Base Layer · Press Release · Product Launch ·Nov 11, 2026

Rasco FR Fixes the Layer Most Workers Get Wrong With New Athletic-Fit FR Base Layers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New long sleeve and short sleeve base layers bring performance apparel comfort to the layer closest to the skin, rated 6 cal/cm² and CAT 1, in inherently flame resistant fiber that won't melt

BATON ROUGE, La. — November 11, 2026 — Rasco FR, the Louisiana flame resistant workwear maker that has outfitted electrical, utility and energy crews since 1988, today launched its FR Long Sleeve Base Layer T-Shirt and FR Short Sleeve Base Layer T-Shirt: arc-rated base layers engineered with the moisture management, comfort and athletic fit of modern training gear.

The launch targets a gap that shows up on jobsites every day. Workers suit up in arc-rated shirts and coveralls, then wear a polyester performance tee or compression shirt underneath — fabrics that can melt and fuse to skin in an arc flash or flash fire. OSHA prohibits meltable undergarments under 29 CFR 1910.269, and NFPA 70E bars meltable fibers in the layer next to the skin. Rasco's new base layers give crews a compliant alternative they'll actually want to wear.

"Every lineman and operator knows the outer layer has to be FR. What gets missed is the shirt underneath," said Tarek Shahla, CEO of Rasco FR. "Crews reach for synthetic athletic tees because they're comfortable, and that's exactly the layer that can melt to your skin. We built these to feel like the gear you train in and protect like the gear you work in. The fabric breathes and wicks sweat, and the athletic fit moves with you, so you can wear it through a long shift and straight into a workout after. Comfort is what gets PPE worn, so we refused to compromise on it."

Built Like Performance Apparel. Rated Like PPE.

Protection in the fiber. A 5 oz inherently flame resistant modacrylic blend delivers a 6 cal/cm² arc rating (ATPV), CAT 1 under NFPA 70E, and meets ASTM F1506. Because the protection is in the fiber, it won't wash out over the life of the garment.
Enhanced performance. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat off the skin through long shifts, from Gulf Coast summers to winter cold.
All-day comfort. A soft hand, tagless construction and flatlock seams that won't chafe under a harness, vest or bib.
Athletic fit. Cut close to the body to layer cleanly under FR shirts, henleys and coveralls without bunching, and to move with the wearer through climbing, reaching and kneeling.

Two Styles, One System

FR Long Sleeve Base Layer T-Shirt — Full arm coverage for cold-weather layering and season extension. Available in Gray, which works under any FR uniform shirt or henley, and Orange for traffic exposure and emergency response.
FR Short Sleeve Base Layer T-Shirt — Built for hot-weather work where long sleeves aren't practical. Available in Gray.

Paired with the Rasco FR Henley (8.7 cal) or FR Zip Hoodie (22 cal), either base layer becomes the foundation of a complete flame resistant system that adapts across seasons. For a full guide to layering FR, read Do I Need an FR Base Layer? on The Long Haul.

Pricing and Availability

Price: $92.00
Sizes: S–5XL
Where to buy: Available now at rasco.com and through authorized Rasco FR distributors
For crews and companies: Custom patches and embroidery available
Guarantee: Backed by the Rasco FR Tough As You Guarantee

Imagery

High-resolution product photography is available below. Additional on-the-job imagery is available on request at press@rasco.com.

About Rasco FR

Founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1988, Rasco FR designs flame resistant workwear for the people who keep the lights on and the plants running — electrical, utility, oil and gas, petrochemical and industrial crews across the United States and Canada. The lineup spans UL-certified NFPA 2112 henleys and t-shirts, FR hoodies, jackets, insulated bibs and base layers, all backed by the Tough As You Guarantee. Learn more at rasco.com.

Media Contact
press@rasco.com
225-273-3163

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