Abstract: A protective garment, such as a firefighting garment, that is relatively thin and light weight. The garment possesses relatively high resistance to liquid water absorption, yet also possesses relatively high moisture vapor transport characteristics when compared to conventional firefighting garments. The garment of the present invention includes an outer shell; a thermal liner positioned within the outer shell; a moisture barrier positioned within the thermal liner and a face cloth positioned within the moisture barrier. The thermal liner is batting, knit, spunlace, woven textile or other suitable construction of a high heat and flame resistant material (such as an aramid or PBI material, or combinations thereof) that is treated with a durable, water repellant finish to minimize liquid moisture absorption by the thermal liner. Despite the liquid moisture absorption resistance imparted onto the thermal liner by the finish, the thermal liner still retains excellent moisture vapor transport characteristics.