What must a luge athlete wear?
Officials' detail · The sled and officials · 4 of 4A race suit, an FIL-approved helmet and luge shoes are compulsory in training and racing. The suit must be plain textile, not plasticised or sealed, ending mid-foot and never taped to the foot. Glove spikes may be 5 mm long. Hoods and bootie covers are banned, and protectors may be only 10 mm thick.
How it works
- Race suit: compulsory; textile only, not plasticised or sealed.
- Fit: clothing, helmet and shoes follow the body's contours.
- Suit at the foot: ends mid-foot; never taped to the foot or socks; no bootie covers.
- Not allowed: hoods and built-in padding, except approved body protection.
- Protectors: at most 10 mm, only where the body can hit the walls.
- Helmet and shoes: to FIL guidelines.
- Glove spikes: at most 5 mm long.
- Start bib: on chest and back; both doubles athletes wear one.
The glossary has the race suit, the helmet, the spikes, the start, the doubles and the sliding position.
Tricky cases
Can an athlete tape their suit to their shoes?
No. Taping the suit to the foot or socks is forbidden.
Is a neck strap allowed?
Yes, as long as it does not make the clothing more aerodynamic.
Can a doubles pair share one start bib?
No. Both athletes wear a bib.
Can an athlete wear thicker padding on the back?
Protectors are capped at 10 mm. Additional weight may reach 30 mm in a strip down the back.
Why the rule exists
A smoother suit or shoe cover cuts drag, so the rules fix what is allowed. Limits on spikes and padding keep the start fair and stop protection becoming a hidden aid.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Suit | Textile only, no bootie covers | IRO §5 2.4 |
| Protectors | 10 mm | IRO §5 2 d |
| Youth and junior | Bibs may be taped at the bottom edge, up to 6 cm | IRO §5 2.5 f |
From the rule book
FIL, International Luge Regulations (IRO), artificial track (2026 edition), §5 points 2 to 2.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIL International Luge Regulations, issued each season.