Welding is probably one of the most dangerous jobs in the sense that it involves the dangers of fire, flames, electricity, and so much more. Naturally, the clothes that welders wear are just as important as the shields they use and the gloves they wear.
Jeans are very good options for welding when they’re made of cotton, leather, or Nomex. The basic reason that cotton and/or leather jeans are good for welding is that these fabrics resist heat and flame.
When you have flying embers and sparks all over while you’re working, you want full-length jeans instead of half-pants or cropped jeans.
The style of jeans that you want to wear comes down to personal choice. However, most welders prefer wearing loose or relaxed-fit jeans while welding since they’re comfortable to wear and give the welders the freedom to move. Comfort is something that you shouldn’t compromise.
Welding clothes have to meet a certain standard. That standard can be determined by the HRC and FR ratings.
FR stands for flame-resistant and HRC denotes Hazard Risk Category. There are levels for HRC ranging from 1 to 4. According to the hazards involved in welding, HRC 2 and HRC 3 are the best-rated garments for welders.
In this guide on the best clothing for welders, you’ll be able to explore what kinds of jeans are good for welders, what features make jeans ideal work pants for welding, what does HRC and FR rating on jeans have to do with welding, some of the best jeans you can wear while welding, and much more!
Are Jeans Good for Welding – What is the Best Fabric?
Welding isn’t a risky job – says who? Over a period of time, constant exposure to sparks can poke holes in the work pants that welders wear.
Naturally, no piece of clothing is fully immune to this work hazard since sparks will always fly and molten metal, once in a while, will come in contact with the pants that welders wear. However, the right pair can at least last longer and offer uncompromised protection.
A sturdy high-quality pair of jeans is an excellent option for welders. Jeans, in fact, are the most popular welding pants. Protection from direct exposure to flames and embers are two primary reasons why jeans are preferred as work pants for welders. This, however, is not it.
Not all jeans are ideal as welding pants. Fabric will always matter. It’s cotton, Nomex, and leather that are the best fabrics for jeans that welders wear. Wondering why? Well, find the answers in the pointers below:
1.) Cotton, Nomex, and leather are flame-resistant fabrics. Naturally, not only will they protect you from getting in touch with sparks, but they will also last longer than any other fabric.
2.) Since welding pants get sweaty and are exposed to oil and grease constantly, they require frequent washing (almost after every wear). In such a case, 100% cotton, leather, and Nomex are the rare fabrics that won’t tear after a few washes.
Needless to say, you require heavy-duty jeans made of cotton, Nomex, and leather as work pants if you’re a welder and you don’t want to spend money again and again since normal jeans cannot last long if washed frequently.
See also: Why Do Farmers Wear Jeans?
Pros and Cons of Wearing Jeans for Welding
The right fabric jeans are always worth the investment. However, there are certain cons to wearing jeans to work if you’re a welder. In the upcoming sections, we have mentioned both the pros and cons. Have a look!
Pros of Wearing Jeans for Welding
1.) They offer protection from flames, molten metal, and sparks.
2.) They will protect you from sustaining burn injuries.
3.) The right fabrics can withstand regular washing since welding jeans are heavy-duty.
4.) They will last for a long time and are worthy investments.
Cons of Wearing Jeans for Welding
1.) Since welding jeans are heavy-duty, they might feel heavier than what you’re usually used to wearing.
2.) When you buy leather jeans made of pure cow leather, it requires a lot of effort to keep the jeans clean. A lapse of proper washing and drying will make the jeans smelly.
HRC and FR Ratings: Why Do They Matter?
Did you know that every garment that’s industry-specific has an HRC rating that determines whether or not the garment is flame-resistant? HRC stands for Hazard Risk Category. There are levels from 1 to 4. The levels identify the threat and risk involved.
Welding is not a zero-risk job. Hence, it’s usually HRC 2 and 3 garments that are recommended for welders. They resist flame very effectively.
So, when the jeans you’re buying have the HRC rating of 2 or 3, you can rest assured that a few flying sparks or embers won’t drill holes in the fabric so easily.
What Features Should An Ideal Jeans For Welding Have?
Jeans are casual wear for normal people going about their business in no-risk areas, but for welders, they’re armor for protection from heat and fire.
If you’re a welder, always look for the features we have listed below and make sure the jeans you’re buying have all those features.
Have a look!
1.) Full-length jeans make more sense. They will protect your legs completely. Buying ankle-length or cropped jeans for welding could turn out to be a mistake.
2.) Go for regular-fitting jeans or something that won’t constrict your motion. Never go for slim-fit options.
3.) Heavy-duty leather or cotton should be the choice of fabric.
4.) The fabric should be moisture-wicking. Since welding will naturally make you sweat, if your jeans cling to your legs, it’s not doing the job right.
Do not overlook the temperature either. Welding is already one such job that’ll make you work under hot conditions. On top of it, if the jeans you’re wearing aren’t breathable, you won’t be able to work comfortably. Hence, breathable fabric is another important feature.
3 Best Jeans for Welding You Can Always Trust
1.) Riggs Workwear Men’s Relaxed Fit Jeans by Wrangler
- RELAXED FIT. For long days on the job, you want a work jean that keeps you comfortable.
- FLAME RESISTANT. Designed to meet rigorous FR requirements, this flame resistant work jean is designed to self-extinguish to help prevent or reduce the severity of burn injuries. Arc-resistant button waistband closure for added protection
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION. Constructed with durable 14.75 oz. cotton denim, this jean is built to last and keep you protected. Finished with triple needle stitching and a high-quality brass zipper and button closure
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These are stunning flame-resistant welding jeans with an HRC 2 rating. It offers a comfortable fitting. The many other reasons why these jeans are one of the best jeans for welding are as follows.
1.) It’s made of 100% cotton. Hence, it’s breathable, wicks away moisture and sweat, and doesn’t cling to the feet.
2.) These particular jeans have the self-extinguishing property that will protect you from sustaining burn injuries.
3.) They feature triple-needle stitching that makes them very comfortable to wear for hours.
Cons:
1.) The length of the legs is usually bigger than you expect. You might have to get the jeans trimmed to fit the length of your legs.
2.) They’re made of 14.75 oz. cotton. Hence, they might feel heavy if you’re new to welding.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon2.) Workwear men’s Flame Resistant Carpenter Jean by Wrangler
This is another marvel by wrangler for welders. These welding jeans have an HRC 2 rating. It’s 100% cotton and has a tough build that lasts the test of heat, flame, and flying embers for years.
1.) The thread used for triple stitching is Nomex that’s one of the best flame-resistant fabrics.
2.) It has a very comfortable fit. It won’t fly loose and won’t stick to your legs either since the fabric is moisture-wicking.
3.) It will keep you cool since the fabric is breathable.
Cons:
1.) Some customers complain that the fitting at the waist is a little tighter than expected. So, pick the size very carefully. Some people also suggest buying one size bigger than usual.
2.) The pockets might feel smaller than you’re normally used to.
3.) Cowhide Leather Safety Welding Long Pants by gazechimp
- Worn Over Jacket/Pants To Protect Body From Sparks and Spatter.
- Made of flame-resistant cowhide leather for protection and durability.
- Lined flap with snaps in front closure for protection.
- Flip-up collar for neck protection Electric welding, protective clothing, flame retardant, wear-resistant, anti-splash.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Since original cow leather is flame-resistant and doesn’t catch fire, these work pants by Gazechimp are ideal for welding. Some of the features that make these welding pants better than a lot of other options in the market are as follows.
1.) They are breathable and do not stick to legs.
2.) They wick away sweat.
3.) They are quite roomy and offer the comfort of movement.
4.) They do not shrink.
Cons:
1.) If you don’t maintain and clean these pants, they will start to stink since they’re pure leather pants.
2.) Some people might find the weight a little heavier than they’re used to.
Check Price and Reviews on AmazonConcluding Thoughts:
Jeans that are made of Nomex, leather, and cotton are excellent for welding. These fabrics are flame-resistant and offer protection from sparks. When the fitting is right and the jeans you’re wearing have an HRC 2 or HRC 3 rating, you can rest assured that you will not sustain fire injuries whatsoever.
Since welding involves a substantial amount of risk, do not ever wear cheap-quality jeans to work. You require either loose fit or relaxed fit jeans that will give you the comfort and freedom to move freely while you work.
Be very mindful of the fabric and the fitting if you want the jeans you’re wearing to offer the protection that’s promised.
