FIRE RETARDANT UNDERWEAR
AND WHY IS IT SO EXPENSIVE?
SFI & FIA UNDERWEAR IS YOUR LAST DEFENSE AGAINST FIRE AND EXCESSIVE HEAT
Major brands research and develop proprietary materials to construct their underwear. Other manufactures will use a combination of patented, technical fabrics.
All manufacturers use their chosen fabrics to engineer a FIA and/or SFI
compliant product that includes one (or all) of the following.
flame resistant to pass stringent SFI & FIA testing
softness for comfort and mobility
stretchable for mobility and an athletic fit
breathability - to help regulate the body’s core temperature. Minimizing perspiration lowers the heart rate and reduces driver fatigue plus stress
the elimination of pressure points - flat seams and a seamless construction is common
moisture-wicking and cooling. Sparco adds a X-Cool treatment to help maintain and control body temperatures.
a compression structure (especially socks) to aid circulation, reduce muscle cramps and add a structure for increased comfort levels.
For pro racers the major brands manufacture their underwear using different fire-resistant and stretch panels to aid driver comfort, health and safety.
Why is racing underwear so expensive - because manufacturers cannot use the less expensive fabrics such as cotton ( it burns) and the various configurations of polyester (will melt to the skin.)
Alpinestars class their underwear as ‘technical layers’ which we think is appropriate since manufacturers apply multiple innovative techniques combined with a variety of technical materials and threads to achieve a layer that offers drivers optimum comfort, safety and performance.
WEARING FIRE-RESISTANT UNDERWEAR SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES YOUR TPP
(Thermal Protective Performance Test)
“Another way to obtain extra air gaps is to wear racing underwear. Fire resistant underwear should be worn with every type of driver suit, especially single layer suits because it will double the minimum protection time (min +3 seconds). … It is certified through SFI Spec 3.3 for Driver Accessories and undergoes the same TPP and flammability tests as the driver suit outerwear.” SFI Foundation
The FIA does not have a separate spec for underwear. It has to meet the same standards as all FIA racing apparel.
The Thermal Protective Performance device (TPP) was developed to measure the time elapsed for convective and radiant heat to penetrate through a protective composite fabric system - resulting in a 2nd degree burn injury to human skin. Remember, wearing underwear adds to the number of air layers. Additional air pockets, air layers slows the passage of a heat source.
Manufacturers usually use a combination of Elastane (also called Spandex, Lycra) for elasticity and a Modal FR fabric for fire protection. Modal fabrics are derived from the pulp of trees, usually beech. This naturally derived raw thread, has a flame retardant substance incorporated throughout the cross section of the fiber for a permanent protection. LENZING™ FR used by many manufacturers is a Modal FR fabric
ELASTICITY AND FLAME RESISTANCE
TECHNICAL LAYERS (UNDERWEAR) INCLUDE BALACLAVAS (HEADSOCKS,) TOPS, BOTTOMS AND SOCKS AND THEY MUST MEET SFI 3.3 AND/OR FIA 8856-2018 (or FIA 8856-2000) STANDARDS
