The history of flame resistant clothing goes back a long way. In fact, it has been almost 200 years since French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac first discovered that ammonium phosphates and borax were capable of making textiles relatively flame retardant in 1821. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that we first saw widespread adoption of fire resistant clothing in the petroleum refining and chemical processing industries.
Since those early days, development, research and production of fire resistant garments has come on leaps and bounds. These products are now used across many more industries and can protect wearers from a greater variety of hazards — including flash fire, arc flash, and molten-metal splatter — by offering ignition prevention or self-extinguishing properties.
These advancements have been made through big evolutions in the materials used in the production of fire resistant clothing. Modern fibers such as NOMEX, Kevlar, or the most commonly used Modacrylic, all have their own inherent fire retardant qualities that ensure users have the greatest protection following exposure to fire or thermal hazards. At All Seasons Uniforms, we stock some of the best fire resistant clothing in the business, from top of the range fire resistant NOMEX coveralls to the toughest flame retardant pants from trusted American brands.
After 50 years of progress, it is also worth mentioning that the best flame resistant clothes are also far more fashionable and significantly more comfortable for workers to wear. So with this in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the best fire resistant clothing options available to you.
Overalls and Coveralls
An essential piece of workwear, our extensive range of flame resistant coveralls are stylish, durable, and offer the best protection on the market. Extremely popular in the oil & gas industry, we have all the major brands and price brackets covered. Starting with the Portwest Bizweld Flame Resistant Coverall, offering protection from radiant, convective, and contact heat at an entry-level price. At the other end of the market, we have the Topps Safety Squad Suit made with 6 ounce NOMEX IIIA protective fabric, offering a whole host of best in category features. For that mid-range option, look no further than the Universal Overall Indura Flame Resistant Coverall, available in two stylish colors it offers high quality flame resistant protection with its 9.5 ounce Indura fabric.
Headwear
Without doubt the most important part of the body to protect, your head and face are extremely sensitive to hazardous heat-based conditions. Since covering your entire face would probably be equally as dangerous as wearing nothing at all, one of the best ways to protect the head is with a fire resistant balaclava. At All Seasons Uniforms we stock some of the best fire resistant headwear available, including a top of the range Bulwark Nomex IIIA Knit Balaclava that provides both comfort and protection through its 8.4 ounce NOMEX soft-knit fabric. Alternatively, the Portwest FR Anti-Static Balaclava offers great facial coverage and protection at an affordable price.
Less talked about, but equally hazardous for workers across a range of industries, is exposure to the heat of the sun. Offering a range of flame resistant hard hat liners from brands such as Benchmark, and baseball caps from Big Bill, All Seasons Uniforms has got you covered for those long days out in the open.
Jackets
Not all flame resistant clothing has to be solely for the work environment. Our collection of quality fire resistant jackets offer high level protection in a range of popular styles that are suitable for any job. Take the Bulwark FR insulated bomber jacket for example, meeting industry standard protection with a 100% Modacrylic lining, this jacket is both warm and comfortable. Along with Bulwark’s FR Team Jacket and Linesman Coat these stylish jackets come in a range of colors and prices. For extra safety try one of Portwest’s FR Hi-Vis jackets—keeping you visible and protected in hazardous conditions.
Pants
All Seasons Uniforms has also got you covered where it counts—with our extensive range of top quality flame resistant pants. We stock Bulwark’s FR cargo pants for both men and women. They are made from Modacrylic fabric that offers reliable protection whilst maintaining comfort and durability. The Big Bill range of work pants provide a stylish alternative to the heavy duty options usually associated with fire resistant clothing, and they come in a range of different styles and colors. For those working through the night, we also stock Portwest’s Sealtex Hi-Vis pants to go with their equally brilliant hi-vis FR jacket.
Shirts / Liners
The garments you choose to wear underneath your flame resistant clothing have a significant impact on your safety and the effectiveness of your outlayers. That’s why All Seasons Uniforms stock a large range of excellent fire resistant shirts and liners to give you that extra level of protection. Our selection of American made Topps Safety shirts are designed to keep you safe and comfortable on the job. The Big Bill range of fire resistant work shirts fit perfectly under your FR jacket and are suitable across a variety of industries—from food processing to the emergency services. For that extra warmth without sacrificing your safety, try the Bulwark fire resistant quilted liner made from modacrylic fibres.
As a trusted supplier of safety clothing we understand the importance of ensuring you and your employees are kitted out with the very best in fire resistant garments. That’s why we stock the best brands in America. Check out our full range online.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.