We are often asked which logo application is best for my new racewear  - Print or Embroidery. The answer depends on your individual requirement.

Below you will find information you should consider when adding sponsor logos to your race suit. 

First, check the FIA 8856-2018 and SFI regulations for the application of logos application a race suit, race boots, race gloves and race underwear.

FIA/SFI regulations for printed designs and logos

The 2018 FIA regulations and SFI 3.2 included the introduction of requirements in respect of printed designs and logos on the outer layer of the racewear. The racewear manufacturer is required to homologate their printing technology to ensure the application of the printed design and/or logos are fire retardant. 

If you’re racing under FIA regulations, the manufacturer is responsible for the supply of an FIA approved certificate stating homologated fire retardant print has been used in the application of screen printed design and/or logos to the racewear and it shows the garment as it left the factory. 

Both FIA and SFI require samples of all print types in the homologation process.

Printing is suitable for:- 

• Race Suits 
• Race Gloves
• Race Boots
• Race underwear

FIA/ SFI regulations for embroidery logos

Both FIA and SFI regulations state embroidery thread can only be sewn through the outer layer of the garment. This is done by the manufacturer before final assembly. 

Both FIA and SFI require embroidery samples are supplied as part of the homologation process.

Embroidery is suitable for:-

• Race Suits 
• Race Gloves
• Race Boots

FIA/ SFI regulations for embroidery patches 

FIA and SFI regulations state embroidery patches must have a fireproof backing and are sewn onto the race suit using fire retardant thread. Our advice would be to ask the manufacturer to undertake this exercise on your behalf to ensure the embroidery patch is both created and applied correctly. 

Both FIA and SFI require embroidery samples in the homologation process.

Embroidery patches are suitable for :-

• Race Suits 
• Race Gloves
• Race Boots

For further information covering all FIA and SFI homologations can be found by clicking on the links below.

8856-2018 FIA Approved garment homologation 

SFI 3.2/A Approved race suit homologation

SFI 3.3 Approved driver accessories homologation

Screen printed designs and logos – The advantages

Screen print technology uses silk screens to create designs and logos which are coated in silicone ink and then applied to racewear material in individual colour layers. 

Screen printing achieves similar colour vibrancy and sharpness to that of embroidery, but is more supple and a lighter weight. Screen printing is ideal for designs which involve complex repeating patterns or unusual shapes. There is a set-up cost to create the physical screen.

Heat transfer printed logos – The advantages

Heat transfer printing is the process of creating printing logos from a special printer.  The logos are applied using a hot press directly on the outer layer of the racewear garment to warm up the glue on the under-side of the transfer to create a bond. 

Heat transfers printed logos are a light weight option. In our experience heat transfer printed logos work well when the logo design has a shaded component with multiple  colours bleeding in to another. 

Although there is no set up fees with heat transfer logos, We recommend clients have the racewear logos re-freshed once a year.  

Embroidery logos and patches – The advantages

Embroidery is where the thread is sewn directly onto the racewear material thousands of times repeatedly (thread count) to create the preferred design or logo.

We recommend embroidery logos and patches where ever possible, Fyshe specifies a very high thread count for each logo and patch to achive a high resolution and long lasting finish.

Embroidery logos and patches will necessitate the creation of DST files. This is the process of converting a vector logo file in to an embroidery file. There is a set-up cost to create the DST files.

If you have any questions about racewear logo applications then please feel free to reach out using our contact form .

If you are considering owning your own bespoke race suit but are unsure where to start, you can read our blog on how to order a bespoke race suit here.

We strongly recommend you consult the sanctioning body responsible for the championship/event in which you intend to participate for clarification/confirmation on any matter of concern regarding racewear.