What is meant by the "Life of the Garment"?

Flame resistant garments are generally made from either flame resistant materials such as those made from aramid fibers (including meta-aramids and para-aramids), melamine fibers, or those treated with flame resistant "FR" treatments such as Ammonia or Heat Cure.

FR treatments can Wash Out over time, shorting the life of the garment. Because many garments are often laundered under industrial wash conditions, they must be capable of withstanding a number of such industrial launderings in order to have an acceptable useful life. It is generally considered by the purchasers of these garments that the garments must last through a minimum of 125 industrial launderings.

However, FR clothing laundry care instructions must be strictly followed, any improper laundering will drastically shorten the life of the garment. Remember the FR protective treatment can wash out over time, diminishing the flame resistant quality of the garment, yet the garment looks good.

Note: Aramid does not require any FR treatment, as it is an inherently flame resistant material. Aramid garments will cost more initially, however, because the FR protection will not wash out so the "life of the garment" is much longer.