Founded in 1972 by Lino Dainese, then just 24 years old, in his hometown of Molvena, Vicenza, the company began with a simple, game-changing product: motocross leather trousers. Inspired by a Vespa trip to London where he first encountered leather-suited riders, Lino embarked on a mission to design performance-driven, safe motorcycle wear.
🏁 1970s: The Birth of Protection
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1974: Dainese introduced elastic inserts for better comfort and vibrant colors to enhance both visibility and style, breaking from the prevailing all-black aesthetic.
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1975: Sporting legend Giacomo Agostini wore the first custom designed track suit-a sign of Dainese’s commitment to elite-level functionality.
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1978: Collaboration with rider Barry Sheene and designer Marc Sadler led to the pioneering back protector, the first in motorcycle racing.
1980-1990: Expanding Milestones
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1980: Dainese developed enhanced knee sliders for racers, marking continuous technical improvements.
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1988: Introduced the aerodynamic hump now iconic for race suits, boosting drag reduction and style.
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1990s: Broader product line with composite body armour, gloves featuring carbon protection, and advanced boots; also branching into mountain biking, skiing, and equestrian gear.
1995-2000+: The Airbag Revolution
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1995: Conceptualized the D-air® airbag system, sketched by Lino on a napkin-technology that would redefine rider safety.
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2000: First track-tested prototype debuted at Intermot Munich, followed by the first in-ride activation during a 2007 MotoGP session.
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2011: Launched the Racing version commercially, quickly followed in 2015 by the D-air Street jacket for everyday riders.
2000-Present: Innovation Beyond Riding
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2007: Dainese acquired AGV helmets, solidifying its presence in full-body protection.
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Founded the Dainese Technology Center (D-Tec), amassing over 100 international patents.
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Pioneered SkinSuit for astronauts and BioSuit for future Mars missions, with space tests aboard the ISS in 2015 and 2016.
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Extended D-air® technology to workplace safety and offshore applications via D-Air Lab, and created Sea-Guard safety jackets for America’s Cup yachts.
Corporate & Cultural Highlights
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2007-2014: Investcorp acquired 80% of the company, with founder Lino retaining 20%.
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2022: The Carlyle Group became majority shareholder, valuing Dainese at around €630 million.
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Maintains core R&D and production in Italy, with regional offices in California and Hong Kong and a global store network.
In Summary
Dainese isn’t just a gear brand it’s a symbol of Italian innovation, founded by a visionary who blended local craftsmanship with a passion for safety and design. From motocross trousers to racing suits, back protectors, airbag systems, and even astronaut wear, Dainese consistently redefines what protection looks and performs like in dynamic sport settings.