Mount Vernon FR and Carhartt, American’s premium work wear brand since 1889, have teamed up to launch the newest advancement in flame resistant (FR) clothing, the Carhartt Flame Resistant Rugged Flex® Jean. As the name suggests, the Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean combines FlexTex FR denim from Mount Vernon FR with Carhartt’s signature Rugged Flex® stretch technology to provide comfort and protection in any work environment, while offering unique flexibility for maximum range of motion. The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean will be available in July 2015.

“Carhartt and Mount Vernon Mills are both century-old brands with steeped heritage in manufacturing excellence,” said Tom Kiddle, director of specialized services at Carhartt. “Partnering with Mount Vernon Mills, a leader in innovative textile technology, afforded us the opportunity to be one of the first FR apparel manufacturers to add stretch into our denim program, ultimately giving more comfort options to our consumer while maintaining our strong desire to be an industry leader in FR apparel.”

Known for manufacturing high-quality protective fabric, Mount Vernon FR is also leading the way in developing FR fabrics with added comfort in mind, such as Crossbill Flex FR™, available exclusively with Carhartt. The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean utilizes fabric with an elastometric fiber that has bilateral flex, allowing it to elongate sideways and diagonally, eliminating any sagging or bagging, and making reaching and bending easier for workers.

“The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean gives workers the reliability and durability they need on the job, while maintaining the comfort of their favorite pair of jeans,” said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. "We are committed to exceeding the industry’s needs for protection, comfort and styling."

Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jeans feature an arc-resistant button closure, a brass zipper fly with Nomex® FR zipper tape, and classic Carhartt hallmarks like triple-stitched main seams for added strength and durability. The jeans are available in Deep Indigo Wash, a premium shade that transitions seamlessly on and off the job in order to meet every work and lifestyle need. Finally, the finished jeans are mechanically washed to create a soft finish, ensuring that the wearer experiences the most comfortable fit.

Mount Vernon FR and Carhartt have successfully collaborated in the past to manufacture and produce premium FR clothing. The partnership brings the total control of Mount Vernon FR’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility together with Carhartt’s reputation for producing reliable, high quality FR clothing.

The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean meets the performance requirements of ASTM F1506, complies with NFPA 70E and is UL® classified to NFPA 2112.

About Carhartt, Inc:

Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with approximately 4,900 employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the descendants of the company‘s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com.

About Mount Vernon Mills & Mount Vernon FR:

Mount Vernon Mills is a 170-year-old manufacturer of textile, chemical and related products for the apparel, industrial, institutional and commercial markets. Mount Vernon FR is part of Mount Vernon Mills’ Apparel Fabrics Group, which produces denim, flame resistant and piece-dyed fabric. It is the largest of all the Mount Vernon Mills groups, accounting for more than half of all company sales. More information can be found at www.mvmfr.com.