How long should a race jacket last with regular training?

Expect 1-2 seasons of heavy use (3-5 training days per week) before a race jacket needs replacement. The stretch membranes degrade with repeated stretching and washing, and gate-contact abrasion eventually compromises even reinforced panels. Recreational racers who train 1-2 days per week may get 3-4 seasons. Signs it's time to replace: the jacket no longer recovers its shape after stretching, waterproofing has failed despite DWR reapplication, or gate damage has created unrepaired tears in the membrane.