Fire Fighter Turnout Gear | Milliken Textile
- About Us
-
Businesses
-
Main Menu
- Businesses
- Our Businesses Overview
-
Textile
-
Businesses
- Textile
- Overview
- Markets
- Brands
- Expertise
- Media
- Contact Us
- Chemical
- Flooring
-
Performance Solutions by Milliken
-
Businesses
- Performance Solutions by Milliken
- Overview
- Consulting Services
- Education and Events
- Resources
- Virtual Tour
- Contact Us
- Products
-
Industries
-
Main Menu
- Industries
- Industries Overview
- Agriculture
- Apparel
- Automotive and Transportation
- Building, Construction, and Infrastructure
- Coatings, Paints, and Inks
- Commercial
- Consumer Goods
- Education
- Energy and Utilities
- Government and Defense
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Packaging and Print
- Residential
- Sustainability
- Careers
Connect with us to learn more about our Fire Service products.
Milliken's Commitment to Fire Service Fabrics
At Milliken, protecting those who protect us is more than a mission—it’s a legacy. With decades of experience and expertise in developing innovative fire service fabrics, we’ve built a reputation as a trusted partner to firefighters and first responders around the world.
Structural Fire Fighting
Definition of Turnout Gear as a 3-layer system
Firefighters wear turnout gear, also known as bunker gear, when they answer the call of duty. This uniform consists of three essential layers, each offering vital protection. Each layer works together to: · Lower the overall weight of the turnout gear.
- Provide a lightweight, comfortable, drapable ensemble
- Ensure quick-drying and thermally protective properties
- Maintain breathability for enhanced comfort
The Different Layers of Fire Service Fabric
Firefighting gear relies on a multi-layer approach to provide comprehensive protection. Each layer—outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner—plays a critical role in ensuring firefighter safety and comfort during intense operations.
The outer shell is the first line of defense in firefighter turnout gear, providing crucial protection against heat, flames, and physical hazards. Horizon™ is a lightweight, non-PFAS outer shell that excels on the front line. It maintains its color and tear strength, wash after wash. With Horizon™, your team won't hesitate—they'll know their gear has their back.
Powered by ColorSeal™ technology, Horizon™ retains its look and strength through repeated launderings and UV exposure. Maintaining 98.9% of its tear strength after NFPA’s new multi-conditioning testing, Horizon™ ranks #1 among the top 10 outer shells for lasting durability that does not degrade over time.
A moisture barrier is the middle layer in turnout gear, protecting against heat, water, and chemicals. Milliken Assure™ is the first non-PFAS, non-halogenated FR moisture barrier for turnout gear, setting a new benchmark for heat, water, and chemical resistance. This advanced middle layer maintains comfort and breathability, ensuring firefighters' safety without sacrificing performance. Exceeding NFPA 1971-2018, a more stringent standard than the new 1970-2025 standard, Assure provides the durability and protection firefighters expect, without the use of PFAS chemistries.
A thermal liner in turnout gear is the layer closest to the skin, providing most of the thermal protection. Equinox™ uses three layers of lightweight aramid-blended spunlace for superior wicking and thermal protection without adding weight, helping to decrease cardiovascular stress. The slick, ultra-low friction facecloth ensures quick donning and doffing. Safe, lightweight, and flexible—Equinox is a step up in comfort. Firefighters experience a lighter, drier coat and pants even after putting in the work.
Partnerships that Matter
At Milliken, we know that collaboration is key to innovation. That’s why we work closely with fire departments, gear manufacturers, and safety professionals to understand their needs and exceed their expectations. These partnerships enable us to develop fabrics that are not only reliable but also tailored to real-world applications, ensuring firefighters are equipped to face every challenge.
Real Stories from Real Heroes
Fire Department Coffee Collab
Luke Schneider, a retired firefighter/paramedic, and U.S. Navy veteran, founded Fire Dept. Coffee (FDC) in 2016. He teamed up with Jason Patton — still a full-time firefighter and now VP for Fire Department Coffee. Milliken’s Fire Service team got together with FDC because we thought it would be great to work together. What we didn’t expect was to use a diesel flamethrower on a sheet of TECGEN71 and post it on the Internet.
Lady’s Island Case Study Testimonial
Chief Bruce Kline explains why Milliken turnout gear is his fire department's choice when answering the call of duty.
Milliken: Your Trusted Partner in Firefighter Protection
At Milliken, we understand the unique challenges firefighters face. That’s why we lead the industry in innovation, constantly developing cutting-edge solutions that meet evolving safety standards. Our dedication to collaboration with fire safety professionals and gear manufacturers ensures that our fabrics perform in real-world conditions and exceed expectations.