Walero Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find answers to some of the most common questions asked about Walero and our race clothing, motorsport product and merchandise. In these FAQs we cover how and where you can buy Walero racewear in the UK and beyond, the best way to care for your motorsport clothing to ensure it lasts for years to come and more about the NASA and Outlast technology we use.
If you have any other questions, please email us or call us on +44 (0)1223 847617.
TIP: Click on any of the tags below to filter and sort.
Where can I buy them?
Visit our retailers pages to find a retailer near you!
What makes Walero underwear different to other flame-retardant base layers?
There are three big differences:
- We use the same technology that was created for NASA – Outlast® (yup, astronauts!) which actively helps to regulate your temperature, no matter how much the heat is on (or off!).
- We also work with Envirotex who created a cutting-edge hospital-grade antimicrobial product, which we have incorporated into our garments. This means that both you (and your kit bag) will always smell fresh as a daisy, no matter how tough the race.
- Comfort! Our clothing is much softer, more comfortable and more protective than the traditional Nomex and Aramid fabrics. We also use flat lock seams everywhere to stop any pressure points.
What is the difference between clothing that wicks moisture and Walero base layers?
Everything!
- Plenty of fabrics have the ability to wick moisture away. This enables the body to evaporate sweat – one of the body’s main ways of keeping cool. However, in the confines of a car, with a race suit on and a race seat surrounding much of your body (not to mention restricted airflow) the wicking process is severely compromised. Walero knows you need more.
- Walero base layers help to regulate your body’s temperature and, unlike most other garments, they respond and adjust to you, either to keep you fresh and cool when the heat is on or to keep you warm, supple and focused when it’s not.
TIP: On a cold day, try putting your base layers over a radiator before putting them on. Alternatively, put them in the fridge (or freezer!) if it’s going to be a scorcher! You’ll be amazed by the benefits.
How exactly does the temperature regulation work?
Here’s the science-y bit:
- It works by incorporating microcapsules into the yarn before the fabric is woven. These capsules contain a ‘phase change material’ (PCM), which absorbs the heat energy above a certain temperature and gives it back to you below a certain temperature. This helps to stabilise your temperature at 37 degrees.
- It also stops you getting chilled even after you drive (perfect for 24 hour races in the early hours!).
- As well as contributing to a stable body temperature, it can also reduce sweat production by up to 33% in normal usage (this has been documented by the US Military in trials).
We told you we were different.
Is there a limit to the amount of heat energy that can be absorbed?
Yes, there is a limit to how much heat energy this can absorb, especially as there is a limit to how much the PCM can ‘discharge’ to the environment contained within a race car, particularly with the extreme temperatures experienced during a race, but it will noticeably help reduce your heat stress in the car and increase your comfort.
Does the technology wear out?
The technology will remain effective for the life of the garment. In other words, the fabric will wear out before the technology does and it’ll still be 80% effective even after 50 washes. Pretty cool, huh?
Why not use silver as an antimicrobial agent in your clothing?
There are increasing numbers of concerns regarding the use of Nano-silver. The following are some of those concerns:
Depending on how the silver is fixed into the fabric, as much as 80% can wash out in just three washes.
Any silver that is washed out ends up in the environment, either in the water courses, or in slurry which is then spread onto fields.
Silver does not break down. Ever. This means that any silver in the environment can cause damage to that environment, affecting aquatic life, killing bacteria in the soil (which is vital to helping crops grow).
There is a finite supply of silver left! Some estimate that at the rate we are consuming silver, ground reserves could run out in as little as 50-80 years. There is concern over nanoparticles of silver accumulating in our bodies and the effects that it can cause within us. Side effects can range from colouring of the skin and/or eyes, to neurological problems. The research and
documented side effects are still limited but there is an ever-increasing body of work in this area.
It is very difficult – if not impossible – to ‘recharge’ garments at home with silver, so the efficiency of these
garments’ antimicrobial capacity is likely to be very limited after a relatively short space of time.
What is Envirotex and why is it better?
Envirotex is the antimicrobial we use in our garments and in our complimentary products. It is manufactured in England and has some incredible advantages:
- It is 99.999% effective against many common bacteria and also many fungal spores and viruses. It’s no surprise, then, to learn that it is used in hospitals all over the world.
- It’s eco-friendly! It doesn’t accumulate in the environment. Once the concentrations are low enough, bacteria will eat it.
- It’s non-toxic and mimics an antimicrobial protein secreted by the African claw-toed frog (so I guess that makes all of us wearing Walero intrepid explorers)!
- Envirotex is fixed into our clothing in such a way that it will last many washes at full efficiency but it is easy to ‘recharge’ garments with Envirotex or even add it to your other clothing with an additive in your normal wash (coming soon – watch this space).
Where else is the technology used?
Below are some examples:
- The technology has been very well tried and tested by Outlast over the years since it was released. There are several research papers available to demonstrate the various claims.
- The US Olympic triathlon team used the same technology to help regulate their temperature and improve their
performance at the 2012 London Olympic Games. - The technology was used at the last Golf Ryder Cup event to help the competitors keep performing at their best no matter what the weather was doing in bonny Scotland!
- It has been used to great effect by the military. Not only that; it’s even there for you when you get home and can be found in your pillows and mattress protectors!
Where are Walero base layers made?
Portugal.
Both the fabric and garment manufacturers are in Portugal.
Both are family-run companies and we have visited the factories on several occasions; both places are very happy and working conditions are fantastic.
What colours and sizes are available?
We currently manufacture our clothing in ‘Cool Grey’ and ‘Petroleum’ from sizes XS to XXXL.
Head Socks are now available in sizes S and L.
If you would like to find out more about our sizing and colours, please visit our products pages.
How do I wash/care for my garments?
- Wash at 30 degrees preferably or colder and line dry.
- The fabric is pre-shrunk so it will not shrink again, providing you follow the instructions!
- Do not tumble-dry or dry-clean your clothing.
- The fabric will crease if it’s screwed up in your bag but the creases will all fall out quickly so please do not iron.
- If at all possible we advise you wash your Walero garments on their own.
What other products are available/on their way?
We have several in progress and available soon:
- Socks
- Gloves
- Antimicrobial recharge
- Helmet/boot sanitiser
- We are also working on base layers for other sports besides motor racing, so watch this space and join our mailing list to be the first to know!
Which drivers and sports people are already wearing Walero base layers?
We now have drivers from every sphere and type of racing; single-seaters, GT, historic, rally, touring cars. You can spot drivers from professional to club racing sporting Walero.
Visit the Walero Brand Ambassadors page to find out more.
Are the garments FIA and SFI approved?
Yes – approved to FIA 8856-2000 and SFI 3.3
Does Walero exceed the FIA testing?
Yes, we have been to the lab and our fabric lasted approximately double the required length of time during flame testing! The required minimum is 11 seconds, ours lasted 21 seconds.
What instructions are there for screen printing onto the fabric for sponsors, logos etc.?
Maximum time and temperature are 160°C for 15 seconds (the lower the time and temperature, the better).
Will screen printing affect the flame retardancy of the garment?
No. We have had this tested and test results can be supplied on request.
Do you hold stock/can we order from stock?
We work on forward orders only but we do hold a forecast quantity of re-order stock that we keep to one side should an account sell out quicker than anticipated.
However, we obviously can’t control when this stock depletes so it’s important that you try to order the quantities you require. We will let you know when our order dates are and then send a prompt a month before.
How long have Walero been manufacturing motorsport race base layers and products?
Established in 2012 Walero have been manufacturing motorsport gear for over a decade.
What other sports or activities would Walero base layers be used for?
Base layers sit close to your skin and can keep you warm or cool. Walero thermal underwear provides a layer of warmth while, at the same time, absorbs and removes sweat to keep you comfortable while racing – this is called ‘wicking’. Some serious karting enthusiasts use our base layers under their karting suits. Our base layers would also be extremely beneficial for other sports and activities such as extreme snow sports, cycling, hill walking and even for under your normal day-to-day outfit on extra cold days or snowy holidays.
Where are the nearest motorsport shops?
Walero have retailers all over the world. Check out our retailer’s pages to find a motorsport shop near you!
Do you just manufacture base layers and racewear clothing?
Heck no! We have teamed up with Cobra to create a world-class professional racing seat, New Era to design and produce some of the most stylish (and temperature regulating) caps and beanies and Corkcicle to develop slick and insulated drinking bottles.
Walero keeps racers’ comfort in mind by delivering temperature controlling motorsport underwear, base layers, and clothing to ensure optimum performance on the race track. Supplying motorsport shops worldwide, Walero products combine comfort and technology in their racing base layers, fire retardant head socks and race underwear.
Check out our bespoke range of Walero Motorsport Merch; branded insulated bottles, New Era caps and beanies.
