Firefighter Uniform Options

What to Wear at the Station

Station Wear That Works as Hard as You Do

When you’re putting in a 24-hour or 48-hour shift at the station, your uniform isn’t just about appearance — it’s about performance, comfort, and safety.
You need gear that holds up through heat, sweat, and long hours — and still looks sharp when you’re out in public. So how do you choose the right mix for your department? Let’s break it down.

What is Station Wear?

Ask five firefighters what “station wear” means, and you might get five different answers — anything from a cotton T-shirt and shorts to a full Class A flame-resistant (FR) uniform.
But this decision is about more than just style — it’s about safety.

The NFPA 1975 standard splits station wear into two key categories:

• Heat-resistant clothing (like basic cotton T-shirts)

• Flame-resistant (FR) uniforms made from materials such as Nomex® or Kermel®

Choosing the right type is your first step. Not sure why FR matters? There are plenty of eye-opening studies out there showing the dangers of wearing basic cotton vs. true FR gear during fire events.

One critical point:
Never wear non-compliant materials like polyester or rayon blends under your turnout gear. These fabrics can melt to your skin during a fire — turning a minor burn into a catastrophic injury.

The Job Shirt: Station Wear’s MVP

One item almost every firefighter and EMS professional swears by is the job shirt.
Comfortable, versatile, and instantly recognizable, it’s the unsung hero of fire station apparel.

You’ll often see job shirts personalized with department logos, rank, and names.
Why is it so popular? Simple:

• Multiple pockets (radio-friendly, pen pockets, and more)

• Soft finish for comfort during long shifts

• A professional, trusted look when interacting with the public

For on-duty downtime, call-outs, and colder weather, the job shirt delivers unmatched versatility.

Choosing the Right Look for Your Department

Uniform style often depends on several factors:

• The community’s expectations

• Whether your department is full-time, part-time, or volunteer

• The type of calls you typically run

• Department leadership preferences

Many departments adopt a tiered approach:

• Class A uniforms for administration and public-facing roles

• Polo shirts or station T-shirts with uniform pants for front-line personnel

• EMS crews often favor polos or performance fabrics for comfort and ease of care

Comfort counts. When you’re wearing the same uniform for 24 hours straight (or longer), you want something that moves with you, wicks moisture, and resists odor.

Footwear: Your Foundation for Every Call

Fire and EMS boots aren’t just part of the uniform — they’re a vital piece of your personal safety gear.

Look for boots that check these boxes:

• Composite safety toe (NFPA required)

• Waterproof and pathogen-resistant

• Solid ankle and foot support to prevent injury on scene

• Slip-resistant for all-surface traction

Good boots can make the difference between ending your shift strong — or heading home with an injury.

Outerwear: The Layer That Protects You

If you work roadway calls or any outdoor scene, high-visibility, ANSI-certified outerwear is a must.
Don’t overlook it — visibility saves lives.

Beyond ANSI gear, you also want outerwear that’s:

• Layerable for changing weather

• Durable and weatherproof

• Comfortable enough for extended periods outdoors when you’re on standby

Remember — you won’t always have turnout gear on when interacting with the public or standing by at a scene.

Final Thoughts

No matter which station wear options your department chooses, the goal is the same:

• Keep firefighters comfortable during long shifts

• Ensure they’re protected in all environments

• Present a professional image to the public

When your gear performs well, so do you.
Choose wisely, and you’ll understand why thousands of firefighters wouldn’t trust anything less.