Inherent vs. Treated FR Clothing

Safety is paramount when working in industries like utilities, firefighting, or any job that exposes workers to fire or arc flashes. One of the essential components of worker safety is Flame-Resistant (FR) clothing, which helps protect individuals from burns and other fire-related injuries. But did you know that not all FR clothing is created equal?

There are two primary types of FR clothing—Inherent FR and Treated FR—and understanding the difference between them can help you make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right gear for you.

What is Flame-Resistant Clothing?

Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is specifically designed to protect workers by resisting ignition and self-extinguishing once the heat source is removed. This extra protection provides valuable seconds for the wearer to escape a hazardous situation without the fabric catching fire and causing severe burns. FR clothing is essential in various high-risk industries such as electrical utilities, oil and gas, welding, and wildland firefighting.

But not all FR clothing is made the same. Some garments are made from fabrics that are inherently flame-resistant, while others are chemically treated to become flame-resistant.

What Does Inherent FR Mean?

The term "Inherent FR" refers to fabrics in which flame-resistant properties are built into the fibers at the molecular level. In simpler terms, these fabrics are flame-resistant from the inside out. The fire-resistant qualities cannot wash or wear out because they are a fundamental part of the fabric itself.

How is Inherent FR Clothing Made?

Inherent FR fabrics are engineered to resist ignition. Materials like modacrylic, aramids (like Nomex), and wool are commonly used in inherently flame-resistant clothing. These fibers have chemical structures that resist combustion, making them ideal for industries where long-lasting FR protection is a must.

Thanks to advanced technology, inherent FR fabrics are capable of blending multiple fibers together to create dimensional fabrics with specific traits, providing optimal value. Our Pro Dry Tech collection is composed of five fiber types that offer performance features to enhance your workday, including durability, comfort, and FR protection.

What Does Treated FR Mean?

Treated FR refers to fabrics that are made flame-resistant through chemical treatments after production. The fabric is originally non-FR, such as cotton or cotton blends, and is treated with flame-retardant chemicals that make it resistant to ignition.

How is Treated FR Clothing Made?

Only fabric types with high cotton content are used to create treated FR clothing, such as 100% cotton or an 88% cotton/12% nylon blend. They undergo a chemical process where flame-resistant chemicals are applied to the fibers. These chemicals bind to the fabric, giving it its fire-resistant qualities.

Treated FR fabrics used to have a reputation for losing FR treatment over time, but that's no longer true due to a new standard. To be NFPA 2112 certified, treated FR fabric must pass the FR test of 100 washes, usually equating to two years of heavy use weekly. Most clothing, such as shirts, would typically be replaced after two years due to wear and tear from heavy use, not because the FR performance has washed out.

Pros and Cons of Inherent FR vs. Treated FR Clothing

Both inherent and treated FR fabrics have their own advantages and limitations. Here's an overview:

Inherent FR Clothing

Pros

Permanent Protection: The flame-resistant properties are built into the fibers and will never wash or wear out.
Lighter Weight: Inherent FR garments are typically lighter and more comfortable, as the fire resistance is part of the fiber.
Breathability: These fabrics tend to have better moisture management and breathability, which is essential for workers in hot environments.
Durability: Longer-lasting because the products can withstand heavy use for an extended period.
More Fabric Choices: Different types of fabrics can be combined to produce fabrics with unique features and benefits.

Cons

Cost: Inherent FR garments can be priced higher due to the advanced technology used to create the fabrics.

Treated FR Clothing

Pros

Affordability: Treated FR fabrics are generally more cost-effective.
More Fabric Choices: Treated FR can be applied to various fabrics.
Good for Short-Term Use: Treated FR clothing is effective for workers who may not need the garments for long-term use, as they are less costly to replace.

Cons

Heavier: Treated fabrics tend to be heavier due to the additional layer of chemicals applied.
Breathability: They are often less breathable and less comfortable in hot environments compared to inherent FR fabrics.
Limited Fabric Choices: Only fabrics with a high cotton content can be treated, which can limit design options.

Why Choose Inherent FR Workwear from DragonWear?

We are committed to creating high-quality, durable workwear that provides maximum protection and comfort. Our inherently flame and arc-resistant clothing ensures that the protection lasts throughout the lifetime of the garment.

Workers who depend on their FR gear for everyday safety need to know that their clothing will provide the same level of protection on Day 100 as it did on Day 1—and that's the kind of long-lasting performance that inherent FR provides.

Our popular Pro Dry Tech Collection, for instance, offers not only arc- and flame-resistant protection but also features like moisture management, built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, and SilverPlus® anti-microbial technology for odor control. These garments are lightweight, breathable, and designed for all-day comfort—proving that you don't have to compromise comfort for safety.