The Corvette, when launched, was one of those cars that were destined to become an instant classic. A car with a shape that defined a decade, with performance that helped kickstart the muscle car craze of the ’60s and ’70s.
Everyone has their own favorite model and type. The classic lines of the C1. The aggressive, shouting angles of the C7. The raw power projected by the C5. The new, mid-engined, supercar styling of the C8.
Yet, it is not entirely practical to park a full-sized car on your chest for you to admire as you go about your day. This is mostly because it would make breathing somewhat difficult. The same goes with hats, as balancing a full-sized car on your head is impractical for day-to-day life.
This is why there are many bits of Corvette clothing out there, from the ever-popular shirts to official Corvette Racing team jackets and GM-authorized hats. The challenge there, however, is that there are so many shirts, hats, jackets, and the like that it can be hard to pin down exactly what you want to get. Don’t fret, then, as we have pored over the many options out there and curated a list of the best of the best for 2021 for you!
Note: we have posted links to the products we call out here. Some of these products are available on 100MPH, where we have an affiliate relationship. If you purchase a kit via these links, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This is how we fund our site. 🙂
Shirts
By far the most common piece of Corvette clothing, there are a ton of shirts out there, be they official or unofficial. With a special partnership with 100MPH.cc, however, we have the best lined up for you!
The L88 – The Legend
- Price: $24.95 on 100MPH
While there have been many legendary Corvettes, there has only ever truly been one utterly legendary engine. Hailing from way back in 1967, the L88 was the epitome of the 427 ci small block Chevy V8 engine that would, on the overrun, literally spit flames out of the exhaust pipes, and was built for one purpose only: to produce the racing levels of horsepower.
It did so with having the same bore and stroke as the other 427 Corvette engines but pushed compression to 12.5:1 with a new head, new connecting rods, and new aluminum heads and valves. This pushed the L88 to 430 HP, while also reducing its weight by 70 lbs out of a full iron 427 engine.
An utter beast, the L88 was officially only to be sold in Corvette C2’s that were destined for the race track, but we all know that some of the “somehow” made it to the street. We won’t tell if you won’t. 😉
Corvette Evolution
- Price: $24.95 on 100MPH
It’s amazing to think that, over almost 70 years, there have only been 8 generations of the mighty American sports car, the Corvette. From the first Corvette C1 in 1953 to the supercar-level Corvette C8 in 2020, the car has been constantly evolving, turning into rolling history as time has marched ever forward.
That is why the Corvette Evolution shirt is one of our personal favorites here at CorvSport, and why it belongs in pretty much every Corvette enthusiast’s collection. While some absolute purists will say that the Corvette C8 is not a “real” Corvette, we must remember that Zora himself designed the original Corvette C2 concept car to be mid-engined, so the C8 is arguably the most authentic to the original idea as possible.
Corvette C8 – American Supercar
- Price: $29.95 on 100MPH
As mentioned above, the Corvette C8, released in 2020, is about as close to the original idea of the first C2 concepts as possible, penned by the legendary Zora Arkus-Duntov. Mid-engined, with a beating heart of aluminum and iron that chucks out just under 500 HP through the rear wheels. The only part of the car, in fact, that probably was not imagined or designed by Zora was the 8-speed DCT.
That transmission, a dual-clutch, electronic-and-hydraulic controlled unit, allows for the car’s computer, depending on what mode the car is in and what the driver is doing with the controls, to essentially “pre-load” a gear. This happens by the transmission engaging the cogs of the next gear and getting everything spinning, but keeps the clutch separated from that next gear. Once the driver pulls the paddle, the first clutch disengages while the second clutch engages, and the changeover takes only a few milliseconds.
We’re sure that Zora himself would be proud of the C8, and apparently so does Chevrolet, as there is a planned hybrid-hypercar version of the C8 in the works that is known simply as “The ZORA.”
Corvette C5 – High Flyer
- Price: $29.95 on 100MPH
The Corvette C5 was a very important generation for America’s sports car. In 1997, Chevrolet gave the world a bit of a smack upside the head as a modern, sleek sports car with a 345 HP LS1 V8 under the hood was unveiled. Unlike the previous generation, the Corvette C5 was instantly loved the world over, although, for some, it took what happened in 2000 for that love to blossom.
In that year, a small, highly professional team from Corvette went to a sleepy little town in the middle of France, bringing with them a few highly modified versions of the C5, which were named the C5.R GTLM. That town was Le Mans, and the C5.R was brought to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most elite endurance race in the world.
On debut, the Corvette C5.R placed third and fourth in the GTLM class, stunning the endurance world, which was ruled by European and Asian manufacturers. That shock was only deepened in 2001 when a Corvette C5.R GTLM won the GTLM class outright. People suddenly sat up and paid attention to the brand, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Corvette C2 – Drive The Classic
- Price: $29.95 on 100MPH
While the previous generation had set the tone, the Corvette C2 was officially the point that Chevy’s best car became a beast. One could even say that it was the C2 that stung the competition, as it was the first to bear the now near-mythical badge of Stingray.
The name was born out of the racing prototypes that Zora Arkus-Duntov developed, which were low, sleek, and had a front end to cut into the air, and a tapered rear end to flow the air smoothly off the back of the car. That basic shape was refined, with a cabin added. A few little tweaks here and there design-wise, and the C2 sold in record numbers in 1963, the year it was released.
This generation is “The Classic” because it had the most variety of engines, as well as the first official Corvette sold specifically for racing, the aforementioned L88 C2’s. It is also the generation that many of the older enthusiast crowd consider to be the purest expression of American sports cars: big engine up front, long and low hood, drive through the rear wheels, with a four-speed shifter and a hell of a lot of noise.
Corvette C3
- Price: $29.95 on 100MPH
Controversial. Praise-worthy. Radical departure. Polarising. All of these words, and more, were leveled at the Corvette C3 when it was launched in 1968. Unofficially dubbed “The Shark,” the C3 was a back-to-the-drawing-board redesign of the American sports car that was necessitated by the European challenge that was coming forth in the shape of cars such as the Lamborghini Miura and the Porsche 911.
It earned the nickname of “The Shark” from the concept model, the Mako II, which was developed in 1965. This concept influenced much of the styling, however, the largest departure from the Corvette C2 was the notch-back rear section, which had a vertical rear window and a flat trunk lid area, instead of the smooth fast-back of the previous generation.
Also introduced in the C3 was the change of standard options to include a small displacement 327ci L30 V8 that put out 300 HP, along with a 3-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The independent rear suspension was also adjusted to be more civilized and offer a smoother ride. You could opt for a larger engine and stiffer suspension, which led to the famous byline in the October 1968 Car and Driver magazine: “The small-engine Corvettes are marginally faster and extraordinarily civilized. The large-engine Corvettes are extraordinarily fast and marginally civilized.”
Corvette C1
- Price: $29.95 on 100MPH
The Corvette C1, when introduced in 1953, was a revolution in both car design, and American sports cars in general. Throughout its 9 year run, it set the stage for one of the longest, continually produced car models of all time. It also brought about the idea of large V8 power, despite the engine being a small block, and was one of the cars that set off the muscle car craze of mid-20th century America.
The C1, however, was never really meant to be a muscle car. Instead, it was originally designed to be an agile sports car with a good amount of power, specifically to combat the influx of European sports cars like the Jaguar XK 120 and the Triumph TR Roadster. It was specifically because of these cars that the C1 was the only Corvette that had no hard-top option, being sold exclusively as an American roadster.
With the combined design and engineering prowess of Harley J. Earl and Edward N. Cole, the original Corvette concept took shape. Through some serious red tape and with meetings at the highest level, the Corvette was finally approved and made its debut in 1953.
Corvette C4 – Living Legend
- Price: $29.95 on 100MPH
If ever a Corvette generation was a reflection of its time, the Corvette C4 was that generation. The late 1970s and early 1980s were a time of great turmoil in the world, with the oil crisis, the beginning of the end of the Cold War, and the socio-economic impact of politics taking their toll. This led to Chevrolet designing a car that was at the same time extremely economical, as well as looking the part of a futuristic sports car.
One of the major design features of this, which was carried through to the end of the Corvette C7 generation, was the moving of the steering linkage from beside the engine to in front of it. This allowed for the engine to be mounted much lower, and let to a lower hood line, giving better visibility from the driver’s seat. It also led to the first, and only, clamshell hood on a Corvette, with the front wheel fenders built into the hood.
The interior was completely 80s. LCD instruments, big, blocky design, space-grey materials… it was a cyberpunk enthusiast’s dream. What wasn’t space-age, at least until the early 1990s, was the engine. As a reflection of the price of gas and the drive to be more economical, the 350ci V8 that was standard in the Corvette C4 produced only 205 HP, and it wasn’t until the ZR1 models of the 1990s that any attempt was really made to push those numbers up to “proper power.”
Chevy Corvette C7 Crew Neck T-Shirt – “All Logos”
- Price: $21.98 on Amazon
While there is debate among enthusiasts over which generation of Corvette is the best, one thing that everyone can agree on is that the official logo of the Corvette has seen a lot of changes over the years, and all of them were pretty badass. So, if you’re a C7 enthusiast but also want to celebrate some history, here’s the shirt for you.
Officially licensed by GM, this preshrunk cotton crew neck will cement your love of the C7 from the front, but also let you get a conversation going while waiting at the parts counter of the local auto shop as you detail the history of the legendary winged badge!
Corvette C7 – “American Legacy”
- Price: $27.95 on Amazon
It is a fact that, apart from a few parts here and there, the Chevrolet Corvette bleeds red, white, and blue. It’s built dead smack in the middle of the Eastern half of the US, and is assembled by people who are proud to be American, and proud to assemble America’s sports car.
So if you too bleed red, white, and blue and want to (literally) wear it on your sleeve, you can’t get more American than a Corvette C7 badge over the Stars and Stripes. It’s a double whammy of the U.S. of A! This shirt, in a way, also recognizes that the Corvette, from the C2 onwards, was designed by a group of Americans that were from diverse and different parts of the world, that came to the US to build one hell of a special sports car.
Jackets
Corvette Racing C8.R Official Team Jacket (Men’s & Women’s)
- Price: Men’s: $175.00 / Women’s: $175.00 on Official Corvette Racing Store
Starting in 1999, Corvette Racing is the official branch of Chevrolet that supports, designs, engineers, and pretty much does every other job large and small in relation to the Corvette C8.R race car. With the C8.R winning 7 out of its first 13 races in its debut year in 2020, either outright or in class, it has already established itself as the American racing car to beat.
This has also led to a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the car and the team, and what better way to show that enthusiasm than by owning an official Corvette Racing team jacket? Available only through Corvette Racing’s online store, this is the real deal, minus the per-race sponsor patches that the actual teams wear in the pits and on track walks. Made of 90% polyester and 10% elastane, these jackets will keep you warm as you watch from the stands, or even from your living room.
Corvette Racing C8.R Two-Tone “Jake” Jacket
If the weather is a bit windy while you watch the Corvette C8.R dominate the field at Daytona or Sebring, rest assured that this official team-woven knit jacket will keep you warm. Featuring the official C8.R logo on the left chest, with the now-infamous “Jake” Corvette skull patch on the right sleeve, and the crossed-flags emblem of the Corvette on the back below the collar, this jacket is 100% polyester and is what the drivers of the C8.R wear when they don’t have their race suits over their torso.
Corvette C7 Bonded All-Weather Jacket
- Price: $115.99 on Amazon
Since the Corvette itself is about pushing the limits of technology and design for an American sports car, why not wear some officially licensed Corvette gear that is similarly high tech. Using a relatively new synthetic fabric, this jacket is made of a type of material known as “bonded polyester,” which was first used for motorcycle armored shirts and hoodies. So what makes this new material so special?
Firstly, it is extremely tear resistant, part of why it was first used for motorcycle gear. It is also water resistant, meaning it gives you time to get under cover or get the umbrella up before you even feel the rain. Lastly, and again from the motorcycle side of things, it is highly breathable but still retains heat very well, especially with the inner synthetic fleece lining of this jacket, so you won’t find yourself sweating in the jacket, you’ll find yourself comfortably warm.
The front carries the Corvette piped lettering logo, as well as the winged logo, while the back carries a much larger version of the winged logo. It is cut and styled in a European fit, so if you are a larger Corvette enthusiast, go one size up than what you think you may need.
Hats
Corvette Racing Team C8.R “American Made Jake” Sportmesh Cap
It’s no use going to the race track to watch the C8.R demolish the field if the sun is in your eyes. With this cap, you’ll be able to see the racing, show your support for American racing cars, and have a kickass Corvette skull design on your head to boot. Measure your head first, around the forehead, just above the ears, and the middle of the back of your head, properly as sport mesh caps do not have snaps to adjust the size (instead, they rely on a small amount of spandex to use elastic resistance and friction to keep the cap in place.)
Corvette C8.R Official Team Cap
This is it. This is about as official as you can get. This cap, with a velcro strap closure at the back, is what you will see the drivers of the C8.R wearing during interviews, victory lane celebrations, and pretty much any official duty where a cap is needed. Included are the major sponsors of Mobil 1 Oils and Michelin Tires on the sides, under the Car #3 and Car #4 red tags, with the Jake skull on the bill and the full Corvette Racing logo on the front.
Corvette Racing C8.R Double Knit Beanie
Let’s face it, some of the tracks that Corvette Racing goes to with the C8.R are not in areas that would be considered warm most of the time. It’s for trips to these tracks that having a properly toasty head is important, and Corvette Racing has you, literally, covered. 100% synthetic fibers, this beanie both lets you show your support for the Corvette team, as well as keep you comfortable at places like Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, or Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.
BuckleDown C6 Corvette Flat Bill
- Price: $15.95 on Amazon
If you’ve never heard of BuckleDown, don’t worry. They are known much more in skateboard, extreme sports, and motorcycle circles, but they are spreading their branding to include special cars, including the much loved Corvette C6. One thing about BuckleDown is they always provide a solid, breathable, and stylish hat in the less known “flat bill” style.
What makes their automotive hats particularly interesting is that while the main body of the hat is 100% cotton, they request real seatbelt material from each company they obtain licenses from, and embroider the logo of the company or car into that. So that Corvette C6 logo? It’s embroidered onto a real piece of Corvette seat belt polyester, and riveted onto the body of the hat.
It’s not everyone’s style, we’ll admit, but it is a cool hat just in the way that the partnership between BuckleDown and General Motors has them using a real piece of a Corvette to make the logo!
