I first came across Up in Smoke Welding Apparel in 2014. Since then, there has been no going back to regular hoodies for welding. My first hoodie lasted almost 3 years. It’s staggering how the leather held up and kept me warm throughout numerous minus 30 degree winters. Since then, Mac has taken the product to great lengths ensuring product quality and sustainability. I’m proud to wear the products Up in Smoke Welding Apparel has to offer and proud that they are North America products and made here in Alberta, Canada. Thanks Mac, can’t wait to see what’s next on the leading edge of protection for welders!.

After putting the FR Novus, FR Thorax and the FR Zestos through the paces, I asked myself why I didn’t purchase them sooner! Grinding, welding, cutting and gouging, Up In Smoke Welding Apparel’s FR gear stands up to it all!

I’m a local shop welder/fabricator and run my own side business. Before buying Up in Smoke Welding Apparel I would buy generic FR (or so that’s what they would call it) and I would burn these brand-new shirts within a week or so. Then I got introduced to Up in Smoke Welding from Instagram and I was hesitant because of the price but man it is 110% worth it. Now that I only wear Up in Smoke Welding Apparel my arms are healing and it sure does look awesome as well. I have the FR Thorax for the winter, which keeps you warm and only has leather where you need it, and the FR Zestos and FR Novus welding shirts for the summer. The FR Novus is by far the best welding shirt you’ll ever find. It is honestly the best investment I’ve made for myself because safety is number one priority to me and Mac goes to great lengths to ensure that you’ll be safe, protected and look good. Not only that, but their customer service is the best I’ve seen. If you’re on the fence about buying any Up in Smoke Welding Apparel gear jump over and get you some!

I’ve been buying the FR Thorax hoodies and I I think they are great! It’s something I rely on over any other welding jacket, and if I’m in the hole or any spot that I know I’m going to get lit up in, I always throw it on and I honestly have not had a problem yet. Will continue to be a customer. And I like the logo.

I have a couple FR Novus and a FR Thorax and I used to weld structural and now I weld pipe in them. This gear will handle anything from 6 g downhill 6010 or carbon arcing overhead with 1/2 inch carbon rods. I only wear Up in Smoke Welding Apparel and I will keep it that way.

I am a Heavy-Duty Repair Welder and I consistently wear the FR Novus, FR Thorax w/ high visibility stripes and, the FR Testudo Jacket. They are legit quality that hold up better than the other big-name brands in the trades. I’m a lifetime fan of this clothing made for welding specifically.

I purchased the FR Thorax in a left-handed model and a FR Novus welding shirt about 5 months ago and I’m so impressed with how they have handled all the welding, gouging, and grinding. I have been welding for 18 years and my arms have never been this protected from sparks. I couldn’t believe how warm the FR Thorax hoodie was in -30c weather this past winter. It’s hard to source welding gear for left-handed welders so the fact that I can pick up this hoodie for lefties is great - plus they look awesome! I’m going to purchase more gear in the near future!