FR Stationwear vs Non-FR Stationwear — Explained

Helping firefighters choose the right garments

StationWear.ca guides departments and first responders in selecting professional and flame-resistant uniforms that meet NFPA standards — built for safety, comfort, and everyday performance across Canada. 

WHY FR STATION WEAR?

Choosing the right FR base layer—or FR station wear—is a critical part of firefighter safety. Non-FR clothing worn underneath protective gear can ignite, melt, or drip when exposed to heat, increasing the risk of severe burn injury—even beneath outer protective layers.

Flame-resistant (FR) base layers are engineered to resist ignition and will not melt or drip when exposed to heat. While NFPA 1970 workwear (formerly NFPA 1975) does not specifically address base layers, the standard recognizes the importance of wearing non-melting, flame-resistant clothing beneath turnout gear to help reduce the risk of thermal injury.

FR BASE LAYERS
FR STATIONWEAR
Fire Hall Team in Stationwear
Fire safety staff wearing stationwear

WHY NON-FR ?

Non-FR garments should only be worn by personnel whose duties carry absolutely no risk of exposure to high heat or open flame.

Even if it looks the same, non-FR apparel doesn’t provide the critical protection your team needs. Don’t risk it—always choose FR Stationwear and FR base layers to ensure everyone is prepared for the unpredictable.

NON-FR STATIONWEAR

NFPA 1970 / NFPA 1975 STATIONWEAR APPAREL

NFPA 1977 Wildland Firefighting Apparel & Boots

Beyond STATIONWEAR - CHOOSING YOUR FR Base Layers

NFPA 1970 – Work Apparel (formerly NFPA 1975) does not evaluate or certify base layers. Base-layer selection is therefore assessed independently, based on material behavior under heat exposure, moisture management, and all-day comfort.

These garments are evaluated using applicable ASTM test methods to verify flame resistance and thermal stability, including resistance to melting, dripping, or adhering to the skin when exposed to heat.

FR base layers help reduce secondary
thermal injury risk under heat exposure.

FR Fabrics

Flame Resistant

Premium FR base layers designed to support NFPA-compliant stationwear, with performance verified through applicable flame-resistance testing.

Moisture Wicking

Moisture control

FR fabrics that are engineered with superior moisture management that keeps you dry and provides all-day comfort.

Breathable Fabric

Comfortable

Engineered for comfort and protection, these ergonomically designed base layers are highly breathable, making them ideal for year-round use.

FR Base Layers

FR Stationwear vs Non-FR Stationwear: What’s the Difference?

Choosing FR stationwear is not about fear — it’s about risk awareness and layered protection. In environments where heat exposure is possible, even briefly, FR stationwear provides a safer foundation for daily operations while maintaining comfort, durability, and professional appearance.

NFPA Certified Stationwear
(FR)

Stationwear-Apparel-FRlogo
FLAME RESISTANT 

Flame-resistant garments designed to reduce risk during unexpected heat exposure.

FR stationwear and FR base layers ensure that your first layer of defense won’t become a source of injury.

FR STATIONWEAR

NFPA Certified Stationwear
(Non-FR)

Stationwear-Apparel-NONFRlogo
NOT FLAME RESISTANT

Durable, professional uniforms with no flame or thermal protection.

While NFPA includes provisions for non-FR stationwear, the prevailing consensus within the fire safety community is to select flame-resistant options whenever possible.

NON-FR STATIONWEAR

LET'S Find the right gear

Talk to us about a wear trial featuring work apparel compliant with NFPA 1970 (formerly NFPA 1975) and FR base layers for men and women.

GARMENT SELECTOR

TrustED Brands

When it comes to choosing the right FR for your needs, why leave anything to chance? Turn to the most trusted brands in the market today.

Workrite FR Logo
truenorth logo
flyincross logo
dragonwear logo
511 Tactical Logo
Haix logo
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