Motorsport Race Suit Buyer’s Guide | FIA Rally & Circuit Racing Suits Explained
Understanding FIA Race Suit Approvals
The first thing to check when buying a race suit is the FIA homologation label.
FIA 8856-2018 Race Suits
FIA 8856-2018 is the current standard used across most modern motorsport categories.
Compared to older approvals, FIA 8856-2018 suits generally offer:
- Improved thermal protection
- Better breathability
- Reduced weight
- More modern ergonomic construction
Most current championships now require or strongly recommend this standard.
Why We Only Supply 3-Layer Race Suits
At Race Rally Supplies, we only supply 3-layer FIA race suits.
While lower-layer suits still exist in some entry-level motorsport, modern 3-layer suits offer a far better balance of:
- Heat protection
- Breathability
- Comfort
- Durability
- Overall safety
Advances in materials mean today’s 3-layer suits are significantly lighter and more comfortable than older designs, making them suitable for both club-level and higher-level competition.
Choosing A Race Suit For Circuit Racing
Circuit racing places strong emphasis on FIA-approved fireproof clothing.
Most competitors will require:
- FIA race suit
- FIA gloves
- FIA boots
- FIA underwear (depending on regulations)
Circuit racers typically prioritise:
- Lightweight construction
- Ventilation
- Freedom of movement
- Reduced fatigue in longer stints
Endurance drivers often opt for suits with additional stretch panels and airflow features for comfort over extended sessions.
Choosing A Race Suit For Rallying
Rally competitors often spend long periods inside the car in changing conditions, making comfort and flexibility especially important.
Key features for rally suits include:
- Stretch panels for movement
- Lightweight construction
- Breathable lining materials
- Ergonomic arm and shoulder design
Rally suits also need to work comfortably alongside:
- FHR devices
- Harness systems
- Intercom wiring
- Additional outer layers in poor weather conditions
Women’s Motorsport Race Suits
Fitment is critical in motorsport, which is why we also supply FIA race suits designed specifically for women.
These suits are tailored to improve:
- Overall comfort
- Driving position fitment
- Reduction of pressure points
- Freedom of movement in the car
A correctly fitted suit makes a significant difference to comfort and confidence during competition.
Custom Made-To-Measure Race Suits
For competitors wanting a perfect fit or fully personalised design, we offer custom made-to-measure race suits.
These provide:
- Tailored sizing
- Professional fitment
- Team and sponsor branding
- Full design flexibility
We also offer sublimated race suits, where the design is built directly into the fabric, allowing:
- Unlimited colour options
- Complex graphic designs
- Sponsor integration
- Driver personalisation
Unlike embroidered suits, sublimation keeps the suit lightweight, flexible and clean in appearance.
How Should A Race Suit Fit?
A race suit should feel snug but not restrictive.
A correctly fitted suit should:
- Allow natural movement in the driving position
- Sit comfortably across shoulders and legs
- Work with harnesses and FHR devices
- Allow space for base layers if required
Sizing can vary between manufacturers, so trying different fits is always recommended where possible.
Race Suit Features Worth Considering
Modern FIA suits include a wide range of comfort and performance features such as:
- Floating sleeves
- Stretch panels
- Lightweight construction
- Breathable inserts
- Soft collar designs
- Hidden pockets
These details can make a major difference during long days in the car.
Final Thoughts
A race suit is not just about compliance — it directly affects comfort, safety and performance.
Understanding FIA approvals, suit construction and fitment will help ensure you choose the right option for your type of motorsport.
Whether you compete in rallying or circuit racing, investing in high-quality FIA racewear is one of the most important upgrades you can make.
Need Help Choosing The Right Race Suit?
We can help guide you through:
- FIA approvals
- Suit sizing
- Rally vs circuit requirements
- Women’s racewear
- Custom made-to-measure suits
- Sublimated design options
Explore our latest FIA race suits online or contact the team for advice before ordering.