5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Pure Cotton Flame Retardant Fabric？

In high-risk industries, ensuring the safety and protection of your workers is the most important step you can take. One of the most crucial elements in safeguarding employees from potential hazards, such as flames and extreme heat, is the use of appropriate protective clothing. Fire-resistant fabric plays a vital role in this regard, offering a layer of defence that can prevent severe injuries and save lives.

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This blog will delve into a range of fire-resistant and flame-retardant fabrics, providing you with essential information to make informed decisions about your personalised workwear choices. By exploring the benefits of these materials, we’ll help you select a high-quality uniform that not only protects your workforce but also contributes to a greener future.

Whether you need fire-resistant high-vis workwear for industrial applications or specialised garments for firefighting, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the right fire-resistant fabric to meet your needs.

Understanding Fire-Resistant Fabrics

Definition

Fire-resistant fabrics are specially-engineered materials designed to withstand ignition and resist burning when exposed to fire. These fabrics are either inherently fire-resistant due to their chemical structure or treated with fire-retardant chemicals to enhance their resistance to flames. Flame-retardant fabrics, on the other hand, have been chemically treated to slow down or halt the spread of fire. Both types play a crucial role in enhancing safety in environments where exposure to fire is a significant risk.

Difference

While the terms “fire-resistant” and “flame-retardant” are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of fabric treatment. Fire-resistant fabrics are inherently non-flammable due to their chemical composition; they do not easily ignite and will self-extinguish if they catch fire. Flame-retardant fabrics, on the other hand, are made from materials that are not naturally fire-resistant (such as cotton) but have been treated in a manner that inhibits the spread of fire.

Understanding this distinction is essential for selecting the appropriate protective clothing based on your specific workplace hazards.

Importance

The importance of fire-resistant fabrics in workplace safety cannot be overstated. In industries such as firefighting, oil and gas, electrical maintenance, and welding, workers are regularly exposed to high temperatures, sparks, and flames. Fire-resistant clothing provides a critical layer of protection, reducing the risk of burns and injuries. This protective gear can be the difference between a minor incident and a life-threatening injury, ensuring that employees can perform their duties with a greater sense of security.

Fire-Resistant Fabrics

Aramid Fibres

Aramid fibres such as Nomex and Kevlar are renowned for their exceptional heat resistance and durability. These synthetic fibres do not ignite easily and offer excellent resistance to high temperatures.

Nomex, in particular, is widely used in firefighting gear and military uniforms due to its ability to withstand intense heat and flames without compromising wearer safety.

Kevlar, known for its strength and lightweight nature, is also employed in protective gear where strength-to-weight ratio is critical, such as body armour.

Carbon Foam

Carbon foam is prized for its outstanding thermal resistance and lightweight properties.

This material can withstand extreme temperatures and is favoured in aerospace and specialised industrial applications where heat management is crucial. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for applications where reducing overall weight is important without sacrificing thermal protection, such as in thermal barriers and insulation for aircraft components.

PBI (Polybenzimidazole)

PBI is known for its exceptionally high melting point and inherent resistance to combustion.

It does not burn or melt easily, making it suitable for extreme firefighting conditions and astronaut suits. PBI’s ability to maintain its integrity at high temperatures protects wearers from heat and flames, making it a preferred choice in environments where exposure to fire is frequent and intense, such as in space missions and structural firefighting.

Flame-Retardant Cotton (Treated Cotton)

Flame-retardant cotton, also known as treated cotton, combines the natural comfort and breathability of cotton with added flame resistance through chemical treatments. This fabric is comfortable to wear and cost-effective compared to some synthetic alternatives.

It finds widespread use in general workwear, where protection against flash fires and sparks is necessary, as well as in welding uniforms where both comfort and safety are crucial during hot work operations.

Wool

Wool is a natural fibre known for its inherent flame resistance and sustainability. It has a higher ignition temperature compared to many synthetic fibres, and it does not melt or stick to the skin when exposed to fire.

Wool garments offer natural insulation and comfort, making them suitable for protective clothing in environments with lower fire risks. Wool’s renewable and biodegradable properties contribute to its eco-friendly credentials, aligning with sustainable clothing practices.

Sustainable and Durable Options

Choosing fire-resistant fabrics that are sustainable as well as durable is crucial for ensuring workplace safety that also reduces environmental impact and manages costs.

Such textiles, by definition, withstand both tough conditions and prolonged use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising costs and waste alike. By adhering to the correct guidelines for cleaning and care, you can ensure even longer-lasting protection from such garments, promoting a sustainable approach to safety.

Whether you choose fabrics with recycled content, or naturally fire-resistant wool, opting for textiles made from renewable and eco-friendly materials is key to sustainability

Responsibly disposing of fire-resistant garments at the end of their life cycle is essential. Many suppliers offer recycling programmes to ensure garments are recycled or repurposed, but you can also donate and repurpose your old clothing where possible.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Business

Selecting the appropriate fire-resistant fabric for your business is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees. This decision involves assessing the specific risks associated with your industry, considering budget constraints, and choosing a reputable supplier.

Here’s a detailed look at each of these factors:

Assessing Risk Levels & Industry Needs

Understanding the specific fire hazards in your industry is the first step in choosing the right fire-resistant fabric. Each industry has its own specific requirements when it comes to the protective gear and PPE you wear on the job.

Firefighting

Firefighters need gear made from high-performance fabrics (like Nomex or PBI) that can withstand extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to flames. These materials provide essential protection against the intense heat and direct flame contact encountered during firefighting operations.

Electrical Maintenance

Electricians require clothing that not only resists flames but also offers protection against electrical arcs. Fabrics treated with flame-retardant chemicals, such as flame-retardant (FR) cotton, are commonly used in this field to protect against arc flashes and other electrical hazards.

Oil and Gas

Workers in the oil and gas industry are exposed to flash fire hazards and require garments made from materials that provide quick self-extinguishing properties and minimal after-burn, such as aramid blends. These fabrics ensure that any ignition is quickly extinguished, reducing the risk of severe burns and injuries.

Welding

Welders need durable, heat-resistant fabrics that can protect them from sparks and spatter. Treated cotton and wool are popular choices in this industry because they offer the necessary heat resistance and comfort, ensuring that welders can work safely and efficiently.

Assessing the specific hazards and protection levels required in your industry will guide you in selecting the most appropriate fire-resistant fabric.

Budget Considerations

Balancing cost with quality and durability is essential when choosing fire-resistant fabrics, so, while the initial investment in premium fire-resistant fabrics may be higher, the extended lifespan and reduced maintenance costs associated make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Not only do high-quality fire-resistant garments tend to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and resulting in cost savings over time, but they also require less maintenance to retain their protective properties. Not to mention, using such higher-end, reliable fabrics ensures that your company meets safety regulations and standards, potentially avoiding costly fines and liability issues.

Supplier Selection

When it comes to choosing where to get tour fire-resistant gear from, it is crucial to ensure you end yp with high-quality garments that meet all the required safety standards. Partnering with reliable workwear suppliers like Clothes2order offers several advantages, from aforementioned quality assurance to product variety, as well as customer support and sustainability.

Conclusion

Ensuring worker safety in high-risk industries is essential, and using the right fire-resistant fabrics is a key factor in maintaining this security. By understanding industry-specific hazards and choosing sustainable, durable fabrics, you can protect your employees (and the planet) effectively. Partnering with reputable suppliers like Clothes2order for your personalised workwear, high-vis workwear, and PPE needs, meanwhile, ensures high-quality, compliant gear that balances cost with long-term safety and sustainability.

The new Corfu FR fabric is structurally very similar to Madeira, but slightly heavier. The entry level FR fabric is for those who want to start their own FR programme. Corfu-330 is not intended for industrial laundering and has a lower tensile strength than Madeira-320.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align="left" ] Corfu has the best price for flame retardant fabric and is in full compliance with EN ISO , , EN . The certification is made in AITEX laboratory.[/show_more]

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Pure Cotton Flame Retardant Fabric. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Key features: Flame Retardant, Industrial wash, Antistatic

Certifications: ISO , ISO , EN -5, EN , Oeko-tex 100

Etna flame-retardant fabric is made from 350gsm cotton with antistatic yarn and is designed for use in metallurgy and other industries. This fabric is best used for protective jackets, trousers, overalls and other FR clothing.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align=”left” ]Etna FR fabric has the highest level of protection against metal splashes – E3, tested according to ISO . Etna’s satin weave helps molten metal droplets to run off the smooth surface of the fabric when used in FR garments. Made from natural fibres, it is soft and comfortable to wear and protects against flash fire and electric arcs. Etna’s antistatic carbon yarn, incorporated as stripes in the surface, makes it safe for use in explosive atmospheres. To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) sparks, antistatic fibres safely dissipate static electricity, eliminating the risk of fire and explosion. Etna fr-fabric is certified according to ISO , , EN , EN . These certificates are a must for any FR garment and we update them every 5 years. [/show_more]

Key features: Industrial wash, Antistatic, Flame Retardant,  100×750C (limited flame spread), 50×750C (EN , EN -3, EN ), EN D3 (5×750C)

Certifications: ISO , ISO , EN , EN , ASTMF , Oeko-tex 100

A lightweight 220gsm flame retardant fabric made from pure cotton in a 2/1 twill weave. The fabric contains antistatic yarn. Fiji is a lightweight flame retardant fabric in a classic twill weave, specially designed for lightweight flame retardant garments.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align="left" ] Fiji is recommended as the middle layer of FR garments such as shirts, vests, light trousers or even light overalls for hot climates. FR garments made from Fiji fabric, in combination with fire resistant underwear and outer garments, provide excellent protection for workers in hazardous areas. Made from natural fibres, it is soft and comfortable to wear and at the same time Fiji FR fabric protects against the risks of flash fire and ESD sparks. The antistatic carbon yarn integrated as stripes in the surface of Fiji makes it completely safe for use in explosive atmospheres. To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) sparks, antistatic fibres safely dissipate static electricity, eliminating the risk of fire and explosion.[/show_more]

Key features: Flame Retardant, Oeko-Tex 100, Antistatic, 100×750C (limited flame spread), 50×750C (EN , EN -3, EN )

Certifications: ISO , ISO , EN , EN , Oeko-tex 100

A very light flame retardant fabric made of 100% cotton with density of 160 g/m² and plain 1/1 weave. Thin, soft and pleasant to touch, yet durable and flame retardant.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align="left" ]Flame retardant lining is indispensable in the FR-clothing with membrane layers, such as in firefighting coveralls and suits.It can also be used for warm winter FR-clothing (jacket and trousers). Internal lining fabric is an integral part of the heat protective package, and performs several functions: isolating membrane, protecting against abrasion, increases protection against heat and provides additional comfort of worker.[/show_more]

Key features: Flame retardant

Certificate: EN , Oeko-tex 100

Gefest-420 flame retardant protective fabric is designed for professional welders’ clothing in various fields such as engineering, metallurgy, oil and gas pipeline construction, automotive, etc.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align=”left” ] Gefest’s satin weave is extremely useful in protective overalls, bibs or aprons for welders and other workers, allowing molten metal droplets to easily run off the smooth surface of the fabric. Made from natural fibres, it is comfortable to wear and at the same time Gefest-420 protects against the risks of flash fire and electric arc. With an excellent ATPV parameter (20 cal/cm2), Gefest-420 can meet the requirements of HRC level 3 (25 cal/cm2) with the use of additional flame retardant underwear.[/show_more]

Key features: Industrial wash, Flame Retardant, EN D2 (5×750C)

Certifications: ISO (class 2), ISO , EN , Oeko-tex 100

Gefest-480 is a heavyweight 480gsm pure cotton protective fabric with a flame retardant finish. Smooth satin 5/2 weave. Gefest is a flame retardant fabric specifically designed for welders working in extreme conditions on offshore oil platforms, in dry docks and in naval shipyards.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align="left"]Gefest is an extremely durable fabric due to its innovative composition of long staple cotton fibres twisted in warp and weft. The fabric is so strong that it’s impossible to tear with your hands. Gefest-480 flame retardant protective fabric is intended for professional welders’ clothing in various fields such as mechanical engineering, metallurgy, oil and gas pipeline construction, automotive, etc. The satin weave of Gefest-480 is extremely useful in welders’ overalls, bibs or aprons as it allows molten metal droplets to easily run off the smooth surface of the fabric. Made from natural fibres, it is very soft and comfortable to wear and at the same time protects against the risks of flash fire and electric arc.[/show_more]

Key features: Industrial wash, Flame Retardant, 100×750C (limited flame spread), EN D2 (5×750C)

Certifications: ISO , ISO , ISO , Oeko-tex 100

Specialized cotton fabric intended for protective clothing. Designed for the production of clothing for welders and related professions, also for flame-retardant insulated clothing and for other professions where it is necessary to wear protective clothing against heat and flames.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align="left" ]Thanks to the exceptionally high grammage, clothes made of fabric are characterized by high strength and durability in use. Cotton ensures comfort in all conditions, perfectly absorbs sweat and is breathable. This fabric is very resistant to breaking, tearing and rubbing. Provides protection against hot factors and metal splashes even after 50 washing cycles. A special production process ensures color fastness and dimensional stability after washing at 60˚C. In addition to protective properties and durability, it is characterized by high comfort of use ensured by a soft satin weave. The fabric has been positively tested in compliance with the European standard for workwear: EN as well as with the standards for protective clothing EN : Protective clothing used during welding; EN : Clothing for protection against heat and flame. The product complies with Oeko-tex® Standard.[/show_more]

Key features: Flame Retardant

Certifications:  Oeko-tex 100

Madeira-260 AS is a flame-retardant cotton fabric with antistatic yarn and density of 260 gsm, in a classic 3/1 twill weave. Madeira-260 AS is a pure cotton antistatic flame retardant protective fabric made from long staple pure cotton with antistatic yarn.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align=”left” ] It can be used for medium weight welder’s clothing as well as for various metal working applications in heavy machinery, automotive, etc. Made from 100% natural fibres, it is comfortable to wear and at the same time Madeira-260 protects safely against the risks of flash fire. This fabric can be used for everyday flame retardant workwear such as FR trousers, FR jackets, FR bibs and FR overalls.[/show_more]

Key features: Flame Retardant, EN D2 (5×750C)

Certifications: ISO , ISO , Oeko-tex 100

Madeira-260 is a flame-retardant 100% cotton fabric with a density of 260 gsm, in a classic 3/1 twill weave. Madeira-260 is a pure cotton flame retardant protective fabric made from long staple pure cotton.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align=”left” ] It can be used for medium weight welder’s clothing as well as for various metal working applications in heavy machinery, automotive, etc. Made from 100% natural fibres, it is comfortable to wear and at the same time Madeira-260 protects safely against the risks of flash fire. This fabric can be used for everyday flame retardant workwear such as FR trousers, FR jackets, FR bibs and FR overalls.[/show_more]

Key features: Flame Retardant

Certifications: ISO , ISO , Oeko-tex 100

Madeira-320 is a flame-retardant 100% cotton fabric with a density of 320 gsm, in a classic 3/1 twill weave. Madeira-320 is a pure cotton flame retardant protective fabric made from long staple pure cotton.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align=”left” ] It can be used for medium-weight welders’ clothing as well as for various metal-working jobs in heavy machinery, car manufacturing, etc. Made from 100% natural fibres, it is comfortable to wear and at the same time Madeira-320 protects safely against the risks of flash fire and electric arc. With an arc thermal protective value (ATPV) of 13 cal/cm2, Madeira-320 FR is certified to Hazard Risk Category (HRC) 2 (NFPA 70E). This allows the fabric to be used for everyday flame retardant workwear such as FR trousers, FR jackets, FR bibs and FR overalls.[/show_more]

Key features: Industrial wash, Flame Retardant, 100×750C (limited flame spread), 50×750C (EN ),  EN D1 (5×750C)

Certifications: ISO , ISO , ISO , Oeko-tex 100

Fabric intended for the production of protective clothing. Especially used as a fabric for flame retardant shirts. It will also work well as a component of flame retardant insulation. It comes in basic colors.
The fabric is light, airy and perfectly breathable. The special design and flame-retardant finish ensure the protective properties of the product. Clothes made of fabric are characterized by high strength and durability in use. Cotton ensures comfort in all conditions, perfectly absorbs sweat and is breathable. This fabric is resistant to mechanical damage. A special production process ensures color durability and dimensional stability. The product is tested for protection against heat and flames after 20 washes in accordance with EN ISO . The fabric is skin-friendly.

Key features: Flame Retardant

Certifications:  Oeko-tex 100

Popular specialist cotton fabric for protective clothing. Designed for the production of clothing for welders and related professions, also for flame retardant insulated clothing and for other professions where clothing protecting against heat and flames is required. Available in a wide range of colors.[show_more more="Show more" less="Show less" color="#629e11" align="left" ]Clothes made of fabric are characterized by high strength and durability in use. Cotton ensures comfort in all conditions, perfectly absorbs sweat and is breathable. This fabric is resistant to breaking, tearing and rubbing. Provides protection against hot factors and metal splashes even after 50 washing cycles. A special production process ensures color fastness and dimensional stability after washing at 60˚C. In addition to protective properties and durability, it is characterized by high comfort of use. The fabric has a certificate of compliance with the European standard for workwear: EN as well as with the standards for protective clothing EN : Protective clothing used during welding; EN : Clothing for protection against heat and flame. A proven and trusted brand. The product complies with Oeko-tex® Standard.[/show_more]

Key features: Flame Retardant

Certifications:  EN, EN, Oeko-tex 100

For more information, please visit Flame Resistant Fabric By The Yard.