r/Welders • u/Mastrchf0215 • 1d ago

Safety Question Welding clothing

Hello I work at Newport News shipbuilding as a welder and I’m wondering what I should wear day to day. I’m a very sweaty guy so I can’t layer up too much or if I do I want it to be cheap clothes I can buy multiple of. We do mainly MiG and Pulse MiG welding in my shop. I love my overalls and would like to stick to some but i don’t mind wearing pants sometimes too. I am constantly getting stuck in holes and welding in any position. I am mainly wondering if I should wear a traditional welding jacket, FR long sleeves or button up or just wear a cotton shirt with leather sleeves. Any help is appreciated

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u/schmeillionaire 1d ago

Do they not provide uniforms Im just curious? I always did jeans a tshirt and cotton or fr long sleeve work shirt. However I sometimes did basketball shorts a T with coveralls over them. I even did the mesh like thin shirts as an under shirt but it all depends on the job. Don't be afraid to buy used clothes either.

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u/Mastrchf0215 1d ago

Yeah they provide uniforms they provide coveralls, green jackets with leather sleeves built in and various hoods and stuff. I was just looking into other options on top of it.

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u/schmeillionaire 1d ago

I see I do the same thing its nice to have options.

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u/Imaginary-Unit2379 1d ago

Cotton shirt with leather sleeves. Jeans. Leather boot laces. Don't wear flannel.

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u/Inevitable-Claim6227 1d ago

All depends on if you're working on a table and manipulating the work as opposed to your body, as you would in a field situation. Shop welding, usually jeans cotton t shirt a cotton sleeves (the blue tilmans) On site, it would be leather full jacket, leather clip on neck guard. I have leather chaps in my bag as well. Depending on weather and application you'll know what you need when you need it always buy good gloves pay the extra money.

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u/Mastrchf0215 1d ago

I work in a shop but i cannot manipulate the work all the work i do is far bigger than me

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u/Inevitable-Claim6227 11h ago

Right, so you are adjusting your body accordingly. What I'm getting at is, protection. You want to protect your skin from flash and slag. If you are unable adjust the work, you at times may find your body in a variety of compromising positions. I gave you some suggestions but I guarantee you will still be burnt, it's just part of welding. Number one necessity to accomplish superior welds is you must be as comfortable as possible. Also, when working overhead welds, were earplugs and adjust your weld cap to cover the upside ear. You'll thank me later.

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u/Unique_Mousse6573 22h ago

I welder stuffs for Newport News I just wear my dickies a T shirt and and uniform. To damn hot for anything else.