How to Choose the Right FR Garment: A Guide to Flame-Resistant Workwear

Every year in the United States, an average of 36,000 industrial fires occur, resulting in about 22 deaths and $1.5 billion in direct property damage. In many of these cases, the right protective clothing could have made a life-saving difference. But choosing the right flame-resistant (FR) workwear isn’t always straightforward.

With so many brands, unclear certifications, and conflicting claims, safety professionals often face more confusion than clarity. This guide is here to help. We’ll explain what FR workwear is, who needs it, and how to identify clothing that actually meets the demands of high-risk environments.

Understanding FR Standards and Ratings

Flame-resistant workwear is designed with fabrics that self-extinguish when exposed to flame, providing a critical layer of protection in hazardous environments. Unlike standard work apparel, it won’t melt or ignite under extreme heat. This level of protection is essential for anyone working around arc flashes, sparks, open flames, or flammable materials. That includes construction crews, utility workers, welders, emergency responders, and public safety personnel.

But not all FR clothing offers the same level of protection. The letters “FR” on a label don’t guarantee compliance or performance. There’s no single definition or test that covers every use case, which makes it risky to rely on branding alone. To ensure safety, you need to understand the specific standards that determine whether a garment is truly up to the task.

ASTM F1506 is the go-to standard for electrical utility workers, linemen, and industrial electricians. This test evaluates how much thermal energy a fabric can absorb before there’s enough heat to cause second-degree burns. Look for the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or Energy Breakopen Threshold (EBT) clearly labeled on the garment. These values give you real data to help assess protection levels.

To verify compliance, check that product tags or manufacturer documentation explicitly list the standards met. Certifications should be easy to find and up-to-date. Labels like “tested per ASTM F1506, 2021” tell you the product meets real-world benchmarks.

Checking certifications is step one. But even compliant garments can fall short if they’re uncomfortable or poorly designed. That’s where smart features and thoughtful construction come in.

Key Features to Look For

Beyond compliance, flame-resistant clothing should be something your workers actually want to wear. 

Start with Fabric

Treated cotton is common in entry-level FR workwear. It’s affordable and lightweight, but its flame resistance comes from a chemical treatment that can break down over time, especially with repeated washing.

Modacrylic blends, on the other hand, are inherently flame-resistant. The protective properties are built into the fibers themselves, so they don’t wash out. These blends often include materials like para-aramids or nylon to improve stretch, durability, and comfort.

Prioritize Fit and Mobility

Comfort isn’t just a luxury, it’s a safety feature. A poor fit can lead to snagging or restricted movement. Look for garments with details like:

• Adjustable waists
• Gusseted sleeves
• Articulated knees

These design elements help the clothing move with the worker, not against them.

Check the Construction

Small choices in garment construction make a big difference in how long a piece lasts and how well it performs. Features to look for include:  

• Seams placed away from high-wear zones
• Reinforced areas at zipper bases and pocket edges
• Double stitching and concealed snaps
• Finished hems that resist fraying

These details add durability without sacrificing protection.

Once you’ve found garments that check all the right boxes, the final step is matching them to the environment they’ll be used in.

Environmental Considerations

Your worksite conditions should directly shape your FR choices.

Heat and Humidity

In hot climates, even breathable FR fabrics can quickly feel heavy. Lightweight garments with mesh backing and built-in ventilation zones help manage heat and prevent fatigue. Moisture-wicking materials are especially important, they don’t just keep workers dry, they help prevent heat-related illnesses on long, hot days.

Cold Weather Layering

Staying warm adds another layer of complexity. Every layer, base, mid, and outer, must meet FR standards to ensure full-body protection. A common mistake is layering non-FR sweatshirts or thermals under FR outerwear. If the outer layer fails, those non-compliant garments can become dangerous. The safer choice is FR-rated insulated jackets, fleece, and thermal base layers designed to work together.

Rain and Wet Conditions

Water introduces its own risks. Wet fabric can cling to the skin and make burn injuries worse. FR rainwear should keep workers dry without compromising visibility or compliance. Look for high-visibility rain jackets with sealed seams, storm flaps, and ANSI 107 certification to stay protected in every condition.

PPE Compatibility

Don’t overlook how FR clothing works with other gear. Does the garment fit under a safety harness? Does it allow space for respiratory protection or work comfortably with knee pads? If FR clothing interferes with essential equipment, it creates new hazards. A good design supports the full range of motion and gear use without getting in the way.

Smart FR choices don’t just come down to weather, they come down to design, durability, and how everything fits together on the job. That’s where Kishigo makes a difference.

How Kishigo Can Help

When it comes to flame-resistant workwear, you need protection that’s proven, not just promised. Kishigo’s high-visibility FR apparel is built for real-world demands and fully compliant with ASTM F1506, the standard trusted by electrical and utility professionals across the country.

Our garments are designed to perform where it matters most. Reinforced high-stress zones add durability. Hidden fusing keeps the look clean and professional. And smart features, like breathable panels, ergonomic slash pockets, and padded collars, make sure comfort and mobility aren’t sacrificed in the name of safety.

We don’t cut corners, skip inspections, or chase shortcuts. Every product is built to meet ASTM F1506 from the first stitch to final inspection because we know your team depends on gear that delivers.

If you need FR workwear that meets ASTM F1506 and works as hard as your crew does, Kishigo is ready to help. Explore our line or reach out to our team to find the right fit for your job.