Welding is challenging and can be a health hazard in many ways.
Welders are not only exposed to harmful fumes and gases and are also at risk of getting injured to get burnt from the sparks and heat from the welding equipment.
Therefore, it is important to have suitable PPE (personal protective equipment), including the welding shirt and jacket.
The list will reflect on the best welding shirts that provide enough protection and comfort for long hours of welding.
Keep reading to get my recommendations and more tips on how to get the best welding shirt.
Highest Rated Best Welding Shirts (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant Cotton Work Shirt with Sleeve Vent
- 2Carhartt Men’s Flame Resistant Lightweight Twill Shirt
- 3Revco Black Stallion Flame Resistant Cotton Work Shirt
- 4Wrangler Men’s Fire-Resistant Work Shirt
1
Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant Cotton Work Shirt with Sleeve Vent
The Bulwark shirt is 100% cotton-made and has flame-resistant features.
The shirt has a classic design and resembles standard shirts.
Moreover, stitching is performed properly, and the shirt is very durable.
Therefore, you can wear it again and again, and the shirt won’t show any signs of wear and tear.
Additionally, the shirt has sleeve vents, that keep you cool while welding for long hours.
Conveniently, the shirt has two chest pockets where you can put small tools and other items.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- High-quality shirt
- Excellent sewing
- Comfortable to wear
- Lightweight – suitable for use during summer
- General fit
- Durable material that can be washed in the washing machine
Cons
- Sleeves can be short for taller people
Michael's TakeThe Bulwark shirt is fit for the majority of people.
It can last for years of use and abuse without showing any marks of wear and tear.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Carhartt Men’s Flame Resistant Lightweight Twill Shirt
The Carhartt shirt has 88% cotton and 12% nylon construction.
It won’t chafe or cause any kind of discomfort to the person wearing it.
The shirt has a Work-Dry technology, so it will stay dry even if you are sweating extensively during the hot weather.
The material wicks moisture away, and the shirt is quite lightweight.
Additionally, the shirt has an anti-odor fabric treatment.
Therefore, you can wear a shirt for a long-time and don’t worry about getting smelly.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Breathable and comfortable
- Machine-washable
- Allow you to move naturally
- Flame-resistant buttons and material
- Two-pockets on the chest
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
Michael's TakeIf you want a reliable shirt and protective piece of equipment, this Carhartt shirt is an excellent choice.
Moreover, you can rely on the shirt not to spread an unpleasant smell no matter how long you use it.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Revco Black Stallion Flame Resistant Cotton Work Shirt
Revco shirt features 7 ounces of FR-treated cotton.
It is why the shirt is so comfortable and ensures a great fit.
The shirt comes with two pockets with flaps for easy access.
You can use the pockets to keep small tools within a hand reach.
Moreover, the shirt comes with metal snaps which makes it easy to put on and take off.
Additionally, the shirt is completely flame-resistant and lightweight.
If needed, you can wear a jacket over it for ultimate protection.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Metal buttons make the shirt easier to put on and take off
- Fit for the majority of the people
- Comfortable
- Guarantees protection from flames and heat
- Allows you to move naturally
- Durable
Cons
- Stiff material
Michael's TakeThe price tag of the shirt is quite affordable, and the quality is top-notch.
You can expect the shirt to last for many seasons of wearing.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Wrangler Men’s Fire-Resistant Work Shirt
The Wrangler Riggs shirt is made from 100% cotton.
It is compliant with ASTM F1506 and NFPA-70e.
Therefore, the shirt can effectively protect you from flame and external heat.
The shirt has a comfortable and relaxed fit.
Because of it, you can move around naturally and you will never feel constricted.
It also has pockets and a safety orange ID for increased visibility.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- The shirt can be tucked in the pants and won’t come off
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Has excellent fire-retardant benefits
- Prevents grease and oil to stick to the shirt permanently
- Buttons hold up great
- Doesn’t cause discomfort
- Can be washed in the washing machine
Cons
- Can be hard to find the right size
Michael's TakeThe shirt is of excellent quality and allows you to work and move as you want.
It won’t scratch you and it will make you feel comfortable, even if you wear it for long shifts.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Best Welding Shirts Buying Guide
Integral parts of the Protective Equipment for Welders
Because welding can be dangerous, you need to have all elements of the protective equipment.
Let’s see what elements you should never skip on if you are starting to weld.
Footwear
Many welders forget to get proper footwear.
However, footwear shouldn’t be overlooked.
Your welding shoes need to allow you to move easily and bend down to reach all areas.
The shoes need to have steep caps.
Welding Chaps
Welding chaps are usually made from leather or suede materials.
Chaps are available in the cover-all form or in pants form.
If you opt for the pants, you won’t need to get an apron.
However, if you are used to wearing protective pants, make sure you get a proper apron for welding.
Jackets/Shirts
Welding jackets and shirts protect you from burns and sparks.
They are usually made from flame-resistant materials and cover the majority of upper parts of the body, including chests, hands, and tummy.
Gloves
Welders need to wear gloves.
Whenever you weld, your hands are the closest to the flame.
Gloves are an important part of protective equipment for welders and should never be overlooked, even if you need to complete simple tasks.
Welding Sleeves
Welding sleeves can be a great alternative to welding jackets.
They protect the arms from sparks and allow you to move naturally.
Helmet
The helmet protects your face and head, and are especially important for welders who perform over the head welding.
Glasses
Your eyes can get hurt due to sparks, so you need to wear glasses to keep your eyes protected and to ensure clean vision.
Respirators
Respirators or masks filter dangerous fumes.
Prolonged exposure to fumes and gases caused by welding can cause different health issues.
Things to Have in Mind When Buying a Welding Shirt
First of all, a shirt needs to fit properly and makes you feel comfortable.
You will wear a shirt for eight hours or less, so it needs to be comfortable enough to allow you to move naturally.
Let’s see what kind of features you look for in a welding shirt.
Flame-Resistant Features
The purpose of the welding shirt is protection, so it needs to be made from flame-resistant materials.
Because welders work with flame and sparks, the shirt needs to be able to withstand sparks landing on it.
If you wear everyday clothes, you can get hurt, and the shirt can get into flames within seconds.
Anti-odor Features
The clothes you can wear to work can easily get smelly, because you sweat during work, especially during heavy work.
An Anti-odor t-shirt can be quite useful if you know that you won’t be able to wash it immediately after use.
Wicks Moisture Away Shirt
Welders often work in a hot environment and the shirt should wicks moisture away.
Therefore, you will stay comfortable even if the temperature is high.
Sleeve Vents
Sleeve vents are a modern feature on the welding shirts.
It provides well-needed fresh air and makes you more comfortable.
Pockets
Pockets are quite handy because you can use them to store small items such as glasses, pens, and notepad.
Maintenance
The welding shirt needs to be safe for the washing machine.
Check the specification to see if the machine won’t get damaged after use in a machine wash, or more importantly if the flame-resistant features will be affected.
Conclusion
If you are getting into welder, the first thing you have to get is a proper welding shirt and other parts of protective equipment.
Refer to the list for the best recommendation!
