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A method has been proposed to provide a means to compare in a quantitative and comprehensive way the mechanical performance of fire protective fabrics under long‐term thermal exposure. These high‐performance materials experience a reduction in their performance overtime due to the various conditions they are exposed to during the lifetime of the clothing. The proposed method consists in a system of two equations fitting the time–temperature‐performance data: the Arrhenius model combined with the time–temperature superposition principle, and the three‐parameter Hill equation. The result of the data analysis using this method is provided in terms of four parameters: the temperature effect, the time rate, the degradation midpoint time, and the ultimate strength. It was used to compare the effect of accelerated thermal aging on the tear strength of seven different fabrics used in fire protective clothing. In all cases, a very good agreement was observed with both the Arrhenius model and the Hill equation. However, none of the fabrics studied appeared to stand as displaying all the characteristics that would be ideal for long‐term fire protection. The best solution is thus a compromise that will depend on the type of activity conducted and the type of conditions experienced. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47045.

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