There can be no compromise on safety, no matter where you work. People working in dangerous environments know all too well that they shouldn’t operate without safety gear. Let’s find out some of the best welding shirts.
A forging workshop or a blacksmithing workshop comprises of dangerous equipment that can lead to a serious injury.
There are different tools and gear you can use to protect yourselves from heavy machinery or welding sparks. People working in these conditions wear thick clothes, gloves, and proper goggles.
There are unique flame-resistant shirts available on the market these days that can keep you safe from burns.
These shirts are made in a way that they resist all kinds of flames and high temperatures. They also protect the person from sharp metal spikes that spit out from grinding and welding.
If you’re new to this line of dangerous work, then you need to get yourself one of these flame-resistant shirts, at least.
Many beginners fail to decide which shirt they should buy, which brand to trust, and what size to get. We’ve come up with four of the best picks from which you can choose your desired one.
Give these reviews a read as they’ll help you decide which one is best for you.
- Carhartt Company Gear Collection
- 6-ounce FR twill: 88% cotton/12% high-tenacity nylon
- Work-Dry® material wicks away moisture for comfort
- Anti-odor fabric treatment
Why do we like it?
This shirt is our pick from the list of top four. It costs more than the others, but that surely comes with its advantages. It comes in different sizes to fit all. Also, it comes in a variety of colors and is made from 88% cotton and 12% nylon.
Flame resistant shirts are essential for all types of workers who expose themselves to dangerous environments.
These environments include working at a forge or a blacksmithing workshop or any other work that requires dealing with heavy loads or burning/flammable objects.
This is the best choice among others on our list because it provides some extra features like it’s imported, has button closure, and is a wash dry. This means that it repels moisture and keeps the user dry.
It’s made from high tenacity nylon and has undergone anti-odor treatment. This shirt is comfortable to wear and smells pleasant. It’s made from lightweight 6-ounce FR twill, meaning that it’s convenient to wear on warmer days.
Unlike many other models that are thick and heavy, this is lightweight but does not compromise on its efficiency.
It’s manufactured by Carhartt Sportswear and has a slight issue with size. The sizes differ from other models, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be fine.
Pro Tip
Just keep in mind that the size may be a bit bigger when compared with other brands. So, when you buy, order one that is slightly smaller than your usual size.
This shirt is perfect for light to medium work or light welding. It can’t handle too much abuse. If not treated well, it may wear out soon, or the buttons may fall off.
Here are some of the summarized pros and cons of this product.
Pros
It’s work dry, meaning that it resists moisture.
It has undergone anti-odor fabric treatment.
Comes in full sleeves with two pockets.
It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Cons
The sizes are different from other manufacturers and models.
It can’t handle heavy workloads and may wear soon.
- 8 oz. flame resistant cotton work shirt
- Long sleeve protection
- Limited wash FR per ASTM 1506
- For secondary protection or very light welding only
Why do we like it?
This shirt is the runner up in our list of best flame-resistant shirts. It’s denim and can be bought for a lower price than our top pick. It does miss out on several premium qualities that we found in our top pick, but it’s excellent for the low-price tag.
Flame resistant shirts are a must if you’re working in environments such as welding workshops and forges. Even a little protection can be the difference between life and death. This shirt provides precisely that and can save your life.
It’s comfortable to wear, not as much as the previous one but it does the job well. It’s slightly thicker and heavier than our top pick, but the price tag justifies that. The material is cotton and is 8-ounce flame resistant.
It comes in long sleeves and two pockets. The chest pockets have flaps with durable metal snaps. It only comes in one color, but that’ll not be an issue for most people. It’s not an excellent choice for high temperature welding or heavy loads.
The sizes are as described, and unlike the previous one, they fit perfectly. The customer reviews have been satisfactory, and most of them loved this shirt.
This can be an excellent choice for people who are not looking for some premium features and just want raw protection. For the price tag, this is a great value.
Just keep in mind some pros and cons of this shirt before you decide.
Pros
It has durable metal flaps and snaps.
It’s 8-ounce flame resistant.
Does not wear and tear over time quickly.
Advertised sizes fit perfectly.
Costs a lot less for its features.
Cons
Not ideal for high temperatures and extreme welding or forging.
Offers little protection against hot metal shards during excessive welding, and they burn right through.
- MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION: Flame Resistant 88% Cotton /12% Nylon twill light weight fabric. Fabric weight is 7 oz / sq yd. Fabric complies to ASTM F1506 for Arc Flash and NFPA 2112 (ASTM F1930) for Flash Fire. Minimum Arc Flash rating (ATPV) is 12 Cal / cm2 and complies with HRC 2 rating. Garment is NFPA 2112 / HRC 2 compliant and UL CERTIFIED. Fabric is mercerized and designed to provide minimal shrinkage, maximum comfort and optimum safety and durability.
- DESIGN & SIZING: Full sleeve with cuffs. Western style front open with Pearl Snap buttons. Action back pleats. 2 breast pockets, with flaps and snap closure. Pen slot on left breast pocket. Designed with optimum Safety, Performance, Style and Value in mind. Manufactured to US Standard Size Charts. Refer to Size Chart Image
- COMPLIANCE: NFPA 2112 (ASTM F 1930) Compliant for Flash Fire. ASTM F1506 (D6413 + F1959) Compliant for Arc Flash. HRC 2 (ATPV of 12 Cal / cm2). UL Certified (check labels for UL Stamp). All our NFPA 2112 / HRC 2 garments are identified by 3 point labeling system.
- WASH / CARE INSTRUCTIONS. FR cotton based fabrics must be well cared to extend life and minimize shrinkage. Follow Wash and Care instructions provided. Our Fabrics are mercerized to minimize shrinkage. However, it is recommended to wash in mild temps and mild detergents to extend life. For garments worn on top of other garments or to have looser / comfort fit or if your garments will undergo routine industrial washes, we recommend one size up on the garment.
- QUALITY / CUSTOMER CARE Just In Trend values and strives for Complete Customer Satisfaction and hopes to earn a 5 star on every transactions. We believe unconditional Customer Service is at the core of our success. Providing best quality, best value and fully compliant products ensures protecting YOU….and YOUR wallet. We routinely seek Customer input and comments to continuously make improvement to our products. Any and every input is appreciated.
Why do we like it?
This one is another great pick from our list of top four flame resistant shirts. It’s two-tone and made from lightweight materials. The blend is 88% cotton and 12% nylon. It’s washable and soft to touch, making it comfortable to wear and look good.
It’s either made in the USA or imported with high-quality snap buttons at sleeves, front, and pockets.
It comes in a large variety of colors so you can choose whichever you like. It can be washed, but you have to be careful.
Do not use any chlorine or hydrogen peroxide while cleaning this shirt. It’s dry cleanable, and you can also wash it with detergent for up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Just remember to not mix it up with other non-flame-resistant shirts while washing or you’ll end up with a big mess.
This shirt made its way in our list of top four best flame-resistant shirts because of its high quality and a variety of color options. Also, because it provides all that with a low-price tag, same as our runner up pick.
This is an excellent option for you if you’re looking for variety and quality for a small price tag. It has a full sleeve design with standard cuffs and western-style snap buttons all over the front.
It’s made from a single piece of fabric, and the collars are turned down with a 3-inch finished width.
It does come with a few pros and cons, like all the other flame-resistant shirts on our list.
Pros
It comes in a wide variety of color choices.
It’s comfortable to wear and soft to touch.
The snaps are all western-style and look good.
It’s dry cleanable.
Cons
It’s not ideal for extreme welding as it’s slightly thinner than other options.
It shrinks after a couple of washes.
The snaps may be broken out of the box or might break after slight usage.
- MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION: Flame Resistant 88% Cotton /12% Nylon twill light weight fabric. Fabric weight is 7 oz / sq yd. Fabric complies to ASTM F1506 for Arc Flash and NFPA 2112 (ASTM F1930) for Flash Fire. Minimum Arc Flash rating (ATPV) is 12 Cal / cm2 and complies with HRC 2 rating. Garment is NFPA 2112 / HRC 2 compliant and UL CERTIFIED. Fabric is mercerized and designed to provide minimal shrinkage, maximum comfort and optimum safety and durability.
- DESIGN & SIZING: Full sleeve with cuffs. Western style front open with Pearl Snap buttons. Action back pleats. 2 breast pockets, with flaps and snap closure. Pen slot on left breast pocket. Designed with optimum Safety, Performance, Style and Value in mind. Manufactured to US Standard Size Charts. Refer to Size Chart Image.
- COMPLIANCE: NFPA 2112 (ASTM F 1930) Compliant for Flash Fire. ASTM F1506 (D6413 + F1959) Compliant for Arc Flash. HRC 2 (ATPV of 12 Cal / cm2). UL Certified (check labels for UL Stamp). All our NFPA 2112 / HRC 2 garments are identified by 3 point labeling system.
- WASH / CARE INSTRUCTIONS. FR cotton based fabrics must be well cared to extend life and minimize shrinkage. Follow Wash and Care instructions provided. Our Fabrics are mercerized to minimize shrinkage. However, it is recommended to wash in mild temps and mild detergents to extend life. For garments worn on top of other garments or to have looser / comfort fit or if your garments will undergo routine industrial washes, we recommend one size up on the garment.
- QUALITY / CUSTOMER CARE Just In Trend values and strives for Complete Customer Satisfaction and hopes to earn a 5 star on every transactions. We believe unconditional Customer Service is at the core of our success. Providing best quality, best value and fully compliant products ensures protecting YOU….and YOUR wallet. We routinely seek Customer input and comments to continuously make improvement to our products. Any and every input is appreciated.
Why do we like it?
This flame-resistant shirt is the last one on our list. This product is our budget pick because it costs slightly less than others but has pretty much the same features. It’s made from the same blend of fabric containing 88% cotton and 12% nylon.
It’s either made in the USA or imported the same as the previous one. The quality of the fabric is top-notch for the price tag it comes with. It has button closure, though they are not metal, they still work fine.
It, too, has the western style snap buttons and two chest pockets with flaps and snaps. It’s available in many different color options, and all of them are single tone. If you want a top-quality shirt with a variety of different colors, then this is the best option with a low-price tag.
Most other shirts shrink or are different from the advertised size, but not this one. It’s recommended by the manufacturer that you buy the exact size that you usually wear.
There are some issues with the color of the shirt. They are slightly different from the ones advertised, so keep that in mind. Also, the snaps are not heavy duty and wear off quickly compared to the other shirts on our list.
Now for some pros and cons of this shirt, that’ll help you reach a final decision about buying this shirt.
Pros
It costs quite less than the other picks on our list.
The product has a variety of color options.
It’s a single tone and fits perfectly.
Cons
It may shrink when washed, so keep that in mind when ordering.
The snaps are not top quality and wear off quickly.
Not ideal for extreme welding.
The research
Are these shirts available for women as well?
Are the sizes different from the ones advertised?
Can they help protect against welding shards or grinding metal shards?
Who should get this?
These shirts are perfect for workers who are exposed to extreme working conditions. These conditions may include high temperatures, exposure to sharp metal shards, welding, and metal grinding tools. And many other similar working environments.
Personal safety should be a worker’s top priority. You can get severe burns or cuts if you’re not wearing proper gear. These shirts offer the best protection against light welding or harsh work environments.
Why you should trust us?
We gathered all the available data from the seller and customer reviews and compiled them in the reviews above. You can rest assured that these product reviews will help you make the best decision.
How we picked?
There are several factors at play when deciding on the best flame-resistant shirt.
- Fabric: Most people are concerned about the type of fabric used in these shirts. The cotton ones shrink after being washed, so they have issues with the size.
There are many different types of shirts out there, all made from various blends of materials. Make sure you know what you’re looking for. - Color choice: This might not be a concern for most people as the primary goal of these shirts is to protect you from flames. But still, some people like having different color options.
- Durability: Some of these shirts offered better quality than others like metal snaps and high resistance to flames. Make sure you get the best one for the budget you have.
How we tested?
The quality and performance of each shirt were determined by the information provided by the seller and manufacturer. The customer reviews helped reveal the key pros and cons of each product.
Care and maintenance tips
These shirts are not the perfect ones out there. They need some maintenance if they are to last long. You should take care when washing them. Also, avoid using them in extremely harsh conditions as they are not built for those.
Are these shirts available for women as well?
No, these particular ones are only for men. You can search for the online marketplace for different types of flame-resistant shirts for women.
Are the sizes different from the ones advertised?
The sizes depend on certain factors. Some manufacturer’s products have a different size than the ones advertised, and some shirts shrink after washing. Make sure you know what you’re buying before you proceed to make a decision.
Can they help protect against welding shards or grinding metal shards?
Keep in mind that these are made for light protection against fire and heat instruments. If put up against burning metal shards from welding and grinding, they might wear and tear much quickly.
Conclusion
There you have it, a complete guide to help you decide a flame-resistant shirt that’s best suited to your budget and liking. Make sure to go through each review before making a final decision.
It may not look like a big deal to some people, and they generally don’t bother going into the details when buying a flame-resistant shirt online. But if you make the wrong move, you might end up losing your money and time.