Keeping your hair and head protected when welding is paramount if you want to stay safe. Nobody wants singed hair, or worse. The damage from sparks and spatters can be devastating.
We look at the 7 best welding caps to give you the information to keep you safe.
- Sweat-absorbent
- Machine-washable
- Flame-retardant
- Flame-retardant
- Lightweight
- Plenty of designs to choose from
- 100 percent cotton
- Sweat absorbent liner
- Comes with elastic headband
- Double-layered
- Wide brim
- Full-crown shape
Product Reviews
Welding caps come in all designs and styles, so finding the best 7 was a challenge. Here are the 7 best welding caps we could find.
Welder Nation 8-Panel Welding Cap
Best Fitting Welding Cap
This Welder Nation cap has 8 panels, just like the traditional welding caps, which means it fits snugly to the contours of your head.
This cap is constructed from durable 10-ounce cotton duck canvas, so it is lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear.
The inner lining is cotton, it has a small flap that protects your eyes, neck and ears, and it is suitable for stick and MIG welding.
Pros
- 8 panels.
- Cotton duck canvas.
- Protective flap.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Large sizes.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 2.4 |
Dimensions (inches) | 11.22 x 7 x 0.5 |
Material | Cotton duck canvas |
Flap | Yes |
Sizes | 6.875 to 8 |
Cost | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Lincoln Electric KH823L Flame-Resistant Cap
Best Budget Welding Cap
This is a beanie-style hat that sits under a welding helmet and increases the comfort for the wearer. It is also flame-retardant, which means it protects against sparks, flames and spatters of molten metal.
It is made from cotton, making it breathable and lightweight, at just 9 ounces, and is machine-washable as well as super absorbent for sweat, which helps when you are working in a hot environment all day.
This cap stands out thanks to the price-tag. It retails at a fraction of some on the list, making it incredible value for money.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Sweat-absorbent.
- Machine-washable.
- Flame-retardant.
- Incredible value for money.
Cons
- No protective flaps.
- Only protects the scalp.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 9 |
Dimensions (inches) | 11 x 6 x 1 |
Material | Cotton |
Flap | No |
Sizes | Large |
Cost | $ |
Our Ratings
Riverweld Fashionable Flame-Retardant Welding Cap
Best Flame-Retardant Welding Cap
This has caught my attention not only because of the design but also by how many people actually loved it. This cap repels flames and sparks with ease. It has a lacing back and is made of cotton thus it is comfortable to wear. In fact, you can easily pair it with a welding helmet for added protection.
It weighs just 2.82 ounces and comes with 11 colors to choose from. This cap is better suited as additional protection beneath the welding helmet.
Pros
- Flame-retardant.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable.
- Plenty of designs.
Cons
- Thin fabric.
- Size runs small.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 2.82 |
Dimensions (inches) | 5.91 x 7.09 x 3.54 |
Material | Cotton |
Flap | Yes |
Sizes | Not specified |
Cost | $ |
Our Ratings
BSX Gear BC5B-BK Welding Beanie
Best Beanie Welding Cap
This beanie hat is a one size fits all, so it should make sizing it easy. It is made from flame-retardant cotton and is suitable for all welding applications. Like the other beanie hats featured, it doesn’t offer the same level of protection for your eyes and ears, but it does fit snugly beneath your welding helmet to increase the comfort levels.
The cap is breathable, and the sizing is on the large size, so when you wash it, watch for shrinkage. And, weighing just 0.64 ounces means this cap is super-light, so you won’t even know you have it on.
Pros
- Flame-retardant.
- Weighs 0.64 ounces.
- One size fits all.
- Great brand name.
Cons
- Only protects the scalp.
- Prone to shrinkage.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 0.64 |
Dimensions (inches) | 9 x 6 x 1 |
Material | Cotton |
Flap | No |
Sizes | One size fits all |
Cost | $ |
Our Ratings
Comeaux 118-2000-C Camouflage Welding Cap
Best Welding Cap with Style
This is a 6-panel reversible cap made of cotton. It has a soft flap that protects the eyes and ears from spatters, and if you flip it around, it covers the neck. It is a deep round-crown cap, designed to sit low on the welder’s head to cover the tops of their ears.
This particular cap has reinforced stitching and comes in a fashionable camouflage design. Other colors are available, as well as sizes ranging from 7 to 8.
Pros
- Flame-retardant.
- Weighs 1.6 ounces.
- Sizes 7 to 8.
- Great brand name.
Cons
- Large sizes.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 1.6 |
Dimensions (inches) | 10 x 6.75 x 1.25 |
Material | Cotton |
Flap | Yes |
Sizes | 7 to 8 |
Cost | $ |
Our Ratings
Lincoln Electric Welding Cap
Best Custom Welding Cap
If you are looking for a welding cap that taps into your patriotism, this is the hat for you. It comes with a stars and stripes design that should suit almost everyone’s taste. It is 100 percent cotton with a cotton thread.
It also has a sweat-absorbent liner that keeps your head dry no matter what the conditions and the flap protects both your eyes and ears from spatters and sparks. It is a one size fits all, with an elastic headband that makes fitting and wearing this cap super-comfortable.
Pros
- Flame-retardant.
- One size fits all.
- Elasticated.
- Sweat absorbent liner.
- Great brand name.
Cons
- Tight fit.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 1.12 |
Dimensions (inches) | 6 x 1 x 1 |
Material | Cotton |
Flap | Yes |
Sizes | One size fits all |
Cost | $ |
Our Ratings
Revco BC5W-BK Armor Welding Cap
Best Sweat-Absorbing Welding Cap
This Revco cap is double-layered for extra protection. It keeps your head cool, absorbing sweat, thanks to the breathable 100 percent cotton material, and the elasticated headband makes it easy to adjust the cap to fit your head. It also holds it in place, securing your hair under the elasticated band to protect it.
This cap also has a full brim, so it increases the protection you get for your eyes and ears, and the full-crown shape naturally sits low on your head for increased security.
Pros
- Flame-retardant.
- One size fits all.
- Elasticated.
- 100 percent cotton.
- Wide brim.
Cons
- Tight fit.
- No returns policy.
Product Specs
Weight (ounces) | 2.24 |
Dimensions (inches) | 5 x 4 x 1 |
Material | Cotton |
Flap | Yes |
Sizes | One size fits all |
Cost | $ |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Flap | Sizes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welder NationWelding Cap | Good Fit | 2.4 oz | 11.22 x 7 x 0.5″ | Cotton | Yes | 6.875 to 8 |
Lincoln Electric Flame-Resistant Cap | Budget Pick | 9 oz | 11 x 6 x 1″ | Cotton | No | Large |
Riverweld Welding Beanie | Flame-Retardant | 2.82 oz | 5.91 x 7.09 x 3.54″ | Cotton | Yes | N/A |
BSX Gear BC5B-BK Welding Beanie | Beanie | 0.64 oz | 9 x 6 x 1″ | Cotton | No | One size |
Comeaux Camouflage Welding Cap | Style | 2 oz | 10 x 6.75 x 1.25″ | Cotton | Yes | 7 to 8 |
Lincoln Electric Welding Cap | Customized | 1 oz | 6 x 1 x 1″ | Cotton | Yes | One size |
Revco BC5W-BK Armor Welding Cap | Sweat-Absorbing | 2.24 oz | 5 x 4 x 1″ | Cotton | Yes | One size |
Why Do Welders Wear Welding Caps?
The simple answer is to keep their scalp, eyes, ears and neck safe from burns, spatters and fire damage. Welding is hot and dangerous work, and when you are working at close quarters, concentrating on completing your project, your head will be close to the weld pool.
Plus, there is also the risk of radiation and UV damage caused by the welding machine. UV is very bad for the skin, and overexposure can lead to skin cancers.
Factors to Keep in Mind
Choosing a welding cap is not as simple as just finding a design you like. It needs to be comfortable, flexible, and suitable for the welding jobs you do. Here are some of the fundamentals to bear in mind when shopping for a welding cap.
Welding Cap FAQs
If the Cap Fits
You cannot put a price on welding safety, and a welding cap should be part of every welder’s protective equipment. When you are working at close quarters with the weld line, keeping the vulnerable bits of your body safe is a top priority.
Welding caps also increase the comfort levels of the welding helmet, making for a better experience for the welder.