Protective clothing and safety apparel are just as crucial as a racing harness when a driver hits the track. Thankfully, it's not every day that a race car bursts into flames, but as anyone who follows NASCAR knows, small fires can happen when least expected. Though each sanctioning body sets minimal requirements for fire-retardant clothing and safety gear, it's better to be over-protected than under to avoid serious injury. Explore our helpful guide to ensure you're covered with fire-resistant protective clothing and safety apparel from head to toe if flames erupt on race day.

Why Wear Fire-Resistant & Flame-Retardant Clothing?

Fire-resistant and flame-retardant materials are designed to protect the wearer from burns in a fire or when in close proximity to high temperatures. Clothing formulated with these protective qualities is essential for people who risk exposure during work or recreational activities including those in the power industry, firefighting profession, busy commercial kitchens, or race car operations, both driver and crew. Some of the top names in racing gear produce fire-resistant clothing for drivers, including Simpson, G-FORCE Racing Gear, RaceQuip, and Impact Racing Products.

Fire-Resistant & Flame Retardant-Materials

It is important to note that fire resistant and flame retardant do not mean fireproof. These terms mean that the material is less likely to catch on fire when exposed to a flame or high temperature, and if they do ignite, they burn very slowly and will self-extinguish once removed from the heat source.

Despite their similarities in protection and how they behave, there are a few differences between fire-resistant and flame-retardant materials.

• Fire-resistant clothing is made from synthetic materials that are engineered for thermal and chemical resistance. Nomex®, Kevlar®, and CarbonX® are just a few of the common fire-resistant materials used in protective clothing from fire suits and undergarments to racing gloves and socks.
• Flame-retardant clothing is treated with chemicals to give it protective qualities. Since clothing can be made from any type of material, flame-retardant options are more abundant and less expensive. The downside of flame-retardant clothing is that the chemical treatment on the material will wear away over time after multiple washes.

Some materials, including merino wool and modacrylic, have inherent fire-resistant properties. Flames burn very slowly and will eventually self-extinguish in merino wool; modacrylic is difficult to ignite and will pull away from the flame when lit. When these fabrics are treated with flame-retardant chemicals, it increases fire resistance and protection.

SFI & FIA Specifications for Racing Apparel

SFI and FIA put fire-resistant race apparel to the test before they grant safety approval and authorize certification of compliance. Both organizations use TPP (Thermal Protective Performance) standards to ensure reciprocity in fire-resistant ratings. Specific tests and criteria differ based on the clothing item and the organization, but generally include self-extinguishing time and the number of seconds before a second-degree burn occurs once the material is exposed to direct flame and radiant heat.

SFI Ratings

Racing fire suits fall under the SFI rating of 3.2A, but racing gloves, underwear, socks, shoes, boots, hoods, and head socks fall under the SFI rating of 3.3. Each piece of SFI-certified race apparel includes a conformance label patch showing that it has met the rigorous safety standards.

FIA Standards

FIA standard 8856- covers all fire-retardant clothing including suits, underwear, gloves, and shoes. Code 8856-2018 meets the most recent safety updates and will gradually replace older, but still acceptable, code 8856-2000. FIA patches include a silver or gold hologram, date of manufacture, and the latest versions include an expiration date. Patches are located in areas that are easy to spot quickly.

Racing Underwear

Wearing fire-resistant underwear beneath your racing fire suit can increase the time before a second-degree burn occurs by an additional 3 seconds. Underwear for race car drivers includes one-piece garments, separate tops and pants, and sports bras made in fire-resistant materials including Nomex®, CarbonX®, and other high-performance fibers. Avoid underclothes made in polyester or polypropylene, two plastic derivatives, as these can melt into the skin and cause severe burns and injury when exposed to high heat and fire.

Safety-approved fire-resistant racing underwear must cover the driver's body from the neck to the ankles and wrists and fit snugly without air gaps, especially at the openings, for optimal protection. Ladies' racing bras must be made of fire-resistant material and cannot include metal or plastic in the design.

Racing Gloves

Not only do racing gloves give you a better grip on the steering wheel and protect your hands from small cuts and scrapes, but a fire-resistant pair can also keep your skin safe when exposed to flames. SFI-approved safety racing gloves must include separate fingers and thumbs on each hand. Gloves may be partially constructed in leather but must include a layer of fire-resistant material between the leather and the skin for added safety. Typical materials used in fire-resistant gloves include Nomex® and Kevlar®, which both offer protection from heat and flame.

How to Measure Racing Gloves

Measure around the circumference of the hand around the knuckles, excluding the thumb, keeping the measuring tape snug. Check the brand's size chart based on hand measurement. Gloves should fit snugly, but not feel uncomfortably tight.

Racing Shoes, Boots & Socks

Protective racing shoes and boots for drivers and crew team members must be made in fire-retardant materials, such as Nomex® or Pyrovatex®. Even though auto racing shoes are not entirely fireproof, those approved by SFI and FIA must offer flame resistance for a short period of time so that a driver can get to safety. Shoes should cover the ankles and any exposed areas of the foot; boots should measure at least 6 inches from the bottom of the sole to the top of the shaft.

Fire-resistant socks are typically made in Nomex®, CarbonX®, or merino wool that's naturally flame- and melt-proof. Racing socks should extend up the leg and over any underclothes.

Racing Head Socks, Hoods & Balaclavas

A fire-resistant head sock, hood, or balaclava offers extra burn protection when worn under your racing helmet. Choose a head sock or racing balaclava in your preferred style—with either two separate eye sockets or one large oval opening—that fits snugly at the neck, but is not uncomfortable. Most head socks for auto racing come in one size that fits most; make sure that your eyes, nose, and mouth align with the openings and the bibb extends down at least 6 inches down from the chin for maximum protection.

NASCAR Mandates Fire-Resistant Underwear

Prior to the 2023 season, NASCAR made a change to its safety rules regarding fire-resistant undergarments. In the past, fire-resistant underwear, socks, and balaclavas/head socks were recommended, but not required. As of 2023, the updated NASCAR mandate states that all drivers must wear SFI or FIA-rated underwear, socks, and a helmet skirt or head sock under their fire suit and protective gear. Formula One implemented similar standards on fire-resistant underwear in the 2022 season.

Browse the selection of apparel and safety equipment at Behrent's Performance warehouse to get the most protection possible on race day and beyond. Explore our resource center for more race gear tips and information.