Why Proper Care Matters for Nomex Patches
Your race suit is a significant investment and a critical piece of safety equipment. The Nomex patches and badges on it — name badges, flag badges, sponsor logos — are subject to the same heat, sweat, and mechanical stress as the suit itself. Caring for them correctly keeps them looking sharp, maintains their fire-resistant properties, and extends the life of both the patch and the suit beneath it.
Neglect can cause patches to delaminate, colours to fade, and edges to fray — none of which looks professional in the paddock, and all of which can create weak points in the suit's protection.
Can You Wash a Race Suit with Nomex Patches?
Yes — but carefully. Most FIA-homologated race suits are designed to be machine washed, and Nomex itself is a robust material. However, the washing process must be gentle enough to protect both the suit fabric and the stitching that holds the patches in place.
Before washing, always check your suit manufacturer's care label. If the label has been removed or is illegible, contact the manufacturer directly — incorrect washing can void the suit's homologation.
Washing Instructions for Race Suits with Nomex Patches
Machine Washing
- Temperature — wash at 30°C maximum. Higher temperatures can cause shrinkage in the suit fabric and weaken the adhesion of patch stitching over time.
- Cycle — use a delicate or hand-wash cycle with low spin speed (400–600 rpm). High spin speeds put stress on patch edges and seams.
- Detergent — use a mild, non-biological liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents, which can leave residue in the Nomex fibres. Never use bleach or fabric softener — both degrade Nomex fibres and reduce fire resistance.
- Laundry bag — place the suit inside a mesh laundry bag to protect patches and zips from snagging during the cycle.
- Turn inside out — washing the suit inside out reduces friction on patch surfaces and helps preserve embroidery colours.
Hand Washing
For suits with particularly delicate embroidery or older patches, hand washing is the safest option. Use cool water (no hotter than 30°C) and a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Gently agitate the suit without scrubbing the patch surfaces directly. Rinse thoroughly until no detergent remains.
Drying Your Race Suit
- Never tumble dry — heat from a tumble dryer will damage Nomex fibres, cause shrinkage, and can cause patch edges to curl or delaminate.
- Air dry flat or on a wide hanger — hang the suit on a wide, padded hanger or lay it flat to dry. Avoid wire hangers, which can distort the suit's shape at the shoulders.
- Dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources — UV exposure fades embroidery colours over time, and direct heat (radiators, sunlight) can affect Nomex properties.
- Allow to dry fully before storage — storing a damp suit encourages mildew, which can degrade both the suit fabric and patch stitching.
Ironing and Pressing
Do not iron directly over Nomex patches. The embroidery thread can flatten and lose definition under direct heat, and some backing materials may be affected. If the suit fabric needs pressing, iron around the patches on a low setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Never use steam directly on a patch.
Inspecting Your Patches After Washing
After each wash, take a moment to inspect your patches:
- Check the perimeter stitching for any loose threads or lifted edges
- Look for any signs of colour bleeding from the patch onto the suit fabric
- Check that the patch lies flat and has not bubbled or delaminated
- If any stitching has come loose, have it re-sewn promptly using Nomex thread before the next event
A patch that is lifting at the edges is not just a cosmetic issue — it can catch on equipment and tear further, or create an uneven surface that affects the suit's fit.
Storage Between Events
Store your race suit hanging in a breathable garment bag, away from direct sunlight, damp, and chemical fumes (including fuel and oil). Nomex is resistant to many chemicals, but prolonged exposure to fuel vapour can degrade the fibres over time. Keep the suit away from sharp objects that could snag patch edges.
When to Replace a Nomex Patch
Even with careful maintenance, patches have a finite lifespan. Consider replacing a patch if:
- The perimeter stitching has failed and cannot be re-sewn cleanly
- The patch has delaminated from the suit fabric
- Colours have faded to the point where the badge is no longer clearly legible
- The patch has been damaged by heat, fuel, or mechanical abrasion
Replacing a patch is straightforward and inexpensive compared to the cost of a new suit. At MotorStitch UK, we can reproduce any existing badge — bring or send us the original and we will match it as closely as possible.
Order Replacement Nomex Patches
Need to replace a worn or damaged patch? Browse our full range:
- Nomex Name Badges — replacement driver name patches, matched to your existing colours and font
- Nomex Flag Badges — replacement national flag badges for all major nations
- Embroidered Motorsport Nomex Patches — custom sponsor and team patches
- Nomex Repair Badges & Sewing Kits — for minor repairs between events
All patches are produced in-house at our UK workshop. Contact us if you need advice on matching an existing badge or sourcing Nomex thread for repairs.