Flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated workwear helps protect people in industries where arc flash and flash fire hazards are part of the job. From early fabrics like Nomex® to today’s lighter, more breathable options, FR workwear has continued to change around what workers need: dependable protection and greater comfort through a full shift.

Nomex^® and the Origins of FR Clothing

FR clothing has its roots in industrial and military applications. One of the first major breakthroughs came in the 1960s, when DuPont introduced Nomex®, an innovative type of fiber that is flame resistant and holds up when exposed to heat.

Nomex® quickly became the gold standard in sectors like aviation, firefighting and petrochemicals. Its durability and thermal performance made it essential gear for jobs with flash fire or arc flash risks. But it was also expensive and not always comfortable, which created opportunities for innovation in the decades that followed.

Advancements in FR Workwear: The Rise of 88/12 Blends

As demand for FR uniforms grew across industries, manufacturers began developing FR-treated fabrics that could balance protection with affordability and comfort. One of the most significant advancements came with the introduction of 88/12 fabrics: a blend of 88% cotton and 12% nylon, treated to be flame resistant.

These garments retained the breathability and softness of cotton while adding strength and durability of nylon. The Vestis® SteelGuard® FR Essentials Work Shirt exemplifies this blend, offering wearers a comfortable yet protective option suitable for various industrial settings.

More Industries, More Standards

Over time, industries from food processing to mining and construction began adopting FR programs to meet regulatory requirements and protect employees. The range of applications expanded, and with it came the need for more variety in fabrics, fits and features.

Today, FR workwear includes everything from button-downs and jeans to high-visibility vests and fleece outerwear — all designed with specific job risks and user comfort in mind.

At Vestis, our flame-resistant workwear rental programs help customers in a variety of industries stay compliant while giving their teams the protection and comfort they need. Beyond routine laundering, our service team is trained to handle repairs in a way that preserves the integrity of FR garments, like using FR thread for button replacements or patching. It’s these details that help ensure your team’s gear continues to meet safety standards on the job.

“FR workwear has come a long way from its Nomex beginnings. Today, you’re seeing 88/12 blends and high-performance fabrics that offer breathability, durability and comfort without compromising safety. What sets Vestis apart is that we don’t just provide the garments; we handle the care too. That includes professional laundering using Ecolab wash formulas, which helps maintain the protective qualities that self-washing can compromise,” explains Tom Olson, Strategic Marketing Manager at Vestis.

A Lighter Generation of FR Workwear

The latest shift in FR workwear is toward performance fabrics that are lighter and more breathable while still meeting the standards demanding jobs require. That matters for electricians, maintenance crews and workers in manufacturing and oil and gas, especially in hot conditions where heavy clothing can add to the physical demands of the job.

Vestis is expanding the SteelGuard® FR lineup with the SteelGuard® FR Performance Work Shirt with Westex® DH Air™ and SteelGuard® FR Performance Pants with Westex® DH.

The shirt and pants use lightweight, breathable fabrics that help manage moisture, keeping workers cooler, drier and more comfortable. That makes them easier to wear through long shifts in hot, demanding conditions. Both garments use CAT 2 arc-rated fabric that is NFPA 70E compliant and NFPA 2112 certified, helping protect against electric arc flash and flash fire hazards. Together, they make FR compliance a more comfortable choice and help crews stay focused on the work in front of them.

More than Compliance: Supporting a Culture of Safety

As FR garments have evolved to be lighter, more breathable and more wearable, they’ve become more than just compliance tools, they’re now a key part of how organizations show they value safety. And because today’s FR workwear comes in more comfortable, modern fits, it supports not only safety but also morale and mobility.

Want to learn more about how a rental program can help? Check out 5 benefits of renting FR clothing.

Outfit Your Team with Confidence

From the early days of Nomex® to the latest generation of performance fabrics, FR workwear continues to evolve around the protection employers require and the comfort workers need.

Whether you’re starting an FR program or looking for lighter, more breathable options for an existing one, Vestis can help you choose garments that fit your team, your work and the hazards they face.

Request a quote today to learn how a Vestis FR rental program can help protect your team and keep work moving.