Fueling your ‘fit: Indianapolis 500 outfit ideas to stay cool and on-trend
Race cars won’t be the only thing coming in hot at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Sunday – a host of Indianapolis 500 fashions are also set to make a splash.
The 2023 Indy 500 is almost underway, and fans are breaking out their Sunday best. Whether you’re dressing for form or function, the perfect outfit is an event essential.
Here’s what to wear to beat the heat and fit the theme around the track, in the pit and all throughout the weekend.
Light clothing is the way to go
T-shirts and tank tops will serve you well at the Speedway, with this year's race day projected see temperatures in the low 80s on race day. Shorts and sneakers are also recommended. Something moveable and flexible is a must for navigating your way through the site, which spans a whopping 560 acres.
Fabrics like cotton and linen are preferable to nylon, polyester or vinyl. Looser, more breathable options can help fight the effects of heat and humidity.
A tram service will transport passengers from the parking lots to stops all along the Speedway, but you should still expect to walk around the grounds throughout the day. In addition to staying cool, be sure to stay hydrated: Coolers smaller than 18 inches wide, 14 inches long and 15 inches deep are permitted inside the gates, along with CamelBaks and non-glass bottles, per the Speedway’s gate regulations.
The guidelines also permit the race's hottest accessory: sunscreen, and plenty of it.
Indy 500 weather forecast: What to expect on race day 2023
Denim? Definitely. How to stick with Indy 500 fashion
If you want to stay on trend, consider a classic checkered flag ensemble. Indy 500 fans often incorporate the pattern into their outfits to match the main event, sporting black-and-white shirts, sunglasses and suits.
Your best pair of jorts will never steer you wrong, but especially not on race day. The jean/shorts combo has become a staple at the racetrack, with many opting for the look to keep cool and stick to the race’s unofficial dress code.
Racegoers are also known to rock red, white and blue. Rompers, capes, bikinis, bandanas – nothing is off the table when it comes to the pinnacle of American apparel. A patriotic color palette is always a safe bet.
And if you can snag a pair of jorts speckled with the stars and stripes? Even better.
From USA TODAY: What to wear in hot weather
Beware the Snake Pit
No one escapes completely unscathed from Indiana’s biggest dance party – or, in last year’s case, un-caked.
While Sunday’s performers – including Shaquille O’Neal, aka DJ Diesel, and Kaskade – aren’t known for slinging industrial-sized desserts into their crowds, attendees in the Snake Pit should still brace for impact. You should stick with comfortable clothing that can withstand grime and dirt in the pit, as well as wear-and-tear of the day.
But the EDM extravaganza still calls for rage attire. Consider colorful tops, your favorite pair of shades and a prop or two to set the mood. Funky hats and fun makeup, so long as it's waterproof, are also appropriate.
Contact Pulliam Fellow Heather Bushman at HBushman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @hmb_1013.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What to wear to the Indy 500: Fashion for fun and function
