FAQ

  • Flame retardant (FR-treated) fabrics are made from cotton, polyester, or blended materials that have been chemically treated to resist ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to flames. At XM Textiles, our FR-treated fabrics are rigorously tested to meet EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612 standards, maintaining their protective properties even after 100 industrial washes at 75°C.

    Inherently flame resistant fabrics are made from synthetic fibers like aramids or modacrylic that are naturally non-flammable at the molecular level. While these fabrics don’t lose their flame resistance through washing, they are typically more expensive and can be less comfortable in hot climates.
    Why choose FR-treated fabrics from XM Textiles?

    Our FR-treated fabrics offer exceptional durability and value. Through our internal laboratory testing, we’ve proven that our fabrics retain full flame-resistant properties throughout the typical 2-4 year lifespan of workwear garments. Each fabric comes with comprehensive test reports showing wash durability performance, so you can specify with confidence.

    The key advantage: you get certified protection at a more economical price point, without compromising safety during normal garment use.

  • The required certifications depend on your specific industry hazards and regulatory requirements. XM Textiles holds 320+ certifications across all major workwear standards, ensuring you can source compliant fabrics for any application.

    Here are the most common certifications by industry:

    🔥 Welding & Metalworking

    • EN ISO 11611 – Protective clothing for welders and workers exposed to molten metal splashes
    • EN ISO 11612 – General flame-resistant workwear (includes convective heat, radiant heat, and molten metal splash)

    ⚡ Electrical & Arc Flash Protection

    • IEC 61482-2 (Class 1 or Class 2) – Protection against thermal hazards of electric arc
    • EN ISO 11612 – Often combined with arc protection for multi-hazard garments

    ⚠️ High-Visibility Workwear

    • EN ISO 20471 – High-visibility clothing (Class 1, 2, or 3 depending on risk level)
    • Often combined with FR standards for multi-norm protection

    🏭 General Industrial & Manufacturing

    • EN ISO 13688 – General requirements for protective clothing
    • EN 343 – Protection against rain (waterproof workwear)
    • EN 342 – Protection against cold environments (insulated workwear)

    🔬 Chemical & Pharmaceutical

    • EN 13034 Type 6 – Limited protection against liquid chemical splashes
    • EN ISO 13982-1 Type 5 – Protection against airborne solid particles

    ⛽ Oil & Gas / Offshore

    • EN ISO 11612 – Flame-resistant protection
    • EN 1149-5 – Antistatic properties to prevent ignition
    • IEC 61482-2 – Arc flash protection
    • EN 343 – Weather protection for offshore environments

    Not sure which standard applies to you? Our technical team can review your workplace risk assessment and recommend the appropriate certifications. All our fabrics come with complete test reports showing compliance performance.

    💡 Pro tip: Many industries require multi-norm fabrics that meet several standards simultaneously. XM Textiles specializes in fabrics certified to 3-5 standards at once, simplifying your sourcing process.

  • To meet EN ISO 20471 certification, reflective tape must satisfy specific performance criteria for retroreflectivity and durability. XM Textiles produces reflective tape under our XM Silverline brand, available in two ranges designed for different workwear applications.

    Technical Requirements for EN ISO 20471 Compliance:

    • Minimum width: 5cm for body placement

    • Retroreflectivity class: Must meet RA1 or RA2 performance levels (minimum 330 cd/lx/m² for RA2)

    • Color options: Silver/grey, fluorescent yellow, or fluorescent orange

    • Durability: Must maintain retroreflectivity after washing and weathering tests

    XM Silverline Reflective Tape Solutions:

    XM Silverline Standard Series – Domestic Laundering

    • Maintains EN ISO 20471 compliance after 50 wash cycles at 60°C (ISO 6330)

    • The most common choice for high-visibility workwear across industries

    • Suitable for garments laundered in-house or by employees at home

    • Cost-effective without compromising safety performance

    • Available in 5cm, 6cm, 7cm, and 10cm widths or custom-made up to 130cm width

    XM Silverline PRO-Series – Industrial Grade

    • Super durable performance: retains full retroreflectivity after 50 industrial wash cycles at 75°C (ISO 15797)

    • Engineered for extreme-duty applications with frequent industrial laundering

    • Ideal for workwear rental and servicing companies that process hundreds of garments daily

    • Perfect for high-intensity environments like offshore oil rigs, mining operations, and large-scale industrial facilities

    • Available in 5cm, 6cm, 7cm, and 10cm widths or custom-made up to 130cm width

    Which tape should you choose?

    Choose XM Silverline Standard if your workwear is washed in commercial or domestic washing machines—this covers the vast majority of high-visibility clothing applications.

    Choose XM Silverline PRO-Series if you operate a workwear rental service, manage an industrial laundry facility, or work in demanding environments where garments undergo intensive daily use and frequent industrial washing cycles.

    All XM Silverline reflective tapes come with complete EN ISO 20471 test reports upon request.

    Related questions: How much reflective material is required for Class 1, 2, and 3 workwear? | What does wash durability mean for high-visibility fabrics? | Can XM Silverline reflective tape be combined with flame-resistant fabrics?

  • EN ISO 20471 defines three performance classes for high-visibility safety apparel based on the amount of fluorescent background material and retroreflective material. Each class is designed for specific risk levels and work environments, with higher classes providing greater visibility.

    Minimum Material Requirements:

    Class Background Material Retroreflective Material Typical Use
    Class 1 0.14 m² 0.10 m² Low-risk environments
    Class 2 0.50 m² 0.13 m² Medium-risk environments
    Class 3 0.80 m² 0.20 m² High-risk environments

    Class 1 – Low-Risk Environments

    Material Requirements:

    • Fluorescent background material: Minimum 0.14 m²

    • Retroreflective material: Minimum 0.10 m²

    • Retroreflective tape width: Minimum 5cm

    Typical Applications:

    • Warehouse workers in controlled environments

    • Parking attendants

    • Indoor facilities with minimal vehicle traffic

    • Low-speed traffic areas (under 30 km/h)

    • Workers with ample separation from moving vehicles

    Common Garment Types:

    • Vests

    • Sashes

    • Accessories (armbands, leg bands)

    • Minimal coverage garments

    Visibility Range: Effective for short distances with good lighting conditions

    Class 2 – Medium-Risk Environments

    Material Requirements:

    • Fluorescent background material: Minimum 0.50 m²

    • Retroreflective material: Minimum 0.13 m²

    • Retroreflective tape width: Minimum 5cm

    • 360° visibility: Required – horizontal band(s) around torso

    Typical Applications:

    • Road construction and maintenance

    • Railway workers

    • Utility crews and service technicians

    • Delivery drivers

    • Airport ground staff

    • Municipal services

    • Port and logistics operations

    Traffic Conditions:

    • Vehicle speeds 30-60 km/h

    • Poor weather or visibility conditions

    • Areas with moderate traffic density

    • Workers near roadways but with some protection

    Common Garment Types:

    • Vests with full torso coverage

    • T-shirts and polo shirts

    • Short-sleeve shirts

    • Sweatshirts

    Visibility Range: Effective for medium distances in varied lighting conditions

    Class 3 – High-Risk Environments

    Material Requirements:

    • Fluorescent background material: Minimum 0.80 m²

    • Retroreflective material: Minimum 0.20 m²

    • Retroreflective tape width: Minimum 5cm

    • Sleeve coverage: Required – reflective material must extend onto sleeves

    • 360° visibility: Required – multiple horizontal and vertical bands

    Typical Applications:

    • Highway construction and maintenance

    • Emergency responders (police, ambulance, fire service)

    • Flaggers and traffic controllers

    • Night work on roadways

    • Airport runway workers

    • High-speed railway maintenance

    • Workers in complex or high-traffic work zones

    Traffic Conditions:

    • Vehicle speeds over 60 km/h

    • High-speed motorways and highways

    • Night work or very poor visibility

    • Complex work environments with heavy traffic

    • High-risk roadside operations

    Common Garment Types:

    • Jackets with full sleeves

    • Coveralls

    • Parkas and winter coats

    • Rain suits

    • Full-body protection garments

    Key Requirement: Sleeves must have both fluorescent material and retroreflective bands to achieve Class 3 certification

    Visibility Range: Maximum visibility at long distances in all lighting conditions

    Important Design Requirements:

    Retroreflective Tape Placement:

    All Classes Must Have:

    • Minimum 5cm wide retroreflective tape

    • Tape positioned to provide visibility from all angles

    • Horizontal bands encircling torso (at least one complete band)

    • Proper spacing between materials (minimum 5cm gap between fluorescent and retroreflective)

    Class 3 Additional Requirements:

    • Reflective material on both sleeves

    • Minimum two horizontal bands around torso

    • Vertical or diagonal bands for enhanced visibility

    • Coverage on upper and lower body sections

    Background Material Colors:

    Only three colors are approved for EN ISO 20471:

    • Fluorescent yellow (most common)

    • Fluorescent orange-red

    • Fluorescent red

    Color must maintain specific chromaticity and luminance factor requirements even after 50 wash cycles.

    Upgrading Between Classes:

    Class 1 to Class 2:

    • Not possible – requires different base garment design

    Class 2 to Class 3:

    • Can be achieved by adding compliant sleeves with proper fluorescent and reflective coverage

    • Common solution: Class 2 vest + Class 3 jacket system

    • Both garments must meet individual class requirements

    Certification and Compliance:

    Complete Garment Certification:

    • EN ISO 20471 certification applies to the entire garment, not individual components

    • All materials must maintain performance after 50 wash cycles at 60°C (ISO 6330)

    • Garments must be tested and certified by notified body

    • Permanent labeling required showing class and certification details

    XM Silverline Reflective Tape for All Classes:

    Our XM Silverline reflective tapes are engineered to meet EN ISO 20471 requirements for all classes:

    Standard Series:

    • Maintains performance after 50 wash cycles at 60°C (ISO 6330)

    • Suitable for Class 1, 2, and 3 garments

    • Available in 5cm, 6cm, 7cm, and 10cm widths or custom up to 130cm

    PRO-Series:

    • Super durable: 50 industrial wash cycles at 75°C (ISO 15797)

    • Ideal for rental workwear and intensive-use environments

    • Same width options as Standard Series

    Choosing the Right Class:

    Select Based On:

    1. Risk assessment of your work environment

    2. Traffic speed and density near workers

    3. Lighting conditions (day, night, weather)

    4. Distance between workers and moving vehicles

    5. Local regulations and employer requirements

    6. Complexity of work environment

    Higher class = Greater visibility and protection

    When in doubt, choose the higher class for maximum safety.

    Related questions: Which reflective tape meets EN ISO 20471 requirements? | How much reflective material is required for each class? | Can I combine EN ISO 20471 with flame-resistant protection? | What’s the difference between EN ISO 20471 and ANSI/ISEA 107?

  • General Questions About OEKO-TEX®
    What is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?

    OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is the world’s leading independent certification system for textiles tested for harmful substances. Introduced in 1992, it provides a globally recognized label that guarantees textile products have been rigorously tested for over 1,000 regulated and potentially harmful substances at every stage of production.Why is OEKO-TEX® certification important for workwear?

    Workwear fabrics are in direct contact with workers’ skin for 8-12 hours daily. OEKO-TEX® certification ensures that:

    • Fabrics are free from harmful chemicals that could cause skin irritation or health issues

    • All production chemicals meet strict safety limits

    • Workers are protected during prolonged fabric contact

    • Your company demonstrates commitment to worker safety and health

    • Compliance with international safety regulations is verified by independent testing

    Who issues OEKO-TEX® certificates?

    OEKO-TEX® certificates are issued by authorized, independent textile testing institutes. XM Textiles’ certification (BEWO 084394) is issued by TESTEX AG, Swiss Textile Testing Institute, one of 17 accredited OEKO-TEX® member institutes worldwide.Product Classes & pH Requirements
    What are the different OEKO-TEX® Product Classes?

    OEKO-TEX® distinguishes between four product classes based on intended use and skin contact intensity:

    Product Class I – Baby and toddler items (up to 36 months)

    • Most stringent requirements

    • pH range: 4.0 – 7.5

    • Examples: Baby clothing, rompers, bedding, toys

    Product Class II – Direct skin contact (XM Textiles’ certification)

    • Strict requirements for prolonged skin contact

    • pH range: 4.0 – 7.5

    • Examples: Underwear, shirts, bed linen, workwear

    Product Class III – Limited/no skin contact

    • Moderate requirements

    • pH range: 4.0 – 9.0

    • Examples: Jackets, coats, outerwear

    Product Class IV – Furnishing/decoration materials

    • Basic requirements

    • pH range: 4.0 – 9.0

    • Examples: Curtains, tablecloths, upholstery

    Why is XM Textiles certified under Product Class II?

    Our workwear fabrics are certified under Product Class II because they have direct and prolonged contact with skin. This classification ensures our fabrics meet the same strict safety standards as underwear and bed linen—appropriate for garments worn 8+ hours daily.What pH range is tested for workwear fabrics?

    For Product Class II workwear fabrics, the required pH range is 4.0 – 7.5. This range is skin-neutral and prevents irritation during prolonged wear. The pH 3.5 – 9.5 range mentioned in some contexts does not apply to standard workwear fabrics.

    Exception: Wet wipes have a special pH range of 3.5 – 7.5, but this does not apply to textile fabrics.Testing & Parameters
    What substances are tested in OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?

    OEKO-TEX® tests for over 1,000 substances, including:

    Legally regulated substances:

    • Banned azo dyes

    • Formaldehyde

    • Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium VI, nickel, etc.)

    • Pentachlorophenol

    • Per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS)

    Harmful but not yet regulated:

    • Allergenic dyes

    • Chlorinated benzenes and toluenes

    • Phthalates

    • Organotin compounds

    Precautionary measures:

    • Pesticides

    • Extractable heavy metals

    • Colorfast requirements

    • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

    • Odor assessment

    How often is testing conducted?

    • Annual renewal required – Certificates are valid for 12 months only

    • Testing must use current year’s criteria and limit values

    • Criteria are updated annually based on latest scientific findings and regulations

    • Random market surveillance testing ensures ongoing compliance

    Does the certification cover flame retardant treatments?

    Yes! XM Textiles’ certificate specifically states that our flame retardant fabrics are “finished with flame retardant products accepted by OEKO-TEX®”. This means even our FR treatments meet the strict safety standards—ensuring protective workwear is both flame-resistant AND safe for skin contact.About XM Textiles’ Certification
    What fabrics are covered under certificate BEWO 084394?

    Our certificate covers:

    Cotton-based fabrics:

    • 100% Cotton (CO)

    • CO/Polyester (CO/PES)

    • CO/Carbon Fiber (CO/CF) with anti-static function

    • CO/PES/Carbon Fiber (CO/PES/CF)

    • CO/Polyamide/Carbon Fiber (CO/PA/CF) with anti-static function

    Synthetic fabrics:

    • 100% Polyester (PES)

    • 100% Polyamide (PA)

    • PES/Elastane (PES/EL)

    Treatments & finishes:

    • Vat and disperse dyeing

    • Flame retardant (OEKO-TEX® approved products)

    • Water, soil, and oil repellent finishes

    • Transparent PU coating (windproof)

    • Water-resistant treatments

    When does the current certificate expire?

    Certificate BEWO 084394 is valid until August 15, 2026. We begin the renewal process 3 months before expiration to ensure continuous certification without interruption.How can I verify XM Textiles’ OEKO-TEX® certificate?

    You can verify our certificate authenticity by:

    1. Scanning the QR code on our certificate

    2. Visiting the OEKO-TEX® Label Check at www.oeko-tex.com/en/label-check

    3. Entering certificate number: BEWO 084394

    4. Contacting us for a certified copy of the certificate

    Compliance & Regulations
    What international regulations does OEKO-TEX® cover?

    OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 ensures compliance with:

    • REACH (EU) – Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals

    • SVHC – Substances of Very High Concern (ECHA candidate list)

    • EU POPs Regulation – Persistent Organic Pollutants

    • CPSIA (US) – Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (lead content)

    • GB 18401 (China) – National General Safety Technical Code for Textile Products

    • Various global restricted substance lists

    Does OEKO-TEX® mean the fabric is “chemical-free”?

    No. OEKO-TEX® certification means that all substances used in production are tested and verified to be within strict safety limits. Modern textile production requires chemicals for dyeing, finishing, and treatments. OEKO-TEX® ensures these chemicals:

    • Are used responsibly

    • Don’t remain in harmful levels in the final fabric

    • Meet or exceed legal safety requirements

    • Pose no risk to human health or the environment

    Our Standard 100 certification focuses on ensuring our finished fabrics are safe for human health.Practical Questions for Customers
    Can I use the OEKO-TEX® label on garments made from XM fabrics?

    If you’re selling B2C (to consumers):

    • You do NOT need your own certificate to sell certified fabrics

    • You CAN refer to the fabrics as OEKO-TEX® certified

    • You may NOT add official logos/labels to your products

    If you’re selling B2B (to companies):

    • Same rules apply

    • You can provide information about fabric certification

    • For finished garments to carry the label, YOU need your own OEKO-TEX® certificate

    Do all components need to be certified?

    Yes. For a finished garment to be OEKO-TEX® certified, every component must be certified:

    • Main fabric ✓

    • Lining ✓

    • Sewing thread ✓

    • Buttons, zippers, trim ✓

    • Labels ✓

    • Any coatings or prints ✓

    Our fabric certification is the first step. If you want your finished garments certified, contact an OEKO-TEX® institute about component certification.How does OEKO-TEX® certification affect lead times or costs?

    For XM Textiles customers:

    • No additional lead time – All our standard fabrics are already certified

    • No extra cost – Certification is included in our standard pricing

    • Volume advantage – Because we certify at the fabric level (not per garment), you benefit from lower overall costs

    What documentation can you provide?

    We can supply:

    • Certified copy of certificate BEWO 084394

    • Test report reference: BJ015 266840.1

    • Declaration of Conformity (EN ISO 17050-1)

    • Product-specific compliance information

    • REACH, SVHC, POP compliance documentation

    • GB18401 compliance confirmation

    Technical Questions
    What dyeing methods are certified?

    Our certificate covers:

    • Piece-dyeing (dyeing finished fabric)

    • Vat dyestuffs (for cotton-based fabrics)

    • Disperse dyestuffs (for polyester fabrics)

    • Acid dyestuffs (for polyamide fabrics)

    • White/undyed options

    All dyestuffs used meet OEKO-TEX® requirements and are tested to ensure they don’t contain banned substances or cause allergic reactions.Are anti-static properties safe?

    Yes. Our carbon fiber (CF) fabrics with anti-static function are specifically tested and certified under OEKO-TEX®. The anti-static properties are achieved safely without harmful chemicals remaining in the fabric.What about washing – do fabrics remain certified after washing?

    Yes. OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics are tested to ensure:

    • Harmful substances remain below limits even after washing

    • No harmful residues are released during washing

    • Colorfastness meets standards

    • The fabric maintains its safety properties throughout its lifecycle

    Contact & Support
    Where can I learn more about OEKO-TEX®?

    Who should I contact for technical questions about XM’s certification?

    Contact our team for:

    • Certificate verification

    • Product specifications

    • Compliance documentation

    • Sampling certified fabrics

    • Custom requirements

    • Application-specific questions

    We’re here to help you understand how our OEKO-TEX® certification benefits your workwear production and meets your customers’ safety requirements.

    Certificate Number: BEWO 084394
    Valid Until: August 15, 2026
    Testing Institute: TESTEX AG, Swiss Textile Testing Institute

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