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FR Clothing: A Guide to Flame-Resistant Apparel

A worker wears Carhartt FR clothing

In hazardous environments where the risk of fire incidents is high, flame-resistant (FR) clothing is a vital safeguard. Acting as a barrier between the wearer and flames, FR clothing significantly enhances safety. Our Experts provide valuable insights into the different types of FR clothing, the people who can benefit from wearing it, and the proper care techniques for FR garments.

What is Flame-Resistant Clothing?

Flame-resistant clothing is specifically made from fabrics that are resistant to ignition and do not continue to burn once the ignition source is removed. Unlike regular clothing, FR garments are self-extinguishing and will not melt onto your skin when exposed to flames, minimizing the risk of severe injury.

Types of FR Clothing

Flame-resistant and flame-retardant are two types of protective garments with distinct properties and levels of protection:

  • Flame-Resistant: Flame-resistant clothing is made from materials that are inherently resistant to flames. It does not require any additional treatment to maintain its flame-resistant properties.

  • Flame-Retardant: Flame-retardant fabric is treated with a special chemical substance to make it resistant to flames. The material itself isn’t flame-resistant, and the flame-retardant coating can wear off over time.

Who Should Wear FR Clothing?

FR clothing is essential for individuals working in high-risk environments such as industrial, oil, gas, and utility workers. It is also recommended for workers in the construction industry, where the risk of fire-related incidents is relatively high. Additionally, anyone who regularly handles flammable materials or works near open flames should consider wearing FR clothing to ensure their safety.

Best FR Clothing

When it comes to choosing the best FR clothing, quality and reliability are crucial. Here are a couple of reputable brands offering high-quality FR workwear:

  • Carhartt FR Clothing: A well-known brand in the industry, Carhartt offers a wide range of durable and comfortable FR garments. Their jackets, pants, and shirts are designed to provide protection when exposed to flames.

  • Ariat FR Clothing: Ariat specializes in premium FR work clothing, including vests, jackets, hoodies, work pants, and more. Their arc-rated apparel protects against second-degree burns when exposed to electrical arc flash hazards, and their clothing meets top NFPA Safety Standards.

Note: It is important to consider industry-specific requirements and regulations when selecting your FR work clothing. Additionally, wearing multiple layers of fire-resistant clothing can help to offer the greatest protection against flames.

How to Wash FR Clothing

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of FR clothing. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow when caring for your FR clothing:

Dos:

  1. Follow the care instructions on the label before washing.

  2. Wash FR clothing with mild detergents that do not contain fabric softeners.

  3. Dry FR garments on cool to low heat to increase lifespan.

Don'ts:

  1. Do not use bleach on FR clothing, as it will degrade the FR fibers over time.

  2. Do not use fabric softeners on FR garments, as softeners can coat FR fibers and make them less effective.

  3. Do not use starch on FR garments, as starch is a propellant.


Flame-resistant clothing plays a vital role in protecting individuals from fire-related hazards. Understanding the different types of FR clothing, knowing who should wear it, and following proper washing procedures are essential for staying safe in hazardous environments. By investing in high-quality FR clothing and taking care of it, individuals can ensure their safety and well-being while working in high-risk industries. Stay protected with FR clothing that’s right for you.

Have additional questions about FR clothing? Contact your local SCHEELS to speak with one of our Experts.