The last time I was at the rental go-kart track, I noticed a lot of inconsistencies with what people were wearing. I thought I would research the clothing and what you should wear when rental go-kart racing.
When you drive a go-kart, you should wear Jeans or shorts, sneakers, t-shirts, and your hair in a low ponytail. Clothing should be comfortable, yet snug fitting. Most rental karts provide a helmet and head sock.
Each track might have specific requirements and clothing regulations, but in general, for safety and comfort, the following is a list of clothing, from head to toe, that will make your day on the karting track less frustrating and a lot safer.
Why is clothing important?
Unlike a car, where the cab is safely protected from the engine and wheels; go-karts are open and the driver can reach every part of the go-kart with little effort. Therefore, our clothing and hair should be neatly kept as close to our bodies as possible. Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to go-kart racing! It is easy to prevent wardrobe malfunctions by taking an extra moment, reading through this list, and applying it to your clothing choice on the day of your go-kart race!
I have researched the following, you can find the list and detailed descriptions of karting clothes below!
- Shoes
- Pants
- Shirt
- Hair Secured
- Neck Brace
- Rib Protector
- Karting Shoes
- Gloves
Shoes
What shoes do I need to go karting?
Close-toe shoes are an important barrier in go-kart safety, you should follow the track rules that you wish to race at as well as this advice.
Closed-toe shoes, such as boots, sneakers, skater shoes, or tennis shoes are suggested and often required to go-kart race. While most go-karts have shields or barriers around the pedals, closed-toe shoes provide added protection against abrasions, bruises, or cuts.
Special go-kart shoes can be purchased for serious competitors that also protect the ankle and allow a better feel of the pedals, though they aren’t required to rent a go-kart.
You should not be barefoot, wear sandals, flip flops, or crocs while go-kart racing as they do not provide adequate protection.
Pants
Can I wear jeans to go karting?
Wearing your most comfortable jeans are the best pants to drive a go-kart with. Jeans provide protection and choosing a pair that has stretch can allow you to sit and move with ease.
While jeans might be the best option to protect your legs when karting, they aren’t the only option for pants. Choose a pair of pants that are tight enough to fit snugly around your ankles and hips. Tracksuit type of pants are also very common and comfortable to wear while racing go-karts, just be sure they are not too loose.
You can also choose to wear shorts at most go-kart racing facilities, check with the track you plan to be at for their exact requirements.
You should not wear chains, hanging belts, large bell bottom pants, parachute pants, or loose-fitting clothing while on a go-kart.
Can you wear skirts or dresses on a go-kart?
You should not wear skirts or dresses on a go-kart. Go-karts have very low clearance, meaning they are inches, or less, off the ground. Skirts or dresses can get caught around numerous moving parts and should be avoided if possible. Also, skirts and dresses won’t allow proper positioning in the seat and with your legs to your pedals.
Many tracks do not allow loose clothing such as dresses or skirts, so check your local track to be sure before you arrive.
Shirt
Can you wear a hoodie to go go-karting?
I live in the PNW where hoodies, or a pullover sweatshirt with a hood, is the staple coat for all seasons. The best question I came across in my research is, Can you wear a hoodie to race go-karts? I can feel this to my soul!
You can wear a hoodie to race go-karts. A well-fitted tee shirt and sweatshirt are adequate to rent a go-kart at most tracks. I would suggest tying up the loose strings and emptying your pockets before you begin racing.
If you are wearing a hoodie, be sure to have an undershirt because racing will make your body warm!
Helmet
Can I bring my own helmet go-karting?
Most go-kart rental facilities have their own helmets included in the price of a rental, but the question is often asked; Can you bring your own helmet to race day?
You can usually bring your own helmet to a rental go-kart track! The helmet must be damage free, have the SNELL/D.O.T.-approved sticker, and face shield, and be well-fitted.
Along with a full-face helmet, many tracks require a head sock to be worn. A head sock, or helmet sock, is just what it sounds like. It’s a comfortable piece of stretchy fabric that is pulled down over your face, like a thin skiing mask. A head sock is a barrier between your skin and a rental helmet and also encases long hair.
Hair Secured
How do you wear your hair for go-karting?
Long hair in 2023 is a popular hairstyle, but it should be considered prior to arrive at a racing go-kart track. When I saw the question pop up, How do you wear your hair for go karting, having long hair myself, I knew this question was just right for me!
You should pull your hair back in a neat, low ponytail before going karting. Hair must be secured to prevent it from being caught in the go-kart. Also, a helmet is required to fit snugly, so hair should be worn in a way to allow a properly fitted helmet.
Many rental kart facilities have head socks to help secure loose hair and improve personal hygiene within their helmet inventory. You can also purchase a head sock prior to arriving to ensure your hair is safely secured! Don’t be a statistic!
What else do I need to go go-karting?
There is a difference between going out on your first high-speed go-kart and racing in a circuit. If you expect to have some serious competition and a full day of karting, you can also purchase the following items!
Go-kart racing requires close-toed shoes, a skid-resistant driving suit (or jeans and a jacket), and a full-face SNELL/DOT helmet. Additional safety gear for a competitive go-kart racer includes a neck collar, a rib protector, driving shoes, and driving gloves.
Neck Brace
A neck collar is designed to give support to your neck in the event of a crash. The helmet sits comfortably on a neck collar that is resting on the driver’s shoulders.
Rib Protector
A Rib protector is a rigid, tight-fitted support that fits around the rider’s ribs. Due to the lack of shocks in a go-kart, a driver’s body takes the full force of bumps on an outdoor track. A rib protector helps support the body.
Karting Shoes
Driving shoes are lightweight shoes that give a full feel of the pedals while also covering the ankle of the driver. These are often required once you are racing in a club or regional races.
Gloves
Driving gloves are thin, comfortable gloves that assist in gripping the steering wheel, reducing hand fatigue, and protecting against abrasions, and they also help prevent blisters and sores.
What should you not wear while going go-kart racing?
This post is a long list of what you should wear while go-kart racing, but the question keeps coming up What should you NOT wear while go-kart racing? I thought I would make a quick list of that as well!
When driving a go-kart, you should not wear loose-fitting clothes; do not wear open-toed shoes, sandals, or crocs; do not wear dangling earrings, necklaces, or bracelets; do not wear chains, hanging belts, or hanging suspenders; do not wear skirts or dresses; lastly, you should not wear your hair down.
I hope this answered all of your questions so you can have a successful race around the go-kart track!
In conclusion, safety is always highest at a go-kart track and while it might seem like a hassle, know that everyone has your safety in mind!