company’s Milan Showroom in 1974, brought a dazzling touch of color to a world dominated by black, increasing rider visibility and therefore safety, adding fun and significantly increasing the scope for sponsorship.
- INNOVATIONS FOR CHAMPIONS
-
This paved the way for the very first technical motorcycle tracing suit, personally designed by Lino Dainese in 1975 for the legendary Giacomo Agostini, who went on to become 15-times world champion. Featuring radical new developments, including improved ergonomics, thicker hide and distinctive graphics, this suit heralded the Dainese revolution.
Ceaseless innovations followed, not only increasing safety but rider performance as well. Which is why Dainese creations have been used by so many world champions.
The next milestone was the back protector, first worn on the track by Barry Sheene in 1978. This was followed by the protective knee slider, originally conceived for American champion Kenny Roberts in 1980. Following fast on its heels came the aerodynamic speed hump (1988), composite armor (1990), gloves with rigid carbon (1995), boots with a carbon, and then boots worn under the suit, rather than outside (1988), an innovation whose best-known ambassador is still Valentino Rossi today.
And that was just on track and road. Dainese’s vision has also transformed off-road riding with inventions conceived for the fastest competitions - African Rallies. The best known of them is armor made by hot injection molding in a process that brings hide, polyurethane foam and a rigid shell together as one. The technology, first seen in the iconic suits of Champion Edi Orioli, brought new standards of safety and comfort off-road.
Brand most sophisticated innovation to date, the D-Air® airbag system, saw the light of day as a small drawing Lino sketched on a paper napkin in 1995. Following intensive research and development, it made its first public appearance at Intermot, Munich, in 2000. Today it has become a brand within Dainese brand and a proven, life-saving success on track and road.
Recognition of brand expertise, research capabilities and ability to think “outside the box” to achieve “the impossible” have led to exciting advancements in new fields, including the new SkinSuit for the International Space Station, the BioSuit being developed for future NASA missions to Mars, and the Sea-Guard aerodynamic safety jacket created for the “flying machine” foiling catamarans of America’s Cup champions Emirates Team New Zealand.
- HOME TO LEADING GLOBAL BRANDS
-
Dainese’s commitment to performance and safety has inevitably extended beyond motorcycle clothing, steadily growing to embrace crash helmets, mountain biking, alpine skiing, horse riding and most recently sailing.
In 2007, the company achieved Lino’s original dream of providing protection from head to toe when it acquired the world-renowned Italian helmet manufacturer AGV.
The Dainese Group benefitted from substantial investment in 2015, when Investcorp, a leading global provider and manager of alternative investment products, acquired an 80% stake to support continued international brand expansion and product innovation.
Later that year, the Group acquired kindred-spirit cycling and skiing safety brand POC. In 2017, this 45-year journey continues, striving ceaselessly for new performance and safety advancements in dynamic sports, living the values that have always distinguished the Dainese Group and its reputation for excellence proven in competition and daily use.
INSPIRED BY HUMANS
A LONG JOURNEY OF THE FUTURE IN THE MAKING
- 1968 - 1979
-
1968
Passion
At 20 years of age, Lino Dainese and some friends went to London on a Vespa. It was then that he saw "ton up bikes" whose riders wore the first sets of leathers. Back in Italy, he decided to dedicate himself to designing and manufacturing protection for motorbike riders.
1971
The ideas take shape
The first drafts of the company logo were designed. The first logo featured a speed demon as a symbol of dynamism and rebellion.
1972
The first product
Dainese was founded in Molvena (Vicenza), Italy. The first article Dainese produced was a pair of motocross trousers
1974
Collaboration with riders
Dainese introduces new cutting techniques for articles in cowhide with elastic inserts for improved comfort. It was also the year in which technical sponsorship took off for the first time. Dieter Braun became the first Dainese rider in the World Championship Series.
1979
The first Back Protector in history
The collaboration with Barry Sheene led to the creation of the first back protector designed by Marc Sadler.
- 1981 - 1989
-
1981
The introduction of knee sliders
The style of riding was changing. Riders leaned their bikes more and more, trailing their knees on the track. Dainese tested the first knee sliders with the leading rider, Kenny Roberts. The first products were known as “porcupines” because of the soft cylinders that protruded from a special base (applied to the suit’s knee) when the leg was bent.
1981
The suit becomes an integrated protection system
With the participation of 5-time champion Toni Mang, racing suit ergonomics were revolutionised. Until then, all such suits had been manufactured with the rider's upright stance used as the baseline. Dainese decided to design suits that matched the rider's shape when in the saddle. This radically improved both the comfort and the efficiency of the protection provided during races.
1982
Composite protection
The concept of composite protection takes off. This protector has a soft base and a rigid shell that allows it to absorb and dispel the force of an impact.
1982
The evolution of knee sliders
The knee sliders evolve into a rounder shape to reduce friction with the track surface.
1983
The effectiveness of Back Protectors
Freddie Spencer successfully tested the first dainese Back Protector known as Aragosta (lobster) in a fall at the Kyalami track in South Africa where he hit the dangerous curb stones during test laps.
1983
Protection for everyone
Back Protectors, which up to that time were used only on the track, became available to the general public.
1985
The mobile clinic around the world
Collaboration began with doctor costa's mobile clinic.
1988
Aerodynamic hump
Dainese introduced a brand new concept for professional racing suits: the aerodynamic hump.
1989
Protected hands
Dainese began making gloves.
- 1991 - 1999
-
1991
Sliders for foot protection
The first metal sliders for boots appeared.
1992
Fourth generation knee sliders
Knee sliders evolved further to reach their present shape.
1993
D-TEC®
The Dainese Technology Centre (D-TEC®) is created, an R&D technical centre for the study of protective technology and the development of products for the marke
1994
No Impact
The No Impact division was formed to bring Dainese know-how to other sports: mtb, snowboarding and alpine skiing.
1994
Back Protectors for skiers too
Kristian Ghedina, Deborah Compagnoni and the Valanga Azzurra team used Dainese protective gear for the first time in the world cup. This also marked the introduction of the back protector in the world of winter sports.
1994
From head to toe
The year 1994 saw the arrival of ergon, the innovative dainese helmet made from composite fibre.
1995
Max Biaggi and the new hand protectors
Max Biaggi won his second 250cc world title and tested prototypes of Full Pro Gloves, the first gloves to use carbon fibre and aramid fiber to protect the knuckles and the back of the hands.
1999
Mtb competitions
Dainese was increasingly popular in mountain biking and became the byword for protection. Dainese provided champions Shaun Palmer, Anne-Caroline chausson and cedric gracia with its protection systems. Nicolas Vouilloz became World Downhill Champion for the seventh time and entered the mountain biking history books together with Dainese.
1999
Compasso d'Oro
The T-Age suit revolutionised both comfort and protection for motorcyclists. It was the first (and only) leather suit to win the prestigious Compasso d’Oro ADI, (Adi Golden Compass award), one of the most coveted international prizes in design.
- 2000 - 2005
-
2000
On the heads of champions skiers
The first Dainese Ski helmet, developed with the assistance of the multiple title winner Lasse Kjus, appeared in the world championship series.
2000
D-air® is created
Dainese developed the prototype of the D-air® airbag for motorcyclists, together with the israeli firm Merhav App, and introduced it in Munich.
2001
The evolution of boots
New boots featuring the patented D-Axial system were created. These boots feature a special carbon fibre inner shoe which limit the twisting motion of the ankle.
2001
Mobile research
D-Mobile is created. This mobile research structure is an extension of the R&D department that visits race tracks around the world to identify and test the latest technological innovations.
2002
4th generation Back Protector
Wave was introduced as the 4th generation Back Protector with a revolutionary ventilation system.
2003
Advanced logistics
Construction on the new fully automated warehouse began in west Vicenza.
2005
Safety partner on the slopes
Dainese became the “Safety Partner” of the Italian National Ski team and D-Mobile provided assistance to skiers in the alpine skiing world championship races.
- 2006 - 2010
-
2006
Sparks of passion
Special helmets and suits were created by the Dainese R&D department for the “Sparks of Passion” event in which ice skaters played a key role in the magnificent choreography staged for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 20th Winter Olympic Games in Turin.
2007
AGV back in italian hands
Dainese and AGV combined their efforts to provide the best possible head-to-toe protection for motorcyclists.
2007
D-air® racing
During the Valencia Grand Prix, the Dainese R&D Department introduced D-air® racing in full active form. During a practice session, a fall by Simone Grotzky saw the first airbag deployment.
2007
I DAINESE ME
The “I Dainese Me” campaign is launched with Valentino Rossi and Carolina Kostner presenting the Dainese brand values to the public.
2007
35th
Open Day: more than 1300 fans attended the west Vicenza event to celebrate the company's 35th anniversary.
2008
VALE for president
Lino Dainese, the founder and former president of Dainese S.P.A., named Valentino Rossi honorary president of AGV, the historical italian helmet company that Dainese took over in 2007.
2009
New graphics language
Dainese presented the tattoo suit for the 2009 season. This suit spoke a new language of ancient symbols and of warrior values from times long gone.
2010
Protection on display
Dainese presented the à toute épreuve exhibition at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris. The exhibition told the story of protection for men from its very origins to the most innovative technologies.
- 2011 - 2015
-
2011
D-air® racing meets the public
The first D-air® racing suits become available to the public.
2011
In the saddle
Following their success in the worlds of motorbikes, mountain bikes and skiing, Dainese decided to accept a new challenge and to bring the concept of safety to horse riding.
2011
The Beta International Award
The Dainese equestrian line was awarded a prize in the safety & security category by Beta International, the international event leader for the equestrian trade.
2011
Ski Safely
Dainese signed a three-year collaboration agreement with Fischer to introduce equipment aimed at significantly increasing safety on the ski slopes.
2011
D-air® street from the track to the road
After the launch of D-air® Racing, the D-air® family expanded with a new street version: D-air® Street.
2012
London 2012 Olympic Games
At the London 2012 Olympic Games, three riders in equestrian disciplines wore Dainese clothing from the equestrian 2012 collection for the first time.
2013
Protection for astronauts
The collaboration between Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Dainese continued to make astronauts' lives safer. Dainese had already passed the NASA supplier selection process for producing special protective gear for astronauts to wear inside their space suits.
2015
Investcorp buys Dainese
After 42 years, Lino Dainese left his role as president of the company he founded and sold the majority of the company shares to the investment firm Investcorp. He ensures continuity with the past by working with the company as a minority shareholder.
2015
“Professor Ferdinand Porsche” Award
Dainese receives the prestigious “Professor Ferdinand Porsche” Award for technological innovation for the Multistrada 1200 s D-air®. Presented by the Vienna University of Technology every two years, it is given to the most significant innovation in the automotive sector, and this year, for the first time, to the developers of a protective system on a production motorbike.
2015
Dainese at the Venice biennale
Dainese exhibits its innovative technologies at the 56th Venice Biennale. The company displays D-air®, the airbag for motorcyclists, and Biosuit®, the pressurized suit for astronauts.
2015
Sergio Mattarella Awards Dainese
Lino Dainese receives the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci Award for innovation from the president of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella. The Leonardo da Vinci Award for innovation is given to entrepreneurs whose companies have distinguished themselves for product quality innovation and a strong international, sales and production outlook.
2015
D-air® becomes an open platform
Dainese introduced D-air® armor, the “open platform” air-bag based on D-air® technology. This innovative system is the result of over 15 years of research by D-tec® (dainese technology centre) into air-bag technology. D-air® armor is a racing suit undergarment featuring an integrated D-air® air-bag. With D-air® armor, all riders can now take advantage of the safety provided by D-air®, the same technology used by all official dainese riders.
2015
D-air® Misano 1000
Dainese celebrates 1,000 deployments of the D-air® system by introducing the D-air® Misano 1000 leather jacket. This new Dainese product features a stand-alone, electronically deployed Air-bag for road use.
2015
First real-life crash test for the D-air® Ski
First real-life deployment for the D-air® Ski. Jan Farrell, 2014 Speed Ski world champion, provides the first crash test at a speed of 80kph, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness.
2015
Dainese goes to space
Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen first tests Skinsuit during IRISS Mission. The result of a partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Dainese Science and Research Center, and developed to be worn inside the International Space Station, SkinSuit provides “loading” in the head-to-foot direction, in effect recreating gravity’s load on Earth, but in a weightless environment. SkinSuit aims to counteract the stretching of the spine in space, producing large amounts of vertical load without compromising comfort and movement.
- 2016 - Today
-
2016
Skiers in the world cup series protected by Dainese Air-bag technology
Dainese reiterates its full commitment to the safety of skiers all around the world by offering the D-air® Ski system not only to athletes in the teams it officially sponsors, but to all the Ski Federations.
2016
Emirates Team New Zealand
The Dainese Group gets onboard Emirates Team New Zealand for the 2017 America's Cup with the new SEA-GUARD, essential gear for crew’s protection while sailing.
2016
The new generation of protection system for road use
Dainese presents at EICMA the new Misano D-air®, Cyclone D-air® and Continental D-air® jackets, dedicated respectively to sport, sport-touring and urban segments. The jackets integrate the brand-new D-air® airbag system in its stand-alone version, which means no sensor kits need to be fitted to the motorcycle. Finally, the ultimate level of protection is available for all types of road use.
2017
Dainese returns to space
Dainese is returning to space protecting Thomas Pesquet, who has been on the Proxima Mission since November 17th.
2017
115 years of passion
The Dainese group celebrates its anniversaries: 70 years for AGV and 45 for Dainese. Two different histories, but the same scope: Mission Safety
2017
Le Fonti Awards
Dainese excels at Italy's seventh annual Le Fonti Awards for Innovation and Human Resources. Honoured amongst the leaders of Industry 4.0, the Company is presented with the “Excellence of the Year / Innovation & Leadership” award in the hi-tech protective wear category and Cristiano Silei, CEO of the Dainese Group, with the “CEO of the Year” award for Innovation.
2017
Red Dot Awards
The Red Dot Design Award panel – which recognises the world’s most original and innovative products – gives its seal of approval in the Product Design 2017 category to the new Dainese Mugello R D-Air® race suit, the innovative AGV Pista GP R helmet and the range of latest generation Pro-Armor protective products.
