Black Stallion FN9-30C 30" 9oz. Navy FR Cotton Welding Jacket, Large

A lightweight welding layer that earns its keep

I’ve been wearing the Black Stallion FR cotton jacket as my go-to layer for light to medium welding and hot-work around the shop. It’s a 30-inch, 9 oz flame-resistant cotton jacket with a welder’s collar and six reinforced snap closures—nothing flashy, just the right details done well. After months of MIG, TIG, and occasional stick work, plus plenty of grinding and fit-up, it’s proven to be a comfortable, practical choice when you don’t want the weight and stiffness of leather but still need meaningful protection from sparks and UV.

Build and protection

The fabric is 9 oz FR-treated cotton. That puts it in the breathable, easy-moving camp rather than the “armor” category. In practice, it shrugs off routine spatter and UV nicely. I’ve had plenty of small pops hit the sleeves and chest without issues, and the material doesn’t stiffen up or get crunchy the way cheaper blends do after heat exposure.

The welder’s collar matters more than you think. Buttoned all the way up, it shields the neck from UV and sneaky sparks that like to find their way inside a hood. The collar is tall enough to overlap with a balaclava or sit comfortably under a hood bib without rubbing or creating a hot spot. It’s the sort of detail you miss the moment you put on a jacket without one.

Closure is via six snaps—no zipper to melt or jam with grit. The snaps are leather-reinforced, a touch that has held up better than I expected. They’ve never popped open unintentionally, and they’re easy to work even with gloves. The cuffs have snap adjustments too, which I cinch down before donning gloves; that overlaps the glove gauntlets and stops sparks from sneaking in at the wrist.

For coverage, the 30-inch length drops just below the belt. Standing, it’s right where it should be. Sitting at a bench or crawling under a car, it can ride up a touch—expected for a waist-length jacket. If you’re doing long seated sessions or heavy spatter work, a leather apron or a longer coat is a smart add-on.

Fit, comfort, and mobility

I tested the X-Large to wear over a work shirt or light sweatshirt. The cut is slightly generous in the torso, which I prefer for air circulation and layering, but it doesn’t billow to the point of catching on fixtures. Mobility is excellent; I can reach, clamp, and tack without feeling the shoulders bind. The fabric breathes well, especially compared to leather or heavy FR synthetics, and I haven’t felt overheated wearing it in warmer months.

Sleeve length is good for average builds. If you’ve got longer-than-average arms, consider sizing up—better to have sleeves that fully meet your glove cuffs than expose a sliver of wrist when you extend your arms. The snaps at the cuff give you a little tuning room either way.

Pockets and everyday usability

Black Stallion kept the storage minimal and useful. There’s a scribe pocket on the sleeve that fits soapstone, a paint marker, or a tungsten gauge—exactly the small, slender items you want close by. Inside, there’s a single pocket that’s handy for earplugs, a small notepad, or your wallet. I avoid keeping a phone there while grinding or welding; even with FR fabric, heat and fines aren’t friendly to electronics. For me, these two pockets cover 90% of what I need without adding bulk.

Putting the jacket on and taking it off is quick—snap closures mean you’re not fighting a zipper with gloved hands, and the snaps wipe clean easily. The navy color also hides grime better than lighter shades, and it still looks presentable after washing.

Real-world performance

In typical shop MIG and TIG, the jacket does exactly what it should: it blocks UV, shrugs off common spatter, and keeps you comfortable enough to focus on the weld. With stick welding, especially overhead or in tight corners, you’ll feel heat from larger, sustained slag drops. The fabric has resisted burn-through better than I expected for its weight, but you’ll know when you’ve overstayed under a shower of slag—heat is noticeable, and it’s your cue to reposition or reach for heavier PPE. I consider this a light-to-medium-duty jacket; it’s ideal for fabrication, automotive work, and general repair, but not the best choice for heavy flux-core overhead or gouging.

The snaps have been trouble-free, and the leather reinforcement seems to prevent tearing at those stress points. Seams are straight, no loose threads out of the bag, and stitching at the shoulders and cuffs has held up without fraying. The collar remains one of my favorite features—it’s tall enough to matter, soft enough not to rub raw, and it closes flush against the throat.

Durability and care

FR-treated cotton is a consumable in busy shops, and I treat it that way. With regular use, mine has accumulated the expected constellation of spatter marks but hasn’t suffered any dramatic failures. The forearms are the first area to show wear, which tracks with how often that zone catches the odd spark during grinding and tacking.

Care-wise, I wash it per the label: mild detergent, no bleach or fabric softener, snaps closed, and hang dry when I can. FR finishes don’t like harsh chemicals, and avoiding them keeps the jacket performing the way it should. After multiple wash cycles, the jacket has maintained its shape and color reasonably well. Expect a bit of cosmetic fading over time—purely aesthetic and typical for navy cotton in a shop environment.

Where it shines, where it doesn’t

Shines:
- Comfortable, breathable protection for everyday welding tasks
- Welder’s collar that actually protects the neck
- Snap system that’s easy with gloves and reinforced for longevity
- Useful sleeve and inside pockets without excess bulk
- Good mobility and heat management in warm conditions

Limited:
- Not the right tool for heavy, prolonged overhead work where slag rains down
- Waist-length coverage may leave your lap exposed when seated unless paired with an apron
- Long-armed users may want to size up to keep wrists covered

What to pair it with

For seated work or heavier spatter, add a leather lap apron. For overhead, consider a leather cape and sleeves or step up to a heavier leather jacket. A balaclava or FR neck gaiter pairs nicely with the collar for full neck coverage. And regardless of jacket choice, a properly rated hood and gloves are non-negotiable.

Value and who it’s for

This jacket hits a sweet spot: functional, durable enough for regular use, and light enough that you don’t dread putting it on. It makes particular sense for fabricators, hobbyists, and automotive techs who need reliable FR protection without the sweatbox feel of leather. If you’re outfitting a training space or your first serious welding kit, it’s a smart starting point that you’ll keep using even after you add heavier options to the rack.

Bottom line

The Black Stallion FR cotton jacket is a practical, comfortable layer that does its job without getting in your way. It protects well in the scenarios it’s designed for, breathes better than heavier jackets, and includes thoughtful touches like a tall collar and reinforced snaps. Treat it as your everyday shop jacket for MIG, TIG, and general hot-work; grab heavier PPE when the job calls for it.

Recommendation: I recommend it. It’s a well-made, light-to-medium-duty FR jacket that balances protection, comfort, and price. If your work routinely involves heavy overhead spatter, look to leather. Otherwise, this is the kind of dependable layer you’ll reach for day after day.