So you’ve been following motorsport your whole life, have done a few track days and now want to get into motor racing. Amazing! But before you start looking for the perfect competition clothing, there are a few key things to consider.
Most forms of motorsport competition will follow a set of safety regulations that have been pre-determined by the sport’s governing body, the FIA. As such, some motorsport products have been developed to meet what is known as homologation, the minimum required approved standard.
The current product homologation for racing clothing (excluding helmets and FHR devices) is FIA 8856-2018, which covers racing suits, boots and gloves. The 8856-2018 certificate provides increased fire protection compared to the previous 8856-2000 certificate.
If you wish to compete in FIA sanctioned competitions, you will need to ensure that your racing clothing complies with standard 8856-2018 (golden hologram). Something new from the 2023 suits now has a 10 year lifespan for FIA competitions only. The previous FIA homologation 8856-2000 (silver hologram/older products do not have hologram) may still be used in some UK motorsports, so please check with the event organizer before your racing clothing is rejected at inspection. Please note that the 8856-2000 Sportswear has been discontinued for several years.
Click to read about FIA Standard 8856-2018 and find out everything you need to know.
It is important to remember that there is a wide range of products available, including entry-level, mid-range and high-end products. This means that there are sportswear items to suit all budget requirements. Typically, more advanced features are added as you move up the line, with high-end products offering the latest technological advances.
So, let’s begin.
What to look for in a racing suit
The first item you’ll need on your shopping list is a fire-resistant racing suit. It is usually a one-piece suit made from a material called Nomex and covers the entire body from the neck to the wrists and ankles.
It will quickly become apparent how many different racing suits are available and how different their prices are. How to choose which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at the important factors to consider before making your decision.
A guide to the rules for this year can be found in our FIA Racing Suit Rules Guide.
Layers
Racing suits were originally made from a single layer of protective material, but thanks to technological advances and updated safety requirements, two- and three-layer suits have become the current standard. The addition of these additional layers provides a higher level of protection for the driver.
Each layer is typically expected to provide about 15 seconds of fire protection, so with each layer of Nomex fabric you get an extra 15 seconds of time to get out of your vehicle. With this in mind, it makes sense – if your budget allows – to opt for a three-layer racing suit so that you have the best protection possible, as well as a more breathable suit.
To make things easier, some Sparco racing suits have a single layer of Nomex. However, these suits use Hocotex technology, which is an advanced construction method that provides the protection of a three-layer suit in one layer.
Comfort and fit
Weight
As the old saying goes, “less is more”; The lighter the suit, the more expensive it is. But since cost is a major factor for many, does a lighter suit really make a difference?
Well, a lightweight suit does more than just reduce the rider’s overall weight, as a lightweight racing suit can actually improve rider comfort as well as help reduce the effects of fatigue in longer races.
Design
The one attribute that sets each racing suit apart from the others is their own individual design. Most racing suits are available in a variety of colors, some have colorful designs while others are simple.
Because style is such a personal thing, sometimes there may not be an off-the-shelf suit that is eye-catching or has the right colors for your specific needs. Luckily, there are custom suit options that allow you to control how your racing suit will look. This means the only limit is your imagination. Although these options are a little more expensive, they provide an excellent opportunity to purchase a professional-looking racing suit.
Dimensions
So you’ve found the racing suit that suits you best, but how do you know what size to order?
Racing suits are continental sized and typically range from size 44 to 64. However, each of these sizes has a little leeway in how they fit certain parts of the body.
If you order from our website, each suit’s description will include the size. Here you will be able to see the corresponding measurements, including bust, waist, hips, height and weight.
Although all suits available in our range follow the same sizing chart, sizing may vary from brand to brand. So a size 52 in an OMP race suit will be slightly roomier than a size 52 in an Alpinestars race suit. Therefore, pay special attention to individual size charts.
Since not everyone has the same body shape, there will always be an element of compromise when choosing the right size.
Two important measurements to get right are height and weight. If the suit that best fits your height does not meet your weight requirements, you will need to select the size that best suits your height and weight.
If the suit is too short in length or too small in width, it will cause tightness in the shoulders or mid-body area when sitting on the racing seat, reducing freedom of movement and making you feel uncomfortable.
If you’re really struggling to find a standard size suit that fits your specifications, most suit manufacturers can provide a “make to order” service. This will incur additional costs, but you will be offered the most suitable suit. For more information, please contact our experienced sales team who will be happy to assist you.
So here it is. This is everything you need to know about how to choose a new racing suit. Next, what to look for when choosing a pair of gloves and boots.
Liked this? Read more of our latest news:
- What is FIA Regulation 8856-2018?
- How to Choose Racing Gloves and Boots
- How to Choose Underwear for Racing
Where to go?
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