By Jayden Mark
If you work in an environment where sparks and flames are part of your work, then you need the top most protection available. These work environments require FR or Flame Resistant as part of the dress code. We have selected some of the best flame resistant work pants that not only have top protection but a lot of style too.
Best Fire Resistant Pants for Work
1. Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men's Fr Flame Resistant Relaxed Fit Jean
For both comfort and safety, Wrangler Riggs flame resistant jeans make the grade. Designed to work as hard as you do, these jeans are super rugged with reinforced triple stitching and extra protection for high-wear areas.
Wrangler Riggs relaxed fit FR pants are made from 100% cotton with a high-grade flame resistant finish, making them really comfortable and safe, even in extreme temperatures. With NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112 safety ratings, you’re assured of the highest standards and workplace compliance.
Down to the smallest detail, these work pants ensure the highest level of PPE safety, like Nomex fire resistant zipper tape and an arc resistant button waistband closure. Even the bright orange external ID tag, increases visibility and worker safety.
Practical and convenient, Wrangler Riggs FR jeans are machine washable. There should be no compromise on safety in the workplace. This means both your comfort and protection from hazardous heat should be a priority. I believe that Wrangler has achieved both these objectives with this high-quality product.
2. ARIAT Men's Flame Resistant M3 Loose Fit Jean
Paying a little extra for quality and comfort has its benefits. While not the most expensive, Ariat M3 flame resistant jeans cost slightly more than the average FR work pants. What do you get for those extra dollars?
Most people who’ve worn Ariat FR jeans have commented how comfortable they are. The loose fit, with a high waist, make these jeans delightfully comfortable. It’s easy to climb ladders, bend, and perform all your work tasks without discomfort. The comfort inner seams prevent chafing, allowing you to work for longer without any discomfort.
There are a lot of practical features that make these work-pants so well-loved. Deep pockets are really useful and reinforced belt loops are also a great plus. The 100% cotton material, with a flame retardant finish is easy to clean. Simply machine wash in cold water and pop them into the tumble dryer if needed.
Ariat invests a lot in research and development for the best laboratory-tested technology. This does cost extra, but the reassurance it provides is priceless. Long term rugged durability, combined with sublime comfort, and ultimate safety, make Ariat one of the top brands for fire resistant clothing.
3. Bulwark Men's Flame Resistant 9 Oz Twill Cotton Work Pant
For affordable flame resistant work pants, you can’t do much better than the Bulwark range. Basic utilitarian design without frills and fancy extras, mean that you’re getting top-grade flame retardant clothing that won’t cost you an arm and leg.
Where it counts, that being top level flame resistant material, the 9 Oz twill cotton with FR protection meets the highest standards: CAT 2, with 11 calories/CM² ATPV arc rating, and NFPA 2112 compliance.
The traditional design provides plenty of pockets and comfortable fit around the waist, legs, and thighs. The left pocket rear pocket has a button enclosure. You also have the convenience of strong belt loops and an inner lined waistband with button enclosure.
The loose fit makes it easy to wear any type of work boot without discomfort. Though some have found the fit to be a little baggy. They are machine washable with some color fading over time.
All around great value for money, Bulwark twill cotton FR work pants provide all the practical requirements for the job. Basic, functional, and affordable, you’re not paying for high-fashion, just good old fashioned utility.
4. Caterpillar Men's Flame Resistant Cargo Pant
Considered by many to be the number one brand for high-quality work clothing, Caterpillar is an obvious choice for the best flame resistant clothing. These flame resistant cargo pants are a great option for welders and electricians requiring high quality fireproof clothing.
The cargo design provides a bunch of useful pockets for everything from cell phones to your rulers, pencils, and small tools. Wonderfully practical. The material (88% 9 0z cotton and 12% nylon twill) provides excellent comfort and durability.
High level safety is guaranteed, meeting the best standards. Caterpillar FR cargo pants are certified NFPA 70E, NFPA2112, HR/Arc 2, and a very respectable ATPV 9.5 value. The zip fly has an antistatic enclosure.
Belt loops and a 20” leg make these fire resistant cargo pants easy and comfortable to wear. Articulated knee darts and a diamond shaped crotch gusset add another layer of mobility and comfort, helping you to be more productive during a demanding workday.
The Caterpillar brand instills massive confidence for quality and design experience. While we usually expect to pay top-dollar for a name like this, Caterpillar flame resistant cargo pants are not that expensive. A pleasant surprise for a brand with such a good reputation.
5. Carhartt Men's Big & Tall Flame Resistant Rugged Flex Jean Traditional Fit
If regular size FR jeans don’t work for you, then Carhatt Men’s Big and Tall Flex jeans might be the answer. The flex material, made from 99% cotton and 1% spandex offers ideal stretch for added comfort, regardless of your size.
The relaxed fit, along with some material stretch, make Carhartt rugged flex jeans the best for easy movement and comfort. They also look great. The pre-washed, soft fabric adds a touch of luxury and pampering, making your day a little more pleasurable.
Beyond the sublime comfort and good looks, these are really practical FR work pants. Meeting the highest standards for fire retardance and durability, the 12.5 Oz denim is super strong and meets all the standards required for demanding work conditions – NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112, and CAT2 ATPV rating.
Probably one of the most comfortable FR jeans you’ll find. Carhartt Flex FR jeans offer a wonderful fit for men of all sizes. They are made to last and offer top level safety.
6. BOCOMAL FR Pants for Men Cargo Flame Resistant Pants
It’s exciting to find affordable FR cargo pants that make the grade. Bocomal flame retardant work pants are great value for money.
Not everyone likes the elastic waist. Though, in general, people love the easy comfort this provides. The relatively lightweight 7.5 Oz cotton is great for comfort.
There have been some QC issues, with some folks complaining about inferior stitching. Though, on the whole, most have been really satisfied with the general quality.
When considering the important stuff, high level flame protection, Bocomal FR cargo pants certainly deliver the goods, meeting NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, ATSM F1506, Cat2 and HRC2 standards, as well as a very respectable 9.8 ATPV rating.
My favorite attribute has to be the extremely practical selection of pockets of all shapes and sizes. Some have snap buttons, while other slim pockets offer quick and easy access for stuff like pencils. The belt loops and utility loops on the pant leg are extra wide and super strong.
The comfort provided by an elastic waste and lightweight cotton will be appreciated by many. Apart from a limited amount of QC issues, Bocomal FR cargo pants have been heralded as high-quality workwear at a perfectly affordable price. Great value.
7. Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men's FR Flame Resistant Carpenter Jean
If you’re asking why do carpenter jeans need to be fireproof, the answer is simple. Wrangler FR carpenter jeans have great utility pockets and a loop, for stuff like a hammer, these additional features are commonly used by carpenters who need easy access to tools in a difficult situation.
Because Wrangler Riggs have very convenient tool storage solutions, and a high level of fire resistance, they are a big favorite for all types of people working in hazardous situations. Wrangler is known for tough denim and the 100% cotton material lives up to this reputation. If you like a button enclosure (instead of a zipper), these jeans will win you over.
Apart from the natural tendency to fray around the buttonholes (an inevitable weakness for any button enclosure), these jeans are incredible tough with triple FR Nomex stitching. They are machine washable.
The loose fit design is ideal for comfort and easy movement. With an action gusset to make your life even more hassle-free.
Fire resistant jeans from one of the oldest names in the denim business, Wrangler Riggs flame resistant carpenter jeans are incredibly practical with great pockets and a hammer loop. They’re as tough as it gets and really comfortable. The price is reasonable too.
8. Carhartt Men's Flame Resistant Washed Duck Work Dungaree
Really good quality and a wonderfully practical design, make Carhartt flame resistant Duck work dungarees one of the most popular choices for guys working in all types of industries.
The 88% cotton and 12% nylon blend material is strong and thick (13 OZ), Carhartt Duck fabric is synonymous with super tough workwear.
It is rip proof and these dungarees are 100% flame resistant: NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112 compliance, with HRC 2 and ATPV 15 ratings.
Extra durable triple stitching, a brass zipper, and arc resistant high-tension snap closure for the waist, and Nomex zipper tape add several more layers of comfort and durability.
These FR work pants have a great selection of pockets in really convenient positions. Large and small pockets of every description provide useful storage for everything you need for a hassle-free productive day’s work.
Super tough and incredibly practical, Carhartt flame resistant washed duck work dungarees are one of the top contenders for practicality, durability, and excellent value. Materials are about the best you can get and the workmanship in manufacturing this product is truly sublime.
Choosing the Best Fire Resistant Clothing – Buying Guide
You may like a particular style or color work pants. Useful pockets are always welcome. However, these should be secondary considerations. If you’re going to choose the best fire resistant clothing, they need to meet the three most important requirements:
This guide is going to discuss these important considerations. The rest will be a matter of personal preference. If you have these bases covered, the other decisions should be quite straight forward.
Quality
The first thing to look at is the material. All high-quality FR work pants are made from thick material, typically 9 Oz to 13 Oz. This will usually be 100% cotton or a nylon blend with around 80% cotton.
The stitching is as important as the material used to make the pants. Quality thread with reinforced stitching will ensure that all the seams withstand the rough treatment that work wear has to endure.
Metal buttons, zippers and snap studs are also desirable.
Comfort
Comfort is as much about the design of the product as it is the materials used. Cotton, at least 80%, is the best for comfort. The material does cause skin irritation as easily and it breathes easily, allowing you to stay cool.
Most people prefer a loose fit as this allows for easier movement. Additional padding can be great, especially around the crotch and knees. The pants must fit comfortably around the waist.
Stitching that does not chafe is also going to make the clothing much more comfortable.
Safety
If you’re buying fire resistant clothing, you obviously work in an environment where the risk of fire is high. This makes safety your number one priority.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has various standards for fire protective clothing in the workplace. There are several standards for different industries, depending on the level of risk. Probably the most common standard is NFPA 2112. This means that the material protects you from short duration exposure to fire.
The NFPA 70E standard applies specifically to electricians, or people working in an environment prone to arc flash, arc blast, or electrocution (like welders).
The ATPV rating indicates how much energy you are protected from during an arc, before you experience second degree burns. The number following the ATPV rating is the calories per CM² that the material can withstand before you experience a hazardous burn.
The ATSM standard is another specification to determine safety when the material is exposed to an arc or flash, ensuring that the fabric will not melt or char within 2 seconds of being exposed to a high-temperature flash.
Apart from the fire resistance of the fabric, arc resistant buttons and zippers may also be a requirement for certain types of work. Fire resistant thread (like Nomex) is also important.
With all the quality, comfort, and safety requirements met, you can confidently go ahead and look at the finer details, like individual style, color, price, or utility features. All the products featured in this review have met the basic requirements, meaning that your choice should be even easier.
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