When doing any welding work, the sparks are everywhere.
Once you are in the middle of the weld, you cannot move to avoid it, and you have to brace for the impact.
Whether you will get hurt or not depends on your protective equipment.
The best welding jackets will keep you safe from spatters and heat.
When you avoid wearing jackets and other pieces of PPE (personal protective equipment), you can try to dodge the spatter.
You might succeed, you might fail, but you will surely create a terrible bead.
That is why a welding jacket is a must when doing any welding work.
Highest Rated Best Welding Jackets (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Carhartt Flame Resistant Twill Shirt
- 2Chicago Protective Apparel Jacket
- 3Hobart 770569 Flame Retardant Welding Jacket
- 4Ironcat Heat-Resistant Welding Jacket
- 5 Lincoln Electric One-Size Flame-Resistant Welding Apron
1
Carhartt Flame Resistant Twill Shirt
Thick welding jackets are suitable for people welding indoors or in hot environments.
That when this Carhartt jacket comes into the spotlight.
It is lightweight and looks like a traditional casual shirt.
However, the shirt is made from 6-ounce FR Twill of 88% cotton and 12% nylon.
The shirt is flame-resistant and has anti-odor components, and won’t make your sweaty while working for long hours.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Flame-resistant
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Pricey
This Carhartt looks cool and comes available in several color options.
It is quite comfortable and provides appropriate protection.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Chicago Protective Apparel Jacket
Chicago Protective Apparel makes this excellent welding jacket that meets all standards.
It is made from cowhide leather and has a fold-over collar with a snap front closure.
Therefore, the jacket protects your neck, as well.
Conveniently, the jacket has an inside pocket and an additional pocket on the arm.
It is comfortable to wear and has adjustable snap wrists.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adjustable snap wrists
- Has pockets
- Protects the neck
Cons
- Smaller than standard jackets
There is nothing wrong with this jacket.
However, it is smaller in size than average jackets, so you need to consider that when choosing your size.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Hobart 770569 Flame Retardant Welding Jacket
This Hobart welding jacket is made from flame-retardant cowhide split leather.
However, it looks and feels as it has been made from 100% cotton.
It has a convenient collar that can protect your neck.
The jacket is unlined so it can be used even during hot weather.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Comfortable
- Provides neck protection
- Fold over collar
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Too sensitive snaps on the coat
If you are looking for a budget-friendly jacket, this Hobart model can be excellent for you.
It provides enough protection and is comfortable even in the hottest temperatures.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Ironcat Heat-Resistant Welding Jacket
This West Chester jacket is heat-resistant and can easily deflect sparks.
It is made from leather and has a Kevlar thread for and added durability and strength.
The jacket has an outside pocket on the hip and a soapstone pocket on both sleeves.
The jacket has a comfortable fit and is available in several sizes.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Kevlar threads woven in the material
- Durable
- Convenient pockets
Cons
- Not suitable for hot temperatures
This West Chester jacket provides superb protection.
It is also easy to clean and lasts a long time.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Lincoln Electric One-Size Flame-Resistant Welding Apron
This Lincoln Electric apron provides full-body protection against sparks and debris.
It has a durable and flame-resistant cowhide structure.
The apron is one-size-fits-all but might be smaller for the big fellas out there.
Also, it has an adjustable harness system for a comfortable fit.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Comfortable
- Provides superb protection
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not suitable for taller people
Welding aprons are a great way to stay safe from sparks and debris.
This Lincoln Electric apron is affordable, durable, and protective.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Best Welding Jackets Buying Guide
Welding jackets come in a wide price range.
Some may be priced at $100, while the most quality jackets come with a price tag of $200.
On the other hand, welding jackets made from synthetics can be a bit cheaper, but those might not be as durable as leather jackets.
The quality of welding jackets differs in terms of insulation, structure, design, and composition.
Here is a simple guide that can help you to choose the best welding jacket for your money.
Welding Chaps VS Welding Jacket
The answer is – both.
It is because when you wear chaps and a jacket, you get the best possible protection.
However, it might be costly to purchase both items, especially if you are not a full-time welder.
In that case, your best option is buying a quality welding jacket that can last you for long and provide enough protection.
You need to find the appropriate jacket that provides enough heat protection and enough longevity.
Usually, the jackets are recommended for cold weather, but welders might need to use them despite weather conditions.
Most leather jackets are great and easy to maintain.
However, let’s check additional welding jackets’ materials.
Cotton
Cotton-made welding jackets are chemically altered to provide heat and flame resistance.
These are less durable than leather jackets, but more flexible, softer, and have lower heat retention.
Synthetic Fibers
Jackets made from two synthetic fibers are a great choice for welders who are exposed to a large amount of splatter.
These are comfortable, but not suitable for use in cold areas.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber welding jackets are stiffer, but they have excellent heat resistance properties.
Denim
Denim jackets have a low protection level, but they might be a good choice for occasional welders.
Additional
Some jackets have infused vulcanized rubber woven in the material.
It has excellent properties against heavy splatter.
Durability
A welding jacket has its lifespan that is determined by use, proper maintenance, and overall quality of the jacket.
During the time, even the best jackets will gradually lose their features.
When the jackets lose its flame-resistance properties it is time to replace it.
The average life span of a welding jacket is 3 to 5 years when used regularly.
However, if you wear it every single day and you are exposed to a large amount of splatter, you might need to change the jacket after two years.
Occasional welders can have one jacket for years.
Finding the Right Size of Welding Jacket
Welding jackets come in the standard jacket sizes – S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc.
The sizing is determined according to chest measurement.
Before you order your size check your numbers by warping the tape measure under the armpits, making sure that you measure the fullest part of your chest.
Check the reviews and if the jacket deviates from standard sizing.
Consider your movement and how to fit you want your jacket to be.
Remember, you won’t be standing still in your jacket.
Rather, you will move, so the jacket needs to ensure free movements, especially if you have a lot of overhead welding tasks to complete.
The Belly
If you don’t exercise a lot, you might have a larger belly, so you need to measure it as well.
If not, you might struggle to zip or button the jacket, which can restrain your movements.
Measure just above the hip bones and compare the numbers with the manufacturer’s size guide.
Conclusion
The best welding jacket will be comfortable and provide suitable protection for occasional welders, and professionals.
There are multiple options on the market, and you can use my list to narrow the choice.
For example, if you decide to get a Carhartt jacket, you can expect it to last for years, and protect you from all dangerous situations in any welding discipline.