MotoGP-Style Racing Suit: How They Are Built and Sized

A MotoGP racing suit is a one-piece suit tailored to the rider, with inbuilt protectors for the knees, coccyx, shoulders, back, elbows and forearms (MotoGP.com). A MotoGP-inspired suit takes cues from that design, such as colours and layout, and is made for everyday riders and fans. Knowing how the original is constructed, and how a MotoGP-style suit should be measured, helps a buyer judge what a given suit offers and which size to choose.

What a MotoGP racing suit actually is

The suits seen on the grid are one-piece leather garments. According to MotoGP.com, each rider's suit is tailored by manufacturers such as Alpinestars and Dainese, so the protective components sit in the right place, and it has inbuilt protectors for the knees, coccyx, shoulders, back, elbows and forearms. The same article confirms that the airbag suit worn by riders has airbags built into it.

Since the 2018 season, airbag-equipped suits have been compulsory for permanent riders in all classes of the MotoGP World Championship, with wild-card riders and replacement riders in their first two events excepted (Crash.net). The FIM later widened the rule: in October 2021 it announced that airbags would be compulsory in all FIM Sprint Circuit Racing championships from 2022 (FIM). That is one of the biggest differences between a works suit and a street-oriented suit, so it is worth keeping in mind when comparing the two.

What a MotoGP-style suit is, and what it is not

A MotoGP-inspired suit takes cues from a rider's suit, such as colours and layout, but it is a separate product made for a different buyer. It is not the rider's own suit, and it has no connection to any rider, team or championship. Browsing the MotoGP-style race suits collection groups racing suits in this style.

Many buyers want a suit for track days, others for display or for a style they like on the road. Those purposes lead to different priorities: a track rider needs a close, riding-position fit and protection options; someone buying a suit as a collectible cares more about livery accuracy. Deciding this first makes every later choice simpler. An individual design, such as this MotoGP-style race suit in red and white , lists on its product page the livery colours, leather options, armour options and sizing choices to compare before ordering.

How leather race suits are built

Panels and stitching

A race suit is cut from many panels rather than a few large pieces. Separate panels let the maker shape the suit for a crouched body, with extra room across the back and shoulders and pre-curved sleeves and legs. Where panels meet, seams are stitched, and seam strength is one of the things the garment standard EN 17092 assesses: SATRA notes that each seam type, zip fastener and protector pocket seam must be evaluated (SATRA).

Protector pockets and stretch zones

Protectors sit in pockets sewn into the lining at the knees, hips, shoulders and elbows, with a separate pocket or insert for the back. Stretch panels behind the knees, at the lower back and under the arms let the suit flex in the riding position. These details are common to the category, but each maker builds them differently, so the product page is the place to check what a specific suit includes.

Made to measure

Leather Collection race suits are made to order. The product pages list standard sizes and a Custom Size option, with measurements submitted after ordering, and show the armour and add-on options for each suit (see the shop's made-to-measure page). Browse the full range of leather race suits to compare one-piece and two-piece designs.

Protection and standards: what the labels mean

EN 17092 is the European standard for protective motorcycle clothing. SATRA describes it as covering jackets, trousers and one- and two-piece suits, with five classes: AAA, AA, A, B and C. Part 1 sets out the test methods and parts 2 to 6 give the requirements for each class. Impact protectors at the elbow, shoulder, knee and hip are mandatory in Class AAA and AA garments, while hip protectors are optional in Class A (SATRA).

A standard describes what a tested garment must achieve. It says nothing about a particular replica suit unless the maker supplies documentation for that suit. A buyer interested in protection should check the armour and add-on options listed on the product page, and ask for the documentation that applies to the exact suit and armour selected.

How to size a MotoGP-style race suit

A suit that feels right standing in a mirror can be wrong on the bike. Because the garment is cut for a crouched position, it should feel snug rather than loose when standing, since the leather stretches and moves into place when the rider tucks in. Measure the body, not an old jacket, and compare the numbers with the size chart on the product page.

If your measurements fall between sizes, or one dimension differs a lot from the others, ask whether custom sizing is available before ordering. Protectors only work where they are positioned, so a suit that shifts on the body is a fit problem as well as a comfort problem. For a two-piece alternative, the product page of the Ducati-style two-piece leathers lists a two-piece configuration.

Gloves and the rest of the kit

A suit is only part of a riding outfit. Gloves, boots and a back protector complete it, and the leather motorcycle gloves range is a natural next step once the suit is chosen. Gloves have their own standard, EN 13594, so the same rule applies: ask for the documentation for the exact item.

Before you order

Decide the purpose first, take the measurements twice, read the product page and its armour options, and ask questions before placing the order. A made-to-order suit rewards a careful brief.

Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.