If you have ever watched Formula 1, you may have noticed several drivers wearing something white on the left side of their helmets. It’s the short-collar and it’s a symbol of their teams’ pride. You can also find them on some of the biggest racing drivers’ shirt as an accent color. What is the short-collar and where did it come from?
The short-collar is a cultural icon in Formula 1. It was first introduced to the series in 1966 and was inspired by fashion and style in the 1960s.
While most Formula 1 fans will know exactly what a short-collar is and why they wear them, those who are new to the sport may wonder what is the significance of this iconic part of a racing driver’s attire.
Here is a short introduction to what is a short-collar in Formula 1 and why you should know what it means.
Short-Collar In F1
The short-collar in F1, also referred to as just the collar, is one of the most recognizable symbols of a racing driver. It is a rectangular piece of knit with rounded corners that is worn on the left side of the helmet near the base. The shape is similar to a half-moonshort cut with the top slanting down to meet the bottom. There is also a miniature version known as a short-ejector collar that is placed lower and to the right of the main one. Its rounded edges make it look similar to a quarter moonshort cut. The short-collar is most frequently seen on drivers competing in single-seaters or on the sport’s premiere series such as the Formula 1, in which it was first introduced, or the Indianapolis 500. It has also become a symbol of rebellion among drivers and racing teams during the 1960s and 1970s. This can be seen in the design of the sleeve of Marni’s famous yellow and black tracksuit worn in the 2016 Paris-Dakar rally.
A short-collar is the result of a style evolution that began in the early 1960s. It replaced the peak cap (now known as the baseball cap) for the male tennis players at the time and became a common sight on the roads and racetracks.
The shape and the material of the short-collar were chosen to maximize aerodynamic performance while maintaining a secure and comfortable fit on the head. This is largely thanks to the knitted construction that provides support and a snug fit against the neck while offering superior venting. Its soft cotton (or synthetic fiber) construction makes it ideal for all-around use and comfortable even in the most extreme temperatures. Most of the time, you will find drivers wearing a short-collar on the track, but it is not uncommon to see them on the streets. The design also makes it ideal for use as a fashion statement, as some famous people have decided to give it a try. Famous fashion designers have even created exclusive lines of short-collars.
Legend Has It…
A legend has it that during the early 1960s, Formula 1 drivers would often choose to wear their short-collars backwards, as if they were earrings. The design would then be worn as a symbol of rebellion against the conservative dress codes of the time. This act of “cheating” with a piece of headwear was meant to draw attention to themselves and their teams by standing out in the crowd. Naturally, this rule was not always followed and many drivers, especially those competing in the early years of Formula 1, decided to wear their short-collars as prescribed by the rules. However, this has not prevented the short-collar from becoming an icon of fashion in its own right.
A legend has it that during the early 1960s, Formula 1 drivers would often choose to wear their short-collars backwards, as if they were earrings. The design would then be worn as a symbol of rebellion against the conservative dress codes of the time. This act of “cheating” with a piece of headwear was meant to draw attention to themselves and their teams by standing out in the crowd. Naturally, this rule was not always followed and many drivers, especially those competing in the early years of Formula 1, decided to wear their short-collars as prescribed by the rules. However, this has not prevented the short-collar from becoming an icon of fashion in its own right.
Why Should You Know What a Short-Collar Is?
Now that you know what a short-collar is and the little history behind it, you may be wondering why you should know what it is. The reason is fairly simple. While it has been a part of Formula 1 for almost 60 years now, it is still not common knowledge what it is or why you should know about it. If you are new to the sport, it may be hard to know how to dress for it or what all the different items are that you need to own. Knowing what a short-collar is will help make your transition into Formula 1 much easier. It will also allow you to dress appropriately and stylishly while participating in this incredible sport.
As you may have guessed, the short-collar did not come about as a one-off design. Since its inception, the outfit has continued to evolve to fit the needs of the modern-day driver. These days, you will find many different short-collar designs and styles, each with their perks and quirks. This makes this part of the competition unique as each driver will have their preferred look that suits them best. Knowing what these are will make it easier to choose an appropriate design for the occasion. It’s also easier to find clothing that fits once you know what size and length you need to look for. For example, if you are a small person with a large hat, there is no point wasting your time and effort trying to find a cap that will fit you. You will either need to get a hat that is large enough to cover you or find a tailor to help you out.
There are many different types of short-collars that you can choose from. Some of the most popular ones include: