4 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
12 Hours of Research
10 Products Considered
At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Welding Chaps
Staying safe on the job is insanely important. No matter what it is you are doing, a physical activity means that safety is going to have to be your number one priority.
For a welder, this is more important than most. With the right gear and the right strategies, you should be able to stay safe.
Your chaps are going to be an integral part of your PPE outfit (Personal Protective Equipment). In this article, you will find some of the best leather welding chaps on the market right now, reviewed and recommended for you.
If you are new to the profession, you will also get to learn why you need protective clothing for welding, and a quick comparison of some of the more popular types, designs and materials used in the manufacture of chaps of all shapes and sizes. Safety first, welders!
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Welding Chaps
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Last Updated: June 3, 2021
By Gregory Sanders: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding welding chaps available for those who are interested in welding clothing. The best 4 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best welding chaps currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Review of the 5 Best Welding Chaps
Without further ado, here are the 5 best value-for-money chaps on the market right now. Consider them before any others.
#1 - Side Split Cowhide Chaps (40”) - Revco
Side Split Cowhide Chaps (40”) - Revco Pros
Extremely good heat protection.
After a few hours of welding and exposure to the heat of the welding equipment, there is little to no heat conducted through the welding chaps to the user.
The quality is pretty great as well, and are delivered new in their original plastic.
The split cowhide leather has a nice feeling.
Side Split Cowhide Chaps (40”) - Revco Cons
The size feels a little on the big side, so a little duct tape around the thighs may be required, especially if you have a skinnier build.
Final Thoughts
These are 40 inch long, brown cowhide chaps are for people who prefer a classic look. They have a side split design for better insulation against heat, and are stitched from real cowhide for better protection against flying sharp objects.
#2 - Leather Adjustable Chaps – Heat Resistant - Weldas
Leather Adjustable Chaps – Heat Resistant - Weldas Pros
Good heat resistance and a split side design for better insulation.
The Kevlar thread is very durable.
Straps on the legs, thighs and knees allow for a better fit.
Major stress points are riveted for durability.
Leather Adjustable Chaps – Heat Resistant - Weldas Cons
Might not be the best choice in warmer climates because of their thickness.
Final Thoughts
These chaps are resistant to both intense heat and abrasion from debris during the welding. They are made out of premium grade cowhide leather and are stitched together with Kevlar thread, which gives incredible strength to the seams.
These leather welding chaps are golden brown in color and 40” long. They come with adjustable fasteners as well for the best fit possible.
#3 - Split Memphis Leather Welding Chaps – MCR Safety
Split Memphis Leather Welding Chaps – MCR Safety Pros
They look and feel premium grade.
They offer a high heat protection range and additionally some slag protection.
Durable, and constant use doesn’t wear them out easily.
High quality leather feel.
Split Memphis Leather Welding Chaps – MCR Safety Cons
Annoying lint that sticks to dark clothing.
Straps are rather long and will need trimming.
Not as adjustable to the more flexible positions.
Final Thoughts
These are heavy cowhide leather side split designed welding chaps that can offer increased protection from both heat and cuts as well as burning from slap.
All the major stress points in these Memphis welding chaps are riveted for durability. The straps are treated and come with quick release buckles in case of an emergency.
The seams are stitched with durable Kevlar thread, and are double locked for increased strength. They measure 38x24” and are available in a grey color.
#4 - Memphis Split Cowhide Welding Apron Chaps – MCR Safety
Memphis Split Cowhide Welding Apron Chaps – MCR Safety Pros
Extremely high-quality leather with great protection against the heat.
Covers all major areas well.
Kevlar thread is durable and resists heat.
Straps are adjustable and the fit is very nice.
Front pocket is very useful as well.
This is a welding chap made out of Memphis cowhide leather.
Memphis Split Cowhide Welding Apron Chaps – MCR Safety Cons
Not very maneuverable as its heavy. Straps have to be readjusted if the job requires flexibility.
Final Thoughts
It comes with a split leg design in grey, and has a useful front pocket as well.
It is a little on the heavy side for the more demanding slag, spark and cut protection.
The seams are double locked Kevlar. There are riveted stress points for durability and a D-ring for an accessory belt.
Why Do You Need Welding Chaps?
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE, such as welding chaps, helps you stay injury free during your day.
There are lots of different injuries that a welder can suffer, such as burns and exposure to rays from arc welding.
Wearing protective gear allows you to maintain flexibility whilst protecting yourself from all the hazards out there.
For the most part, a welding chap is made out of cowhide or other forms of leather. However, some manufacturers use flame-resistant cotton clothing instead.
The reason natural materials are used is because artificial materials like nylon melt under heat, and welding is all about exposure to intense heat.
The Difference Between Cotton And Leather Chaps
The two most popular types of materials used in the manufacture of welding chaps are cotton and leather. The leather is typically made of cowhide.
On rare occasions, pig skin may also be used. The practice of tanned cowhide has been around for generations. It is very durable indeed, but can be a little on the stiff side. It is quite good at resisting heat.
Typically, leather welding chaps are made using a top grain or split grain method to reduce abrasion with the skin.
Cotton chaps, on the other hand, may seem silly due to cotton being so easy to burn. It is actually a chemically treated variation called Sateen that is commonly used to make a welding chap.
Cotton chaps are far more flexible than leather, but are much less durable.
They are cheaper, lighter and are quite flame-resistant as well, although not as much as leather.
If you are a casual welder, a hobbyist, or someone who needs added flexibility, cotton is the material you need.
Conclusion
Choosing welding chaps doesn’t have to be as hard as you think it is, but it is definitely a crucial thing to do before you go in and start welding.
Always make sure that you are as safe as you can be when you are engaging in this type of activity.
Something else you need to consider is that simply wearing chaps won’t be good enough, whether leather or cotton.
You also have to wear full PPE kits, including ear protection. Happy welding!
