Best Clothes For Welding

When I first got into welding, I had no clue about the safety gear I would need. The shop owner where I worked (who is an experienced welder) only wore a t-shirt and a pair of gloves when working.

It was really fun seeing him jump around the shop whenever he got burned, but I wanted none of that. He only provided me with gloves and an apron. However, I wanted proper clothing for welding, with flame-resistant properties, and I’m sure you do as well.

That’s why we’ll go through some of my picks for the best gloves, t-shirts, jackets, and pants that will keep you safe in your welding work. All in all, the items I’ll list below are my favorite pieces of clothing for flame-resistant welding!

Best MIG Welding Gloves

Your hands and forearms are the parts of your body that are exposed the most while welding, so of course, gloves would be the first thing you’d think of buying when you think “welding wear”.

Overall Best: Rapicca 16 inches

The Rapicca welding gloves are my top pick because they are durable, well-made, and super affordable. Basically, they check all my boxes.

The design of the Rapicca makes them perfect for MIG welding. Personally, I love their length. I believe it’s the perfect length for a MIG welding glove because it covers about half of your forearm, and that’s really all you need for MIG welding. Also, you don’t have to wear long sleeves in summer.

You’ll like how these gloves combine safety and functionality. They have a reinforced second layer of leather on the fingers and palms to protect you from injury, but they’re still very flexible and easy to work with.

In fact, the Rapiccas are super comfortable. They’re made from cowhide leather, which is great because it makes them thick yet soft and breathable, so you can wear them for hours without experiencing discomfort. The inside lining is made from breathable cotton. Between the cowhide and cotton, there’s an isolating layer of aluminum foil that keeps your arms safe from the heat.

Another thing I love about this glove is the color. It’s yellow and blue so it makes it stick out in a shop and therefore it’s easy to find (we all forget where we put the gloves). You can also get it in a black and grey version if you don’t like the colors, but I personally prefer the yellow.

On the downside, “one size fits all” is never a true statement, so if you have smaller hands this probably isn’t the glove for you. Most men that work in welding would probably be fine with them, but if you have smaller hands, I’d suggest a different product that allows you to pick a size when ordering.

I’ve come across a few user complaints that claim the stitches didn’t last more than a couple of days. Considering the fact that the stitches are made from Kevlar I seriously doubt this would happen. Of course, they will break eventually, nothing can last forever when you work with heat, flames, radiation, sharp objects, etc., but probably not after a few days.

Another rare issue is that the inner lining of the glove comes out when users take their hand out. I’m sure that there isn’t a single person in the world that wouldn’t be annoyed by this, but this is probably a manufacturing mistake that may happen now and then and not a common issue. 

In any case, the seller has a return policy if you’re not satisfied with the product. So, if you find anything faulty, you can just send it back.

All in all, I would recommend these gloves if you have medium or large-sized hands and work with stick or MIG welders. 

Pros:

• Durable and backed by a return policy;
• Comfortable and breathable;
• High-quality design (cowhide and cotton);
• Ideal for medium-sized and large hands;
• The bright colored design will allow you to spot them easily;
• Super affordable.

Cons:

• Some concerns about the durability of the stitches;
• In rare cases, inner lining may come off;
• Not suitable for smaller hands.

Best Design: Revco GM1611

The Revco GM1611 gloves will give you reinforcement where you need it while remaining soft and flexible. Although I prefer a bit longer cuffs, the rest of this glove seems very well thought out. Every reinforcing patch is specifically designed so that it won’t affect mobility, yet it will give you that extra protection. The color is also very helpful so you can spot them easily in the shop.

I really love how the patches were put together. You get one on the index finger, on the thumb and palm (really helpful when you use them to grab warm or sharp metal). Although it’s all leather, only the patches and back side are made from split cowhide leather while the rest is grain. They also have a drag patch on the side for gliding on the surface you’re welding, and a rest patch for the wrist, which is useful if you’re gonna do horizontal welding for hours at a time.

These Revco gloves are both long-lasting and comfortable. Everything is sewn with Kevlar for durability. The inside lining is made from soft, thin cotton so it doesn’t make them bulky. 

Most importantly, they come in all sizes, from small to XX-large. No “one-size fits all” nonsense!

Although if you look at the negative reviews, you’ll find the usual issues people have with welding gloves, like: the stitches broke after a few days, the inside lining comes off, not very good for heavy-duty construction use (DUH!), however, they seem to be isolated cases. Like with every product you buy, you just might run into one that was made faulty.

To be honest, of course every single pair of gloves will wear out eventually, and of course you can’t use them for all types of construction work. These Revco gloves are specialized for MIG (and also stick) welding, and for that, they are close to perfect.

Pros:

• Reinforced in all the right places;
• Comfortable and breathable;
• Different sizes to choose from;
• Bright color design will allow you to spot them easily;
• Durable Kevlar stitching.

Cons:

• Some concerns about the durability of the stitches;
• In very rare cases, inner lining may come off.

TIG Welding Gloves

When TIG welding, precision is super important, so you need your gloves to fit perfectly in order to hold the torch and filler rod as steady as possible. When getting TIG welding gloves, don’t expect them to be good for all kinds of manual labor. They are usually made from thinner leather, won’t last long if exposed to direct heat, and aren’t too useful for handling sharp objects.

Overall Best: Tillman 1338 Top Grain Goatskin TIG Glove

This is my favorite pair of TIG gloves, but I’m sure that many welders will disagree with me. I personally love their lightness and how smooth they feel to the touch, so let’s take a closer look.

The goatskin that is used to make these gloves is very soft and flexible, which is perfect for TIG. 

The Tillman gloves will make your job easier and safer. They have a glide patch on the side so you can move your hand on the surface you’re working on with ease. The 4” cuffs are made from cowhide for extra protection on your lower forearm.

The lightness of this glove is beyond belief. I have used these and honestly, you can forget that you’re even wearing gloves. They’re made for a snug fit and if you choose the right size you will feel like you’re wearing surgeon’s gloves.

Because they have a reinforced thumb and the stitches are made from Kevlar, they are much more durable than they look. 

The gloves are also super inexpensive compared to other leading brands.

I’d say that the biggest drawback of these gloves is that they have no inside lining, so even if you grab something warm you will feel it. They’re definitely not good if you have to grab metal close to the weld.

Goatskin is very thin so they can tear open on the first sharp object you grab. I alone have sliced open more than a few pairs, even cut my finger once, but if your job doesn’t require you to grab sharp pieces of metal all the time, you should be fine.

Overall, I highly recommend the Tillmans for professional TIG welders because of the lightness and dexterity they provide, but if you’re looking for an all-around glove for using in the shop, you should go for something that’s a little more heavy-duty.

Pros:

• Super light and soft;
• Reinforced thumb and a glide patch;
• Perfect for professional TIG welders;
• Very affordable.

Cons:

• No inside lining;
• Not good for other work around the shop.

Best Design: Lincoln Electric Premium TIG Welding Gloves

I personally have never used these gloves, but the owner of the shop where I worked swears that they are the best pair of TIG welding gloves you could get. Let’s dive into their specifications.

Just like the Tillman 1338, they are made from goatskin for lightness and increased flexibility, and they have cowhide 4’’ cuffs. But even at first glance, you can tell that more thought was put into designing these. You can clearly see the reinforced palm parts that give you a firmer grip.

Lincoln Electric included a very clever feature here: there are 3 separate finger pieces. The thumb is a separate piece, as well as the index finger, and the last 3 fingers are made from a single piece of leather. This is really helpful because it gives your thumb and index finger extra mobility. The gloves also have reinforced fingertips for durability and the stitchings are made from Kevlar, so they don’t burn and break.

Another super important feature these gloves include is the top-hand inside lining. This increases heat resistance when you use your other hand for wind cover for welding outside. The padded palm is useful for grabbing pieces of metal without worrying it will pierce through, and they also include a glide patch on the side.

If you don’t have much experience with TIG welding, these might be a bit bulky for you. When you’re just starting with TIG you want to feel like you aren’t wearing gloves at all, and the Lincoln Electrics won’t give you that. However, a more experienced welder would probably be fine with them.

Some potential drawbacks are that in a few cases, the top handlining was not sewn properly and came off after a couple of days. Another possible issue is that some of the stitching might break easily. Again, this is probably just a manufacturing mistake that only happens now and then.

What most people complain about is the size. They always seem to be a size smaller than advertised, so you can’t use these if you have extra-large hands, something to take into consideration before buying them.

On paper, the Lincoln Electric premium TIG welding gloves seem like a better choice than Tillman 1338 because of all the extra features, but they usually cost about twice as much and I don’t see why. The bulkiness is also a very important issue for me as I like to feel “gloveless” when welding, but this is just my personal preference.

Pros:

• Reinforced palm and fingertips;
• Sturdy but flexible;
• Top handlining for heat resistance.

Cons:

• A bit bulky;
• Pricey.

Best Shirts for Welding

I know most people just use an old t-shirt when working, but welding is serious business. Sparks and spatter can not only do a lot of damage to your skin, but they can also start a fire and that’s why you should consider investing in an actual welding shirt that meets FR standards.

I’m gonna show you some of the best flame-resistant welding shirts that you could get, and you’ll see for yourself that they’re a much better option than an old t-shirt.

Overall Best: Carhartt Men’s Big & Tall Flame Resistant Lightweight Twill Shirt

Carhartt’s welding shirt is made from 88% 6-ounce FR cotton and 12% high tenacity nylon. This makes it very durable but breathable. It’s a bit thicker and heavier than the Lincoln Electric Welding Shirt, but it seems like it can withstand more. It also meets the NFPA 70e standards. It has an ATPV rating of 8,7 (Arc Thermal Protection Value).

The Carhartt is offered in sizes ranging from small to 4XL, but you might want to choose a size smaller than normal, as Carhartt shirts are usually one size too big.

This FR shirt feels very comfortable. It has material that wicks away moisture. It also has 2 buttons for adjustable cuffs, so you can make sure it fits perfectly.

If you want to try this shirt, but aren’t sure if you’ll like it, don’t worry! You can get a refund if you’re not satisfied with it.

On the downside, the Carhartt is a bit pricey for a shirt. Another drawback is that the fabric may be a bit too thick for hot summer days

Overall, even though it’s a bit pricey, you do get a lot. It’s very thick and durable, has 2 chest pockets with flaps, and it’s machine washable.

Pros:

• Very durable;
• Comfortable and breathable;
• Adjustable cuffs;
• Return policy.

Cons:

• Too thick for summer;
• A bit pricey.

Most Lightweight: Lincoln Electric Welding Shirt

The Lincoln Electric welding shirt is designed with your safety in mind. It’s made from ASTM D6413-compliant 9 oz. flame retardant cotton. The high contact areas (shoulders, neck, cuffs, and button column) are double-layered for extra durability and security. 

This FR shirt is designed for better functionality, It has two chest pockets with flaps and adjustable cuffs.

Overall, the Lincoln Electric flame-resistant lightweight shirt is equipped with features that make it ideal for welding. It’s breathable, which is important to keep you cool in the summer. It’s also anti-static and anti-mildew treated and very comfortable to wear. The seller guarantees up to 50 machine washes before losing the flame-resistant properties.

This cotton shirt is also machine washable, however, the drawback is that the shirt shrinks a bit after the first wash, so this is something to keep in mind when choosing the size.

All in all, this is a good choice for a welding shirt, the material feels comfortable, it’s breathable and it actually looks good. The sizes range from medium to XXXL.

Pros:

• Comfortable and breathable;
• Double layered in the high contact areas;
• Functional design.

Cons:

• Might shrink a bit;
• Not useful in colder climates.

Most Budget-Friendly: REVCO BLACK STALLION FR DENIM WORK SHIRT

This welding denim shirt is quite thick but durable, and it feels nice when worn. The shirt is made from 8 oz. fire retardant cotton for safety in your welding work. And like the other cotton shirts on this list, it is machine washable.

Although it’s thick, the Revco Black Stallion shirt is quite flexible. In other words, it has a very comfortable fit for mobility.

This FR shirt is also quite versatile. The two chest pockets have flaps and also include a pen slot. Sizes range from small to 4XL, so you can find a size that’s ideal for you.

The Revco Black Stallion is made in compliance with ASTM F1506 (American Society for Testing and Materials) and the label is visible, which is useful when you need to show you’re meeting safety standards. 

Like the Carhartt twill shirt, this welding shirt may be a bit too thick for hot summer days. The shape could be a problem for some because it’s a relaxed fit shirt.

I really prefer this shirt over the previous two. Probably because I really like denim and it makes me feel safer. It’s also much cheaper than the other brands and I honestly think that it’s a better option.

Pros:

• Very comfortable;
• Very durable;
• Functional design.

Cons:

• Too thick for summer;
• Baggy.

Best Welding Jackets

When you’re getting a welding jacket there are a few things you should consider. Are you gonna be working outside? Does it get cold where you live? Would an apron get the job done? To be fair, if you just work in a shop, an apron and gloves would do the trick.

If you live in a colder climate, you want something warmer, so a leather jacket would be the smarter option. If you live in a warmer climate, you’re gonna want something lighter.

That’s why I’ll show you the different options you can get, and let you decide which jacket suits your needs. Let’s go!

Overall Best: Leaseek Leather Welding Jacket

I don’t really feel comfortable calling this a jacket. There’s no back side, just a strap, and the front unbuttons completely, so then you’re just left with sleeves and a chest piece. It’s almost a sleeved apron, which actually makes it super practical.

Where to begin? It’s made from split cowhide and it’s stitched with Kevlar, so it’s very durable. 

The Leaseek is designed to maximize your workflow. It’s got a flip collar with buttons, it has little pockets on both shoulders for pencils, markers or other small items. 

The sizes range from small to XXXXL Again, like with other welding wear, the fit seems to be a problem, so I would suggest getting a size larger than you normally would. Plus, they have a return policy in case you’re not satisfied with the product. Again, like with other workwear, the fit seems to be a problem, so I would suggest getting a size larger than you normally would.

The fact that there’s no backside means you won’t get too hot in the summer, but in winter you can just wear it over a jacket. The removable front piece is also useful because you can take it off if you aren’t grinding or you get too hot.

On the downside, the first thing I noticed is that it only has 1 button on the cuffs, so you can’t adjust the fit at the wrists. Another thing this jacket lacks would be sleeve vents.

Some users have experienced the buttons un-snapping easily, but it looks like they’re isolated cases. 

If it’s not obvious, I love this thing (still having trouble calling it a jacket). I’m a practical man, and this thing is exactly that, practical.

In the summer you could wear this just over a t-shirt. In the winter you can wear it over a jacket. It’s good for using it in the shop, but also outside. I admit, it may look ridiculous to some, but I don’t really care, because it’s practical!

Pros:

• Very durable;
• Removable front piece;
• Functional design;
• Return policy.

Cons:

• Buttons may un-snap easily;
• Non-adjustable cuffs

Best Light Jacket: Black Stallion FN9-30

This is one light welding jacket, so it’s comfortable for hours of work without feeling fatigued. It’s also great for warmer weather.

The Black Stallion is designed with safety in mind. It’s made from flame-resistant treated cotton. Now, this doesn’t mean spatter won’t burn a hole in it, but it will not catch fire. It also has buttons on the collar and on the cuffs for extra protection.

The lightness of this welding jacket makes it perfect for warmer climates. The snap buttons are reinforced with leather and it has a pocket on the shoulder for pencils or markers.

The sizes for this jacket range from small to 5XL (they only keep stock to XXL but you can contact the seller for a larger size). It’s also quite cheap.

On the downside, as mentioned before, spatter will leave a hole, so this jacket won’t last very long with heavy use. You also need long cuffed gloves, otherwise, the sleeves will get destroyed very quickly.

Another potential issue is that some welders have found the shoulder pockets smaller than they seem in the product pictures.

Overall, I would recommend this welding jacket if you live in a warm climate and you TIG weld, because TIG doesn’t create spatter that could ruin the shirt. If you’re looking to wear it around the shop where you grind and do all kinds of work, you would probably need to wear an apron over it.

Pros:

• Very light;
• Functional design.

Cons:

• Not for cold climates;
• Not for heavy-duty work.

Best Design: Lincoln Electric Split Leather Sleeved

The Lincoln Electric split leather sleeved jacket is designed for the professional welder. It comes with reinforced safety and mobility features, making it perfect for everyday use.

Unlike the Black Stallion FN9-30C, this flame-resistant lightweight welding jacket has leather sleeves, which I think is a better option if you weld every day. The sleeves are the part of the jacket that is most exposed to sparks and spatter, so this means it will last much longer. The rest of the jacket is made from fire retardant cotton, so it’s still very light.

This is a model jacket when it comes to combining safety and a user-friendly design. The sleeves are made from split cowhide and they have buttoned cuffs, which means you don’t have to wear long gloves to protect your forearms. The upper arm bit is made from two separate pieces to improve mobility.

The Lincoln Electric is quite durable. The seams are made with double stitching, which means it will last longer. The snap buttons are chrome plated so they will last longer as well, and it has a big inside pocket.

Keep in mind that this jacket is not good for work around the shop if you don’t like wearing an apron, as the sleeves will hold up but the rest will probably get burned.

Another drawback is the fit. The size seems to be a bit on the small side, so for a good fit on the arms, you will get a jacket that ends where your waist is.

Lastly, this jacket is a bit pricey when you consider the fact that it costs almost twice as much as a non-leather sleeved jacket, and almost as much as a full leather one.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter jacket but you work with MIG or stick, this would be a smart option. Although it’s a bit on the expensive side, it should last quite long. I would highly recommend it if you live where it’s warm and you weld outdoors.

Pros:

• Leather sleeves will make it last longer;
• Comfortable to wear;
• Very durable.

Cons:

• Small fit;
• Not for cold climates;
• A bit pricey.

Best for Heavy-Duty: Lincoln Electric KH807L

Full leather jacket! You’ll love this if you live in a colder climate, and it will also protect you from sparks and spatter. It has velcro on the stand-up collar to make sure sparks don’t get inside your jacket.

The Lincoln KH807L is a heavy-duty, flame-resistant welding jacket that you can wear no matter what you’re doing. Overhead welding, grinding, you name it – it can withstand it all. 

What you’ll certainly appreciate about this jacket is that it’s very affordable, especially considering the quality and durability it offers.

On the downside, this option is not for you if you live in a hot climate, as it’s made from thick leather and it doesn’t have any sleeve vents.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you might wanna go 1 size larger than usual, as the design is somewhat small.

What annoys me is that it only has 1 inside pocket, which is not even a chest pocket.

The worst drawback of this jacket is definitely the smell. Some users have said that they couldn’t air it out even after a month of it sitting outside. So before buying it, you should look into different anti-odor treatment methods.

Pros:

• Very durable;
• Keeps you warm;
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Small fit;
• Only 1 pocket;
• Needs anti-odor treatment.

Best Pants for Welding

You could work in just a regular pair of jeans, but would you feel safe knowing that there’s a possibility of them bursting into flames? Buying specialized fire-resistant welding pants is a smart move for welders and here are my choices for the best ones you can get.

Overall Best: BOCOMAL FR Cargo Pants Flame Resistant Pants (2112&CAT2)

The Bocomals are a typical pair of work pants, and they come with a bunch of features that make them practical. They have 9 pockets and slots for pencils or screwdrivers. There’s a keyring in the front and a hammer loop on the backside. The back and side pockets have snap buttons to keep your things safe.

The elastic waist is very helpful and makes them very comfortable to wear.

They have all the FR certificates that will ensure your safety, like NFPA 2112, ASTM F1506, and CAT II.

These FR pants are ideal for long hours of work. They’re very durable yet very light and soft, so you can wear them in the summer without getting too hot.

These pants are ideal for long hours of work. They’re very durable yet very light and soft, so you can wear them in the summer without getting too hot.

The seller guarantees the FR will last up to 100 machine washes, and they have a return policy if you’re not satisfied with the product.

Keep in mind that the fitting may be a bit off, so you could end up with longer leggings, or a wider waist.

I think this would be my favorite pick. They’re cheaper than the Caterpillar Cargo Pants but just as good, if not better. They’re not too thick so you can wear them when it’s hot. You get all the certificates that you’d need for peace of mind, and in the end, if you don’t like them, you can return them for a full refund.

Pros:

• Functional design;
• Meets all FR standards;
• Very durable;
• Comfortable to wear;
• Return policy.

Cons:

• Fitting may be a bit off.

Best Looking: Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Flame Resistant Original Fit Jean

I do love me a pair of Wranglers, and these are flame resistant so they’re perfect. Not a lot more I can say about the design because they’re a classic pair of jeans.

They’re made from 14,75 oz. cotton denim so they’re very durable. They have triple stitchings and the zipper is made from brass. You can’t go wrong with these.

Keep in mind that welders have complained about them being too small, especially around the waist, so consider getting one size bigger than you normally would.

The problem with regular jeans like these is that they only have 4 pockets, which is never enough.

Lastly, they are very thick! Would not recommend them in the summer.

I may be a bit biased, but I honestly believe that there’s no better pair of jeans. They’re super durable, they look good, and they will protect you from sparks and spatter. They can be a bit pricey, but I promise you, you can wear these for 10 years or more.

Pros:

• Classic jeans;
• Very durable.

Cons:

• May be too small in the waist;
• Only 4 pockets;
• Not good for summer use.

Best Design: Caterpillar Men’s Flame Resistant Cargo Pant

The Caterpillars are a very classic pair of cargo pants. They have a bunch of pockets and slots for pencils or screwdrivers. They’re made from 88% 9 oz. flame-resistant cotton and 12% nylon, and certified to all FR safety standards (NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, HR/Arc2). You can get them in navy or black.

With the flame-resistant Caterpillars, you get comfort and safety. Although they’re very tough, they’re still quite light.

These cargo pants are also quite practical. All those pockets really come in handy when you’re working outside so you don’t have to carry a bag for the smaller tools.

Again, users experience issues with the size, so consider ordering 1 size bigger than your normal pants. The fact that they don’t have an adjustable waist is a shame, but you can always wear a belt.

To be honest, I think these pants are a bit overpriced.

Overall, the Caterpillar cargo pants have all the certificates for safety, are very durable, and have a ton of pockets. Pretty much all you need from cargo pants, but I’m not sure if they’re worth the price.

Pros:

• Meets all FR standards;
• Comfortable and light;
• A lot of pockets.

Cons:

• Small fit;
• A bit pricey.

How to Choose the Right Welding Clothes: A Buyer’s Guide

Before you decide which welding wear products are right for you, here are a couple of factors you should consider.

Type of Welding

It makes a lot of difference if you’re doing stick, TIG, or MIG welding. The spatter will burn through all fabrics, but if you only do TIG, you wouldn’t have this problem. However, with stick or MIG,  you get a lot of spatter, so leather would be the only solution.

Although welding itself requires precision, the tools that you use in different types of welding are different, and some require more dexterity than others. That’s why for TIG you should get lighter gloves than for other types.

Climate

A lot of the fire-resistant clothes are quite thick, so that could present a problem if you live where it’s warm or humid, or if you work in a shop where it gets hot. Welding shirts are usually made from flame-resistant cotton and would be a smarter option than welding jackets for these conditions.

Budget

The clothes aren’t too expensive separately, but if you want to buy them all at once, your wallet might feel it. Another issue is the durability of the clothes because even though they have flame-resistant properties, they do wear out quickly because you’re literally playing with fire (and power tools, sharp objects, etc.). So don’t make any rash decisions, and consider buying the necessities first.

Best Welding Clothes: Conclusion

When choosing the right apparel for welding, you need to make sure you know exactly what type of work you’ll be doing and then pick the right items one by one.

For TIG welding you should get a lighter set of gloves like the Tillman 1338 because they give you the mobility and precision you need. And for stick or MIG welding, consider buying heavier gloves like the Rapicca because there’s much more spatter that would destroy any lighter material.

If you live where it’s warm you’re gonna want something more lightweight but fire-resistant. So the less leather, the better. That’s why I would advise a cotton jacket like the Black Stallion.

It’s the other way around for colder climates so a leather jacket like the Lincoln Electric would be the smarter option.

And remember, you are going to burn through your clothes eventually! Don’t expect the gear to last forever, because as I’ve mentioned before, even if the clothes are fire resistant, the spatter will still make a hole. Even the leather will eventually wear out, but that depends on how much time you actually spend welding and grinding.

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