Abstract: Unique blends of fibers that incorporate synthetic cellulosic fibers to render fabrics made with such blends more durable than fabrics made with natural cellulosic fibers such as cotton. While more durable than cotton, the synthetic cellulosic fibers used in the blends are still inexpensive and comfortable to the wearer. Thus, the benefits of cotton (affordability and comfort) are still attained while a drawback of cotton—low durability—is avoided. In one embodiment, the fiber blend includes FR modacrylic fibers and synthetic cellulosic fibers, preferably, but not necessarily non-FR lyocell fibers such as TENCEL™ and TENCEL A100™. Other fibers may be added to the blend, including, but not limited to, additional types of inherently FR fibers, anti-static fibers, anti-microbial fibers, stretch fibers, and/or high tenacity fibers. The fiber blends disclosed herein may be used to form various types of FR fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed are flame resistant fabrics and garments having the appearance of denim. In one embodiment, a piece-dyed, flame resistant fabric includes first flame resistant yarns that extend along the fabric in a first direction and second flame resistant yarns that extend along the fabric in a second that is different from the first direction so as to interweave the second flame resistant yarns with the first flame resistant yarns, wherein the first flame resistant yarns are dyed due to the piece dyeing and the second flame resistant yarns are substantially undyed to create the denim appearance.