When it comes to protective clothing for high-risk industries, such as firefighting or electrical work, the balance between safety and comfort is crucial. Protection and comfort are, however, contradictory properties especially in the case of heat and flame protective clothing. There is a need to strike a balance between the garment’s heat and flame resistance and its permeability to water vapour and air.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this balance is by using layered fabrics in protective clothing. This system not only improves thermal protection but also contributes to the wearer’s overall comfort.

Firefighters, for example, require clothing that shields them from extreme heat, flames, or from thermal hazards of a flash fire. Multi-layered clothing systems are carefully designed with layers that work together to maximize both protection and comfort. While the fibers in both layers may be the same or different, the combination of weaving techniques and the strategic placement of yarns creates a more robust barrier against extreme temperatures.

Layered fabrics also make it possible to achieve higher ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) rating, ensuring the garment provides excellent protection in hazardous conditions while also enhancing the wearer’s comfort.

The Layered Advantage: Protection without Compromising Comfort

The combination of a protective, flame-resistant outer layer and a comfort-oriented inner layer with advanced air permeability feature offers the best of both worlds. Mono-layer fabrics, in contrast, do not offer the same level of comfort as a double-layer system.

Comfort provided by a garment can be represented in terms of its breathability or Air Permeability (AP), measured as per ISO 9237 (Litres/m²/s or mm/s). A fabric that allows more air to pass through its structure is more breathable and thus feels more comfortable, especially in high heat environments. Air permeability is usually reported, for the entire assembly of clothing, as ranging from Class 1 (highly permeable to air but not so good for protection against extreme cold) to Class 3 (less permeable to air and better cold protection, but not ideal for comfort).

Although single-layer garments can be lighter in weight, they may not provide the necessary comfort characteristics. As an illustrative example, a commercial garment made from modacrylic / aramid / lyocell blend single layer fabric has an AP of 268 mm/s, while another garment made from aramid/viscose blend fabric with multilayer technology can achieve significantly higher AP of 520 mm/s at similar weight (both are 250 g/m²). In another example, a lightweight (160 g/m²) commercial garment made from aramid / viscose / nylon blend single layer fabric can reach an AP of only 250 mm/s, whereas a much heavier garment (270 g/m²) based on modacrylic/aramid/nylon blend fabric also possesses the AP of 268 mm/s presumably due to the latter’s use of multilayer technology.

Conclusion

Tarasafe, as part of its commitment to provide thermal and arc protective clothing which does not compromise on comfort, offers a broad range of such products in Modacrylic / Aramid blend with weight ranging from 200 to 270 g/m², featuring innovative designs for both the outer and inner layers. The durable outer layer ensures protection against ATPV, while the layered construction significantly reduces fatigue and improves performance. The breathability of these garments enhances wearer comfort, allowing individuals to stay focused and energized, thereby boosting safety and productivity in hazardous environments.