Safety is an important part of any activity and welding is not an exception. The searing heat, foggy fumes, sizzling sparks, and the fiery flashes produced when welding makes welding one of the most dangerous occupations. While working with hot metal, whether grinding, cutting or welding, it’s very essential that you keep yourself protected.
You should not underestimate the value of purchasing the best protective equipment. Besides boots, jacket and helmet, you will also need to get the best flame resistant welding pants. And With so many options available in the market, choosing the correct pair of welding pants is not going to be an easy task especially if you are new into the welding industry.
But if you are looking for the best work pants for welding which are affordable, fashionable and quality assured, you are in the right place.
Here are our top 3 picks if you are in a hurry:
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Welding Chaps Vs Pants-Which one is better?
Welders are always at risk on the job regardless of whether they are new or experienced welders. During welding, intensive heat, fumes, and sparks are emitted which can be very dangerous. And this called for the need of getting the best safety equipment. Here, we shall be comparing between welding chaps and pants, which is better?
In as much as we want to say that each provides relatively the same level of protection, and the main reason welders use them is to provide protection to the lower parts of the body, they are however two different things. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at each of these separately.
Welding Chaps
Because chaps are quicker and easier to put on and off, most welders prefer to use them for this reason. They also tend to be cooler to use due to the open-back design.
Chaps are well designed with welders in mind; they are more comfortable to use while working. While some welders say chaps are convenient to use, others find them cumbersome while welding. Again, straps are sometimes too long and maybe left dragging on the ground. Straps left hanging can also put you at risk.
Welding Pants
All welding pants are designed with welders in mind; welders can use them and leave them “on” all day long. They provide all-round protection, not only the front of the leg but everywhere.
They are more comfortable to use than chaps and does not involve any tweaks or adjustments. It’s also worth knowing that welding pants are lighter and less restrictive compared to chaps.
However, some people complain about getting sweaty using them all day long.
Best Welding Pants Reviews
1. Carhartt Men’s Flame Resistant Jean Relaxed Fit
- Relaxed fit
- 11.75-ounce, 100% cotton for denim
- Relaxed fit sits slightly below the waist
- Garment washed for soft finish
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First on the list is the Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant relaxed fit jean. Carhartt has been around since 1889, and with over ten decades of experience, Carhartt has yet again produced another first-class grade welding Jean that got people talking.
The Carhartt’s Men’s FR Signatures Denim welding jeans boast of being lightweight, rugged, durable and reliable under the most difficult conditions.
These welding jeans have been tested and trusted to outwork any conditions. Meeting the requirements of NFPA 70E; they are the best you can get ever.
Weighing less than 11 ounces, these jeans are made of 100% cotton fabric and are loaded with lots of important features.
The legs openings fit over boots and are well-tailored to sit slightly below the waist, so you can enjoy relaxed-fitting seat and thigh. Featuring an arc-resistant button closure at waist and a brass zipper fly with Nomex-zipper tape, you will enjoy a long-lasting use.
The back pockets reinforcement and the main seams are double-stitched for durability.
Things We Like:
- 100 percent cotton
- Machine washable
- The relaxed fit is just cool
- Brass zipper fly with Nomex FR-Zipper tape
- Arc-resistant button closure at waist
- Durable
Things That Could Improve:
- The Jean is nice, but the color looks like those from the 80s
- The fabric is good, but the Jean may soften up with time
2. Wrangler RIGGS WORKWEAR Men’s Flame Resistant
- Fire resistant finish
- Improved fit in the seat, thigh, knee and bottom leg opening
- Nomex flame resistant zipper tape
- Arc resistant button waistband closure with concealed inner tack reduces heat conductivity
- Safety orange outside id for high visibility
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next on the shelf is the Wrangler RIGGS WORKWEAR Men’s FR relaxed fit jean. Like the Carhartt, this set of welding Jean has a lot to offer.
It’s a good fit and comes handy in different sizes from 29W by 30L to 42W by 36L. The fabric used in the production of this Jean is flame-resistant and is machine washable.
This jeans also come with a Nomex flame-resistant zipper to boost with it. In the last 7 decades, Wrangler has continued to stake its claims of being the world’s No.1 in the production of jeanswear, casual dress, and fashion forward western inspired wears.
Built to satisfy the requirements and needs of all and sundry, the brand celebrates the rich legacy of quality products that customers crave for.
Wrangler has continued preserving their American legacy while continuing to develop innovative products including traditional and heavy-duty wears. All their jeans are 100% cotton made and are machine washable.
The Wrangler RIGGS WORKWEAR jeans is loaded with such exceptional features you hardly see in any other welding jeans.
Wrangler will always be there for you whatever the day may hold. So, go ahead, be strong, bold and adventurous as you are comfortable wearing your jeans.
Things We Like:
- Comfortable to use, washes great, no shrinkage
- Extra deep front pockets and reinforced back pockets.
- Improved fit in the seat
- Fire-resistant finish
- Minimal heat conductivity
Things That Could Improve:
- The Jean works excellently but comes 3-4 inches above the normal size
- Plastic button fastening is not the best
3. Caterpillar Flame Resistant Cargo Pant
- NFPA 2112 UL Certified, 70E CAT 2, ATPV 11.5, ASTM F1506
- 9 oz 88% Cotton / 12% Nylon
- Multiple Cargo pockets with flaps
- Cell phone pocket on right leg with hook and loop closure and pen pocket.
- Diamond crotch gusset for ease of movement.
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Caterpillar has been producing varieties of wears for years, and it’s really a brand you can count on. Made from a blend of nylon and cotton, the Caterpillar Men’s FR cargo pants are flame resistant and machine washable.
The FR Cargo pants from Caterpillar offers added comfort in the form of small flared lower leg in order to allow for work boots to be worn comfortably. However, there’re varying issues with regards to the size and length of these trousers.
Therefore, it’s advised that more attention should be given when choosing them. Amidst that, the caterpillar Men’s cargo pants boast of being the best Flame Resistant pant featuring a diamond crotch gusset and articulated knees.
These welding pants provide comfort and flexibility for physically demanding projects. The level of comfort is great and is often raved about once the appropriate fit and size are found. Moreover, these jeans certify the requirements of NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E.
Things We Like:
- Zip fly with antistatic shank closure
- Comfortable to use
- Great quality and durable
- Great product for student firefighters
- 20″ leg opening that fits perfectly over boots
- Lightweight
Things That Could Improve:
- Another layer of material should have been added over the knee to make it more rugged
- Great for light-duty jobs but not for heavy-duty work
4. Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant Twill Cotton Work Pant
- This garment meets or exceeds the standards for CAT2, Arc Rating ATPV 11 calories/cm², NFPA 2112 Compliant Certified by Underwriters Laboratories to meet the requirements of NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire, 2018 Edition.
- Pant label length may state a finished dimension (34U, 36U, 37U) depending on the style, as items are cut to order
- COMFORT & SAFETY: This flame resistant pant is built ready to work in the toughest conditions, made of durable 100% cotton twill. It features an innerlined waistband with button closure for long lasting strength. Suitable for home or industrial washing.
- TRIED & TRUE FUNCTIONALITY: These work pants feature an array of pockets to provide you with easy access & convenient storage to tools & supplies while you work: 2 slack style front pockets, 2 set-in hip pockets & a left hip pocket with button closure.
- EVERYDAY EXCELLENCE: Our workwear collection is designed for the work you do everyday. Stronger seams. More durable fabrics. Pockets in just the right places. With so many features that help you get the job done, our workwear definitely has what it takes.
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bulwark twill cotton work pants are often the best option where flame-resistant materials are needed. Made from 100 percent cotton, these original fit-style jeans complete with belt loops look top-notch.
Fully machine washable, have authentic pockets styling; the slightly flared lower leg means these pants can fit comfortably over boots.
Features interlined waistband with button closure, 2 set-in hip pockets, 2 slack style front pockets and a left pocket with button closure.
All these features and more are meant to offer long-lasting strength and easy access & convenient storage.
The women’s style has updated fit and is ideal for home wash and industrial wash. Whether men’s or women’s Bulwark work pants, they are well-built to work in the toughest conditions.
As one of the world’s largest manufacturer of FR apparel, Bulwark offers a wide array selection of fabrics, colors, and styles which also come in varying sizes.
That is the reason why most welders opt for Bulwark over all other flame-resistant brands.
Things We Like:
- 100 percent cotton
- The garment exceeds the required standard
- Built ready to work in the toughest conditions
- Provides 100% protection
- True size and comfortable
- Good quality for FR clothes
Things That Could Improve:
- Comfy but fades easily
- Great pants but the size is 3″ less
5. MCR Safety Cow Leather Welding Chaps
- Memphis welding chaps
- The heavy side-split cow leather offers outstanding protection from heat, sparks, slag and cuts
- Chaps features riveted in all major stress points and treated green straps with quick release buckles
- Comes with double locked Kevlar thread stitches
- Available in grey color; measures 38-Inch length by 24-Inch width
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Memphis welding chaps are made from rugged and durable cow leather that offers excellent protection when welding.
The level of comfort it provides makes it the greatest option for anyone who works all day long requiring a good level of security and comfortability.
The Memphis MCR Safety 38600MW is designed with durability in mind. It has rivets strategically positioned on all the stress points of the chaps and also treated green straps with quick-release buckles.
This welding chaps are 38 Inches Long. When the heat is burning and the sparks are flying; these heavy-duty welding chaps offers outstanding protection to keep you safe and sound.
So, you don’t need to worry about the sparks, cuts, slag or the heat, just keep working!
Things We Like:
- Double locked Keller thread stitches
- Provides outstanding protection for heat, slag, sparks and cuts
- Great for intensive welding
- Offers 100% protection
- Good price for the quality
Things That Could Improve:
- The legs straps should have been shorter
- The ankle straps too drag dangerously on the ground
6. ARIAT Flame Resistant Low Rise Jean
- HRC 2
- 13 oz
- ATPV 9.5
- NFPA 70E
- NFPA 2112
Last update on 2024-09-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ariat Men’s Flame Resistant M4 welding jeans claim to be a new standard in flame-resistant denim.
Being on the top end of the price scale, they are tough and rugged enough to withstand their intended use.
Made of 100 percent cotton material, the Jeans are uniquely tailored with lower cut waist, straight leg and more relaxed-fit in the thigh.
The cotton is fire resistant, and this is a feature you get only on high-quality welding jeans. More emphasis was given on style of these jeans as opposed to substance; offering the no-rub comfort inseams which is a great feature for those that need to move around a lot.
Also, the anchored belt loops and extra deep front pockets make them much more user-friendly. Comfort was the major concern while designing these jeans.
Above all, they also conform to NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112 standards.
Things We Like:
- Machine washable
- 100% cotton made
- Extra deep front pockets
- Comfortable to use
- Zipper closure
- They look awesome
Things That Could Improve:
- The quality could be made better for the price
- Tends to shrink as you wash them
7. JOBMAN Workwear Welding Pants
No products found.
Last but not the least on the list is the JOBMAN workwear welding pants. These pants are always ready to work anytime.
Boasted with 100 percent cotton fabric and treated with flame-resistant agent “Pyrovatex”, these jean’s will always give you the maximum protection needed. With extra pockets on the left leg and the external kneepad pockets, the JOBMAN welding pants allows the user to store small working equipment easily.
The JOBMAN welding pants meet the performance requirements and certification of NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112, they are also certified according to the New European Standard EN11612 and EN11611.
Things We like
- Anti-flame treatment
- Well built
- Extra pocket on the left leg
- Extra kneepad pockets
- Works perfectly
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
Things That Could be improved
- Quality product but could be made better
Why Do You Need Welding Pants?
Personal protective equipment such as boots, jacket, helmet, and pants helps protect you from injuries when welding.
Because welding is a very dangerous occupation, there’re so many injuries a welder can suffer from such as burns, exposure to rays and fumes.
Wearing protective gear (welding pants) will allow the welder to maintain flexibility while still protecting himself from the searing flame produced when welding.
Generally welding pants are produced from cotton fabric or sometimes in combination with cowhide or other forms of leather. These pants are carefully manufactured to provide optimum protection under the harshest conditions.
The Difference Between Cotton And Leather Pants
Cotton and leather are the two most common materials used in the manufacture of welding pants. The leather used is typically gotten from cowhide, and in rare cases from pig skin. Leather made pants are very durable, but are not as flexible as those made of cotton.
On the other hand, cotton pants are far more flexible but are much less durable. This is because cotton easily burns when it comes in contact with fire. However, they are lighter, cheaper and are quite flame-resistant as well, but not as much as leather. Cotton pants are enough for casual welder and hobbyist who needs comfort and added flexibility. While leather pants are the best welding pants for any professional welder who may be using them all day long.
What To Know Before Buying-Buyers Guide
The following are the factors you need to consider before buying welding pants.
Durability
This is in fact, the most important factor you must put into consideration. Check the seams, some are double or triple-seamed to ensure they stay together after very long use, repeated washes, stretches or strains.
Weight
Note the material weight to ensure it will allow for mobility and that the pants will not weigh you down while working.
Fabric
Cotton duck or Denim? It may seem not necessary, but it’s very important. The type of fabric used directly affects the durability, comfortability, and lightness or thickness of the welding pants.
Reinforcement
Some pants have reinforcing stitches to make sure they stayed together, others may have additional deep pockets for easy storage.
Read More: Best Flame Retardant Blankets For Welding
Conclusion
Just like buying any type of daily wears, the same attention to minute details applies to purchasing welding pants. Every individual is different and may find comfort in different styles and sizes.
After several hours of research, we picked Wrangler RIGGS WORKWEAR Men’s FR relaxed fit jeans as the best welding pants.
They are durable and most importantly reliable to wear for welding. And besides their longevity, they are also loaded with so many great features to keep you protected.
Wrangler RIGGS welding jeans have proved to be the best, we would recommend them to anyone; regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced welder, Wrangler pants are worth every penny.
Leave a Reply