Best Welding Jackets - Our Picks
Welding jackets are not a fashion statement. Your welding jacket protects your upper body and arms from heat, sparks and UV radiation created during welding or grinding. While many welding jackets may look the same on the surface, they’re definitely not all created equally. Some brands go to extra lengths to make certain you’re protected. Some may be lighter and easier to wear in hot environments, while others may double down on heat resistance. If you haven’t purchased a welding jacket yet, we’ve reviewed some of the best on the market in our Best Welding Jackets for 2020 article so you can make an informed decision.
Anatomy of a Welding Jacket
Before buying a jacket, it helps to know the different components that make one up. The first is the shell or outer material. Most welding jackets are made out of leather because it’s durable and resistant to sparks and flames. Another popular material used for shells is Denim. While not as resistant to flames, it tends to breath better and wear lighter compared to leather.
Then there’s the lining. Wool, cotton, nylon, and even satin can be used here. Since the lining isn’t generally exposed to sparks or spatter, it tends to not have the same flame resistance as the outer shell. Different linings can affect how breathable the jacket is as well as overall comfort and ease of removal.
In addition to a jacket’s flame resistance, comfort, fit and price are all important as well. Given that you’ll be spending a lot of time with the jacket on while welding, picking the right style and fit are important. Restrictive or bulky welding jackets can affect your productivity and even your weld quality. With these things in mind, let’s look at some of the best welding jackets you can buy.
Lincoln Electric K2989 Welding Jacket
The stylish K2989 welding jacket by Lincoln Electric comes in a basic black with a red back panel to make sure you stand out. The company is known for their high-quality welding tools, and their jacket is no different. Its durable exterior is made from split cowhide, while the liner is a breathable cotton. Both are flame retardant and will stop sparks and spatter from setting you on fire. You can adjust the length of the sleeves and open the collar for some extra breathability when you’re not welding. This jacket meets ASTM D6413 safety standards.
Pros:
- Heavy duty but still gets good air flow.
- Comes in sizes up to XXX-Large.
Cons:
- A little more expensive than some jackets.
- A bit heavier than other options.
QeeLink Leather Welding Jacket
The QeeLink Leather Welding Jacket is designed for those who do heavy-duty welding and need protection all day. This jacket is made out of split cowhide and its warm brown exterior looks great. The simple design features a large pocket on the inside front for anything you want to protect from the heat and sparks, while smaller pockets on each sleeve are great for pencils and other small items. The reinforced buttons make it easy to adjust the collar and sleeves.
Pros:
- The pockets provide handy storage.
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- Wears hot in the summer.
- Buttons and snaps are low quality.
Waylander JC850 Welding Jacket Split Leather
The Waylander JC850 Welding Jacket is made out of grade A split cow leather along with fire resistant cotton. The lower part of the body is made from cotton, while the leather is used on the upper section, the shoulders, and the sleeves. This helps reduce the overall weight of the jacket and provides some ventilation while still keeping you protected in the areas that matter. It’s an effective combination of materials, and overall the jacket fits very well. Waylander caters to larger individuals by offering sizes up to 4X, which isn’t always available in other options.
Pros:
- Good price and range of sizes.
- Sturdy and offers good protection while also being lightweight.
Cons:
- The stiff collar can be uncomfortable
- Sizing runs small.
Black Stallion JL1030-BB Leather Welding Jacket
The Black Stallion JL1030-BB Leather Welding Jacket is a pretty stylish coat made completely out of split cowhide. It features gusseted underarms for a wider range of movement as well as multiple pockets. The interior of the shoulders features a satin lining that makes it easy to put on and take off the jacket, while the collar is adjustable. While this jacket is a bit warmer than some, it’s also one of the lower priced full leather jackets.
Pros:
- Full leather.
- Adjustable collar.
Cons:
- Cuffs are not adjustable.
- Wears hot in the summer.
- Weak buttons.
Steiner 1260-L Weldlite Welding Coat
While some people might argue that the Steiner 1260 Weldlite welding coat isn’t very stylish with its blue body and brown arms, no one can argue that it protects you from heat and sparks while welding. The center part is made from cotton, while the sleeves are cowhide. This makes it lightweight, so it’s a good summer welding jacket or for those who live in warmer climates. While the body may not be leather, it still offers some protection. It’s also a very good bargain and is priced lower than many other welding jackets.
Pros:
- Much cooler than jackets made fully out of leather.
- Light weight.
- Low price.
Cons:
- It’s not as protective as full leather jackets.
- The collar is unfitted, leaving your neck exposed.
Revco BSX BX9C Cotton Welding Jacket
This cotton welding jacket from Revco may make you pause since it’s not made out of leather. However, while that’s true, it can be a good option if you’re doing general welding and don’t expect any heavy spatter. Because it’s flame-resistant cotton instead of leather, it’s nowhere near as hot. If you’re going to be doing some light welding and don’t want to invest in a more expensive leather jacket, this could be a good option for you. It includes internal pockets to hold various items and has adjustable cuffs and waist strap for the perfect fit.
Pros:
- Lightweight and wears cool.
- Very inexpensive.
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer great protection from spatter.
- Definitely designed for light work.
Conclusion
So which welding jacket is right for you? As you can see, there are definitely some options out there. By comparing the materials used in each, looking at the style of the jackets, and taking the price into consideration, you’ll be able to determine which of these options are right for you.
