Fire stunts: What to wear for the big day (and how to spot a wardrobe disaster before it happens!!)

This article explores and seeks to educate stunt performers about the fire resistance/flammability of various types of fabrics used in clothing and which fabrics are the best to wear for fire protection:
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IMPORTANT: This article does not teach you all you need to know about fire stunts and fire protection, and doesn't cover stunt / cold gels or different types of accelerants. Never attempt a fire stunt until you have passed a Fire Stunt Safety Certificate at a school like the ISA or its partners.

​Stunt performers are often required to perform dangerous stunts involving fire. This means that they need to be protected from the heat and flames that come with these types of stunts. One of the most important things that stunt performers can do to protect themselves is to wear the right type of clothing.

There are many different types of fabrics that are used in clothing, and not all of them are suitable for fire protection. Some fabrics are more flammable than others, and can easily catch fire and cause serious injuries.

Seriously cool - must wear fabrics!
Here are some of the best fabrics to wear for fire protection:

1. Nomex - Nomex is a synthetic fiber that is widely used in protective clothing for firefighters, military personnel, and other professionals who work in high-risk environments. It is extremely heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures of up to 370°C. Nomex is also very durable and can withstand repeated exposure to flames and high temperatures.
2. Kevlar - Kevlar is another synthetic fiber that is widely used in protective clothing. It is best known for its use in bulletproof vests, but it is also highly heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures of up to 400°C. Kevlar is also very strong and abrasion-resistant, making it a good choice for stunt performers who need to wear protective clothing that can withstand heavy use.
3. CarbonX - CarbonX is a type of fabric that is made from a blend of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and other materials. It is highly heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures of up to 2000°F. CarbonX is also very lightweight and flexible, making it a good choice for stunt performers who need to move around quickly and easily.
4. Wool - Wool is a natural fiber that is known for its flame-retardant properties. It is not as heat-resistant as synthetic fibers like Nomex and Kevlar, but it can still provide some protection against flames and heat. Wool is also very breathable and comfortable to wear, making it a good choice for stunt performers who need to wear protective clothing for long periods of time.

It's important for stunt performers to understand the fire resistance/flammability of various types of fabrics used in clothing and to choose the right fabrics for their protective clothing. By wearing the right type of clothing, stunt performers can reduce the risk of serious injuries when performing dangerous stunts involving fire.

Seriously not cool! (Avoid at all costs)
​While there are many fabrics that are suitable for fire protection, there are also fabrics that should be avoided at all costs. These fabrics are highly flammable and can easily catch fire, causing serious injuries to the wearer. Here are some of the worst fabrics to wear for fire protection:

1. Cotton - While cotton is a common fabric used in clothing, it is not suitable for fire protection. Cotton is highly flammable and can easily catch fire, making it a dangerous choice for stunt performers who need to protect themselves from flames and heat.
2. Rayon - Rayon is a synthetic fiber that is made from wood pulp. While it is soft and comfortable to wear, it is also highly flammable and can easily catch fire. Rayon should be avoided at all costs when it comes to fire protection.
3. Nylon - Nylon is another synthetic fiber that is commonly used in clothing. While it is strong and durable, it is also highly flammable and can melt when exposed to heat. Nylon should not be worn for fire protection as it can cause serious burns and injuries.
4. Polyester - Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is widely used in clothing. While it is affordable and easy to care for, it is also highly flammable and can easily catch fire. Polyester should not be worn for fire protection as it can cause serious burns and injuries.

It's important for stunt performers to be aware of the worst fabrics to wear for fire protection and to avoid them at all costs. By choosing the right fabrics for their protective clothing, stunt performers can reduce the risk of serious injuries when performing dangerous stunts involving fire.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. If you are unsure, don't risk it. Even if you believe you can assess the construction of a fabric there is often a been or mix of other fibres added in. We would advise always holding a lighter to a material for a while so you can see how it behaves, you'd be surprised how often things like wool will suddenly burn and melt due to polyester being added.