Stepping into the welding arena demands not only skills but also the right gear. And when we say gear, a Flame Resistant (FR) welding shirt is high up on that list. It’s not just about shielding your skin, but also about ensuring comfort during those long working hours.
In this guide, we’ve scoured the market to present the top 7 best FR welding shirts of 2023. These are the ones that made the cut based on their flame resistance, comfort, durability, and customer reviews.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced welder, this curated list is designed to help you make an informed decision. Let’s fire up the details!
Why Do You Need Fr Shirts for Welding?
As a welder, your safety is paramount. FR (Flame Resistant) shirts offer critical protection against the hazards of welding, including flying sparks, spatter, and intense heat. They are designed to resist ignition, and if they do catch fire, they self-extinguish once the source of ignition is removed.
- They shield against burns: Welding sparks can reach 2750°F, a temperature that regular shirts can’t withstand.
- They mitigate arc flash/blast risks: These intense bursts of energy can result in severe burns or other injuries.
- They’re a must-have for industry compliance: Many workplaces mandate the use of FR clothing for safety.
A reliable FR shirt is more than a uniform—it’s a vital component of your personal protective equipment (PPE). These shirts are usually made from a combination of flame-resistant materials designed to deliver comfort without compromising safety.
Difference between FR Welding Shirt & Jacket
Choosing the right protective gear for welding, such as FR welding shirts or jackets, depends on the specific demands of your job. Both have their unique strengths and are suitable for different situations.
Here’s what to look for:
- FR Welding Shirts: These are typically lighter, allowing greater mobility. Ideal for less intense welding tasks, especially in hotter conditions.
- FR Welding Jackets: They offer enhanced protection, covering more body area. Suitable for more intense welding applications and cooler environments.
The key difference lies in the balance between comfort and protection. FR shirts, being lighter and more breathable, are more comfortable for extended wear and offer ample protection for most welding tasks.
Jackets, on the other hand, provide enhanced protection, including arms and often neck area, making them the go-to choice for high-risk welding applications. However, their increased bulk may reduce comfort and mobility over time, making it essential to select according to your specific needs.
Top 7 FR Welding Shirts
Here are the top 7 FR Welding Shirts as of 2023.
- Carhartt Flame Resistant Lightweight Twill Shirt
Designed with a lightweight, flame-resistant twill, Carhartt’s shirt provides the ideal blend of comfort, durability, and safety, especially for hot weather welding.
The Carhartt Flame Resistant shirt is a reliable choice for welders who need to balance protection with comfort, particularly in hot climates. It ensures safety without compromising wearability.
Pros
- Flame-resistant lightweight material
- Comfortable and durable design
- Ideal for hot weather welding
Cons
- May not be as breathable as other options
- Sizing may run large for some
Its price is $79 - Ariat Men’s Flame Resistant Work Shirt
A blend of safety and style, this Ariat shirt is made from 100% FR cotton, offering superior flame resistance. Its relaxed fit and stylish design keep you looking professional.
Ariat’s Flame Resistant Work Shirt is a premium choice for welders who value both safety and style. It’s a high-quality shirt designed to provide excellent protection and aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- 100% FR cotton for flame resistance
- Relaxed fit for comfort
- Stylish design
Cons
- Higher price point
- Less durable than some other options
Its price is $100 - Bulwark FR Men’s Work Shirt
Providing a blend of protection and comfort, Bulwark’s shirt is made from 100% FR cotton. The fabric prevents ignition and contains flames, while its roomy design allows excellent mobility.
Bulwark’s FR Men’s Work Shirt is a solid choice for welders who prioritize functionality and safety. The shirt offers excellent flame resistance while facilitating mobility.
Pros
- 100% FR cotton
- Comfortable relaxed fit
- Rugged and durable construction
Cons
- May shrink with washing
- Limited color options
Its price is $65 - Wrangler Riggs Workwear FR Long Sleeve Shirt
This shirt by Wrangler features a comfortable relaxed fit and is made from flame-resistant 100% cotton. Designed with the ruggedness that Wrangler is known for, it’s a reliable choice for welding work.
The Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s FR Work Shirt offers the durability that Wrangler is renowned for, coupled with flame-resistant safety measures. It’s a sturdy, reliable choice for any welder.
Pros
- 100% FR cotton
- Durable shape
- Rugged and durable stitching
Cons
- Shrinks over time
- Fewer color options
Its price is $119 - Lincoln Electric Black Flame-Resistant Shirt
Featuring premium flame-resistant fabric, this shirt from Lincoln Electric provides excellent protection against sparks and spatter. Its reinforced design makes it a durable choice for welding tasks.
Lincoln Electric’s Flame-Resistant Welding Shirt is a top-notch choice for those who need exceptional protection. Its high-quality design and premium fabric make it an excellent investment.
Pros
- Premium FR fabric
- Reinforced design for durability
- Adjustable cuffs for wrist and forearm protection
Cons
- Premium price point
- May be warmer than other options
Its price is $87 - Rasco FR Men’s Work Shirt
This shirt from Benchmark is made from ultra-lightweight FR fabric. With its unique silver color, it reflects radiant heat, reducing the risk of burns.
The Benchmark FR Silver Bullet Welding Shirt offers a unique approach to safety with its heat-reflecting silver design. Its lightweight construction makes it an excellent choice for those who need flexibility and movement while working.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight FR fabric
- Reflects radiant heat
- Unique silver color design
Cons
- Not as durable as heavier options
- Can fade quickly
Its price is $59 - Benchmark FR Silver Bullet Shirt
A blend of safety and comfort, this shirt is made from 7 oz. flame-resistant treated cotton. It’s a classic and reliable choice for old-school welders.
The Revco Black Stallion FS7-KHK Khaki FR Welding Shirt is a staple for any welder’s wardrobe. It offers reliable protection and comfort at a reasonable price, making it a great choice for everyday use.
Its price is $120
Pros
- 7 oz. flame-resistant treated cotton
- Classic, comfortable design
- Good value for money
Cons
- Not as stylish
- May run large in size
FR Welders Shirts Types
Flame-Resistant (FR) Welder’s Shirts are not one-size-fits-all. They come in a variety of types and styles designed to cater to the diverse needs of welders.
Depending on the nature of your welding job, the environment, and personal comfort preferences, you might opt for one type of shirt over another.
- Long-Sleeve Shirts: These offer comprehensive arm protection, essential for welding operations that involve substantial heat and spatter.
- T-Shirts: These are ideal for lighter welding tasks or hot environments. They offer less protection but provide enhanced breathability and comfort.
- FR Welders Jackets: Designed for extreme welding conditions, these offer the most robust protection covering the arms, torso, and often part of the neck.
- Button-Down Shirts: Classic in design, these shirts combine comfort and protection. They are typically constructed with sturdy FR materials.
- FR Welder Hoodies: They offer added protection to the head and neck, making them a suitable choice for outdoor welding or colder working environments.
When choosing the type of your FR welder’s shirt, remember that the key is to strike a balance between safety and comfort.
Check out our FREE Welding Shirts Guide to know everything about welding and the ideal equipment that ensures safety without compromising style.