Fabric & Care

Making the Right Choice

Choose the right FR fabric for you.

Today’s FR marketplace offers a wide variety of acceptable and compliant fabrics, and with advancements in FR technology happening regularly within our industry, this variety will only increase. With so much to choose from, how do you know you’re making the right choice?

There are several important factors to consider when selecting FR fabric, including:

  • Protection
  • Cost
  • Wear life
  • Comfort
  • Color selection
  • Care requirements
  • Availability

To help you understand these key criteria for evaluating FR clothing, including standards, protection and performance, to watch our video on “Evaluation Basics.”

Workrite offers one of the largest selections of FR fabrics in the industry. Check out our comprehensive chart of available fabrics and their characteristics to help you select which fabric best fits your FR program needs.

For a comprehensive chart of available fabrics and their characteristics, click the links below and select which fabric best fits your FR program needs.

Want to learn more about some of the top-quality fabric manufacturers we work with? Visit our top fabric manufacturers’ websites: Westex, TenCate, Springfield LLC, Polartec, Mount Vernon. Another strategic partner of Workrite is DuPont, the maker of fiber for both Protera® and Nomex® IIIA. To see the latest in DuPont FR Technologies, click here.

Take care of your FR.

The first rule of FR fabric maintenance is to carefully follow the manufacturer’s care label when laundering FR garments. Many FR fabrics require mild wash and dry conditions to maximize the life of the garment. Generally, however, all FR fabrics and garments require the same basic care:

  • Wash new FR garments prior to wearing.
  • Wash FR garments separately from standard clothing.
  • Do not use chlorine bleach.
  • Make sure FR garments are clean and in proper repair before each wearing.
  • Remove oils and flammable contaminants from FR garments. Flammable contaminants may act as a fuel source, increasing the potential severity of a burn injury.
  • Repair garments using “like materials.” Use FR fabric, thread and garment components. Return garments to the manufacturer for repair, or use an authorized FR repair facility.

Laundry Instructions by Fabric Type

  • NOMEX® IIIA ARAMID

    • NOMEX® IIIA ARAMID

    93% Aramid Nomex®, 5% Aramid Kevlar®, 2% Antistatic Fiber

    CAUTION / READ BEFORE USE

    Flammable contaminants will reduce the thermal protection of any flame-resistant garment.

    For maximum protection:

    • Wash your new garment before wearing and after each subsequent wearing to thoroughly remove potentially flammable contaminants.
    • Wearing undergarments is recommended with all flame-resistant garments.

    Anti-static garments of Nomex® IIIA should be used in conjunction with proper grounding procedures for maximum protection against the threat of spark. Do not remove garments when in a hazardous environment.

    GARMENT CARE
    • For correct fit, try garment on before washing or wearing.
    • Wash new garments before wearing and after each wearing.
    • Wash garments of Nomex® IIIA separately from other garments.
    • Wash dark and light colored garments separately.
    Machine Wash
    • Hot Water (Max. 140°F/60°C)
    • Heavy Duty Detergent
    • Tumble Dry Low (Max. 160°F/71°C)
    • Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach
    • Do Not Line-Dry in Sunlight
  • MODA-QUILT® LINING

    • MODA-QUILT® LINING OF:


    100% Indura® Cotton Face and 100% Modacrylic Batting

    CAUTION / READ BEFORE USE

    Flammable contaminants will reduce the thermal protection of any flame-resistant garment.

    For maximum protection:
    • Wash your new garment before wearing and wash frequently thereafter to thoroughly remove potentially flammable contaminants.
    • Wearing undergarments is recommended with all flame-resistant garments.
    • The fabric in this garment is prone to excessive shrinkage. For best results, follow care instruction closely.
    GARMENT CARE

      For correct fit, try garment on before washing and wearing.

      Wash new garments before wearing and frequently thereafter.

      Wash separately from other garments.

      Machine Wash Hot

      Heavy Duty Detergent

      Line-Dry (Avoid Direct Sunlight)

      Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach

  • FIREWEAR®

    • FIREWEAR®

    55% FFR Fiber & 45% Long Staple Cotton

    CAUTION / READ BEFORE USE

    Flammable contaminants will reduce the thermal protection of any flame-resistant garment.

    For maximum protection:

    • Wash your new garment before wearing and after each subsequent wearing to thoroughly remove potentially flammable contaminants.
    • Wearing undergarments is recommended with all flame-resistant garments.
    GARMENT CARE
    • For correct fit, try garment on before washing and wearing.
    • Wash new garments before wearing and after each wearing.
    • Wash FireWear® garments separately from other garments.
    • Machine Wash Warm (Max. 120°F/48°C)
    • Common Commercial Detergent (e.g., Tide, Dash, All)
    • Do Not Overload
    • Tumble Dry Low (Max. 169°F/71°C)
    • Permanent Press Cycle.
    • Remove Dry Garments Immediately
    • Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach
  • 65% NOMEX® IIIA ARAMID 35% FR RAYON

    • 65% NOMEX® IIIA ARAMID 35% FR RAYON

    CAUTION / READ BEFORE USE

    Flammable contaminants will reduce the thermal protection of any flame resistant garment.

    For maximum protection:

    • Wash your new garment before wearing and wash frequently thereafter to thoroughly remove potentially flammable contaminants.
    • Wearing undergarments is recommended with all flame resistant garments.
    • Anti-static garments of Nomex®IIIA should be used in conjunction with proper grounding procedures for maximum protection against the threat of spark. Do not remove garments when in a hazardous environment.
    GARMENT CARE
    • For correct fit, try garment on before washing or wearing.
    • Wash new garments before wearing and wash frequently thereafter.
    • Wash garments of Nomex®IIIA separately from other garments.
    • Machine Wash Hot (Max. 140°F/60°C)
    • Heavy Duty Detergent
    • Tumble Dry Low (Max. 160°F/71°C)
    • Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach
    • Do Not Line-Dry in Sunlight
  • PBI/KEVLAR® BLEND

    • ADVANCE ™

    40% Nomex®IIIA & 60% Kevlar®

    CAUTION / READ BEFORE USE

    Flammable contaminants will reduce the thermal protection of any flame resistant garment.

    For maximum protection:

    • Wash your new garment before wearing and after each subsequent wearing to thoroughly remove potentially flammable contaminants.
    • Wearing undergarments is recommended with all flame resistant garments.
    GARMENT CARE
    • For correct fit, try garment on before washing or wearing.
    • Wash new garments before wearing and after each wearing.
    • Wash garments of Advance® separately from other garments.
    • Machine Wash, Hot(Max. 140°F/60°C)
    • Heavy Duty Detergent
    • Tumble Dry Low (Max. 150°F/51°C)
    • Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach
    • Do Not Line-Dry in Sunlight
  • INDURA® ULTRASOFT®

    • INDURA® ULTRASOFT®

    Flame Resistant Fabric By WESTEX INC. 88% Cotton / 12% Nylon

    NO CHLORINE BLEACH OR HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
    EITHER SEPARATELY OR IN DETERGENTS.

    DETERGENT ONLY. DRY CLEANABLE
    WASH UP TO 165° (74°C)

    westex.com

  • INDURA® ULTRASOFT® WITH EPIC® BY NEXTEC

    • INDURA® ULTRASOFT® WITH EPIC™

    BY NEXTEC
    Flame Resistant Fabric By WESTEX INC.
    88% Cotton / 12% Nylon

    NO CHLORINE BLEACH
    DETERGENT ONLY
    DO NOT DRY CLEAN
    WASH UP TO 140°F (60°C)

    westex.com

  • INDURA®

    • INDURA®

    Flame Resistant Fabric By WESTEX INC.
    100% Cotton

    NO CHLORINE BLEACH OR HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
    EITHER SEPARATELY OR IN DETERGENTS.

    DETERGENT ONLY. DRY CLEANABLE
    WASH UP TO 165° (74°C)

    westex.com

  • DUPONT™ PROTERA®

    • DUPONT™ PROTERA®

    65% Modacrylic, 33% Aramid, 2% Carbon/Nylon Antistatic Fiber
    CAUTION / READ BEFORE USE
    Flammable contaminants will reduce the thermal protection of any flame resistant garment.


    For maximum protection:

    • Wash your new garment before wearing and wash frequently thereafter to thoroughly remove potentially flammable contaminants.
    • Wearing undergarments is recommended with all flame resistant garments.
    • It is the responsibility of the garment user to examine its condition before and after each use to be sure it is suitable for use.
    • Anti-static garments of DuPont™ Protera™ should be used in conjunction with proper grounding procedures for maximum protection against the threat of spark. Do not remove garments when in a hazardous environment.
    GARMENT CARE
    • For correct fit, try garment on before washing or wearing.
    • Wash new garments before wearing and wash frequently thereafter.
    • Wash garments of Nomex®IIIA separately from other garments.
    • Machine Wash Hot (Max. 140°F/60°C)
    • Heavy Duty Detergent
    • Tumble Dry Low (Max. 160°F/71°C)
    • Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach
    • Do Not Line-Dry in Sunlight
  • TECASAFE PLUS

    • TECASAFE PLUS LAUNDERING RECOMMENDATIONS

    General Guidelines

    • Launder separately from non-flame resistant garments. Lint from these garments may affect flame resistance.
    • Do Not Use Chlorine Bleach. Chlorine bleach will not damage flame-resistance, but may reduce garment life.
    • Garments with very oily or greasy stains may be pre-treated and washed in hot water (140° F Maximum). Dry cleaning may be more effective on these kinds of stains.
    • Do Not Over Dry.

    Home Laundering

    • Permanent press or cotton/sturdy wash cycle with cold or warm water. Permanent press cycle is recommended for best appearance over the life of the garment.
    • Use detergent only (products such as Cheer or Tide). Do Not Use Soap (products such as Ivory Snow). Soap may leave deposits on the fabric that affects flame resistance.
    • Tumble dry. Permanent press cycle for best appearance. Do Not Over Dry.
    • Fabric Softeners are not recommended. While they will not diminish the FR performance.
  • AMTEX

    • AMTEX LAUNDERING RECOMMENDATIONS

    • Machine Wash 160 degrees Max. Tumble Dry, Remove when dry and place on hanger. Touch up iron if desired.
    • Use normal commercial detergents.
    • We recommend no chlorine or peroxide bleach.
    • We recommend softened water.
    • We also recommend no softeners or starch.
    • Dry Cleaning is Acceptable.

Workrite's PerfectPress™ Process for Nomex® Garments

Workrite's PerfectPress™ process provides a crisp, professional look and easy, no-iron care for your Nomex® garments.

Primary benefits include:

  • Improves garment appearance even after many launderings
  • Improves permanent press performance over the life of the garment
  • Eliminates seam puckering caused by differential shrinkage of thread
  • Reduces fabric shrinkage in laundering
  • Eliminates differential shrinkage in different areas of garment
  • Permanently heat-sets creases

Workrite’s PerfectPress autoclave process is applied to our garments made of Nomex IIIA. Simply wash the garment, pull it out of the dryer, give it a shake and place it on a hanger. No ironing required for a wrinkle-free look.