Racing jackets are fan and team jackets covered in driver numbers and sponsor graphics. They came in leather, suede, satin, nylon and twill, and most of the ones you'll find today were made from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Every one is different, so here's what we look at before a jacket goes on the site.
Labels you'll see
- Jeff Hamilton: leather and wool jackets with dense patch layouts. Jeff Hamilton is also known for its 1990s NBA jackets.
- Chase Authentics: licensed NASCAR driver apparel.
- Chalk Line: famous for its all-over “Fanimation” prints, which started around 1990. Russell Athletic bought the company in 1994, so most original Chalk Line jackets predate the late 90s.
- Starter and workwear makers: sponsor jackets were also made by uniform companies. Our Snap-On jacket, for example, is by Horizon Sportswear.
Check the graphics
- See whether the graphics are sewn-on patches, embroidery or prints. Look at the edges of patches for lifting or loose stitching.
- Printed all-over designs can crack or fade. Look closely at the folds, the elbows and the cuffs.
Check the hardware and lining
- Run the zipper all the way and try every snap.
- Stretch the ribbed cuffs and waistband gently. Ribbing loses its spring with age.
- Look inside: tears in a quilted satin lining are common and worth knowing about before you buy.
- On leather and suede, check the shoulders and sleeves for dry cracking and the collar for wear.
Sizing a 90s jacket
Most racing jackets are cut boxy and wide. Ignore the tag size and measure instead: lay a jacket you like flat and measure across the chest, armpit to armpit, then compare. Every listing here has a Size line; if you need the chest or length measured, hit Ask a question on the piece and we'll measure it for you.
Buying here
Every jacket on ALL KORRECT is the actual piece in the photos, one of one. Buy online and we ship anywhere in the US, or pick it up free in Capitol Hill, Seattle.
