Flame resistant (FR) workwear has become a cornerstone of safety in many industries. In honor of National Safety Month, we’re taking a look back at the history of FR workwear — from its early days with Nomex® to today’s high-performance FR uniforms — and how this evolution has broadened across industries and strengthened workplace safety culture.

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.

The Comfort Revolution: Performance Fabrics

Recent years have brought another major shift in FR workwear: the move toward lighter, more breathable, and more advanced performance fabrics. Workers want gear that moves with them, wicks sweat and doesn’t weigh them down — especially in hot, demanding environments. For instance, DRIFIRE® FR Coveralls offers moisture-wicking properties and a lightweight feel without compromising safety standards.

At Vestis, we’re always exploring new ways to improve comfort, function and protection in our FR lineup. Look for an expanded offering soon that helps crews stay safer and feel good doing their jobs.

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 next generation of performance fabrics, FR workwear continues to evolve and play a vital role in protecting teams across industries. As safety expectations rise, so does the opportunity to provide better gear that empowers workers and drives compliance.

This National Safety Month, take the time to review your FR program. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade to performance fabrics, Vestis has a variety of FR fabrics to fit your protection needs.

Request a quote today to learn how our FR rental program can keep your team safe, comfortable and focused on the job.