Bespoke Race Suit Buying Guide.
It might be the case that you have been purchasing off-the-peg race suits from a wide range of racewear brands for many years. However, you have now decided to knock it up a gear and buy a bespoke race suit.
If you have then you have come to the right place. Each year, we help guide hundreds of drivers in the design and manufacture of their perfect bespoke race suit, with specific colour schemes and sponsors logos.
These race suits will fit like a glove; gone are the days where an off the peg suit being a bit baggy here, or a bit long there, and in some circumstances, a bespoke motorsport race suit can pay for itself several times over.
For example, imagine your company logo or sponsors clearly shown across the suit; it really does help get the brand advertising out there at a time when spectators, locally, nationally, or internationally, will have their eyes on you.
In this article, we are going to take a deep dive into the frequently asked questions our customers ask us about our custom-made race suits. We explain that, regardless of which motorsport discipline you compete in, whether it's GT3, Touring Car Championships, or the next WRC event that you will be taking part in, we can design and make a motorsport suit for any motorsport competition in the world.
From novices to the all-time pros of motorsport, both nationally and internationally, many drivers and co-drivers come to us for one reason: this is not just business; it’s a passion.
Our team will walk you through the whole process, from start to finish. We will help you obtain a race suit you will be proud to wear every time.
We will also explain the clear advantages of purchasing custom motorsport race suits from us.
Collaborative
As soon as you call our team on 01981 241 040 our experts will be able to provide any advice you need.
This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions our sales team receives about the bespoke racewear. However, if you have a question that hasn't been addressed here, we are always here and ready to help.
FAQ’s regarding custom race suits.
What are the benefits of purchasing a custom race suit?
There are many advantages to buying a bespoke race suit; for example, your comfort levels can be far higher than when compared to wearing an off-the-peg suit.
Just think of all the different shapes and sizes race drivers come in; therefore, it would be next to impossible for any motorsport clothing retailer to stock an infinite number of sizes to fit everyone perfectly.
However, a bespoke race suit, well, it achieves just that; it can fit you perfectly. Sure, some extra steps are required, such as obtaining additional measurements, 17 are required in total, and waiting for the necessary time needed to tailor-make the suit- but the finished result is worth waiting for.
When you think about a tailor-made race suit that can last 10 years, it's undoubtedly worth waiting a little bit extra to obtain a handcrafted race suit.
How does the process work for getting measured for custom race suits?
It's not like a process where you need to go to Savile Row to get a tailor-made business suit made- in fact, you do not need to travel anywhere. Instead, each manufacturer of custom-made race suits is often based in a different country, so the sizing information needs to be sent to the motorsport tailors.
This is where we come in: our team will liaise with a team of dedicated tailors in Italy to produce your race suit. Then, often, within 3-4 weeks, or 5-6 weeks in peak periods of receiving the correct size information, the race suit can be turned around.
Completing the sizing chart information
The correct fit for your suit can only be achieved with correct measurements. Our customers receive a specific “sizing chart”, this is used in order to take measurements directly from you and complete the information that the tailors will need.
This is very simple process and which also requires thinking of a colour scheme for the suit.
It is important that you adhere to the following points:
• Follow the guidance on the measurement sheet accurately.
• Only note the actual measurement, do not add anything more.
• Never measure yourself. Get your wife or partner to do this for you.
• Firstly, complete all the measurements, then start again to double check they are correct, if there is a discrepancy then do it a third time.
• It is important that your height and weight is recorded. This will give a good reflection on your physical build.
• Remember, if these measurements are incorrect there could be no going back
What materials are your custom-made race suits made of?
Our bespoke race suits are made from Nomex fabrics, which are hand-cut to size. Nomex is a fire-resistant material used in both bespoke racewear and off-the-peg race suits.
These come in up to 30 colours to best suit your sponsors colour scheme.
The whole purpose is simple: to protect you if a fire breaks out in your vehicle, which is why this fire-resistant material used widely across motorsport clothing manufacturing.
Layers
Race suits are designed differently; for example, you have three sperate layers of material. With specific layers to increase the time you have to exit your vehicle in the event of a fire. This stipulated by requirements from the sports governing body, the FIA.
All race suits are designed to the specific flame protection, helping to protect you from burns and injuries in the event of a collision. In additional fireproof underwear, gloves, socks and balaclava give you added protection.
In the world of karting race suit design, the emphasis is entirely different; instead of fire protection, it's all about abrasion resistance.
Therefore, if you're thrown from a race kart, the primary purpose of the bespoke race suit is to protect you from abrasions.
Why are bespoke race suits often more comfortable to wear?
The primary purpose of purchasing a custom motorsport race suit is to make the occupants more comfortable.
For example, it is perfectly possible to buy an off-the-peg race suit at a lower price.
However, what clearly differentiates an off-the-peg race suit from a custom-made race suit is that it's designed around you and should fit snugly to your exact body, arm, and leg measurements.
Add to this there are specific areas of stretch panels for additional comfort and flexibility, which allow you to wear the suit for hours without discomfort.
How are your bespoke race suits designed with breathability in mind?
Breathable materials is vitally important in a very hot cockpit of a competition car. P1 manufacture very breathable layers which are also fire resistant. These very specific layers ensure that a driver or co-driver have greatly increased levels of comfort.
The suit's breathability is crucial; it helps you stay cool and calm under pressure. Cheap race suits use heavier nomex materials, and in comparison, to more expensive models will often make you sweat excessively, leaving you feeling uncomfortable.
However, bespoke race wear will be completely different, top of the range models have exceptional breathability and is made from three levels of breathable materials which allows air to flow into the suit, making you to feel much more comfortable.
How long does a bespoke race suit last for?
Our custom-made race suits, whether it is used for racing, or Rallying has a lifespan of 10 years. FIA specification kart suits have 5 years of life.
This means that you can get superb value for money, you therefore have a fantastic quality bespoke race suit that will last you up to a decade.
What is considered the very best bespoke race suit that you can offer?
We offer some of the best custom-made race suits available anywhere in the country. If you are looking for one of the best race suits that money can buy, consider purchasing a P1 Racewear suit.
The Italian manufacturer the Pro R model, which is the highest specification race suit that’s made by P1 Racewear.
The Pro R are simply fantastic race suits, with the bespoke range designed and made near Turin. They contain numerous specifically positioned stretch panels, which allow greater flexibility in the suit, and dramatically increases the comfort level.
The whole suit, from the stretch materials covering your ankles and wrists, to the stretch panels on your lower back, and on the fully flexible arms as well as in the crutch area makes it incredibly comfortable, from the bottom of your legs to your neckline, the Pro-R is designed with breathability and sheer comfort in mind.
The Pro R range of race suits made by P1 race are that they are designed for race and rally drivers and co-drivers who do not want compromises on either on quality or comfort.
How do we know the suit design is right before we purchase it?
Once we have an idea of the colour schemes you require and once we have received the PDF logos for your sponsors and know in what location they are to be positioned, P1 will make a drawing of the suit to show you exactly how it will look.
This is a process that can be repeated until you are 100% happy with the design.
Once the suit is confirmed a cost will be applied for the work involved, and once the suit is paid for, P1 will add this to their production list.
How are logos and names applied to suits?
There are two options available to you, the choice of professional crews is to have these printed onto the suit. This done in a fireproof material that comes with a certificate from P1 as proof of its eligibility? This option can help the suit be more breathable and flexible to wear.
The most expensive option is embroidered in a nomex thread. Specific embroidery files are required which adds some cost, but the finish on embroidered logos are the best and are far more durable with heavy use. Although, large, embroidered logos can be bulky and offer less breathability and flexibility.
Can a race suit have sponsors logos but not be made to measure?
Yes. If you are lucky enough to have a good fit from an off the peg suit and you are happy with the standard colour schemes, then P1 can print your sponsors logo’s, your name and national flag onto a stock suit at a relatively small cost.
How long will it take me to receive my bespoke race suit?
Generally, it takes us up to 4 weeks to deliver a custom-made race suit from P1 Racewear to be delivered to your door by courier. However, during peak season the process can sometimes take up to 6 weeks.
P1 offer two levels of full throttle service, if timing are left a little last minute the premium service is 7 working days service, and there is a 21 day option if you have a little more time to spare, this service allowing you to effectively jump the cue if timings are tight.
We will always endeavour to try and get your race suit to you as quickly as possible, working with you to ensure that all relevant information is sent to the tailors as soon as we can.
Which motorsport disciplines do you design race suits for?
Rally
We can design matching bespoke race suits for rally events, that is matching suits for the co-driver and the driver. Co-drivers can have the option of additionally timecard and pen pockets, allowing this to be carried on their person all the time.
GT and Touring Car
Whether you want to take part in the Touring Car Championships, or perhaps a GT3 race events, we can design the raceway for you. Partnering with P1 Racewear, we will help you to create a custom raceway for your upcoming motorsport event.
Formula
We can design a bespoke race suit for any formula race event. And in addition we have a very slimline fit for the fittest of racers to make sure there is no excess of material on your suits.
Karting
Karting bespoke race suits; are designed to be slightly differently. The emphasis is therefore not on fire resistance, but on the abrasion resistance of the material.
We help you to design bespoke karting wear.
Is your bespoke race FIA-approved?
All of our bespoke motorsport race suits are homologated to the very latest FIA standards, FIA 8856-2018.
Are your race suits designed with reinforced stitching in mind?
A common reason many drivers and co-drivers switch to a bespoke race suit, rather than off shelf race suit is because they want a suit to last as long as possible and fit better.
The stresses and strains placed over a long period of time can sometimes cause the fabric to break on the stitching on items which are more cheaply made.
This is why many people come to us for bespoke race wear: the items are tailor-made by experts in Italy and because they are made to measure they tend to last longer as the suit is more flexible, less strain is placed on the stitching.
This means that the garments are handcrafted, therefore have reinforced stitching, are made to be bespoke and fit the contours of your body, and are made to last.
We at Nicky Grist Motorsports are here to help you, we can guide you through all of the detail and make this process far less stressful. Please call us for help and assistance on: 01981 241 040.
