Why You Need a Dependable Welding Shirt
Your hands aren’t the only body parts at risk during welding – your arms and torso are equally vulnerable. While gloves protect your hands, you require a sturdy welding shirt to shield your chest and arms from potential hazards. Sparks and splatter can easily burn holes, and fires can ignite unexpectedly. Hence, we’ve assembled a collection of the best welding shirts in one convenient location to ensure your safety while welding. Take a look at the list below, and feel free to share your suggestions in the comments.
Quick Comparison of Top Welding Shirts
| Product | Image | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Black Stallion FS7-KHK |  |
Light, Inexpensive, Conforms to ASTM 1506 |
| Lincoln Welding Shirt |  |
Lapel, Strengthened Shoulders, Durable and Breathable |
| Carhartt FRS003 Twill |  |
Light, Comfortable, Suitable for Summer Use |
| Wrangler Riggs FR |  |
True to Size, Includes a Pencil Case, Suitable for Summer |
| LAPCO IGR7 FR |  |
Good Uniform Shirt, Features Nomex Thread, Back Folds |
Here’s a comprehensive list of the top welding shirts we’ve found:
1. Revco Black Stallion FS7-KHK PR Cotton Welding Shirt
- Made of 100% cotton
- 7 oz FR treated fabric
- Equipped with a flap pocket and metal snap button
- Offers a loose fit
Advantages:
- Available in sizes ranging from S to 4X
- Long tail that remains curled
- Meets ASTM F1506 standard
- Lightweight
- Comes in gray or brown
Disadvantages:
- Fabric is quite stiff
- Does not have a turtleneck
Overview:
The Revco Black Stallion FS7-KHK PR Cotton Welding Shirt is available in a wide range of sizes, from Small to XXXX-Large. It’s made of 7 oz fabric and comes in brown or gray. Crafted from 100% cotton, the shirt has undergone flame-retardant treatment. It features an extra long tail that can be tucked in.
Compared to other shirts, this one is lighter and more breathable, making it an excellent choice for summer welding projects. Additionally, the Revco Black Stallion FS7-KHK PR Cotton Welding Shirt meets the ASTM 1506 standard for flame resistance, rendering it suitable for use in OSHA-regulated stores and meeting essential safety requirements in various countries. While the collar is not particularly high, it can be turned up if necessary. The shirt has a relaxed fit, but some users have reported tightness in the shoulders and shorter sleeves compared to shirts of the same size.
2. Lincoln Electric Flame Retardant Welding Shirt
- Made of 9 oz flame retardant fabric
- Composed of cotton
- Features a pocket with flap and metal fastening snap
- Layered reinforcement for added durability
Advantages:
- Antistatic treatment
- Multi-button cuffs
- Reinforced lapels
- Anti-mildew treatment
- Reinforced button strap
Disadvantages:
- Shrinkage after washing
- Material is somewhat rigid
Overview:
The Lincoln Electric Flame Retardant Welding Shirt is a popular choice among welders. It’s made from 9 oz flame retardant cotton fabric and features metal fastenings, including multi-button closures on the cuffs. The shirt boasts reinforced shoulders, neck, cuffs, and collar, with each area designed using layered construction for enhanced protection and durability. This adds strength where it matters most while providing adequate ventilation in the main torso areas, ensuring optimal coolness during work.
The Lincoln Electric Flame Retardant Welding Shirt is also treated to be anti-mildew and antistatic. The collar can be turned up for added neck protection, if required. It’s worth noting that the shirt may shrink upon the first wash, so it’s advisable to consider this when selecting your size. Plus sizes have an extended tail, enhancing overall fit.
3. Carhartt Flame Retardant Lightweight Welding Shirt
- Blend of 88% cotton and 12% nylon
- 6 oz twill fabric
- Features anti-odor treatment and ATPV rating of 8.7
- Standard button fasteners
Advantages:
- Machine washable
- Button flap pocket
- Two-button cuffs
- Work-Dry moisture-wicking technology
- Lightweight material
Disadvantages:
- One size fits all
- Buttons are plastic
Overview:
The Carhartt Flame Retardant Lightweight Welding Shirt is crafted from 6 oz twill fabric and is specifically designed to be lightweight and breathable for summer use. Although no shirt can provide complete coolness during welding in hot conditions, this shirt ensures a more bearable experience. It’s deodorized to remain fresh and is machine washable for easy maintenance. Additionally, the material incorporates Carhartt’s “Work-Dry” moisture management system.
The Carhartt Flame Retardant Lightweight Welding Shirt boasts an impressive ATPV rating of 8.7 for a 6 oz fabric, thanks to its composition of 88% cotton and 12% nylon blend instead of pure cotton. Previous users have reported that Carhartt’s gear tends to run on the larger side, and this shirt is no exception.
Featuring a button flap pocket and two-button cuffs, the Carhartt Flame Retardant Lightweight Welding Shirt does highlight one potential drawback: the plastic buttons, which can melt under certain circumstances.
4. Wrangler Riggs Workwear FR Long Sleeve Welding Shirt
- Made of 100% cotton
- ATPV rating of 9.2
- Utilizes Nomex thread
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Includes a button flap pocket
Advantages:
- Loose fit
- Breathable and lightweight
- Ideal as a uniform shirt
- Features a pocket with a slot for pencils
- Pencil slot in the pocket
Disadvantages:
- Plastic buttons
- Material is somewhat rigid
Overview:
The Wrangler Riggs Workwear FR Long Sleeve Welding Shirt is a staple found in various industrial stores. Made of 100% cotton, this shirt boasts an ATPV rating of 9.2 calories/cm². It’s sewn with Nomex thread and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Wrangler shirts are renowned for their superior fit. The Wrangler Riggs Workwear FR Long Sleeve Welding Shirt uses button fasteners, which are generally more secure than snaps when it comes to shirt closures. However, it’s worth noting that these buttons are plastic and not made of leather, wood, shell, or similar non-melting material.
This shirt’s lightweight and breathable composition allows for optimal comfort, but the material may feel rather stiff until it has been washed extensively. The design showcases two spacious chest pockets with button flaps. One of the pockets also features a smaller inner pocket specifically designed for holding pencils and a scribe. The shirt offers a uniform fit and has a loose cut.
5. LAPCO IGR7 Lightweight Cotton Flame Retardant Work Shirt
- Made of 100% flame retardant cotton
- 7 oz fabric grade
- Double needle suture
- Button strap with four rows of seams
- Incorporates Nomex thread
Advantages:
- Snap fasteners
- Button collar
- Moisture management treatment
- Back pleats allow freedom of movement
- Suitable for uniform wear
Disadvantages:
- Plastic buttons
- Inconsistent fit
Overview:
The LAPCO IGR7 Lightweight Cotton Flame Retardant Work Shirt is composed of 100% cotton twill and possesses an HRC Class 2 rating, making it a commonly seen shirt among welders. The shirt features double stitching and a front button strap with four rows of stitching for enhanced security and durability. The fabric, which weighs 7 oz, contributes to excellent breathability.
Constructed with Nomex thread, the LAPCO IGR7 Lightweight Cotton Flame Retardant Work Shirt is secured with a button closure and features a buttoned collar for a polished appearance. However, the plastic buttons – instead of being crafted from materials like leather, wood, or shell – can melt. Some users have reported size inconsistency with this shirt, experiencing both oversized and undersized fits.
A notable feature of this shirt is its pleats at the back, providing ease of movement. The LAPCO IGR7 Lightweight Cotton Flame Retardant Work Shirt is also treated with LAPCO’s “Moisture Management” technology, ensuring a dry, cool, and breathable shirt.
Remember, welding shirts are essential for your safety, offering protection from sparks, splatter, and potential fires. Choose wisely to ensure you’re equipped with the most suitable shirt for your welding needs.