Karbon Adult Empress GS Suit
25128A
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Race suits are one of the most important pieces of ski racing equipment. Their streamlined design reduces aerodynamic drag to help racers maintain speed while allowing full freedom of movement. A properly fitted race suit also keeps protective gear securely in place and provides the compression needed for consistent performance throughout training and competition.
FIS-approved race suits feature the official FIS logo printed on the back of the left leg.
FIS Race Suit Rules
FIS-approved race suits are identified by the official FIS logo printed on the back of the left leg. This logo confirms that the suit has been manufactured and certified to meet current FIS material and permeability requirements.
How Race Suits Should Fit
Race suits are designed to fit much tighter than typical athletic apparel. The close-fitting design minimizes aerodynamic drag by reducing loose fabric that creates wind resistance. A properly sized race suit should fit snugly throughout the body with minimal excess material while allowing unrestricted movement. Compression also helps keep protective pads securely positioned during skiing.
New race suits often require assistance pulling the suit over the shoulders and hips during the first few uses. This is normal. The fabric will gradually relax and conform to the athlete's body shape after several training sessions.
General Race Suit Fit Guidelines
| Fit Area | Proper Fit |
|---|---|
| Torso | Snug with no loose fabric or bunching |
| Arms & Legs | Close-fitting with full range of motion |
| Shoulders | May feel tight initially but should not restrict movement |
| Knees & Elbows | Protection should remain properly positioned while skiing |
| Overall Fit | Compression fit without discomfort or restricted circulation |
Race Suit Fabric & Durability
Modern race suits use highly elastic performance fabrics that provide freedom of movement, aerodynamic efficiency, and consistent compression. These materials are engineered to stretch and recover repeatedly while remaining lightweight and comfortable.
Because race suit fabrics prioritize stretch and performance, they are less abrasion resistant than traditional woven fabrics. Contact with Velcro, rough surfaces, ski edges, and gate hardware can damage the material.
Normal wear may include pilling, surface abrasion, small cuts, gate burns, and areas where the underlying white base fabric becomes visible when stretched. These cosmetic signs of use are common in alpine ski racing and do not necessarily affect performance.
Common Race Suit Fit Mistakes
- Choosing a race suit based on comfort rather than performance fit.
- Purchasing a suit that feels loose when new.
- Ignoring manufacturer sizing charts.
- Using a suit that allows pads to shift during skiing.
- Allowing Velcro or sharp ski edges to contact the fabric.
Race Place Fit Notes
- Race suits are designed to fit tighter than training apparel or outerwear.
- Most suits relax slightly after several uses.
- FIS-approved suits are only required for specific race categories.
- Race suit sizing varies between brands and models.
- Protective pads should remain securely positioned throughout a run.
- Store race suits away from exposed Velcro and sharp equipment edges.
Sizing of Race Suits
Speed suits fit by our size charts will initially be quite snug and require assistance stretching over the shoulders. However, the fabric "relaxes" after several uses to conform comfortably to your body. A new suit sized for initial comfort will stretch out and become oversized after the "break-in" period.
Race Suit Fabric
These highly elastic knit fabrics are not as abrasion resistant as woven fabrics. Contact with abrasive surfaces such as Velcro should be avoided. Prints on these fabrics are usually done on a white base and only penetrate the surface of the material. Some of the underlying white may show through areas of stretch. "Wear and Tear" is normal in stretch fabrics and may include pilling, cuts from ski/snowboard edges, and fabric burns from hitting gates at high speeds.
