Inherent vs Treated FR Clothing | Which Lasts Longer & Saves Money

When you work in high-risk trades like mining, utilities, or oil & gas, your clothing isn’t just about comfort, it’s a vital part of your safety system. Flame-resistant (FR) workwear protects you when the unexpected happens, and the fabric you choose can make a big difference in how well you’re protected and how long your gear lasts.

One decision you’ll face is inherent FR clothing vs. treated FR clothing. Both types meet industry safety standards, but they perform differently in the real world. Here’s the breakdown, and the data to prove it.

What Is Inherent FR Clothing?

Inherent FR fabrics are made from fibers that are naturally flame-resistant all the way to their core. The flame resistance is built into the fiber’s molecular structure, so it lasts for the life of the garment, even after repeated washing and wear.

Benefits of Inherent FR Fabrics:

• Built-in protection that lasts the entire garment life under normal use and care
• Durability that stands up to tough industrial conditions
• Breathable comfort with options like MWG FLEXSAFE™ and MWG COMFORT WEAVE™ that help manage moisture and airflow
• Consistent performance trusted in mining, utilities, manufacturing, and more
  

What Is Treated FR Clothing?

Treated FR fabrics start as cotton or cotton blends and undergo a specialized flame-resistant treatment that bonds to the fibers, creating a protective barrier. This treatment is very effective initially, but can potentially weaken over time, especially with heavy industrial laundering, abrasion, or improper care.

Benefits of Treated FR Fabrics:

• Lower upfront cost, like MWG COTTON COMFORT, good for shorter-term projects, rotating crews and less frequent use.
• Natural cotton feel: soft and familiar for all-day wear
• Breathable with good airflow for hot environments
  

Real-World Test: Industry Data

Three Sites, Two Approaches
Three comparable industrial sites, operating under similar conditions and with similar crews, ran different FR clothing programs over a year:

• Site A: Issued inherent FR garments made from fibers naturally flame-resistant for the life of the garment.
• Sites B and C: Issued cotton-based FR garments treated with a specialized flame-resistant finish.

Both garment types were made to the same specifications to ensure a fair comparison. The results? They speak volumes:

• Shirts: Sites B and C went through twice as many shirts as Site A.
• Pants: Sites B and C purchased three times as many pairs of pants as Site A.