Performance FR Garment FAQs

What is DRIFIRE?
DRIFIRE is an engineered hybrid line of performance wear combining Flame Resistance (FR), proven superior Moisture Management (MM) capabilities, and comfort. DRIFIRE is also the name of the company that manufacturers DRIFIRE garments.
back to top
What is dri-release?
dri-release® (U.S. Patent #5,888,914) by Optimer, is a micro-blend of fibers providing superior Moisture Management. Worn by more than a half million marathoners and tri-athletes, dri-release is well proven in challenging environments. Using the patented dri-release blend, DRIFIRE is taking performance wear to the next level.
back to top
What does DRIFIRE mean by ‘engineered hybrid performance garment?
We mean DRIFIRE is made with a fabric that has been scientifically engineered to provide an exacting combination of Flame Resistance and Moisture Management without using topical finishes or harmful chemical additives. These qualities are part of the weave and will not wash away or otherwise erode over time.
back to top
Is DRIFIRE flame resistant?
Yes. It is self-extinguishing and very difficult to ignite. Exposed to flame or intense heat DRIFIRE will not melt, drip or fuse to the skin like polyester and some other synthetic fabrics. DRIFIRE does not provide protection against direct, prolonged exposure to intense flames.
back to top
What is Moisture Management?
Moisture management is the combination of moisture wicking and fast drying. Unlike other well-known performance brands, DRIFIRE uses the proven, superior moisture management performance of dri-release to provide the optimum balance of moisture wicking and fast-drying performance. The proven superior moisture management keeps you feeling cool and dry in hot weather or warm and dry in cold weather.
back to top
What makes DRIFIRE so comfortable?
DRIFIRE is built using a special manufacturing process resulting in a micro-blend of premium fibers which produce a garment that feels software than most cotton garments you wear today. You no longer need to sacrifice comfort for performance.
back to top

DRIFIRE performance characteristics are engineered into the fabric, providing performance that will not wear out or break down over time with washing and wear. DRIFIRE provides consistent performance and a dependable layer of protection.
back to top
Is DRIFIRE performance permanent?
What is Freshguard®?
FreshGuard, by Optimer, is a proprietary odor neutralizer included in the dri-release blend. DRIFIRE is manufactured with the environmentally friendly odor neutralizing properties of FreshGuard for superior odor protection and the confidence that comes with knowing your garment will smell fresh.
back to top
Are DRIFIRE garments made in the United States of U.S. materials?
DRIFIRE is based in Columbus, GA, USA and its garments are made with pride in the USA. DRIFIRE works with U.S. based manufacturers, where a majority of the production and materials are supplied, such as cutting, sewing, knitting and production. The exception to this is the fiber modacrylic which is only available from Japan but has passed a Berry Ammendement Waiver to be distributed to the USA as this materials is not available within the U.S. itself.
back to top
Does DRIFIRE meet the military procurement standard established by the Berry Amendment?
Yes. Given the vital importance of FR garments and the fact that a key component of our solution, modacrylic, is available only from one source based in Japan, DRIFIRE is permitted per a waiver that clears modacrylic in FR garments.
back to top
Who is DRIFIRE built for?
If you are a professional who could be exposed to flames or flash fires, unexpected steam heat and other sources of sudden high temperatures close you your body, in the line of duty or off, then you are a candidate for DRIFIRE. Professionals with potential flame or flash fire exposure include, but are not limited to, personnel in the military, firefighters, law enforcement agents, petrochemical workers, welders, electrical workers, other industrial workers, chefs, cooks and many in the restaurant business. DRIFIRE, in effect, is for anyone and everyone that could be exposed to severe burns due to their occupation, accidents, and unexpected vents involving fire and intense heat.
back to top
Does DRIFIRE come in a variety of colors and sizes?
Yes. It comes in a variety of colors (marine olive drab, desert sand, foliage green, navy, black, natural white, coyote brown and tactical grey and in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL.
back to top
Will DRIFIRE shrink with the first washing?
No. DRIFIRE fabric uncut and in bulk is pre-washed prior to garment manufacturer. Any shrinkage your experience will be insignificant.
back to top
Over time will my DRIFIRE garment spawn fabric pills?
Not based on our experience with the fabric and not according to extensive testing we have done on this topic. We have also innovated a weave process of blending our modacrylic and lyocell fibers in a way that further minimizes or eradicates fabric pills.
back to top
Do you offer garments designed specifically for women?
Yes. Many of the DRIFIRE garments offered today are worn by women. Additionally, we carry woman specific items such as the sports bra and the woman's brief.
back to top
Do you offer a gloves, liners, head coverings and such made of DRIFIRE?
Currently DRIFIRE offers a single layer and a heavy weight balaclava for protection of the head. We work with a variety of partners that use DRIFIRE as a liner in gloves and other garments, feel free to contact us for a complete list.
back to top
What is meant by the description of DRIFIRE as a Performance Wear garment?
We characterize DRIFIRE as a performance wear garment with FR or flame resistance technology built in. DRIFIRE earns the performance label for two important reasons: The first reason is that these garments absorb, wick and vaporize moisture at levels and rates far ahead of cotton, wool, synthetic fabrics and the majority of all known brand-name garments sold as performance wear solutions. The second reason is comfort. DRIFIRE garments are the most comfortable garments in he world because of three unique qualities: the two fibers we blend, modacrylic and lyocell, are to the touch and by visual examination under a microscope, shorter and smoother than any of the standard natural or synthetic fibers used in other garments; the special fiber properties of modacrylic and lyocell blended make possible very light weight versions of the fabric and this makes our next-to-skin products feel like the most natural thing next to your own skin; and, our garments were designed by an expert in fabric stitching, stretch, seam manufacturing and cut to create a new look and feel we call the Relaxed Technical FIT, or RTF™. The FR quality of our garments has no bearing on performance other than the fact that our fame resistance comes from the qualities of the actual fiber we use which is self-extinguishing. This means no discomfort is created by fabric additives others use to create some level of FR protection. Unfortunately, FR additives lose their effectiveness over time with multiple washings. DRIFIRE FR is permanent for the life of the garment.
back to top
Are DRIFIRE garments available in stores?
They are available in many military PX outlets as well as some law enforcement uniform and equipment shops. You may order products online directly or through our distributors and dealers.
back to top
Is DRIFIRE anti-static and antimicrobial?
In its natural state, due to its high absorption, wicking and drying qualities, DRIFIRE fabric provides one of the most hygienic blends you can wear on your skin. For large procurers, a silver-based additive from Nobel Biomaterials, Inc. is available. Called x-static, this adds a silver-coated textile fiber that enhances products with permanent and natural anti-microbial, anti-static, and thermodynamic properties.
back to top
Are there other suppliers of Performance FR wear?
No. DRIFIRE is a newly innovated product. Our Company, organized to create, manufacture, and market DRIFIRE garments in less than a year old. Others provide FR apparel but none of it enhances performance. Many provide pure performance products, but none feature FR qualities. DRIFIRE is the first and only high performance FR option in the marketplace today.
back to top
Must DRIFIRE garments be dry-cleaned or can they be machine washed?
It is recommended that you machine wash your DRIFIRE garments with like colors. Do not use fabric softner or bleech. You may put in the dryer or hang dry.
back to top
Can I receive a free swatch sample of the fabric?
Yes. You can do that at any time, directly, via this site or by contacting customer service.
back to top