Last Updated on October 7, 2021 by Luis Ferency
The newbies in the field of welding don’t know the importance of safety equipment, as well as a welding professional, does. They can sometimes overlook the need for some very important equipment that can definitely prove costly. It is important for welders to know that many welding injuries can potentially incapacitate you for extended periods, and even put your professional career in jeopardy. If you are a welder, you most certainly require the right flame-resistant protective gear. No doubt, welding is one of the most fulfilling occupations or hobbies that you can engage in. However, it does have some occupational hazards for which the right gear is needed. This right gear also includes the best pants for welder. The below pants will offer great protection and prevent overheating while wearing them in summer.
Table of Contents
Best Pants for Welders – Comparison Table
Images | Products | Features | |
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review | ||
| Check Review |
Best Pants for Welders – Product Descriptions
1. Dickies Men’s Tough Max Duck Carpenter Pant
Quick Features
- 2 lbs. product weight
- Button closure
- 68% cotton, 30% polyester, 2% elastane
- Machine washable
- Tough Max Technology
This pant by Dickies is a work tough pant with performance stretch. It has the toughest flex fabric for exceptional performance. This is the pant you get when you want to enhance your welding performance and look stylish at the same time. The Tough Max Duck Carpenter Pant gives your style and dashing look a perfect boost. It has a triple-needle reinforcement to ensure that you are getting extended life out of these pants.
This magnificent pant by dickies is made of 30% polyester, 68% cotton, and 2% elastane. This mixture provides a perfect blend of materials for a comfy experience. The cotton fabric is there to provide maximum comfort while the elastane is there for maximum expansion. In this way, this pant gets maximum performance out of the worker. This carpenter pant is manufactured using the “Tough Max Technology” to ensure maximum mobility of workers.
It is important for a welder’s pants to provide the required abrasion and resistance. This one does all this and also provides further enhanced durability. It will protect you from injuries like flying flares and projectiles. You will also appreciate the tear-resistant feature of this pant by their higher tensile strength. This quality makes extra working hours possible without anything happening to the pant. It has a modern work fit and sits slightly below the waist.
Pros
- Utility loop and dual loop pockets
- Comfortable experience
- Freedom of movement
- High abrasion resistance
- Higher tear and tensile strength
- Excellent garment durability
Cons
2. Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Relaxed Fit Jean
Quick Features
- 100% cotton
- Machine washable
- Triple-needle stitching
- Compliant with NFPA 2112 and HRC 2
- Durable construction
This jeans pant is a perfect fit for every welder. It comes with a variety of features for providing sufficient protection from heat and other substances. It keeps you covered with performance outdoor apparel to take on any terrain. Its sturdy cotton material is impenetrable for sharp objects such as metal edges that you are working on. It would take a significant amount of work to wear down these jeans pant.
You never know, sometimes a piece of hot metal can jump into your lap from nowhere having disastrous effects. The Wrangler Riggs jeans will keep you protected in such a scenario as it features a fire-resistant finish to provide adequate insulation against the heat and fire. You can kneel and use any other posture without a problem while working. Its zipper tape is flame resistant as well adding a great amount of protection and safety to your work.
The Wrangler Riggs Welder Jeans are a perfect fit for professional welders. It is quite considerate by the brand to go all out for providing protection to both professionals and hobbyists. If you want proof of that, you can check the concealed inner tack in the waistband closure and the arc-resistant button. It has knee and leg openings for providing adequate comfort of wearing and removing these pants.
Pros
- Sits at waist
- Fits over boots
- Relaxed seat and thighs
- Flame resistant
- Safety certified
Cons
- Zipper gets stuck sometimes
3. Carhartt Men’s Rugged Relaxed Fit Work Khaki Pant
Quick Features
- 38 ounces product weight
- 100% cotton fabric
- Button Closure
- Machine wash
- Straight-leg work pant
Khaki’s has been there long enough because of its tough and work-ready fabric. This is why Carhartt has also manufactured the khaki which is made by durable 9.25 ounce, 100% cotton ring-spun peached twill. This work of khaki pants is best described by two words, i.e. ruggedness and style. These khaki pants are comfortable, attractive, and protective. Its construction material provides adequate insulation against heat and other hot surfaces. This feature comes in very effective as it is not possible to avoid encounters with hot objects and flares if you are a welder.
Carhartt Men’s Khaki has many other great features including the moisture-wicking capability to make you comfortable during work. It enhances the welder’s productivity as the welder doesn’t have to deal with sweat and other uncomfortable situations. This pant is extremely comfortable to wear and remove as it has a button closure. These are machine washable pants so you don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to clean them.
What you need to do is to toss the khaki into the washing machine and let it do all the work. Just wear them the next day and face the challenges of it looking spectacular. It is a very lightweight pant that will do very nicely for a welder. If you are a hobbyist and want something that blends simplicity with functionality, you have to have these khaki work pants. There is also a cellphone pocket so you don’t miss a call.
Pros
- Reinforced utility pockets
- Straight leg opening
- Reinforced belt loops
- Moisture-wicking capability
- Added cellphone pocket
Cons
- Some sizing issues are reported.
4. Black Stallion 40WS Leather Welding Pants
Quick Features
- 2 lbs. product weight
- Rivet reinforced
- Kevlar stitching
- 34 to 50-inch waist
- 40-inch total length
As we all know, you get to face a lot of heat when you are welding. It becomes a very difficult environment for a welder to work in. In the above scenario, if you have a good pair of welding pants that are effective in any season, you really got yourself a gift. Black Stallion 40WS leather welding pants are actually worthy of buying in the explained situation. They are the welding chaps that wraps a layer of leather over your pants.
This Black Stallion 40WS also features the reinforcement of 17 rivets for keeping the hems together under tough conditions. These are fully adjustable pants that can fit a wide variety of body sizes and shapes. You need to adjust these welding chaps to fit waist sizes from as small as 34 inches all the way up to 50 inches. Each leg of this welding pant has two straps.
The above knee part of the pant has two straps while there is one strap below the knee for full adjustment. The Black Stallion 40WS leather pants are manufactured with Kevlar stitching. You know that the leather is most fire-retardant material that you can use for protective clothing for a welder and it blocks harmful radiations as well. You get plenty of length coverage as well with this 40WS.
Pros
- 3 straps on each pant leg
- Fire retardant leather
- Highly adjustable pants
- Strong nylon buckles
- All leather construction
Cons
- Nylon buckles can melt, beware of that.
5. Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Ranger Pant
Quick Features
- 76 lbs. product weight
- 100% cotton fabric
- Zipper closure
- Long-lasting durability and comfort
- Reinforced construction
Another masterpiece by Wrangler Riggs, this Men’s Ranger Pants are made of 100% ripstop cotton. This relaxed fit pant is a striking combo of comfort, style, and safety in the welding workshops. Its thigh, knee, and waist feature a super-relaxed comfy fit. These all features help you comfortably sit and stand while wearing these pants. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional electrician, a hobbyist woodworker, or a construction worker, this pant will serve you well.
This pant provides you with ample room so you can perfectly sit above your work boots. You also get deep frontal pockets with its improved design and a gusset crotch to keep you comfortable during all-day-long work times. The new improved design also has additional liberty during the movements while you weld something. This ease of movement also results in improved performance and better results in the project.
To ensure ample safety, the entire pant has reinforcements and three-layered stitching. You will also enjoy the heavy-duty belts and hammer loop the pant offers. This feature will make you quickly access the hammer and other tools attached to your strap and loop. You get seven pockets in this pant so you are never short of places to keep your wallet, accessories, and other stuff. Besides all that, the cargo-style look and feel of these pants are so eye-catchy that even the work professionals will envy you.
Pros
- Improved fitting for additional movements
- Cargo-style pant
- Lightweight and comfy fabric
- Available in different colors
- Multi-layer protection for safety
Cons
- The zipper quality is needed to be improved
6. Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Washed Duck Work Dungaree
Quick Features
- 1 lb. product weight
- 88% cotton with 12% nylon
- Machine washable
- NFPA 2112 compliant
- HRC 2 compliant
- Nomex zipper tape
Carhartt has always been a famous brand for people with occupations like farming, ranching, lineman, and trading. Now, it is also producing some of the finest gear for welders like this flame-resistant washed duck work pant. This welding pant is amongst the toughest pants that you can ever have. These are cut from 13-ounce flame-resistant cotton duck canvas making them extremely durable. Can you imagine that these pants can even resist punctures, wears, and tears!
Carhartt Men’s Washed Duck Work Dungaree Pant is made with a single piece on each side for a full seat and thigh. This way, it allows more room for bending and squatting without any sacrifice on the durability of this pant by adding extra seams. It has been triple-stitched on every seam. The pair has two front and two rare pockets on the leg suitable for stripe or soapstone.
The waist snap of this welding pant is non-conductive to resist current and arcs. It is a very relaxed fit dungaree pant but some owners also feel it to be a little loose. The manufacturer describes it as a relaxed fit so you might want a bit smaller size than usual. Some other great features about this pant are fireproof Nomex zipper tape, brass zipper for longer wear, and reinforced pockets.
Pros
- Improved fitting for additional movement
- Brass zipper
- Leg pocket included
- Full seat and thigh
- Reinforced pockets
Cons
- Might be loose for some owners
- The Hammer loop is absent
7. Caterpillar Men’s Trademark Pant
Quick Features
- 75 lbs. product weight
- Button closure
- Machine wash
- Carpenter loop at thigh
- 60% cotton, 40% polyester
This is a trademark trouser that is fully equipped for a hardcore welder. It has the capacity to become your staple comfort zone by virtue of its extraordinary C2X Canvas fabric. This pant is a combination of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, both these materials ensure lasting comfort for the wearer making it an iconic pant. Polyester naturally adds coziness to the dress by its optimal breathability. It also features oxford panels that stop wear and tear.
Welders and carpenters often have to bend down on their knees because of the nature of their work. It is a specific requirement of them to have extra protection for their knee area. Gladly, this pant has a top-loading design with double oxford layering. It won’t wear out quickly giving maximum protection to your knees. This welder’s pant is also loaded with front and rear pockets that are designed to store all of your welding and carpentry tools.
The front pocket of the Caterpillar Men’s Trademark Pant features a tool bag capacity with pullout specialty. There are tool pockets on both rear and front sides as well as serving as multipurpose storage for workers. You can also see an attached carpenter loop at the thigh section of this pant. Lastly, the pant features a diamond-shaped crotch gusset to provide you maximum mobility during the movements.
Pros
- Front pockets with pullout tool bags
- Tool pockets on front and back
- 20ʺ leg opening for easy fitting over boots
- Top loading knee pad pockets
- An iconic pant
Cons
- Flame resistance needed to be better
8. Dickies Women’s Stretch Duck Double Front Carpenter Pant
Quick Features
- 4 lbs. product weight
- 98% cotton, 2% spandex
- Button closure
- Utility pockets and hammer loop
- Sits at waist
If a woman wants a pant that is tough as a nail, you have got one. This Duck Double Front Carpenter Pant is definitely the best out there for a women-specific purpose. It is 98% cotton and 2% spandex making it an extremely comfortable pant like every other one on this selection. A 2% spandex means that this pant is slightly stretchable as well, increasing mobility for women welders and carpenters.
This pant has a straight leg opening with a relaxed fitting. It sits perfectly over your work boots and delimits your movements. This duck pant has seven pockets for added convenience. The knee pad openings have double front panels so you can store all your stuff in them while working. The pant also features a three-layer reinforcement of stitches for added durability. The front pockets are further strengthened with rivets.
You won’t be questioning its safety features once you know about them. Its 9.8oz brushed duck material is thick enough to prevent minor cuts, flames, and stresses happened during work. It lets you fully concentrate on your work rather than on your safety concerns. It is also a stylish enough pant that you can always be proud of. Its elegant, slim, and relaxed fitting provides you a timeless look which you can cherish.
Pros
- Seven pockets for added convenience
- Contour waistbands
- Spandex for easy mobility
- Slim and relaxed fitting
- Increased mobility
Cons
- Sometimes the zipper gets stuck
9. Dickies Men’s Original 874 Work Pant
Quick Features
- 44 ounces product weight
- Hook and eye closure
- Machine wash
- Unhemmed bottoms
- Sturdy functionality
- 65% polyester, 35% cotton
If you want to have the best out of your money, buy Dickies Men’s Original 874 utility pant. It is built of sturdy fabric for hard wear and easy care. It is a machine washable pant made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Usually, there is less or no time to maintain work pants but this one only requires a little maintenance. It has wrinkle-free work parts so you don’t always have to keep it in tip-top condition.
The good thing about this pant is that you will always look presentable whenever wearing this pant when the client will visit you. It is a long-lasting pant with a classic style that is a source of comfort for manual workers. This Men’s Original 874 Work Pant features a flattering design with slightly tapered legs and sits comfortably on the waist. It is quite comfortable and compels you to produce exceptional work quality.
You will enjoy its heavy-duty brass zipper with a hook and eye waist closure for comfortable wear throughout the day. You can choose from a variety of fade-resistant colors that suits you the best. It offers a perfect combination of an official look and professional wear for manual work like welding. Just a heads-up, its heat resistance capability isn’t the best but will work just fine.
Pros
- No shrinking after wash
- Added sturdiness
- Lightweight work pant
- Available in many different colors
- Little maintenance required
Cons
- Heat resistance capability isn’t the best
10. Caterpillar Men’s Flame Resistant Cargo Pant
Quick Features
- 6 lbs. product weight
- 88% cotton, 12% nylon
- Classic fit with 20ʺ leg opening
- Zip fly with anti-static shank closure
- Machine wash
Flame-resistant pants are always recommended for manual work like welding. They protect us against injuries that happened due to small flames or flayers coming out of the welding material. This cargo pant by Caterpillar has an amazing extraordinary flame-resistance ability. You can literally walk through fires wearing this pant and still be safe. If you are still not confident about its safety features, this pant enjoys certification from ATPV value 9.5, NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, and HR/Arc for safety.
It is a market trend that a cargo pant with great safety features is not focused on providing high comfort levels. But this pant is again far ahead in this ability as well as it is made of 88% cotton and 12% nylon. Here, cotton brings comfort, and nylon brings stretchiness. It has a class fitting with a 20ʺ leg opening. It means these pants will easily fit over your work boots without any complications.
For added comfort and freedom in movements, this flame-resistant cargo pant has articulated knees and a diamond crotch gusset. This is extremely helpful in physically demanding jobs like welding. There is a shank closure plus zip fly with an anti-static capacity to protect against electric shocks. All these features make you more focused on your work than on your safety.
Pros
- Anti-flame fabric design
- Lightweight pant
- Best for physically demanding jobs
- Wide boot leg opening
- Safety certified
Cons
- Limited breathability
Best Pants for Welders – Buyer’s Guide
Choosing an appropriate pant for a welder might get tricky for some people. To tackle this issue, we have given several important factors here to consider before purchasing the best pants for welders you want to wear.
1. Safety Certifications and Fire Retardation
If you want the best pants for welders out there, you need to search for certified ones. You can look for NFPA 2112 rating which the industry standard is for flame retardant stuff to protect against flash fires. There is another standard that is equally important, i.e. the NFPA 70E that protects against electrical hazards. You can also look for welder pants that have an extra flame retardant layer to further improve the protection.
2. Material
The welding pants are generally made of two materials, i.e. cotton and leather. Both these materials are extremely resistant to flames and sparks. There are some other cotton options available as well with added nylon, which should be minimal. Either way, you want the best pants for welders made of cotton, or something like cotton and leather.
3. Comfort and Mobility
It has been noticed normally that welding beginners mostly overlook the comfort factor for welding pants as an important consideration. Their main focus is usually on fire resistance so they overlook comfort. Also, consider the breathability of the fabric with its skin feel. Even though most welder pants are robust but still, it would be very difficult for you to stay focus if you have to adjust your pants every now and then. Look for some spandex amalgamation in your welding wear as it provides stretchiness for comfortable mobility.
4. Size and Fitting
The size of a pair of pants determines whether they are comfortable or not. It is better to have welder pants one size larger than your normal size to accommodate any other clothing that you may have inside. This large size will also allow enough space for airflow. Don’t get pants that are tight against your skin as you will feel the heat more apart from some other factors. It is recommended that the welding pants went over the boots. This will prevent a spark from going inside the shoes and increasing your safety level.
5. Easy Maintenance
If a welding pant is easy to clean and maintain, trust me, you have got a good one. Welding is a profession in which you encounter a lot of dust, grime, and rust associated with handling different types of metal. Ideally, the welding pants you have or want to have should be machine washable and easy to care for ardently. Straightforward maintenance will also eradicate the annoying regular washes and other daily hassles.
6. Leg Openings
Welding jobs require wearing protective work boots that are quite important as well. These welding boots are heavy-duty and extra weighty. The main idea behind a welding pant leg opening is that it should fit over the work boot pair without any itchiness. There are some pants available offering a relaxed fit which will also work perfectly with safety boots.
7. Knee Pads
Not all welding pants come with knee pads but it will do very nicely if they would. There are many welding activities that require you to get down on your knees and kneeling on hard surfaces. These kinds of situations are extremely uncomfortable for a welder working in such an environment with all the protective gear on. In such situations, having some thick knee pads will be of great help.
8. Pockets
Another important feature a welder must keep his eye on is the number of pockets a welding pant have. When you talk about the best pants for welders, all these pants have some extra pockets that come in very handy while doing work. It depends on your own needs but generally, welders do appreciate having a few extra pockets. There are some fire retardant jeans available with lots of pockets but nothing like cargo-pant style welding pants.
Best Pants for Welders – FAQs
1. What is the term “FR” means in welding pants?
“FR” in welding pants refers to the flame resistance capability and rating. Don’t get confused with the fireproof word as they both are different. FR-rated pants withstand high heat exposure while preventing the fire from sparks and flairs. These pants are an essential part of personal protective equipment for welders.
2. Is 100% cotton fire resistant?
The simple answer is, ‘No!’ Cotton fabric may look cool and enhance your comfort, it is no way near to being fire-resistant. Although it is better than polyester, it has to be treated with some special chemicals to make it fire-resistant.
3. What is HRC?
HRC stands for “Hazard Risk Category”. Some workplaces are rated with an HRC rating that indicates the level of protective gear one must wear in a certain area.
4. Do I need to wear protective gear while welding?
A simple yes will do here. All the protective gear like gloves, goggles, welding shirt and welding pants are required to be put on every time you work. The above-reviewed pants are protection against your hinge part only.
5. How many times can I wash fire retardant clothing?
It really depends on the quality of the material with which the welding pants are made. It also depends on the way they are washed. Generally, a good welding pant can last for about 1.5 years if washed twice a week. It is better to read the laundry instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The Bottom Line
As we are exposed to flying bits of molten metal, it is only logical to wear the flame-resistant best pants for welders. Every welder either professional or newbie should have the best welding pants among other protective gear. It is for their own protection and to ensure that they don’t go home with a scalding. Irrespective of your gender, you must pick suitable welder pants to remain safe from workspace hazards. The above-mentioned pants are all highly recommended for carpentry, metal works, and any other physically demanding job.

Terje Chuck from Dallas, TX has welding experience of 30+ years. He believes in providing quality metal products while keeping the work environment safe and clean. He is one of our biggest resources that is skilled at interpreting blueprints to assemble them in a structure as per specifications.