To find your racing suit size, measure your chest, waist, hips, inseam, sleeve length, torso girth, thigh and calf, note your height and weight, and compare them with the size chart for the suit you are buying. If you sit between sizes or your proportions don't match a single size, choose made-to-measure. This guide explains each measurement and the mistakes that lead to the wrong size.
Why Sizing Matters
A race suit only protects you properly if the armour stays on your joints and the leather stays put in a slide. Too big and the suit can shift; too small and it restricts movement and tires you out. The right size also makes long sessions far more comfortable.
Understanding Suit Sizing
Race suits are usually sized by chest measurement or by numbered European sizes, often with height guidance. Charts vary between makers, so don't assume your size in one brand carries over to another. Always use the chart for the suit you are buying; ours is on the size guide.
Standard vs Made-to-Measure
Standard sizes suit riders whose measurements fall neatly into one size, and they are quicker: our standard sizes ship 10 to 15 working days after order confirmation. Made-to-measure is cut from your own measurements, adds $125 and takes about four to six weeks. It can be altered after delivery but not returned.
How to Measure Yourself
Measure in thin clothing or the base layer you will ride in, using a soft tape measure. Ask someone to help, because several measurements are hard to take alone. Keep the tape snug but not tight, stand relaxed and measure everything twice.
Critical Measurement Points Explained
- Chest: around the fullest part, under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
- Waist: around your natural waist, usually just above the navel.
- Hips: around the widest part of your hips and seat.
- Inseam: from the crotch down the inside leg to the ankle bone.
- Sleeve: from the centre of the back of your neck, over the shoulder and down to the wrist, with the arm slightly bent.
- Torso girth: from the top of one shoulder, down the front, through the crotch and up the back to the same shoulder. This is critical on one-piece suits.
- Thigh: around the fullest part of the upper thigh.
- Calf: around the widest part of the calf, which matters if you wear boots inside the leg.
- Height and weight: these help confirm your size and spot proportions that fall between sizes.
One-Piece vs Two-Piece Sizing
A one-piece needs the torso length to be right, because the suit can't adjust at the waist. A two-piece is more forgiving there, as the jacket and trousers can move slightly at the zip. Most riders take the same size in both, but if your torso girth is at the edge of a size, a two-piece or made-to-measure is the safer choice.
How Racers Get Their Fit Right
Professional riders are generally measured and fitted in the riding position, often on a bike, and their suits are adjusted until the armour lines up and the leather sits close in a tuck. You can borrow the approach by checking your suit while sitting on a bike or crouching with your arms forward. Our guide to how a race suit should fit includes a simple riding-position test you can do at home.
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Measuring over bulky clothes.
- Guessing from your jeans or T-shirt size.
- Skipping the torso girth measurement.
- Sizing up so the suit feels comfortable standing.
- Assuming every brand's chart matches.
Track vs Street
Track suits are usually cut closer and more aggressively pre-curved for a deep tuck. For street riding in a more upright position, some riders prefer a slightly roomier fit or a two-piece suit. In both cases, the armour must still stay on the joints.
Weight, Height and Riding Position
Height and weight alone can't size a suit, because two riders of the same weight can have very different builds. Use them as a cross-check. Your bike matters too: a sport bike puts your arms and legs in a more bent position, which needs longer sleeves and legs than an upright bike.
Leather Stretch and Break-In
Good leather relaxes a little and moulds to your body over the first several rides, mostly at the knees, elbows and seat. Expect a snug suit to become more comfortable, but don't buy one that is clearly too small and expect it to stretch a full size.
Sizing Leather Jackets
Leather jackets follow the same rules. Measure chest, waist and sleeve, check sleeve length with your arms reaching forward, and make sure the armour sits on the shoulder and elbow. If you plan to zip the jacket to matching pants, check the waist zip lines up and the overlap holds in a riding position.
When to Choose Made-to-Measure
Choose made-to-measure if you fall between sizes, have long or short limbs for your height, carry a lot of muscle in the thighs or shoulders, or have a torso girth outside the standard chart. It is also worth considering if you plan to ride in the same suit for years.
FAQs
How tight should a racing suit be?
Snug, like a firm second skin. You should be able to breathe deeply and reach the riding position without strain, and the armour shouldn't move when you push it.
Should I size up in a leather racing suit?
Usually not. Leather relaxes slightly with use, so sizing up often leaves the suit loose and the armour out of place. Size up only if your measurements put you above a size.
Is made-to-measure better than standard sizing?
For riders who match a standard size well, standard sizing works fine. For anyone between sizes or with uncommon proportions, made-to-measure gives a closer fit and better armour placement.
Can I use the same size for a one-piece and two-piece suit?
Often, yes, but check your torso girth. A one-piece is less forgiving on torso length than a two-piece.
How long does a racing suit take to break in?
Typically a handful of rides, depending on the leather and how often you ride. Wearing it at home in a riding position can help it settle a little sooner.
Conclusion
The right racing suit size comes from accurate measurements, not guesswork. Take every measurement on the chart, check torso girth carefully and test the fit in a riding position. If you are between sizes, made-to-measure removes the compromise. If you have questions, contact us before you order, or browse our replica race suits.
Our suits are unofficial replicas and are not affiliated with MotoGP, Dorna Sports or any team, rider or sponsor.