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Everything You Need to Know About Fire Retardant Clothing

Last Updated: 10 February 2026

Key Points

• Fire-retardant clothing is chemically treated to self-extinguish and slow the spread of flames.
• Improper washing, such as using bleach, fabric softeners, or high heat, reduces fire-retardant effectiveness.
• Buyers should confirm compliance with Australian standards, such as AS4967 and AS/NZS ISO 2801.

In workplaces where fire or high temperatures are a constant risk, custom heat-resistant workwear is a must-have to keep your team safe. Custom work apparel like fire retardant jackets and pants protects a person from fires, flames, and high temperatures.

Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, how to care for it, and how to choose the right protective apparel.

What is Fire Retardant Clothing–and What It Is Not

When our clients request protective clothing from us, we always specify that the items in our inventory are flame-retardant garments. This is important so they know the protection level our custom safety apparel can provide. Fire-retardant apparel is clothing that can slow up or halt the spread of fire by providing insulation. However, these types of clothing are not fireproof. In an open flame, fire-retardant clothing is made to self-extinguish. Therefore, it can only protect against intermittent flames, high temperatures, and thermal conditions.

Another thing is that fire-retardant is not fire-resistant. Both varieties are, in fact, self-extinguishing, and they burn at an unusually low rate. The process by which they are created is what sets them apart from one another. The term “fire-resistant workwear” refers to garments constructed with materials that are not flammable by nature. The clothing’s fibres and threads give it its fire resistance. On the other hand, for the fabric of a fire-retardant uniform to extinguish itself, it must first be chemically treated. The same way you would apply an insect repellent on your skin to prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

How Fire-Retardant Clothing Is Manufactured

As mentioned above, a fabric must be treated before it can be considered fire retardant. This treatment can be either through a coating technique or a chemical dipping technique.

• Coating Technique: Adding a retardant coating on the reverse of the fabric.
• Chemical Dipping: Repeatedly submerging the cloth into a chemical solution until the material completely absorbs the substance.

Many fabrics can be made fire retardant, but the most common are cotton, polyester, cotton-nylon blends, rayon, nylon, and wool.

Tips On How To Care For Heat Resistant Workwear

Unlike regular uniforms, fire-retardant clothing requires special care. Remember that the only part of this type of safety clothing treated chemically is its outer surface. Here are some tips on how to maintain the fire retardancy of protective apparel:

• Before washing it, please read the care label carefully and follow the instructions.
• Don’t wash it with your regular clothes; the chemicals from the fire-retardant garments don’t get on your everyday attire.
• To preserve the clothing’s fire-retardant properties, flip it inside out before washing.
• Avoid using liquid chlorine, fabric softeners, or non-chlorine bleach.
• If you need to wash your clothes to eliminate impurities, use only conditioned or soft water.
• Only use the Normal or Cotton washing cycle at temperatures up to 60ºC (140ºF).
• It is OK to use any regular home laundry detergent.

How To Choose Fire-Retardant Workwear

Now that you understand what a true fire-retardant clothing item is, we will share with you how to select the best fire-retardant uniform for your company.

• How often and how much do you work with fire or things that can catch fire? This question helps determine how much coverage you require from your outfit.
• Prioritise safety and comfort over style. As a general rule, looser clothes protect you better, so use them as an extra layer of protection on top of regular clothes or uniforms.
• Ensure that the fire-retardant clothing you intend to purchase complies with all applicable Australian regulations, such as AS4967-2006, AS/NZS ISO 2801:2008, and AS4824-2006.

Wearing fire-retardant clothing minimises the risk of fire or injury in the workplace. When your business is dealing with heat or fire, occupational safety must be your no.1 priority. It also helps promote a healthier and more productive workplace since employees who wear high-quality work attire feel secure, at ease, and confident.

Prioritise Safety with the Right Fire-Retardant Clothing

Safeguard your team and elevate your safety standards with premium fire-retardant clothing from Cubic Promote. In high-risk environments, the right gear isn’t optional—it’s essential. Choose protective apparel that works as hard as your crew does, and show your commitment to workplace well-being with every stitch. Get your custom workwear apparel from us today!