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As they say, there’s no such thing as an easy job. However, while every job has its own challenges, some come with more risks than others. Many people work in certain industries where their jobs involve dealing with potentially dangerous tasks every day.
If your possible work hazards include flash fires, electric arcs, and combustible dust, then fire-resistant clothes are crucial for you. While being protected and prepared for the worst is essential in the workplace, OSHA also requires workers to wear such garments in dangerous settings.
11 Best Flame Resistant Clothing
If you work in an environment that exposes you to fire, you need clothes to protect yourself. In case of an emergency, fire-resistant garments will keep you safe from burning by giving you time to escape and keeping the level of injury to a minimum.
Below you can find the eleven best flame-resistant clothes, including shirts, pants, vests, and outerwear such as coats and jackets.
Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant 4.5 Oz Nomex IIIA Classic
Bulwark is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of flame-resistant apparel, offering some of the industry’s broadest selections of fabrics, styles, and colors. Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant 4.5 Oz Nomex IIIA Classic is no different, as it’s one of their best products and part of our list of the best fire-resistant clothing.
This classic flame-resistant coverall includes superior features that ensure durability, functionality, and overall excellence. The garment is designed with durable fabrics, strong seams, and various other elements to aid workers in staying safe as they get their jobs done.
Key features
- Made of fire-resistant aramid blend (93% Nomex aramid, 5% Kevlar aramid, 2% other fibers)
- Zipper closure
- 1-piece topstitched lay-flat collar
- Hemmed sleeves
- Side vent openings
- Various pockets for easy access (two set-in front pockets, one chest pocket, and two patch hip pockets)
Pros
- Convenient storage
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Meets CAT1 standards
- Meets NFPA 2112 Standard requirements
- Arc Rating ATPV 11 cal/cm²
Cons
- Nomex material feels a little uncomfortable against the skin.
Social proof
The Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant 4.5 Oz Nomex IIIA Classic has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 66 global reviews.
Based on their reviews, the Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant 4.5 Oz Nomex IIIA Classic is highly praised for its breathability on hot summer days, lightness, and functionality. Some customers left the following comments while reviewing the product:
“The product was delivered on time as promised and fit as the sizing chart stated . . . I recommend these in warmer environment where the thicker ones would be too warm.”
“It fits and meets the requirements needed.”
“Very good for hot weather. I first used it on Peru, in the middle of Amazon rain forest, and didn’t feel too hot. The lateral vents help a lot removing the heat.”
“Very lightweight fabric for the summer heat”
“Overall these coveralls are awesome. Stay cool in hot places don’t have to worry bout the sweat weighing you down.”
“The 4.5oz is light weight for Southern California work and quality is great.”
If interested, you can purchase the Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant 4.5 Oz Nomex IIIA Classic Coverall on Amazon.
Black Stallion REVCO – Navy FR Cotton Welding Jacket
For more than 43 years, Revco has made Black Stallion one of the lead brands in the market for high-quality PPE. From gloves to FR garments, this brand continues to present unique designs with innovative features that assist and protect distributors in the welding industry.
The Black Stallion REVCO – Navy FR Cotton Welding Jacket is one of their many products that showcase the label’s commitment to creating equipment that their users need. Despite being constructed primarily from cotton, this model ranks second in Amazon’s list of safety jackets, thus demonstrating its superior construction that combines comfort and protection in one.
Key features
- 30″ Length
- Made of 9 oz. flame-resistant treated cotton and leather
- Welder’s collar
- Six snap buttons (including collar button)
- Leather reinforcements on all snaps
- Scribe pocket and inside pocket
Pros
- Reliable protection
- Appropriate storage
- Affordable
- Excellent fit
- Soft and flexible material
- Comfortable
Cons
- Suitable only for light MIG welding
- Cotton material less resistant than real leather
Social proof
The Black Stallion REVCO – Navy FR Cotton Welding Jacket has an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 1,698 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Black Stallion REVCO – Navy FR Cotton Welding Jacket has a:
- 4.8 score for value for money
- 4.5 score for comfort
- 4.5 score for lightweight
- 4.0 score for durability
If interested, you can purchase the Black Stallion REVCO – Navy FR Cotton Welding Jacket on Amazon.
Lincoln Electric Premium Flame Resistant Cotton Welding Jacket
You may have encountered the name of the Lincoln Electric brand when purchasing or working with welding machines or welding helmets. But, another popular item that Lincoln Electric excels at making is welding wear, such as the Premium Flame Resistant Cotton Welding Jacket.
The Lincoln Electric Premium Flame Resistant Cotton Welding Jacket is an excellent choice for workwwear that protects your arms, body, and neck from dangerous sparks and spatters while simultaneously providing breathability and comfort. Although it’s a product specifically designed for protection during welding, it ranks in the top 5 overall safety jackets sold on Amazon.
Key features
- Made of flame retardant cotton
- The fabric has an anti-static coating
- Cuffs have chrome-plated metal snaps
- A large inside pocket for protected storage
- Flip-up collar
Pros
- Complies with the ASTM D6413 standard test method for flame resistance of textiles
- Lightweight material allows consistent airflow
- Adjustable cuffs
- Internal storage
- Enhanced neck protection
- It can be washed up to 50 times while maintaining its flame retardant properties.
Cons
- The material tends to collect dust and hair
- Not ideal for overhead welding
Social proof
The Lincoln Electric Premium Flame Resistant Cotton Welding Jacket has an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 1,676 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Lincoln Electric Premium Flame Resistant Cotton Welding Jacket has a:
- 4.5 score for lightweight
- 4.4 score for comfort
- 4.4 score for value for money
- 4.3 score for durability.
If interested, you can purchase the Lincoln Electric Premium Flame Resistant Cotton Welding Jacket on Amazon.
Caterpillar Men’s Flame Resistant Cargo Pant
Another fairly obvious choice for any protective clothing is the Caterpillar brand. One of their best flame resistant clothing options is the Caterpillar Men’s Flame Resistant Cargo Pant. This pants model is excellent for welders and electricians who require high-quality FR clothing equipped with pockets and enough room to move freely while carrying plenty of tools.
It’s safe to say that the Caterpillar brand pays attention to the comfort of the pants. However, they also guarantee a high level of protection by ensuring that their products meet the necessary safety standards.
Key features
- Made of material consisting of 88% cotton and 12% nylon
- Classic fit
- 20″ leg opening
- Articulated knees
- Diamond-shaped crotch gusset
- Zip fly
- Anti-static shank closure on the zippers
- Bellowed pockets
Pros
- Durable
- Extremely comfortable
- Thin and flexible
- Certified to NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E
- ATPV value 9.5
- Plenty of room for storage
Cons
- The velcro closures on some pockets don’t hold up.
Social proof
The Caterpillar Men’s Flame Resistant Cargo Pant has an Amazon score of 4.3 out of 5 with over 639 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Lincoln Electric Premium Flame Resistant Cotton Welding Jacket has a:
- 4.0 score for fit at the waist
- 3.7 score for fit at the thigh
Furthermore, many clients value the comfort and pocket room provided by the pants. Below are some reviews about the Caterpillar FR pants:
“Awesome fit, not tight and stiff . . . plenty of room in the pockets, most comfortable fr pants I’ve worn.”
“Definitely not your typical work pants that try to squeeze the life out of you when you bend over or actually decide to work in them. Plenty of pockets and loops. Gusseted crotch area makes movement comfortable whether sitting, crouching, or kneeling; they allow plenty of movement.”
The Caterpillar Men’s Flame Resistant Cargo Pants come in various sizes, starting from 30″ on the waist and legs to 48″ on the legs and 34″ on the legs. If you want to own a pair, you can purchase them on Amazon.
Viking Professional Journeyman Waterproof Flame Resistant Jacket
The list continues with another fantastic FR clothing equipment that will aid and protect you while working. The Viking Professional Journeyman Waterproof Flame Resistant Jacket offers protection to professionals while working around high heating equipment and supplies while joining materials.
In addition to the evident FR qualities of this garment, another excellent safety measure taken into consideration by the manufacturers is the need for high visibility, as the jacket is covered with reflective striping on both the body and arms. Moreover, the jacket’s dark color design, combined with the bright hi-vis stripes, give the clothing a striking look.
Key features
- 100% Polyester
- Zippers for closure
- Detachable storm hood with a safety tear away design
- 2″ Vi-brance reflective material in 4″ contrasting tape
- Front and back vents
Pros
- 100% waterproof and windproof
- Meets WCB and DOT standards
- Superior resistance against abrasion, punctures, and rips
- Extra breathability
- Fully compliant with CSA Z96-15 Class 1, Level 2, the ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type O, Class 1, and ASTM D6413 (FR)
Cons
- Pocket construction is not the best.
Social proof
The Viking Professional Journeyman Waterproof Flame Resistant Jacket has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 1,329 global reviews.
According to customer reviews, this FR Jacket is rated highly for its adaptability to lousy weather, comfortable material. Here are some of their thoughts:
“Sturdy, thick rip-stop material. Nice and bright reflector strips. Roomy, adjustable, detachable hood. Velcro cuffs. Flame resistant as well. Checks all boxes for my job as a fuel hauler. Well made product overall.”
“Pretty tough to find a jacket that’s waterproof, FR, and hi-visibility. And this one looks good, too . . . Interior material is smooth, which means quick/easy on-off.”
“This is a medium insulation jacket with better windbreak properties and better watershed than the heavy FR jackets. . . The removable hood is also a huge bonus in foul weather.”
If you like what you’re reading, you can purchase this jacket and its unique features on Amazon.
Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Sherpa-Lined Vest
If you’ve been down this road before and searched for the best fire-resistant clothing, you must have come across the Carhartt brand. Carhartt protects various workers in multiple industries through products characterized by a comfortable fit, quality fabrics, and rugged construction.
It’s no surprise that their products are also present on our list. The Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Sherpa-Lined Vest is a high-quality, durable vest that incorporates several features to offer the necessary flame-resistance needed for your job and the room to feel comfortable working while wearing it.
Key features
- Made of 88% cotton and 12% nylon material
- Sherpa fleece lining
- Zip front and two large patch pockets
- Two inside pockets
- Dropped back hem
Pros
- Added coverage
- Good fit
- Durable
- Meets the NFPA 70E standards
- Classified to NFPA 2112
Cons
- Some may find the material around the neck a little itchy.
Social proof
The Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Sherpa-Lined Vest has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 546 global reviews.
Customers love this sherpa-lined vest. They are satisfied with its quality, fit, and length. Below are some reviews people gave for this product.
“The length is good and fits exactly like we expected.”
“I wore this vest to work last week and got a promotion. Devine powers? Maybe so. All I know is this thing is tough and warm. Looking forward to where this vest will take me.”
“It fits perfectly and there is enough room to wear a hoodie if needed. The quality of the product is amazingly over all.”
“This vest is durable and of high quality. Very happy with the purchase.”
Price
The Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Sherpa-Lined Vest offers a variety of sizes, starting from small up to 4X large. If interested, you can purchase this jacket on Amazon.
Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Full Swing Quick Duck Coat
If you appreciate a coat that looks fashionable, feels immaculate, and serves its purpose of protecting you from fire, the Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Full Swing Quick Duck Coat is another excellent option to consider. Although this coat model is designed and constructed to weigh less than most other heavy-duty coats, it’s just as tough as any of them.
This men’s Quick Duck coat offers some of the top safety and technical features that ensure you remain safe, comfortable, warm, and dry, even when the conditions are anything but that.
Key features
- Made of 88% cotton and 12% Nylon
- Adjustable closure
- Insulated with 150 gram 3 M Thinsulate Platinum insulation
- Gusset under the arms
- Stand-up collar with flap
- Detachable optional FR hood
Pros
- 20% lighter than heavy outerwear
- Provides sufficient warmth
- Highly durable
- Meets the NFPA 70E requirements
- UL Classified to NFPA 2112
- Plenty of pockets
Cons
- On the expensive side of FR coats.
Social proof
The Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Full Swing Quick Duck Coat has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 226 global reviews.
Customers highly praise this Carhartt FR Coat for its durability, comfort, and warmth it provides. Below, you can read some reviews that users gave about the product.
“Comfortable, fits as expected and most importantly, I haven’t caught fire. Not even once. 10/10.”
“Very cool design, comfortable and great material makes you feel good about anything you do from sitting on the driver seat to work outside… best fr jacket ever made by carhartt”
“This is my favorite carhartt FR coat I have owned. Very warm and can move around without being restricted. I’m 6’2″ 300lbs and I ordered a 2xl and it fits perfectly. Very durable. The price is a little steep but worth it. I will definitely buy another one when this coat wears out.”
This FR jacket comes with several crucial features for guaranteeing your security and comfort. If you want it to be yours, you can purchase it on Amazon.
BOCOMAL Men’s Fire Retardant Welding Shirt
Bocomal is another brand that offers impressive fire retardant clothing equipment for excellent prices. We’ve chosen the BOCOMAL Men’s Fire Retardant Welding Shirt among their many unique products as their best FR clothing item.
This shirt is made explicitly with welders in mind, although it’s also an ideal choice for fitters, electricians, ironworkers, and other industrial workers. You can notice this through the shirt’s many unique features, durable fabric, and the protection it offers. In addition to making it on our list, this item is also ranked on Amazon’s top 50 Men’s Work Utility & Safety Tops.
Key features
- 7.5OZ Cotton Twill FR Treated
- Fire-resistant buttons
- Fire-resistant sewing threads
- Pearl snaps
- Long tail
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable Fit
- Prewash/preshrunk and wrinkle-free.
- Meets the HRC2 standards
- Arc Rating Atpv 9.2 Calories/cm2
- Meets the requirements of NFPA2112, NFPA70E ASTM F1506
- CAT II certified
Cons
- Not appropriate for warmer months.
Social proof
The BOCOMAL Men’s Fire Retardant Welding Shirt has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 1,170 global reviews.
Many customers agree that this product is definitely worth the price, with a good fit and overall comfortable feel. Below are some customer reviews indicating their favorite features of this product.
“The shirt is better than expected for the price”
“We ordered 1 to try it and my husband loved it so we ordered another. He likes a very loose fit, so we ordered 2 sizes up and they fit true to size. He likes everything about this shirt.”
“the shirt is made very nicely, fit was perfect”
“This shirt is an affordable, comfortable and durable FR shirt. It fits well and I will be ordering more.”
“Definitely a great product for the price. Holds up well at work and after washes.”
The BOCOMAL Men’s Fire Retardant Welding Shirt is available in many sizes, ranging from small to 5X-large. You can purchase this high-quality jacket on Amazon.
Red Kap Men’s Stain Resistant Flat Front Work Pants
Since 1923, the Red Kap brand has become a dominant force in the market of working apparel by cultivating an innovative approach to clothing. They’ve been creating workwear that offers protection as much as durability even after hours of working in less than ideal conditions.
Knowing all that, we continue our list with their Red Kap Men’s Stain Resistant Flat Front Work Pants. This product is among their most valuable and price-wise reasonable. Furthermore, it’s one of the best fire-resistant clothes as these pants incorporate fabrics that offer comfort and safety with strong colors to improve the design.
Key features
- Made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton
- Heavy-duty hidden brass ratcheting zipper
- Covered buttons
- Wrinkle-resistant finish
- Two slack-style pockets
- Two set-in hip pockets
- Touchtex technology
Pros
- Minimal ironing required
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Stain-resistance
- Relaxed type of fit
Cons
- Minor stray threads
Social proof
The Red Kap Men’s Stain Resistant Flat Front Work Pants has an Amazon score of 4.3 out of 5 with over 4,611 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Red Kap Men’s Stain Resistant Flat Front Work Pants has a:
- 3.3 score for fit at the waist
- 3.3 score for fit at the thigh
- 2.8 score for pant length
If interested, you can purchase Red Kap Men’s Stain Resistant Flat Front Work Pants on Amazon.
Carhartt Women’s Flame Resistant Rugged Flex Coveralln
Women can work in any industry that a man can, so they can also benefit from the protection that a good pair of coveralls, specifically designed with their body in mind, can offer. Although construction is a male-dominated field, we can help women fight against work discrimination by acknowledging their hard work and including them when producing proper protective clothing for work.
The Carhartt Women’s Flame Resistant Rugged Flex Coverall item is as strong, durable, and comfortable as any other FR clothing included in this list. This product has features similar to the ones attributed to the best pants, coats, or vests for men.
Key features
- Made of 7-ounce fire retardant twill
- 87% cotton, 7% nylon, 5% polyester, and 1% spandex
- Adjustable closure
- Rugged flex durable stretch technology
- Stand-up collar with snap closure
- Two chest pockets with snap closures
Pros
- Meets the NFPA 70E performance requirements
- UL Classified to NFPA 2112
- Easy to move in
- Plenty of pockets for storage
- Elastic at the waist for comfort
- Triple-stitched main seams for durability
Cons
- Not lined
Social proof
The Carhartt Women’s Flame Resistant Rugged Flex Coverall has an Amazon score of 4.4 out of 5 with over 100 global reviews.
According to women who used flame resistant clothing before, they continuously struggle to find clothing that fits well. However, this is not a problem once they purchase the Carhartt Women’s Flame Resistant Rugged Flex Coverall. Some customers had the following comments to say regarding the coverall’s fit.
“SPOT ON in size. The small short is actually a small short”
“I’m 5″ 11 and 155 pounds, these are the best coveralls ever! They’re comfortable and stretch with the way you move! They fit a woman’s body perfectly, I bought a M and it fits perfectly there, also very long which is awesome for a tall person like me!”
“It fits perfectly and looks super cute! . . . The length for my arms and legs are perfect.”
Furthermore, they also appreciate the comfort they offer, as some of them wrote:
“These are so comfortable for moving around and working in (bending down, reaching over my head, etc.).”
“Comfortable and stretch with the way you move! They fit a woman’s body perfectly”
If you want to own the Carhartt Women’s Flame Resistant Rugged Flex Coverall along with its protective features and fashionable design, you can purchase your pair on Amazon.
Carhartt Women’s Flame-Resistant Rugged Flex Twill Shirt
We conclude this list of the 11 best fire-resistant clothing items with yet another product by Carhartt aimed at the females working in welding, with electricity, or some other profession that is accompanied by dangerous environments or tasks.
The Carhartt Women’s Flame-Resistant Rugged Flex Twill Shirt has it all. It’s sleek, professional-looking, and it equips the women wearing it with the safety of tackling various challenging tasks on their job. If you, or some woman you know, have been struggling to find an adequate FR shirt, look no further, as this is one of the best ones you can buy.
Key features
- Made of 87% cotton, 7% nylon, 5% polyester, and 1% spandex
- Rugged flex durable stretch technology
- Button-down collar
- Two chest pockets
- Flaps and button closures
Pros
- Relaxed fit
- Easy to move in
- Machine wash-friendly
- Meets NFPA 70E performance requirements
- UL classified to NFPA 2112
- Strong stitching
Cons
- Fits a little baggy.
Social proof
The Carhartt Women’s Flame-Resistant Rugged Flex Twill Shirt has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 37 global reviews.
Although this product does not have many reviews, the customers who did leave their thoughts on the item had great things to say about it. According to customers, this Carhartt item presents excellent quality, good fit, and nice thickness. These features were praised by customers who wrote the following reviews:
“Fits great. Nice quality. Not too heavy for summer.”
“It’s perfect for wearing an undershirt or more layers in the winter.”
“Fairly light weight for FR apparel. Nice professional look.”
If you’re interested, you can purchase Carhartt Women’s Flame-Resistant Rugged Flex Twill Shirt on Amazon.
What to Look For When Buying Flame Resistant Clothing?
Some people use flame-resistant spray for clothing to make their clothes less prone to catching fire. However, others look for actual flame-resistant clothes as they provide more safety.
When shopping for flame-resistant clothes, there are some factors that you need to keep in mind. Below you can learn more about each of them.
Fabric
FR clothing is usually made of several materials combined. Some popular options you can choose are Modacrylic, Nomex, and Kevlar.
Modacrylic is one of the most popular and common choices. These fibers are usually blended with other materials, creating various flame-resistant fabrics. Another fiber with flame-resistant qualities is Nomex. Nomex can create FR clothing on its own, it doesn’t need to be blended with other fibers, but it can. In addition to being flame-resistant, Kevlar fibers are also of high strength. They’re used to make flame-resistant clothing and other items as well. However, they’re on the higher end of the market.
Fit
A looser fit is safer when it comes to FR clothing as it offers an added layer of air between you and the material, providing more protection. However, the clothes must not be very baggy, as they can get you trapped on objects and get ripped, interfering with your work functionality and making you vulnerable to risks.
As a result, you should choose an in-between fit. This way, you’ll be comfortable and safe. In addition, FR clothes tend to shrink a little after being washed for the first time, so a slightly bigger size would be the best choice.
Type of protection
Flame-resistant clothing offers protection in two levels: primary and secondary protection.
On one hand, primary protection is the first level. Flame-resistant clothes that offer this protection are intended and designed to be used during activities, constantly exposing you to flames, possible molten substance splash, and radiant heat.
On the other hand, secondary protection shields you from exposure to intermittent hazards. The same scenarios, including radiant heat and molten substance splashes, can occur, but not as often.
Final Thoughts
Wearing FR clothing is crucial if you work around the fire, flammable objects, or other fire-related hazards. Fire-resistant clothes self-extinguish and don’t melt into the skin. They provide thermal insulation from the heat and reduce burn injury while also increasing survival chances.
If you’re among the people who need fire-resistant clothes, we highly recommend choosing between the options we provided for you. These items are the best at ensuring your safety while also offering high quality and durability. Who wouldn’t like that?
