How to Choose the Right Karting Suit: A Complete Guide
Your karting suit is your primary layer of protection. It must not only be safe and comply with regulations, but also be comfortable and breathable to keep you focused on the track. This guide explains the key features to help you select the perfect suit from Sparco and OMP.
Step 1: Homologation — The Safety Standard
For any official competition, from club level to international championships, your suit must meet the standards set by the sport's governing body. The current, highest standard is:
- CIK-FIA Level 2: This certification ensures the suit has passed rigorous tests for abrasion resistance, heat transfer, and tensile strength. Use our "Homologation" filter to see all certified suits. A CIK-FIA suit is a mandatory investment for any serious racer.
Step 2: Finding Your Perfect Size
A proper fit is essential for both safety and comfort. We have standardized our "Size" filter to make your choice easy. Please note that we use two different sizing systems:
- For Adult Suits: Sizes are based on the European system (42-62). To find your size, you'll need your chest, waist, hip measurements, and your height/weight. Please refer to the manufacturer's size chart on each product page.
- For Child Suits: Sizing is much simpler and is based on the driver's total height in centimeters (120-160cm). Choose the size that is closest to your child's height. If they are in between sizes, we recommend sizing up.
Step 3: Key Features and Materials
The price and performance of a suit are determined by its construction:
| Feature | Entry-Level Suits | Top-Tier Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Heavier, durable fabrics (e.g., Cordura) | Lightweight, multi-layer abrasion-resistant fabrics |
| Ventilation | Basic ventilation inserts | Extensive perforated panels (chest, back, legs) for hot climates |
| Mobility | Standard construction | Large, elasticated stretch panels (back, elbows, knees) and floating sleeves for total freedom of movement |







