Top 5 Best Welding Jackets of 2022

Welding can be a satisfying and lucrative career, but it has the potential to be a dangerous one, too. To protect against the hazards of welding, professionals and hobbyists alike don personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the risks.

This equipment includes safety glasses, a welding helmet, ear protection, gloves, and a welding jacket. Some welders may question the need for a welding jacket, but there is no question: you need a fire-resistant welding jacket because you are working up close and personal with fire and the flying sparks that could ignite you.

If we have convinced you that wearing a welding jacket is not an option, your next question is likely to be, “How do I know which are the best welding jackets?” We can answer that by looking at the factors that make a quality welding jacket and then coming up with a list of jackets that meet the criteria. The first step is to consider the material.

What is the best material for a welding jacket?

Welding jackets must be fire-resistant and durable and provide electrical resistance, thermal insulation, and heat protection. It should be made from high-quality materials, or it won’t be durable and protect you as thoroughly as it should.

Here are the most common materials:

• Leather: Leather welding jackets have been the traditional choice because of their abrasion and puncture resistance. More importantly, leather has thermal and fire resistance, durability, flexibility, and warmth properties. It is the favorite of welders working in cooler environments and those who engage in high-end MIG and TIG welding.
• Cotton: Are cotton welding jackets any good? Some welders prefer them, while others question their worth. However, cotton is inexpensive, light, and comfortable, especially in warmer climates. The cotton welding jacket will suffice for those who perform light to medium welding. Although cotton is flammable, these jackets are chemically altered to provide fire resistance.
• Nylon/Kevlar: Although most synthetic fabrics are not recommended for welding jackets, nylon is the exception. It is stretchable, lightweight, and washable, and when you combine it with Kevlar, it produces a jacket that withstands heavy-duty welding work and other industrial welding hazards.

How long should a welding jacket last?

Like your other welding clothing and supplies that wear out, so will your welding jacket. How long it lasts depends on several factors, not the least of which is the amount of use and the wear it sustains. Most welding jackets are designed to give you 3 to 5 years of service, but their life could be considerably shorter with everyday use. The flame and heat-resistant properties of the jacket will eventually break down, so be prepared to buy a new one every few years.

Should you focus on the material or comfort when choosing a welding jacket?

The overriding factor in picking the right welding jacket is safety. If you’re doing heavy-duty welding in cold weather, a leather welding jacket will offer comfort and protection, although at a higher price. If you’re more comfortable in cotton or nylon and they provide protection from the type of welding you’re doing, they should work well.

Some manufacturers give high-quality material and comfort in their welding jackets, and we will help you find one that meets your needs. Remember, wearing the wrong welding jacket can expose you to injury, so choose your next one carefully!

Without further ado, here they are…

The best welding jackets of 2022

Here are this year’s 5 Best Welding Jackets, including the pros and cons of each:

1. Lincoln Electric K2989 Welding Jacket

The Lincoln Electric K2989 is a heavy-duty leather welding jacket ideal for a professional welding environment. The front, arms, and sides are cowhide leather, while the backside is breathable and flame-resistant cotton, adding to the jacket’s comfort level.

An ergonomic arm design provides maximum movement while working, and an upright leather collar protects the welder’s neck. A three-layer button liner keeps out the hot sparks. Designed for comfort, the K2989 is perfect for out-of-position and overhead work.

Pros:

• Ideal for heavy-duty and industrial purposes
• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Adjustable cuffs
• Thick leather for maximum protection
• Good out-of-position and overhead work

Cons:

• Leather makes the jacket heavy
• Uncomfortable in hot conditions
• The bottom buttons can pop open when kneeling
• Expensive

Price: $130.00

2. Miller Electric 2241909 Welding Jacket

The Miller Electric 2241909 is a lightweight and comfortable welding jacket of 88 percent cotton and 12 percent Nylon. The breathable material allows you to stay cool on the hottest summer days while providing good protection from heat and sparks. However, it will not offer protection from large splashes of molten metal, or significant spatter droplets.

A stand-up welder’s collar protects your neck from hot metal debris and sparks, and a handy inside pocket gives you tool storage and keeps you from having numerous trips to the toolbox. This jacket has some good design features, but don’t expect it to stand up to harsh working conditions as well as a leather welding jacket.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Lightweight
• Good collar and cuff coverage
• Adjustable waist
• Ideal for hot weather

Cons:

• Won't protect as well as leather
• Not very durable

Price: $33.50

3. QeeLink Leather Welding Jacket

The QeeLink industrial-strength welding coat is made from split cowhide and sewn with Kevlar, making it an excellent choice for overhead welding and practically any welding method. Its adjustable collar and cuffs prevent sparks or molten metal from entering, and several pockets provide storage for tools and consumables.

Although this leather welding jacket offers excellent protection and value, it is heavy and could be uncomfortably hot during the summer months. However, QeeLink provides a full refund for those not 100% satisfied with the jacket.

Pros:

• Low-to-medium price range
• Adjustable collar and cuffs
• Split cowhide leather with Kevlar stitching
• Heavy-duty
• Tool pockets

Cons:

• Heavy
• Hot in the summer

Price: $75.00

4. Black Stallion JL1030-BB Leather Welding Jacket

The Black Stallion JL1030 features complete cowhide leather construction with a gusset patch under each arm, allowing a greater range of movement and adding strength to a high-wear area. A satin lining across the shoulders and down the sleeves reduces friction, making it easier to slip the jacket on and off.

The Black Stallion includes adjustable waist and sleeve cuffs and an upright collar to maximize protection from hot metal spatter shooting at your neck. A scribe pocket on the arm and a large pocket on the waist offer room for gloves and other small items.

Pros:

• Low-to-medium price range
• Adjustable collar
• Split cowhide leather with Kevlar stitching
• Heavy-duty
• Tool pockets
• Satin-lined shoulders and sleeves

Cons:

• No cuff adjustments
• Hot in the summer

Price: $80.00

5. Carhartt FRS003 Flame Resistant Lightweight Welding Shirt

Because the brand is popular with welders, many ask: “Are Carhartt jackets good for welding?” Although the Carhartt FRS003 is not officially a jacket, we have included it on the list for its flame-resistant lightweight properties and its popularity. Still, it has an Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) of 8.7, which is excellent for a six-ounce twill fabric.

Made of 88 percent cotton and 12 percent Nylon, the FRS003 has an anti-odor treatment and a moisture-wicking system, making it ideal for summer wear. Its button-down flaps, relatively large chest pockets, and double button cuffs are some of its other features.

Pros:

• Machine washable
• Button-flap pockets
• Lightweight
• Moisture-wicking
• Two-button sleeve cuffs

Cons:

• Sizes run large
• Plastic buttons could melt
• More a shirt than a welding coat

Price: $70.00

Welding jackets are not an option

Safe welding habits dictate that you will always need one of the best welding jackets. Although this list is not exhaustive, the guidelines should help you select an appropriate one for you. Some jackets are made for specific types of welding and various conditions, and only you can judge which one will work best for you!