Written by Jake Oakey on February 14, 2023

Does all clothing have flame resistant materials?


Flame resistant clothing is designed to protect individuals who work in hazardous environments where they are at risk of exposure to flames, heat, or electrical hazards. These types of clothing are often used in industries such as manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and firefighting.

In these types of jobs, the risk of exposure to flames and other hazards is high, and wearing flame resistant clothing can be a matter of life and death. The purpose of flame resistant clothing is to prevent the spread of flames across the clothing and minimize the risk of serious burns.

Flame resistant clothing is typically made from synthetic materials that are specifically designed to resist ignition and self extinguish if they do catch fire. These materials include aramid fibres, such as Kevlar and Nomex, as well as modacrylic, a flame resistant polymer.



In addition to these materials, flame resistant clothing may also feature other safety components such as reflective strips, moisture wicking technology, and reinforced stitching to ensure durability and long lasting protection.

Hi vis workwear and PPE


It's important to note that not all clothing is flame resistant. Everyday clothing is made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and nylon, which are not inherently flame resistant. While some clothing manufacturers may choose to add flame resistant materials to their products, even if they are not marketed specifically for use in hazardous work environments, this is not common practice.

That being said, some industries require employees to wear flame resistant clothing, even for tasks that may not involve direct exposure to flames. For example, electrical workers may wear flame resistant clothing to protect them from electrical arc flash hazards.

If you are concerned about the safety of your clothing in the event of a fire, it is always a good idea to read the care label and check the materials used in the garment. However, for most people in their daily lives, wearing flame resistant clothing is not necessary. Everyday clothing is designed to be comfortable and stylish, rather than flame resistant.

How to tell if your workwear is flame resistant?

If you're in the UK and want to determine if your workwear is flame-resistant, here are some tips:

  1. Check the label or tag - Look for labels or tags that indicate the workwear is flame resistant, such as "FR," "flame resistant," or "fire retardant."
  2. Look for certification - Flame resistant workwear should be certified by a recognized agency, such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) or the European Union (EU) standards. Look for the certification symbol or logo on the label or tag.
  3. Check the fabric - Flame resistant workwear is typically made from special fabrics that are designed to resist flames. Look for fabrics such as Nomex, Kevlar, or Modacrylic.
  4. Look for additional features - Flame resistant workwear may also include additional features, such as reinforced stitching or reflective tape, to enhance safety and visibility.

OAKEYS safety is a workwear specialist that provides a wide range of safety workwear and PPE, distributing across the whole of the UK. If you are looking for flame resistant workwear at great prices then follow the link below to see our full range of workwear.

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