Base Layer and Thermal Underwear

Flame Resistant Base Layer Apparel and Thermal Underwear

Flame resistant underwear and FR base layer clothing provide a last line of defense against electric arc flash and flash fire hazards. Many people have been saved by wearing FR base layer apparel from fires that burned through their outer protective garments. There are two types of FR fabric available for base layer clothing – inherently FR and treated FR. Fabric that is inherently FR, like Nomex, is flame-resistant for life, which means that no matter how many times it is laundered or how long it is worn, the material will always remain flame-resistant. Treated FR fabrics have a flame resistant chemical applied to them that makes the fabric flame resistant; however, normal wear, laundering, abrasion, and UV exposure gradually reduces the protective value of the garment over time.