Welding is a potentially hazardous job. Accidents can happen even after taking all the safety measures. For these reasons wearing appropriate clothing while welding is necessary.
Welding pants are exposed to the toughest conditions. Arcs, flames, spatter, molten materials, you name it. Your welding pants have to be heavy-duty and long-wearing in order to protect you from all the hazards.
When You Buy a Construction Pant Keep These Three Things In Mind:
- Material: Make sure your pants have FR or flame-resistant tags. For the basics, you should always stick with natural sources like cotton duck, denim, canvas, and twill. All make very good quality welding pants. To ensure durability and reliability look for pants that are made from 9 ounces or higher count of fabrics.
- Construction: Try to look for brass zippers with Nomex thread stitchings. Waist fasteners should be made from non-heat conductive materials like leather, wood and plastic. Look for double stitching reinforced pants. The seams should be flat. It’s better if the pants have gussets or extra lining at the areas of high-stress points. Articulated knees will allow you enough room to stretch and squat.
- Certifications: Look for certifications like FR, HRC, NFPA and ATPV. Read our buying guide to know more about these terms.
In this article, we are reviewing the 10 best welding pants depending on budget, quality and comfort that vary from one person to another. We have included pants made of pure cotton, denim, twill and leather.
Read our best welding pant “Buying Guide” to know more about how you can choose the best welding pant for your use.
Best Welding Pants List
| Welding Pants | Material | FR Resistant | Machine Washable | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler Welding Pant | 100% Cotton | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| Caterpillar Welding Pant | 88% Cotton, 12% Nylon | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| Titicaca Welding Pant | 100% Cotton | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| BOCOMAL Welding Pant | 100% Cotton | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| KONRECO Welding Pant | 100% Cotton | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| Propper Welding Pant | 100% Other Fibers | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| MAGID Welding Pant | 100% Cotton | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| ARIAT Welding Pant | 74% Cotton, 24% Nylon, 2% Spandex | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| PTAHDUS Welding Pant | 100% Cotton | Yes | Yes | Check On Amazon |
| QeeLink Welding Pant | 100% Cowhide Leather | Yes | No | Check On Amazon |
Best Welding Pants Review
1. Wrangler Welding Pant
Tough pants for the tough guy, these jeans from Wrangler are made from 14.75 oz FR cotton. It’s a heavy-weight rough and tough fabric that’s pretty stiff but at the same time durable and reliable.
It features a relaxed fit allowing a range of motions and comfort throughout the day. The legs are cut to fit over your welding boots. It even has a gusset at the crotch and on other high-stress points. These are self-extinguishing pants that ensure protection against burn injuries. They have an Arc thermal protective value, ATPV of 19.0 cal/cm2.
They are triple-stitched with Nomex fire-resistant threads on all sides. Moreover, it comes with a brass zipper and Nomex tape around the zipper closure to protect you against the unexpected. Even the waistband closure is also made of non-conductive FR-resistant materials to keep you protected from sparks and spatters. They have a double lining on the back pockets which may be the reason some people felt it’s a bit tight fit. But it’s all made to keep you protected and comfortable during your job.
You get 2 reinforced front pockets, 2 back pockets, 1 oversized pocket for tools and 1 right-side hammer pocket. We must say it has been created keeping both utility and comfort in mind. Overall, these 100% FR cotton pants get a full 10 out 0f 10 from us.
Best Features:
- Made from 14.75 oz FR cotton
- ATPV of 19.0 cal/cm2
- Triple stitched with Nomex thread
- Brass zipper with Nomex tape
- Self-extinguishing pants
- 2 reinforced front pockets, 2 back pockets, 1 oversized pocket, 1 hammer pocket
Pros:
- Nomex thread stitched
- Triple stitched at all sides
- Durable
- Relaxed fit
Cons:
- Too stiff for some people’s liking
2. Caterpillar Welding Pant
These cargo style fire resistant pants from Caterpillar are quite different from our top pick. Made from 9 ounces of 88% cotton and 12 % nylon twill, these pants are much lighter in weight and breathe better as compared to denim pants.
They feature double layering at the knees for added protection and long-term usage. Even it has diamond pattern crotch gussets for extra strength and protection against daily wear and tear and knee darts sewn into that prevent knee stiffness and allows extra room for articulation.
The versatile pant also features 2 cargo pockets, a pen pocket with a hook and a loop closure for storing your measurement tapes, cell phone and other handy tools. Unlike Wrangle, these feature a classic fit that allows enough room for a range of motions. These are also lightweight and airy, which means they would work great as summer welding pants. On the contrary, they might not be as rough and tough as Wrangler FR denim pants.
However, these are NFPA 2-rated and will protect you from thermal exposure, electrocution, and arc flashes. They also have 20 inches wide booth cut openings and would rightly fit your toes.
Best Features:
- Made from 9 oz FR 80% cotton 12% nylon twill
- Double layered oxford fabric at the knees
- Gussets in the crotch
- Cargo pockets
- ATPV rating 11.5
- NFPA 2112 UL / 70E certified
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Quite flexible
- NFPA 2 rated pants
Cons:
- Not as durable as denim or leather
3. Titicaca Welding Pant
Titica Men’s cargo pants have amazing ratings on amazon. And it’s one of their best-selling pants. Made of 7.5 oz 100% FR cotton, these pants are lightweight, easy to wear and flame-resistant. It’s also more pocket friendly than our last two inclusions.
It features double needle stitching on the outsides and brass zipper closures. It’s a relaxed fit pant that allows a range of motions, which welders often do. It’s comfortable, and cotton dissipates the heat much faster than leather or thick denim. Hence, it’s an ideal buy for the summer season.
They come with multiple pockets, not 1, not 2 but 7 pockets in total for your phone, tools, tapes, hammer and more. It has an Arc ATPV rating of 9.2 calories/cm2 and passes NFPA 2112 standards which ensure safety against accidental flames. We love the fact that these are machine washable, breathable and lightweight compared to denim, duck and twill.
The best part about these pants is that they are available in 6 different color options, and they are true to size.
Best Features:
- Made of 100% FR cotton
- Hook and loop closure
- Elastic waistband
- Reinforced outseams
- Machine washable
- HRC 2 rated
- ATPC rating 9.2 cal/cm2
- Meets NFPA2112 requirements
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Relaxed fit
- True to size
- Available in 6 different color options
Cons:
- Might be a little long in the legs for shorter people
4. BOCOMAL Welding Pant
If you want pockets, BOCOMAL has lots of them. It comes with 9 pockets and features a comfortable, relaxed fit. Made of 7.5 oz cotton, these pants are HRC2 and Arc ATPV 9.8 cal/cm2 rated. It has a clear FR tag on the front cell phone pocket.
They are also double stitched on the out-seams and have double front on knees to allow more room for a range of motions. The best part is that twill cotton materials are wrinkle-free so these low-maintenance plants are easy to wear, comfortable and breathable. Though the thread count is less, this is what makes it people’s favourite- lightweight, easy going and sweat-free.
They also have an elastic band which allows you to stretch comfortably while working. For your peace of mind, they are NFPA2112 standard and NFPA 70E ASTM F1506 and CAT II certified. Other features are a key ring on the right side, 2 slant pockets, 2 phone pockets, 2 cargo pockets at the back and 2 cargo pockets at the knees.
The pants have a very casual look and are designed for multi-pose use. Other than welding pants, they can also be great for other industrial workers. You have three color options to choose from
Best Features:
- Made of 7.5 oz FR cotton twill
- Relaxed Fit cargo pants
- Double stitched on the out seams
- Wrinkle-free
- NFPA2112 standard
- Total 9 pockets
- Arc ATPV 9.8 cal/cm2 rated
- Three color options to choose from
Pros:
- Multipurpose casual looking cargos
- True to size
- Lightweight and breathable
- Wrinkle-free
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not made for short people
- No gussets at the crotch
5. KONRECO Welding Pant
Made from 14 oz FR 100% cotton the Konreco jeans are as tough as nails. These jeans are one of the toughest in the market. They are rated 4.3 on amazon for being rough and tough, wear and tear resistance.
These welding pants are made from a single piece of cloth for a full relaxed seat and thigh which allows enough room for squatting and stretching without sacrificing flexibility. They have double stitches on the outseams, ensuring durability and puncture resistance.
They don’t have crotch gussets, but they hold up pretty well in the stress points like knees and crotch. The pants have 2 slant pockets, 2 back pockets, one phone pocket and 2 cargo pockets for holding your phone, tape and other necessities. These jeans are low rise and relaxed fit but true to their size.
As far as the sizing goes, people didn’t have any issues. They also feature straight-leg openings that are cut to fit over your pull-on boots. However, the pants are longer than usual. Apart from these, they are HRC2 and Arc ATPV 17 cal/cm2 rated which is excellent at this price. It has a brass zip enclosure and a stretchable waistband for added comfort and protection against arcs.
Best Features:
- Made from 14 oz FR 100% cotton
- Double stitched from all the sides
- Comes with total 7 pockets
- HRC2 and Arc ATPV 17 cal/cm2 rated
- Brass zip enclosure
- Machine washable
Pros:
- Thick and strong materials
- The double stitching in the crotch area holds up well
- Plenty of pockets for user convenience
- 3 color options to choose from
Cons:
- The front pockets are small
6. Propper Welding Pant
If you sweat too much, seek for breathability and comfort in your welding pants, then you may want to get yourself these pairs of pants from Proper Wildland. They feature moisture-wicking technology that dries much faster than jeans and other heavy fabrics, keeping you cool and comfortable.
These are made from 100% Nomex IIIA and Nomex zipper closure to maximise heat resistance and enhance your performance. Also, they are resistant to daily wear and tear. They feature extra deep pockets at front, velcro hook and lock pockets and a fully adjustable ankle strap to fit over your welding boots.
From the customers’ reviews, we got to know that they run a size larger. Anyway, they have adjustable waistbands, so it will fit you anyway. Other than these, you get reinforced bar-tack at the pockets and articulated knees which allows you to stretch and squat without any discomfort. These pants are also machine washable. You get two colors to choose from.
Best Features:
- Made from 100% FR Nomex IIA
- Nomex zipper closure
- Resistant to abrasion
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Adjustable waistband
- Fully adjustable ankle straps
- Meets NFPA standards as FR pants
Pros:
- Quick dry
- Articulated knees for added comfort
- Size adjustable
- Super lightweight and breathable
Cons:
- Runs a size larger
7. MAGID Welding Pant
MAGID fire resistant pants are better known AS Spark guard and are wildly popular among welders and other industrial workers because of its affordable price tag.
These pants are made from FR 12 oz cotton which is a heavy-weight material and will last for a very long time. The design is quite different from the usual pants, and the color is also very different. These plants are not only fire resistant they are also cut-resistant and specially treated to resist mold mildew growth, spills, splatters and static.
They feature two standard front and rear pockets. They also feature a leather-reinforced front snap zipper closure and belt loops. They are comparatively on the stiffer side but made of pure cotton. These pants breathe better and other materials like denim, Canvas and leather. They can be great summer welding pants at an affordable price.
Best Features:
- Made from FR 12 oz pure cotton
- Green in color
- 2 size and 2 rear pockets
- Leather reinforced front snap zipper closure
- Belt loop
- ASTM D6413-99 safety rated
Pros:
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Funky color option
- Reinforced with double stitching
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only one color option available
8. ARIAT Welding Pant
ARIAT FR M5 straight leg pants are made from 74% cotton, 24% nylon and 2% spandex. They are stretchable, breathable, and lightweight yet amazing at keeping you warm. They are also NFPA 2112 certified.
ARIAT has given these pants a mid-rise waistline fit with straight boot-cut legs. They have flat seams and guests at the crotch for added strength at high-stress points. They even feature articulated knees which allow unrestricted movements which welders need a lot.
If you are not a fan of bootcut legs, you might not like them. But a lot of people prefer them because they keep your legs completely covered. Unlike denim or leather, these pants are pretty light in weight, not stiff and feel the utmost comfortable. It has enough leg room and crotch support. It also includes a Nomex zipper enclosure. These features total 6 pockets including 2 slanted pockets, 2 hook and loop back pockets and 2 cargo pockets.
Sizing can be an issue so do check that out. These would fit men better who have a slimmer waist and bigger thighs. At least, the reviews say so. Most owners are happy with their purchases because they are made in the USA. You also have 2 colors to choose from.
Best Features:
- Made from 74% cotton, 24% nylon and 2% spandex
- Reinforced with triple stitching
- Nomex zipper closure
- Comes with 6 pockets
- Mid-rise waistline fit
- Boot cut legs
- Articulated knees
Pros:
- Stretchable
- Lightweight
- Made in USA
Cons:
- Expensive
9. PTAHDUS Welding Pant
These cargo pants from PTAHDUS have 2 deep front pockets and 4 additional pockets to store all the small tools and personal items. They feature a mid-rise fit with an improved circumference hip, articulated knees and adjustable leg opening which fit right over your boots. They are reinforced with double streams at all outseams and allow enough room to work comfortably and flexibly.
They meet HRC2, NFPA 2112 standards and have an Arc ATPV rating of 8.9 cal/cm2 which makes them an ideal option for welders, iron workers and other industrial workers. They are made from 7.5 oz FR cotton which is designed for people who don’t like the stiffness of denim welding pants. It’s lightweight, comfortable and more importantly breathable which makes them ideal to work under hot temperature conditions.
The brand suggests choosing a size two size bigger than your actual size keeping the length the same as usual. They have a total of 18 sizes to choose from. So, the fitting should not be an issue. They are machine washable, but the temperature should be under 140 degree F and tumble dry at 160 degree F. You can choose from 3 color options: grey, khaki and navy blue.
Best Features:
- Made from 7.5 oz FR cotton
- 2 deep pockets 4 additional pockets
- Double stitched with zipper closure
- Meets HRC 2, NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E requirements
- ATPV 8.9 cal/cm2 rated
- Adjustable leg opening
- Articulated knees
- Improved hip circumference
- MAchine washable
Pros:
- Light in weight than denim and twill
- Flexible and breathable
- Adjustable leg opening
- Affordable
Cons:
- Runs small in size
10. QeeLink Welding Pant
This is the only welding pant made of 100% Cowhide leather. This is not a welding pant but a welding apron that will fit over your pants to protect them from flame and spatter.
They have simple nylon buckles at the back that lock into place, 1 pocket to help you keep up with your welding tools. These are flame resistant and reinforced with stitching using US Kevlar thread.
It also features a gusset at the crotch and a simple belt buckle at the waist. The material of the texture is grainy and more like raw leather. They are simple, easy to pull on and since it’s leather it will last you easily for a few couple of years.
It’s made from FR-resistant heavy-duty leather that will protect your welding pants from arcs and ashes. The only problem is these are not machine washable. You have 3 sizes to choose from, which are short and measure 31 inches, regular 34 inches and long, which measures 41 inches. These are fully adjustable from M to XXXL.
Best Features:
- Made from 100% Cowhide leather
- Simple nylon buckle straps
- Nylon buckle waist belt
- Adjustable size from M to XXL
- Reinforced stitching
- Guests at the crotch
Pros:
- Affordable
- Leather welding apron
- Adjustable size, so sizing issues
Cons:
- Cannot be machine washed
Best Welding Pant Buying Guide
Welding pants should be durable and reliable and must protect you from the harmful effects of welding. They should delay the transfer of heat to your body and should be easier to extinguish in case of a sudden accident. So, what is the best material for welding? Is it cotton? Denim or leather?
And what about your comfort, durability and sizing? Here’s a full buyer’s guide on how to choose the best welding pants for your use.
1. Welding Pant Material, Construction and Durability
The material of the pants or fabric used in the making determine the level of safety. Make sure your pants are FR tagged which stands for flame retardant pants. It’s even better if you can find pants that are spark-resistant and come with self-extinguishing features.
For the weight and density, look for pants that are made from at least 9 ounces of cotton or cotton blend fire-resistant fabrics. Some of the most frequently used fabric art canvas, cotton Duct and twill. They seldom used fabrics that weighed 12 punches or higher. It ensures durability and long time usage. The thickness ensures the heat transfer is delayed from welding arcs and splatters.
Leather welding pants are also a good choice. But they come with a hefty price tag. The advantage of leather welding pants is weather resistance. They stand-by in extremely rough weather. Plus, leather is flexible and warm, ideal for working in colder climates. However, some people don’t really like leather as they can be less comfortable and breathable than cotton and mixed cotton.
2. Zippers
When looking for zippers, you should consider brass over nylon or steel. It’s because brass is a much longer-lasting material. And brass has self-lubricating properties, which means it won’t easily jam. You should also consider fire-resistant materials for the stitching, like Nomex or leather stitches around the zipper.
3. Waist Fasteners
When it comes to waist fasteners, look for materials that are non-conductive to heat. Like leather, wood, and even plastic will do a great job of preventing heat transmission.
4. Seams
The seams should be flat and double or tripped stitched to keep them in place for a really good time. It ensures safety. If seams come apart, it can accidentally catch fire. Pants that have layered fabric inserts in the knee or waist part offer durability.
5. Gussets
It’s better if the pants have gussets to add extra strength in the areas of high-stress. Look for reinforced stitching and features like rivets, an extra lock and linings on the high-stress points.
6. Certifications
FR: FR stands for “ Fire Resistant” or “Flame Resistant”. Fire-resistant clothes have FR tags sewn into them. You can find them mostly on the sides of the pockets. FR tag in closes means they are made out of fabrics like FR cotton, canvas and twill.
However, don’t confuse the term “fire resistant”. It doesn’t state that it cannot catch a fire. It only means the materials can resist fire and flames. These materials are built to delay the process of heat transmission. In most cases, they also prevent catching fires from small sparks and spanners. For elders FR pants made of FR materials are crucial.
HRC: HRC is the abbreviation of the Hazard Risk Category. It determines what grade of protective clothing a welder needs to wear during a job. For example, HRC FR 2 determines that you need Fire Resistant or FR at level NFPA 2.
NFPA: NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It has set criteria in terms of ratings to show the level of protection which is provided by personal equipment. The rating goes from 0 to 4.
- NFPA O– Fireproof. Won’t burn
- NFPA1– Burn under severe heat exposure
- NFPA2– Burn under moderate heat exposure
- NFPA3– Can catch fire from flames and splatters
- NFPA4– Burns easily
7. Comfort
Comfort is important when it comes to welding. Welding pants that are comfortable allow you enough room for your swift movements, which welders need a lot. If it’s not comfortable, you will not feel secure in your pants. Breathability is another important factor. Breathability will allow the heat to dissipate and will keep you nice and comfortable for a longer period of time. It means the pants you buy must be comfortable, easy to move with and breathable.
8. Right Fit
Be mindful of the size. Choosing the right fitted pants will give you comfort, and you will be working better. Welding pants need to fit your waist comfortably in a hugging manner. It shouldn’t be too tight to suffocate you when you bend or too loose to let sparks embark inside the pants.
You will need unrestricted movement in your thighs, hips, and knees. You will end up injuring your kneecaps if your pants don’t allow them to move freely. And remember, inner lining plays a great role in providing additional comfort. You will know better if your pants have them.
The diameter of the legs is also important. It needs to be just the right size to cover your boots. It shouldn’t be hanging around as it can catch objects inside and make you trip or spill things. You should also check the length of the legs. It needs to be long enough to cover any exposed laces of your welding boots. At the same time, you make sure they are short enough to not make you walk on your heels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Fabrics like cotton duck, Canvas, twill, Nomex make the best quality welding pants. Most of the time they are 9 ounces or higher quality materials. These types of thick and heavy-duty construction of pants help in delaying the heat transmission process from arcs, flames and welding spatters.
Ans: Pure cotton is derived from nature. These natural fibres don’t catch fire so easily like synthetic fibers and are easier to extinguish as compared to any other material. Cotton burns cooler and slower than synthetic which means if your clothes ever catch fire, you will be able to easily pat it down and stop it with your gloves.
Ans: One of the best welding pants is made of FR ( Flame Resistant) 100% pure cotton. These pants are breathable. comfortable and protects welders from exposed heat, electrical arcs, welding sparks and splatters every day.
Ans: You should never wear clothing made of synthetic and synthetic blend fabrics like nylon, polyester, rayon etc as these synthetic fabrics catch fire very easily, meltdown and can cause serious burn injuries. Wear natural fabrics like cotton, denim, leather that are fire resistant and add protective gears like welding shields, welding jackets, welding caps etc.
Ans: Cotton denim pants which have reinforced triple-needle stitching and come with a brass zipper make the best kind of welding pants. Brass is a self-lubricating material which doesn’t jam easily and cotton denim is durable, and doesn’t catch fire so easily.
Conclusion
When choosing a welding pants first consider the material. Pure cotton, twill, denim, and Canvas make the best-quality of welding pants. Then look at the safety requirements and whether your brands meet them. Lastly, don’t forget about the comfort and right sizing.
So, which welding pants are you buying? Are you still confused about your purchase?
Here’s our top 3 recommendations:
- If you are looking for the best overall pant then go with Wrangler Welding Pant Though it’s a heavy-weight fabric it’s durable and reliable. It’s double-stitched with Nomex thread and features a brass zip and a relaxed fit which allows a range of motions. It features plenty of roomy pockets and comes with an ATPV rating of 19 cal/cm2 which is simply excellent.
- If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option then go with Titicaca Welding Pant. These pants are cut from 7.5 oz cotton fabric and are lightweight, breathable and comfortable making them a great option for the summer months. They feature reinforced outseams, 7 pockets in total and are NFPA 2112 certified pants. These are the best within this range.
- If you don’t have any budget constraints then you can buy yourself a pair of ARIAT Welding Pant. They are made from 74% cotton, 24% nylon and 2% spandex. They are stretchable, breathable, lightweight yet amazing at keeping you nice and warm and comfortable. They are pretty light in weight and feel soft to touch. They are NFPA 2112 certified.
