When you’re chest-deep in a welding project, safety matters. A dependable welding shirt is your first line of defense against burns, sparks, and molten metal. That’s why investing in a high-quality welding shirt is essential.
The best shirts that have served me well in the past are made from 100% cotton, are NFPA 70E rated, and are at least 7oz in weight. If the shirt is too light, it won’t provide good enough protection.
In this guide, I’ll walk through all the factors that make a good welding shirt and recommend the 6 various types, so you can choose one that suits your needs.
A Quick Look at the Best Welding Shirts
- Best All Round: Lincoln Electric Lightweight Welding Shirt
- Most Popular: Carhartt Flame Resistant Classic Twill Shirt
- Best Western Style: Wrangler Cowboy Cut Western Shirt
- Best Budget: KONRECO FR Welding Shirt
- Best Heavy Duty Fabric: Lapco FR INKWS-17 Welder’s Shirt
- Best Lightweight: BOCOMAL FR Lightweight Welding Shirt
What Makes a Shirt Good for Welding?
ANSI Standard Z49.1 specifies that all welding clothing should be flame-resistant (FR).
A good welding shirt should incorporate the following features for optimal safety and comfort:
- Flame-Resistant Material: The fabric should be flame-resistant to guard against sparks and spatter.
- NFPA 2112 & 70E Approved: Ensure the shirt meets these safety standards for protection against flash fire and electrical hazards.
- Fabric Weight: A heavier fabric generally offers better protection but could compromise comfort. Finding a balance between the two is crucial.
- Breathability: The fabric should also allow air circulation to keep you comfortable during extended work periods. This will be directly related to the weight of the fabric you choose.
- Coverage: Long sleeves and a high collar are essential for protecting exposed skin.
- Stitching: Look for reinforced stitching for added durability and FR properties like Nomex or FR cotton.
- Snug Fit: The shirt should fit well without restricting movement.
- Closure Type: Opt for snaps or buttons made from flame-resistant material for quick and easy emergency removal.
- Pockets (optional): These should have safety-designed flaps to keep debris out.
Not all welders follow these guidelines. Some might wear regular shirts, while others wear FR shirts, but they’re not certified to ANSI Z49.1.
For some, the choice depends on comfort, but it bears pointing out that certified FR clothing offers the best protection from welding hazards.
The type of welding process you’re using matters to the amount of protection needed. Processes that generate more heat or sparks, such as stick welding, demand more protection.
For high heat, molten metal, or showers of sparks, a heavier FR shirt or a welding jacket might be necessary. Always match your safety gear to the intensity of each welding job.
A Note About FR Fabrics
Flame-resistant fabrics are chemically treated and designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish if exposed to flames or heat. They provide a barrier that helps protect the wearer from burns and thermal exposure.
However, it’s important to understand that FR clothing isn’t fireproof; it can still catch fire under certain conditions and isn’t a substitute for proper safety measures.
FR Standards
Two FR standards from the National Fire Protection Administration apply to welding shirts: NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112.
NFPA 70E governs electrical safety in the workplace. It specifies an Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV) of at least 8 cal/cm² for welding shirts. This value indicates the level of protection against electric arc hazards. The risk of electric arc flash in welding is high; having a shirt with a suitable ATPV helps protect welders from burns and other arc-related injuries.
NFPA 211 is for flame-resistant industrial clothing. This rule specifies fabrics that meet particular levels of protection from heat and flames. This ensures the shirt will resist ignition and self-extinguish more effectively, reducing the chances of a fire spreading on the welder’s clothing.
Is a 100% Cotton Shirt Good for Welding?
Yes, but only if the shirt is thick enough. The OSHA states, “clothing made from 100% cotton or wool may be acceptable if its weight is appropriate for the flame and electric arc conditions to which a worker could be exposed.
As heat levels increase, these materials won’t melt, but they can ignite and continue to burn. The amount of heat required to ignite these materials is dependent upon a number of factors, including the weight, texture, weave, and color of the material.”
6 Best Welding Shirts
1. Lincoln Electric Lightweight Flame Retardant Black Welding Shirt
Best All-Round
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The Lincoln Electric Lightweight Flame Retardant Black Welding Shirt offers a good balance of protection and comfort.
Lightweight FR fabric is perfect for long welding sessions. Long sleeves and a flip-up collar keep your neck and arms safe. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice regardless of your experience level.
| Fabric Type | 100% cotton |
| Flame Resistant? | Yes |
| Fabric Weight | 9 oz |
| NFPA 2112 Approved? | Yes |
| NFPA 70E Approved? | Yes |
| Closure Type | Snaps |
| Other Colors? | No |
| Price Range | $$$$$ |
Pros
- Lightweight, comfortable for long shifts
- Long sleeves and high collar for good coverage
- Adjustable design for a secure fit
Cons
- Shrinks when washed
- Stiff material can be irritating
- Tight for arms and cuffs, restricting movement
The Lincoln Electric K3113 FR Welding Shirt is one of the most popular and probably my favorite. Made of 100 percent FR cotton with a 9-ounce rating that’s not too heavy or light, it has metal fasteners with multiple snaps on the cuffs. Large pockets offer big flaps and metal snaps.
This shirt is durable, with reinforced shoulders, neck, sleeve cuffs, and collar. Each area has layered construction for extra protection and wear resistance. Sometimes, the tight-fitting sleeves and cuffs are restrictive if you’ve got big arms.
The Lincoln Electric K3113 FR Welding Shirt features anti-mildew and anti-static treatments on top of the flame-resistant treatment.
The collar flips up for better neck protection. This shirt shrinks when first washed, so remember that when choosing which size to buy.
2. Carhartt Flame Resistant Classic Twill Shirt
Most Popular
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
When you want style and durability, the Carhartt Flame Resistant Classic Twill Shirt offers a perfect blend of fashion and function. It’s comfortable and lightweight yet carries a high Thermal Protection Value. An anti-odor treatment and the cotton/nylon blend improve comfort.
| Fabric Type | 100% cotton |
| Flame Resistant? | Yes |
| Fabric Weight | 7 oz |
| NFPA 2112 Approved? | Yes) |
| NFPA 70E Approved? | Yes |
| Closure Type | Buttons |
| Other Colors? | Yes, various |
| Price Range | $$$$$ |
Pros
- Durable fabric designed for tough welding jobs
- Stylish, versatile design fits well
- Triple-stitched seams improve durability
Cons
- Sizes run large, affecting comfort
- Buttons are plastic and may not last
- Small pockets can’t even hold glasses
The Carhartt Flame Resistant Classic Twill Shirt combines style and durability, making it one of the most popular FR welding shirts. Its light-yet-robust 7-ounce cotton twill FR fabric can take the toughest welding tasks.
The classic design makes it a versatile choice. The shirt tail makes for a good fit when tucked in. With triple-stitched seams and reinforced elbows, this shirt lasts. The sizing runs on the larger side, which can be a comfort for shorter or slimmer welders.
This option is lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot environments or a summer shirt, and has an anti-odor treatment.
The Carhartt Flame Resistant Classic Twill Shirt sports an ATPV rating of 8.7, impressive for 7-ounce fabric, due to an 88 percent cotton/12 percent nylon blend instead of straight cotton.
The sleeve cuff buttons can be a melting problem because they’re plastic instead of wood, metal, or shell.
3. Wrangler Cowboy Cut Western Shirt
Best Western Style
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The Wrangler Cowboy Cut Western Shirt makes a good budget-friendly choice. Even without NFPA certification, it has lightweight FR fabric with a great ATPV of 9.2 and blended cotton/nylon for comfortable protection. Its Western styling adds a little class to your work look.
| Fabric Type | 88% cotton, 12% nylon |
| Flame Resistant? | Yes |
| Fabric Weight | 7.5 oz |
| NFPA 2112 Approved? | Yes |
| NFPA 70E Approved? | Yes |
| Closure Type | Snaps |
| Other Colors? | Yes, various |
| Price Range | $ |
Pros
- Affordable option for budget-conscious welders
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Sewn with Nomex thread
Cons
- Plastic buttons
- Stiff material
- Might be too light for cooler environments
The Wrangler Cowboy Cut Western welding shirt is a common shirt you’ll see in shops everywhere. “Cowboy Cut” refers to a narrow tail, broad shoulders, and a snug waist.
Although it’s not NFPA certified, this 100 percent cotton shirt carries an Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV) of 9.2, and it’s sewed with Nomex thread, with a limited lifetime warranty.
One issue with the Wrangler Cowboy Cut Western welding shirt is that it has plastic buttons instead of leather, wood, shell, or similar non-melting material.
The Wrangler Cowboy Cut Western welding shirt breathes well and fits well, but the cloth is stiff until you wear, work, and wash the shirt.
There are two roomy pockets with button flaps. One pocket also has a smaller internal pocket for a scribe or pencil.
4. KONRECO FR Welding Shirt
Best Budget Welding Shirt
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The KONRECO FR Welding Shirt works well for welders who need a reliable welding shirt that combines comfort and function. It’s made from high-quality FR fabric, meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards, and has a choice of colors and styles.
| Fabric Type | 100% cotton |
| Fabric Weight | 7.5 oz |
| NFPA 2112 Approved? | Yes |
| NFPA 70E Approved? | Yes |
| Closure Type | Snaps |
| Other Colors? | Yes, various |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Features like chest pockets and adjustable cuffs enhance functionality
- Stout material breathes well
Cons
- Sizing runs large
- Not NFPA certified but FR treated
- Lengths of the tail and sleeves are inconsistent
The KONRECO FR Welding Shirt is a good choice if you need a stylish, cheap, and reliable FR shirt that protects you from arc flash fire hazards.
The shirt is a lightweight 100% cotton FR fabric, soft and breathable, yet still provides good flame resistance. It’s also got a loose-fitting design, with great arm mobility and a wide range of motion.
This welding shirt comes in several colors and styles, including your choice of buttons or pearl snaps, so you can find one that matches your personal preferences and work environment.
The KONRECO FR Welding Shirt meets safety standards such as ASTM F1506 and NFPA 2112 (ASTM F1930). It has an arc flash rating of 9.2 cal/cm², which is in the HRC 2 range, the minimum rating required for most welding applications.
5. Lapco FR INKWS-17 Flame Resistant Welder’s Shirt
Best Heavy Duty Fabric
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The Lapco FR INKWS-17 Flame Resistant Welder’s Shirt is a good uniform shirt with a tuck pleat in the back. It’s a good choice for welders who need heavy-duty protection from a very durable shirt. The HRC 4 temperature rating is in the highest range specified by NFPA standards.
| Fabric Type | 100% Cotton Twill Gabardine |
| Fabric Weight | 10 oz |
| NFPA 2112 Approved? | Yes |
| NFPA 70E Approved? | Yes |
| Closure Type | Snaps |
| Other Colors? | No |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Pros
- Designed for heavy-duty welding jobs
- Made from a robust 10-ounce FR fabric – one of the heaviest around
- Features like a flame-resistant hood enhance protection
Cons
- Heavy 10-ounce fabric can be quite hot to work in
- Sizes run quite large and might require a return to get the right size
- Heavier construction costs more
- No other colors available
The Lapco FR INKWS-17 Flame Resistant Welder’s Shirt is heavy-duty, crafted from 10-ounce FR fabric for exceptional protection. Features such as a flame-resistant hood and multiple pockets make it a top choice for any welder working on demanding projects.
Four rows of lock stitching on the front helps to prevent unraveling. Double-needle stitches with Nomex on pockets, flaps, and shoulder seams provide rugged durability.
The shirt features a flame-resistant hood and multiple pockets, including two chest pockets, two lower pockets, and an arm pocket. The arm pocket is convenient for storing a welding pencil or other small tools.
The shirt also features a tuck pleat in the back, helping to keep it tucked in even when bending over.
6. BOCOMAL FR 6.25oz Lightweight Welding Shirt
Best Lightweight Welding Shirt
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re looking for a feather-light welding shirt that keeps you comfortable throughout the day, the BOCOMAL FR 6.25oz Lightweight Welding Shirt fits the bill. It’s made from high-quality FR fabric, meets or exceeds applicable safety standards, and makes a great choice for warm weather.
| Fabric Type | 100% Cotton |
| Fabric Weight | 6.25 oz |
| NFPA 2112 Approved? | Yes |
| NFPA 70E Approved? | Yes |
| Closure Type | Buttons |
| Other Colors? | Yes, various |
| Price Range | $$ |
Pros
- Extremely lightweight for maximum comfort
- Long sleeves and a high collar offer good coverage
- Prewashed/preshrunk for a better fit
Cons
- Not for heavy work
- Might be too lightweight for cool environments
- Sizing can be very long
- Button closure is harder to remove that snaps
The BOCOMAL FR 6.25oz Lightweight Welding Shirt is comfortable and durable. It’s made from lightweight 6.25oz cotton twill FR-treated fabric, FR buttons, and FR sewing threads.
This shirt also meets or exceeds the standards for HRC2, arc rating ATPV 8.2 Calories/cm², and the NFPA2112 Standard. It also meets the NFPA70E and ASTM F1506 standards for flame resistance.
The BOCOMAL FR 6.25oz Lightweight Welding Shirt is very comfortable and provides a good fit. It’s wrinkle-free and preshrunk, so it’s easy to keep looking your best.
The BOCOMAL FR 6.25oz is a versatile shirt that you can use in various industrial environments, especially in warm weather.
Wrapping It Up
The best welding shirt for you depends on your unique needs and preferences. Here are my top 3 picks to help you make an informed choice:
- Lincoln Electric Lightweight Flame Retardant Black Welding Shirt: An affordable and comfortable choice, offering reliable protection.
- Carhartt Flame Resistant Classic Twill Shirt: Stylish and durable, perfect for welders who value both fashion and function.
- Wrangler Cowboy Cut Western Shirt: Lightweight, great fit, good looks, and great features.
Any shirts covered here will do a great job in the appropriate setting. Some are too light or heavy for some situations, so pay attention to your fabric weight.