No, 88/12 refers to only the content of the raw material before any FR engineering; it does not tell you anything about the FR process, properties or durability of the final fabric. You should know what fabric brand is in your garment and be very cautious if the only information provided is “88/12”.
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Fabric sold as “88/12” can be non-FR, it can be FR that lasts only until it gets wet, it can be FR for up to a hundred washes or it can be FR for the life of the garment. Don’t rely on this one-word designation; specify a brand, not a category.
Performance qualities of FR fabrics such as durability of the flame resistance, protection, comfort, shrinkage, breathability, softness and durability vary significantly between fabric brands. Be sure you evaluate the different FR fabric options first and then specify to your provider which FR fabric brand you need.
Westex: A Milliken Brand uses proprietary state-of-the-art processes to engineer flame-resistant fabrics:
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fire Retardant Cotton Fabric.
While it is true that cotton must be engineered to be flame-resistant, this does not mean that flame resistance will wash out of all cotton-based FR fabrics. FR technology varies among fabric manufacturers so it is important to know which FR fabric brand is in your garment. Some FR technology is designed only to comply to basic standards with self-submitted test samples, and a maximum number of launderings under laboratory perfect conditions; many of these fabrics fare poorly in the marketplace. It is important to know if your fabric is guaranteed flame-resistant and by whom.
Westex: A Milliken Brand’s state-of-the-art proprietary FR process ensures much deeper penetration and distribution of the FR polymer into the cotton structure which enables us to guarantee flame resistance for the life of the garment.
No, inherent FR is not the only path to guaranteed flame resistance. It is a common misconception that the FR in all treated or engineered fabrics is temporary and can be removed through laundering. When FR fabrics are not engineered or tested properly, laundering can cause issues that compromise worker safety and program efficiency. Westex by Milliken engineers its FR products to help eliminate degradation caused by laundering. Regardless of the type of FR, look for fabrics that are guaranteed flame-resistant for the life of the garment.
Cotton-based FR fabrics have been the product of choice in workwear for decades because they are comfortable, durable, cost-effective, have great appearance and are a great choice for hot climates. If you are worried about the FR washing out – don’t be. Just make sure that you are choosing a fabric that is truly guaranteed FR for the life of the garment. So, don’t limit your options to only clothing made from synthetic fibers or blends and don’t make your protective apparel decision on just one word like “inherent.” Be sure to evaluate multiple fabrics and choose the best option for you.
Want more information on Flame Retardant Knit Fabric? Feel free to contact us.