Protective clothing takes the center place when it comes to dangerous jobs. And welding can be counted among them. For that reason, welders need to wear welding jackets no matter which welding type or technique they use. But finding the best welding jackets may be a real challenge.
It’s known that the single and most important function of a welding coat or jacket is to shield the wearer from external conditions as well as spatters, sparks, parts of molten metal, and such. Since welders work in various surroundings, protection against heat and temperature is an important factor, too.
With that in mind, we compiled a list of the fifteen best welding jackets you can find right now. We reviewed them in detail, outlining their pros, cons, as well as specifications. Next, you’ll find the features to consider in the buying guide section. After that, you’ll get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. So, read on and take some notes!
Reviewing the Best Welding Jackets of 2019
Successful and well-known brands, as well as newcomers and wildcards, produce quality welding jackets. Most commonly, the fabrics they’re made of are cotton, nylon and various types of leather. In turn, that influences the overall performance and even the models’weight. Also, the models need to be breathable and thus easy and relaxing to wear. Here we present the jackets we think are worth checking out this year.
Miller Electric Black Pigskin Leather Welding Jacket
What truly stands out about this jacket is its premium material. Moreover, it comprises of premium pigskin. It’s a special kind of leather. To last longer and provide extra protection and strength, Kevlar thread is used for the stitching. More precisely, around the wrist, there is a cuff that can resist the flames. And the collar is stand-up to keep the neck safe in case of overhead welding.
Nevertheless, the design is stylish and fits well. Not to mention that it has proven to be comfortable. The only downsides users mentioned were the fact that it doesn’t come in smaller sizes and that you can’t carry objects that are flammable in your pockets.
More specifications and details to have in mind are:
- Material: Pigskin Leather
- Color: Black
- Length: 30 inches
- Pockets: 1 on each arm, 1 on the front, and 1 inside
Caiman Black Boarhide Welding Jacket
The overall design is pretty sturdy and good-looking. There’s a large internal pocket as well as vented underarms for temperature control. And all of that doesn’t get in the way of excellent shielding capabilities.
Unlike some other jackets, it’s made of pigskin leather. That makes the model flexible and more lightweight. Wearers can easily move around, too.
A few complaints from some buyers were regarding the collar. It isn’t fitted, so in their opinion that diminishes the protective abilities in the neck area. Take a look at the model’s specifications:
- Height: 30 inches
- Color: black
- Material: boar hide, high-quality pigskin leather
- Weight: around 3 pounds
Lincoln Electric Heavy Duty Leather Welding Jacket
Made of heavy-duty split cowhide, the jacket is increasingly protective against spattering, sparks, temperature, and such. Plus, there’s even neck protection and modifiable cuffs, too.
With that being said, the leather sleeves are ergonomic and allow more movement when compared to traditional models. The fire-resistant back is breathable. The design makes space for storage thanks to the internal pocket.
As a downside, reviewers aren’t very satisfied with the weight. But that’s understandable because of all the abilities and features. Here are some more specifications:
- Size: from M to 3XL
- Color: black and red
- Length of torso: 30 – 34 inches (based on size)
- Material: leather
Revco BSX Flame-Resistant Welding Jacket
If the primary goal of jackets is to shield your regular clothes and skin, this model does its job pretty well.
There is additional neck protection against sparks and spatter, too. It boasts with modifiable straps on the waist and cuffs for more comfort.
Due to its breath ability abilities, it can be worn even in hot conditions.
Some declare that users shouldn’t expect to do heavy-duty welding in it. And it won’t keep the temperature up if the conditions are colder. Familiarize yourself further with the model with these specifications:
- Material: flame-resistant cotton
- Pockets: dual inside and scribe
- Size: from S to 5XL
- Color: black
- Weight: around 1.8 pounds
Gotega Heat & Flame-Resistant Welding Coat
Thanks to the cowhide leather, the model is anti-scald and resists fire as well as abrasion. The design is ergonomic and made to fit anyone. Plus, it’s easy to put on all by yourself.It has an apron and long sleeves. That’s why it offers a high level of protection from the neck to the knees. And it can be used for other tasks besides welding like carpentry, gardening, and more.
Something that didn’t please all users was the cheaper straps as well as no-back safety capabilities. Anyway, it’s useful to study its specifications and features:
- Color: brown
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Material: heavy-duty cowhide split leather
- Package dimensions: 14 x 12 x 2 inches
Black Stallion Bsx Angelfire Welding Jacket
What helps it stand out is the fact that it’s designed for female welders. It has enough protective capabilities to help users feel secure while working. The stand-up collar helps in that direction.
The straps on the cuff and waist are modifiable to fit everybody’s preferences. Having said that, it’s breathable and comfortable to wear, too. Not to mention that it’s designed to last for a longer period of welding.
As a slight con, some say that the sleeves can be shorter. And it may not fit perfectly if the user is wearing baggy clothes. Anyway, the specifications are:
- Size: from XS to XL
- Material: nine-ounce,flame-resistant, brushed cotton
- Pockets: dual inside and scribe
- Weight: around 1.8 pounds
Miller Electric Navy, Cotton Welding Jacket
Miller is a well-known brand when it comes to welding. And this jacket of theirs comes cheaper and supports lighter welding tasks. The material protects the wearer against ultraviolet rays as well as sparks and even parts of molten metal.You can wear it above your work clothes. The design is comfy and doesn’t prevent the wearer from moving.
Durability may not be its strongest suit when it comes to a couple of reviews. Dive deeper into its capabilities with these specifications:
- Material: 88% cotton, 12% nylon
- Cuff: fold-in snaps
- Color: navy
- Closure: snap buttons
Waylander Fire Resistant Kevlar Stitched Cowhide Welding Jacket
The model consists of a blend of cowhide leather and fire-resistant cotton. It has Kevlar stitching, too. That exceedingly increases the performance and the quality of the materials to deliver in various welding situations.
Velcro and button front closure help towards achieving maximum safety. The stand-up collar is easy to modify. However, some customers thought that it gets in the way of the movements of the neck.
Still, it’s very comfortable, lightweight, and made for mobile welders and long periods of wearing. The next section is dedicated to its specifications:
- Weight: around 3.11 pounds
- Color: dark brown
- Big internal pockets
- Dimensions of the package: around 13 x 12 x 4.3 inches (based on jacket size)
Carhartt Men's Flame Resistant Lanyard Access Welding Jacket
Resistant to fire, moisture, and even smell, the model supports a variety of welding techniques. Overall, it looks very fashionable, too. It has a button-down, stand-up collar as well as two pockets on the chest.
Moreover, the pleated bi-swing back allows more freedom when moving. The hook-and-loop cuffs and closures are very durable and easily fit in the whole design.
It should be noted that not many buyers weren’t huge fans of the material, which they found a bit stiffer than usual. For more specifications and features, catch a glimpse of the following:
- Material: 88% cotton and 12% nylon
- Machine wash
- Freedom gusset under arms
Steiner 1260 Welding Jacket
With a very interesting design, this Steiner model is easy to spot. The body is made of cotton whereas the sleeves are cowhide leather. Also, it comes at a quite affordable price for a jacket that has leather parts on it. It’s lightweight, too.
Users can feel safe while wearing it as it covers the parts that are most vulnerable when welding. The front has non-reflective snaps as well as a closure mechanism for the wrists. There’s a big inside pocket for keeping tools and stuff.
But it may not be the most suitable for colder temperatures in the words of a minority of users. They say the cotton part is likely to come apart faster than the leather sleeves.
The specifications are as follows:
- Height: 30 inches
- Kevlar sewing
- Dimensions: 12.1 x 9 x 2.2 inches
Hobart 770569 Flame Retardant Welding Jacket
The jacket is praised for being versatile and increasingly comfortable. That’s achieved thanks to the cotton which has flame-retardant capabilities. That also means that it doesn’t overheat in hot surroundings or during the summer.
The design is pretty light, too. Besides that, it offers great overall protection. The value and price ratio is more than satisfactory.
It’s worth mentioning that some reviewers stated the quality of the snaps as something that can be worked on. Here are the most notable specifications:
- Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.9 x 1.3 inches
- Color: dark grey
- Weight: 1 pound
- Material: cotton
- Inside breast pocket on the left side
Chicago Protective Apparel Men's Leather Jacket
This is one of the budget-friendliest models you’ll find on the market. The fabric is leather, which is known for durability and increasingly protective capabilities. That’s why besides welding, users can wear in other industries like steel mills, shipyards, automotive, and others.
When it comes to pockets, it has a large one on the inside and a soapstone one on the arm. To shield the neck from spatters as well as sparks, there is a fold-over collar.
As a con, a couple of customers point out that it isn’t as loose as other models. Also, it’s an unlined jacket. For more, consider these features and specifications:
- Material: cowhide leather
- Height: 30 inches
- Adjustable snaps
- Color: dark brown
West Chester IRONCAT 7005 Welding Jacket
To make the model comfortable to wear, there are gussets under the arms as well as adjustable wrists. It’s made of cowhide leather and protects the wearer against sparks, spatters, heat, and such.
Each sleeve has a small pocket beside the one close to the hips. That makes storing and carrying more items easier. Moreover, the snaps are reinforced with extra leather for more safety. The Kevlar threading increases the model’s lifespan and resistance.
A few buyers count the weight and how tight the pockets are as things that can be improved. Regardless, let’s check out some specifications:
- Height: 30 inches
- Color: tan
- Material: split cowhide leather
- Pockets
- Corrosion-resistant rivets
- Black anodized snaps
QeeLink Leather Welding Work Jacket
Applicable for heavy-duty welding, this jacket is completely resistant to heat and flames. That’s achieved due to the cowhide leather fabric. That’s why it can be a bit heavier than some. To make the model more long-lasting, the manufacturer used a US Kevlar thread.
The stand-up collar is great for modifications and neck protection. There are also three pockets for tools or other welding accessories. All the buttons are made of metal to ensure stability and security.
According to some reviewers, the snaps are a bit looser, but not to the extent of popping open. These are some of the most notable specifications:
- Material: split cowhide leather
- Affordable
- 100% refund if the user is unsatisfied
- Size: from M to XXXL
Magid SparkGuard Flame Resistant Cotton Jacket
This Magid model is made entirely of cotton. That’s why the jacket feels very lightweight and comfy. Whether we’re talking about repair and maintenance, welding, steel manufacturing, and others, it’s ready to serve the welder. What’s great is that it comes in a variety of sizes.
The jacket is resistant to rot, fire, and mold among other things. The design is anti-static, too. The metal snap closures provide extra protection and at the same time look stylish. The breast pocket on the left is riveted. The collar is of the lay-down type.
Users said that the value-price ratio is great. On the other hand, some of them didn’t like that it’s mainly for light welding tasks. So, let’s move on to the specifications:
- Color: green
- Material weight: 12 ounces
- Snap closure
- Size: from S to 5XL
- Pockets
Features to Consider Before Buying
Material
The number one reason for inventing welding jackets is to keep you safe. And a large portion of the protective capabilities of a coat is determined by no other than the material. You can find all kinds of materials. They differ in quality, price, and durability. However, it’s best to find a balance. Let’s explore some of the most frequent materials:
- Leather –Leather means durability. It resists fire and temperature. The two most common options are top-grain as well as split-grain leather. Sometimes it can be combined with cotton to be more flexible.
- Cotton –It’s popular because it’s light and modifiable. Unlike other materials, it’s comfortable to wear and has a nice touch.
- Nylon – Known to be elastic and strong, it’s no stranger to protective clothing. Jackets made of nylon last long and are resistant to water, abrasion, and much more.
Other popular materials include rubber, cowhide, Kevlar, sateen, denim, and similar.
Durability
It’s very hard to exactly determine the optimal lifespan of the best welding jackets. The overall quality, fabric, period of wearing, environment and other factors influence this. Generally speaking, a reliable jacket should possess its resistance to heat from two years onwards.
It’s important to note that taking good care of it and regular maintenance will prolong the lifespan of the jacket. On the contrary, extreme exposure to weather conditions like dust, very high temperatures, and others will minimize the years you’ll use it as well as the whole functioning.
Size
Welding jackets, just like all regular clothes, come in standard sizes like small, medium, and large. To learn your right size, you should measure the largest part of your chest. You can do that with a tape measure. In case your stomach is bigger than your chest, wrap the tape measure around the largest part of your stomach.
After that, consult with the sizing chart of the jacket. Each manufacturer supplies it and you can usually find it on the product pages.
A pro tip is to wear the clothes you regularly have on you on work. Also, don’t wrap the tape measure too closely around you.
Welding Environment
Temperature-wise, the environment highly affects the choice of a welding coat. Moreover, you’ll likely need a different type of a jacket for a hotter as well as a colder environment. If it’s very hot, then you need to get yourself a jacket with heightened temperature control capabilities. In colder surroundings, breathable jackets that don’t overheat don’t necessarily need to be the top priority. So, you don’t have to sacrifice the density of the material and the level of security that comes with it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Welding Jackets
Why do I need a welding jacket?
Generally, welding jackets are in the category of protective clothing. And as such, their primary goal is to shield you from harm and protect your health. Hot metals and sparks, for starters, can burn you or damage your skin.And a simple t-shirt or shirt isn’t enough to enable full security. So, welding jackets provide that fire and temperature resistance needed in these situations. While a user is welding, they’re exposed to infrared and ultraviolet rays. If this goes for a long time, it can intensify the risks of skin cancer, burns, and other health hazards. What’s more, once you put on a jacket like this, you can relax and focus your mind on the welding task at hand. That will increase your productivity and efficiency.
Should I choose fire resistance capabilities in a jacket rather than comfort?
That’s usually one of the biggest trade-offs when it comes to welding clothing. A lot of experts point out that protection against fire and temperature is a number one priority. So, from that point of view, yes, you should go for that even if it means sacrificing the feeling of coziness. After all, you put on a welding jacket for work only and to stay safe. Don’t get us wrong, it’s terrific if you find a jacket that has both resistance abilities and is nice to wear. And plenty on this list will provide that.
Are there any drawbacks when wearing a jacket for welding?
The usual rule when having protective clothes on is you don’t feel the most comfortable in them. For instance, precise welding and moving a lot in stiffer and denser fabrics will present a real challenge. With that being said, if the room doesn’t have vents or air conditioning, it can get really hot and uneasy in the jacket.
What type of welding can I do with a jacket?
When it comes to welding processes, we usually mean the following four. The flux-cored arc requires portability and compactness. The shielded metal arc type uses an electric current. And because of it all, welders need special arm security. Then, you have the metal inert gas type which is popular for industrial and commercial purposes. It’s abbreviated to MIG, for short. Finally, there’s the tungsten inert gas (TIG) type. No matter which one of these types you prefer or currently work with, it’s very important to wear a jacket and other welding clothing and accessories.
Final Words
Until now, we’ve established that welding jackets are a necessity. All those that want to stay protected while welding should get one. We hope in this guide we helped you make your decision. Each model is specific and has good and bad sides. So, it all comes down to your preferences, expectations, and budget. Good luck shopping and tell us which jacket you ended up with!
