Race suits.

Author
Discussion

big - dave

Original Poster:

278 posts

243 months

Tuesday 8th June 2010
quotequote all
Hi folks.
Im just looking into getting made to measure race suit.
[Need to as im tall + the off the peg ones are nowhere near the correct fittment].
Most likely from AWS.
My main question,s is/are.
What are the good things to have built in to a suit? If you were having one made. What would you do .???
Ie,
Floating sleeves.
Soft collar.
Boot leg,
Etc Etc .
As its no dought not going to be that cheap, i want to get it correct first time.
Thanks.

covboy

2,580 posts

176 months

Tuesday 8th June 2010
quotequote all
Try these - Speak to Max - very helpful


http://www.racewear.co.uk/

NJH

3,021 posts

211 months

Tuesday 8th June 2010
quotequote all
Excellent. I can see a trip up the road for me to their shop.

Count Johnny

715 posts

199 months

Wednesday 9th June 2010
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Having put up with an indelible Castrol R stain for years, I specify black cuffs.

gaxor

331 posts

255 months

Wednesday 9th June 2010
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These people did an excellent job on the made to measure oooo suits you sir bespoke suits

http://www.advanced-wear.co.uk/

Gary

Count Johnny

715 posts

199 months

Wednesday 9th June 2010
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+ 1. Top of the range.

big - dave

Original Poster:

278 posts

243 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
Ok , so far a few recomendations on where to get it done, but not much about what to have "built" into it.
Like i said, AWS will most likely get the order, i just need to check what is worth having,
IE floating sleeves etc etc etc .????

andyelcomb

15 posts

168 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
Not sure that you need to have anything built in that isn't standard already, unless you have any peculiar physical characteristics.

If its not too far to go, go and see AWS in Ashford, Kent and talk to the people there. They are very helpful and will quite happily tell you what special things they have done for others.

However, be warned if you are a bit on the shy side - the ladies that sow the suits love to take the micky a bit! Its all in good humour though and so refreshing to find normal people that you can speak frankly too.

It may be the same elsewhere too, of course, but I can only speak from my own experience.

big - dave

Original Poster:

278 posts

243 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
Andy.
I wish i could just pop down + get measured, but Blackpool is a tad distant from them....

A.Wang

541 posts

199 months

Friday 11th June 2010
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AWS is awesome, Nick (who runs it) is a top bloke. I'd highly recommend them!

How's it going Dave? Your strut brace is still on my '44, by the way...

big - dave

Original Poster:

278 posts

243 months

Saturday 12th June 2010
quotequote all
Hey hiya.
Glad the S2 is still going well with the brace.
Yes just keeping myself busy on numerous "projects" this year...

pikeyboy

2,349 posts

216 months

Monday 14th June 2010
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I'd say you need floating sleeves and the stretchy bit in the base of your back, much more comfortable for your nuts until you do up harness!

A.Wang

541 posts

199 months

Tuesday 15th June 2010
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I would definitely ask for an elasticated lower back panel for my next suit...if only I knew it was a mere 50 quid extra!

Graham

16,368 posts

286 months

Tuesday 15th June 2010
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I've just had a bog standard made to measure from aws, in black with red stitching, comfier than my old sparco..as it fits properly. Im tall in the back so either end up with crushed nuts or something that will go round me twice with off the peg stuff.

I ordered mine at the autosport so got measured on site.

Simon Mason

579 posts

271 months

Tuesday 15th June 2010
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IF you can afford it theres only one option in made to measure suits and thats Stand 21. They have a shop at Brands Hatch. Having owned a suit from just about every brand in my last 20 years of racing I can honestly say they are worth every penny (lighter and better breathing most importantly than anything else)and a long term investment. But they are pricey for a reason.

Personally I'd always recommend floating sleeves, the colar you hardly ever notice unless you drive something very reclined like an historic. Dark cuffs and belt are an obvious call for a self run racer. Other than that just get it done and enjoy your racing.


thunderbelmont

2,982 posts

226 months

Thursday 17th June 2010
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I'll agree with Simon for Stand21 - their suits are very nice indeed.

I bought a new made-to-measure FIA Three-Layer suit just before Christmas, made by Impact Race Products in the 'States. Plus I had a pair of boots, full set of undies, gloves, and helmet. Cost wise, that lot worked out a very very good deal. Though the price I pay is having to carry Impact logos on the car, etc..

They had a bit of bad press earlier this year when it came out that some of their off the peg suits sold in 2007/8 were carrying counterfiet SFI approval labels, and have been decertified by SFI. Among a few other bits that have led to a number of senior staff "leaving" quietly.

I've had AWS in the past - good suits, but they don't have the "toys" that the more up-market suits have, like the elasticated backs, and funky breathing layers, etc...

Jays racewear also offer some good suits too.

They say that you get what you pay for, but when it comes to safety look at what the top drivers are wearing.... in the 'States it's Impact, Simpson, AlpineStars, seem to be the top choices.