Portwest Modaflame Knit FR Women's Sweatshirt

The Portwest FR759 Modaflame Knit FR Women's Sweatshirt delivers professional-grade flame resistant protection in a design specifically engineered for female workers. Unlike unisex or adapted men's styles, this sweatshirt features a true women's fit with tailored proportions that provide both comfort and safety without compromising on protection levels. Constructed from premium Modaflame Knit fabric, this garment offers inherent flame resistance that never diminishes regardless of washing, ensuring consistent protection throughout its working life.

Featuring the advanced 300g Modaflame Knit construction, this women's sweatshirt combines 60% modacrylic, 39% cotton, and 1% carbon fibre to create a fabric that excels across multiple hazard environments. The modacrylic fibres provide permanent flame resistant properties, while the high cotton content ensures exceptional comfort and breathability. The integrated carbon fibre delivers reliable anti-static performance, making this sweatshirt suitable for ATEX-classified explosive atmospheres where electrostatic discharge poses an ignition risk.

The thoughtful design includes ribbed cuffs and hem for a secure, comfortable fit that moves with the wearer throughout the working day. The women's specific cut accommodates female body proportions, eliminating the bunching, gaping, and poor fit that often occurs when women are forced to wear ill-fitting unisex FR garments. This attention to fit is not merely a comfort consideration – properly fitted FR clothing is essential for optimal protection, as loose or bunching fabric can increase injury risk during thermal incidents.

Certified to multiple international safety standards including EN ISO 11612 for flame protection, EN 1149-5 for anti-static properties, and IEC 61482-2 for arc flash resistance, the FR759 provides comprehensive multi-hazard protection for women working in electrical utilities, oil and gas, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries. This is professional FR workwear designed by professionals, for professionals – not an afterthought or modification of men's clothing.

Key Features & Benefits

Women's Specific Fit

• Tailored proportions designed specifically for female body shapes
• Eliminates poor fit issues common with unisex FR garments
• Proper fit ensures optimal protection during thermal incidents
• Comfortable all-day wear without bunching or restriction
• Professional appearance in workplace settings

Inherent Flame Resistance

• Modaflame Knit fabric with permanent FR properties
• Flame resistance built into the fibre structure
• Protection never washes out or diminishes over time
• Modacrylic fibres are naturally difficult to ignite
• Self-extinguishing when ignition source is removed
• Protection against radiant, convective, and contact heat

Arc Flash Protection

• IEC 61482-2 certified arc flash protection
• IEC 61482-1-2 APC Class 1 (box test)
• Suitable for electrical utilities and maintenance work
• Protection during arc flash incidents
• Self-extinguishing fabric behaviour

Anti-Static Properties

• EN 1149-5 certified anti-static performance
• 1% carbon fibre provides permanent static dissipation
• Suitable for ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 2 environments
• Prevents dangerous electrostatic discharge
• Protection in explosive atmosphere environments

Premium Modaflame Knit Construction

• 60% Modacrylic, 39% Cotton, 1% Carbon Fibre
• 300g/m² fabric weight for warmth and durability
• High cotton content for comfort and breathability
• Soft hand feel for extended wearing comfort
• Strong, durable construction for demanding environments

Comfort Features

• Ribbed hem for secure, comfortable fit
• Ribbed cuffs retain warmth and prevent ride-up
• Women's fit allows freedom of movement
• Lightweight feel despite comprehensive protection
• Suitable for layering in FR systems

UV Protection

• UPF rated fabric
• Blocks harmful UV rays
• Essential for outdoor workers
• Prevents sun damage during extended exposure

Quality Certifications

• CE-CAT III: Complex Design PPE
• CE certified for European compliance
• UKCA marked for UK market
• ATEX environment approved
• Tested to multiple international standards

Technical Specifications

Safety Standards & Certifications

The Portwest FR759 Modaflame Knit FR Women's Sweatshirt is certified to multiple international safety standards:

Flame Resistance:

• EN ISO 11612 A1, B1, C1, F1 – Protective clothing against heat and flame
• A1: Limited flame spread (surface ignition)
• B1: Convective heat resistance (4-10 seconds)
• C1: Radiant heat resistance (7-20 seconds)
• F1: Contact heat resistance (5-10 seconds)

Anti-Static:

• EN 1149-5 – Electrostatic properties (material performance requirements)

Arc Flash Protection:

• IEC 61482-2 – Arc flash protection
• IEC 61482-1-2 APC Class 1 – Box test arc protection class

Additional Certifications:

• CE-CAT III – Complex Design Personal Protective Equipment
• UKCA Marked – UK Conformity Assessed
• ATEX Suitable – Approved for explosive atmosphere environments

Why Women's Specific FR Workwear Matters

For too long, women in hazardous industries have been forced to wear FR clothing designed for men, leading to poor fit, reduced comfort, and potentially compromised safety. The FR759 addresses this critical gap in the FR workwear market.

The Problem with Ill-Fitting FR Clothing: Flame resistant clothing must fit properly to provide optimal protection. Garments that are too loose can allow flames or hot gases to enter openings, while excess fabric can increase the surface area exposed to thermal hazards. Ill-fitting clothing also creates bunching that can trap heat against the skin, potentially worsening burn injuries.

Why Women Need Purpose-Designed FR: Women's bodies have different proportions than men's – different shoulder widths, bust requirements, waist-to-hip ratios, and arm lengths. Simply scaling down men's patterns does not create garments that fit women properly. The FR759 is designed from the ground up with female proportions in mind.

The Safety Case: Properly fitted FR clothing is not just about comfort – it is a safety requirement. Studies have shown that workers wearing properly fitted PPE are more likely to wear it correctly and consistently. When FR clothing fits well, workers are less likely to roll up sleeves, leave garments unfastened, or avoid wearing required protection altogether.

Professional Appearance: The FR759 allows women to maintain a professional appearance in the workplace without sacrificing protection. This is particularly important in industries where women may already face challenges to be taken seriously – looking professional while staying safe should not be mutually exclusive.

Understanding Modaflame Knit Technology

Modaflame Knit represents Portwest's advanced inherently flame resistant fabric technology:

Inherent FR Explained The FR759 uses modacrylic fibres that are inherently flame resistant – the FR properties are part of the fibre's chemical structure, not a surface treatment that can wash away. This provides permanent protection that never degrades, regardless of how many times the garment is laundered.

Modacrylic Fibre Technology Modacrylic fibres are engineered to be difficult to ignite. When exposed to flame, they do not combust or melt like synthetic alternatives. Instead, they form a protective char that insulates the skin from heat. When the ignition source is removed, modacrylic fibres self-extinguish, stopping the spread of flame.

Carbon Fibre Anti-Static The 1% carbon fibre content provides permanent anti-static properties by continuously dissipating static charge. Unlike surface treatments, this protection is woven into the fabric structure and cannot wear away with use or washing. This makes Modaflame Knit suitable for ATEX-classified environments.

Cotton Comfort The 39% cotton content ensures the fabric remains soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin. Cotton's natural moisture management properties help regulate body temperature, preventing the clammy feeling often associated with technical fabrics.

Ideal Applications & Industries

The Portwest FR759 Modaflame Knit FR Women's Sweatshirt is ideal for female professionals in:

• Electrical Utilities – Power generation, transmission, distribution, substation work
• Oil & Gas – Refineries, petrochemical plants, offshore platforms, pipeline operations
• Manufacturing – Steel mills, foundries, metal processing, automotive production
• Welding & Hot Works – Fabrication shops, shipyards, maintenance welding
• Chemical Processing – Chemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Mining – Underground and surface mining operations
• Telecommunications – Infrastructure maintenance, utility work
• Construction – Electrical contractors, multi-hazard sites
• Maintenance & Engineering – Industrial plant maintenance, facilities management
• Laboratories – Research facilities with flame hazards

Layering System

The FR759 functions excellently within a comprehensive FR layering system:

As Mid-Layer: Wear over Modaflame Knit FR base layers (FR808 Women's T-Shirt, FR758 Women's Polo) for additional warmth during cooler conditions. The women's fit ensures layers work together without bunching.

As Outer Layer: In mild conditions, the FR759 works well as a standalone outer layer, providing warmth and protection without the bulk of a jacket.

Under FR Outerwear: Layer under FR jackets or coveralls during cold or wet weather for maximum thermal protection. The 300g fabric adds warmth without excessive bulk.

Critical Layering Rule: When layering FR garments, ALL layers must be flame resistant. Never wear non-FR garments underneath FR clothing, as they can melt, ignite, or contribute to injury severity during thermal incidents. The FR759 pairs perfectly with other Portwest women's Modaflame products.

Recommended Women's FR Partners:

• FR808 Modaflame Knit FR Women's Long Sleeve T-Shirt (base layer)
• FR758 Modaflame Knit FR Women's Long Sleeve Polo Shirt (professional base layer)
• Women's FR Jackets (outer layer)
• Women's FR Coveralls (full body protection)
• Women's FR Trousers (lower body protection)

Sizing & Fit Guide

The FR759 is available in women's sizes XS through XXL:

Fit Advice:

• Designed for a comfortable, practical fit
• Allows room for base layer underneath
• Should not be excessively tight or loose
• Consider sizing up if layering heavily
• Refer to Portwest women's size chart for detailed measurements

Care Instructions

To maintain optimal protection, comfort, and longevity:

• Machine wash at maximum 40°C, mild process
• Use mild detergent – avoid fabric softeners and bleach
• Do not bleach
• Do not tumble dry
• Line dry away from direct heat
• Iron at maximum 110°C if required
• Do not dry clean
• Inspect garment regularly for damage, wear, or contamination
• Replace if fabric shows signs of damage, heavy soiling, or contamination
• Follow any additional care instructions on garment label

Why Proper Care Matters: While Modaflame Knit's inherent FR properties never wash out, proper care ensures the fabric maintains its structural integrity, fit, and appearance. Avoid harsh chemicals, high temperatures, and tumble drying to extend garment life.

Why Choose Portwest FR759?

The FR759 represents Portwest's commitment to providing professional FR workwear for all workers, regardless of gender:

• Purpose-Designed for Women – True women's fit, not adapted men's clothing
• Permanent FR Protection – Inherent flame resistance that never washes out
• Arc Flash Safety – IEC 61482-2 certified protection
• Anti-Static Properties – EN 1149-5 certified for explosive atmospheres
• ATEX Approved – Suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 environments
• Multi-Hazard Protection – EN ISO 11612 flame and heat protection
• Superior Comfort – High cotton content and soft knit construction
• Professional Appearance – Suitable for all workplace settings
• Comprehensive Sizing – XS to XXL for diverse body types
• Proven Quality – CE-CAT III and UKCA certified
• Part of Complete System – Works with other Portwest women's FR products

Companion Products

For complete women's Modaflame FR protection, consider pairing the FR759 with:

• FR808 Modaflame Knit FR Women's Long Sleeve T-Shirt – Lightweight base layer
• FR758 Modaflame Knit FR Women's Long Sleeve Polo Shirt – Professional base layer
• Women's FR Trousers – Lower body protection
• Women's FR Coveralls – Full body protection
• Women's FR Jackets – Weather protection
• FR738 Modaflame Knit FR Full Zip Sweatshirt – Unisex alternative with zip front