Woodworking Workwear: The Best Shirts for Woodworking

You asked we answered: What type of shirt should you be wearing in the workshop?

While it might be a bit of a stretch to say a shirt is an absolute necessity in the shop, would you really want to woodwork without one? Realistically, your base layer makes a big difference in your overall comfort in the shop, and higher-end work shirts provide real protection from injuries.

Welcome to the new Popular Woodworking Gear Guides, where we share with you the woodworking tools and gear we’re using in our shops. These articles are not sponsored content, but may include free samples provided from the manufacturer for testing and photography purposes.

Editor’s note: This guide had been in the works for several months before the release of Milwaukee’s line of workwear designed for women. We’ll be including those products in future rounds of testing.

What should I look for in a work shirt?

The shirt should match the task. Putzing around the shop? Throw on a t-shirt. Milling a log? You’re going to want something more heavy-duty. Wood shavings can irritate the skin, so a long-sleeved shirt is nice if you’re going to be kicking up a bunch of sawdust. 

Editor’s pick for t-shirts

Popular Woodworking Logo T-shirt Shop Unisex $24.99

Sure, you could just grab any random shirt from your dresser, maybe that one from college with the ketchup stain. Or you could wear the only t-shirt guaranteed* to improve your woodworking skills. *this is not guaranteed

• Price: 6/10 – Not exactly cheap for a t-shirt, but it is well made.
• Comfort: 9/10 — This thing is comfy.
• Safety: 2/10 – It’s a lightweight t-shirt, there’s not a lot of protection.
• Functionality: 3/10 – There’s no bells and whistles here.

Alternate pick: Woodsmith Rules T-Shirt

Editor’s pick for long-sleeve shirts

Dickies Cooling Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt Shop Men Shop Women $24.99

Now we’re entering the realm of lightweight workwear. This shirt was comfortable and soft, and fit especially well.

• Price: 7/10 – For the same price as a t-shirt you also get sleeves and a pocket.
• Comfort: 10/10 — This might be the most comfortable shirt I own. Bonus points for the cooling feature working as advertised
• Safety: 3/10 – Long sleeves mean your arms gain some protection.
• Functionality: 5/10 – Medium. The pocket bumps this up a little over a standard t-shirt. 

Alternate pick: L.L. Bean Men’s Carefree Unshrinkable Tee with Pocket

Editor’s pick for flannel

Duluth Trading Co Free-Swinging Flannel Shop Men Shop Women $54.50

Duluth Trading Co. isn’t messing around when it comes to the quality of their flannel shirts. I’ve been wearing the same one for 15 years now and it just won’t quit. The untucked fit is nice if you’re going for a casual look.

• Price: 9/10 – This price is based on longevity; the cost-per-wear is unbelievably low.
• Comfort: 9/10 — The shirts are brushed twice and prewashed, so they feel extra nice right off the hanger.
• Safety: 6/10 – Medium. The thicker flannel material provides some protection from scratches.
• Functionality: 8/10 – High. The two pockets help here, but the real boost comes from how nice the fabric and patterns are. This shirt is just as at home in the shop as it is at Sunday dinner. 

Alternate picks: Carhartt Loose Fit Heavyweight Flannel • TruWerk Tech Flannel

Editor’s pick for work shirt

Dickies Long Sleeve Work Shirt Shop Men Shop Women (short sleeve only) $24.99-$29

There’s a reason that Dickies is associated with the quintessential work shirt — they’re affordable, durable, and come in 14 different colors. 

• Price: 8/10 – This shirt hits the perfect sweet spot here, where it costs enough to be made of tough fabric, but not so much that you feel bad buying multiples.
• Comfort: 5/10 — The polyester-cotton blend is fairly stiff and not particularly soft. They do break in nicely after a while though.
• Safety: 7/10 – Medium-high. The shirt is made from a durable fabric that resists scratching and punctures better than a normal shirt.
• Functionality: 8/10 – There are two pockets plus a pencil slot. Since this is a dedicated work shirt you can use it for all sorts of nasty tasks where you don’t want to ruin your regular clothes.

Alternate picks: Red Kap Long Sleeve Industrial Work Shirt • Carhartt Rugged Professional Long-Sleeve Shirt

Upgraded Pick for Work Shirt

MCR Summit Breeze Flame Resistant (FR) Shirt Shop Unisex $100+

Full disclosure — I did not pay full price for my Summit Breeze shirt. A friend picked it up at a yard sale for $20 or so as a gift for me. But if you’re looking for an upgrade option that is both more comfortable and provides more protection, this is the shirt for you. The fabric is high quality and comfortable, and there’s venting in the back for cooling. Also it’s flame-resistant, which is nice if you’re doing tasks like welding. 

• Price: 5/10 – This is an expensive shirt, but should last for a long time and provide a high level of safety.
• Comfort: 8/10 — The back venting means this shirt is plenty comfortable even in the heat of summer.
• Safety: 10/10 – High. The fabric is flame resistant, and certified to several safety standards, including NFPA 70E  and ASTM 1930.
• Functionality: 7/10 – I keep mine hanging in the shop year-round, and throw it on any time I’m going to be working for a while.

Alternate pick: Stihl Pro Mark Summer Shirt