Nomex
DuPont's meta-aramid fiber engineered specifically for flame and heat resistance. The standard material for firefighter turnout gear, racing suits, and military flight suits. Does not melt, drip, or support combustion.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with nomex
We don't have any garments containing nomex in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from nomex. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same nomex feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best Uses
Essential for firefighting, racing, military, and industrial heat protection
Pros
- ✓ Inherently flame resistant — protection is permanent, not a chemical treatment
- ✓ Won't melt or drip when exposed to flames — carbonizes instead
- ✓ Good thermal insulation in fire conditions
- ✓ Proven track record in the most demanding protective applications
Cons
- ✗ Stiff and heavy — not comfortable for everyday use
- ✗ Very expensive — specialist protective fiber
- ✗ Degrades with UV exposure over time
- ✗ Limited to protective applications — impractical for fashion
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+8 vs Nomex · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+7 vs Nomex · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+6 vs Nomex · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Do not dry clean — solvents may affect flame resistance
• Store out of direct sunlight
• Replace if damaged — compromised aramid loses protection
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash warm (40°C/105°F) with mild detergent — no bleach
- • Tumble dry on low heat — air dry preferred for longevity
- • Do not dry clean — solvents may affect flame resistance
- • Store out of direct sunlight to prevent UV degradation
- • Replace garments if damaged — compromised aramid loses protection
Cost
$$$$$
Premium
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact