Can You Embroider or Print on Hi-Vis? What Works and What's Allowed

Can you put a logo on hi-vis clothing?

Yes. Branded hi-vis is common on construction sites, in warehouses and for events, and it helps clients and the public see who your team works for. The important rule is that the logo must not reduce the garment's visibility below what its class requires.

Hi-vis is graded under EN ISO 20471 by how much fluorescent background and retroreflective tape it has. Our guide to hi-vis classes explains the standard. Any branding needs to work around those materials, not on top of them.

Embroidery or print: which works better on hi-vis?

Embroidery

Embroidery suits hi-vis jackets, softshells and polos with a sturdy fabric. It gives a durable, professional logo that survives frequent washing. It is less suitable for very light vest fabrics, which can pucker under dense stitching.

Printing

Heat-applied prints such as vinyl printing or DTF transfers suit lighter garments such as vests and t-shirts, and are often used for large text on the back, such as a company name or a role like "First Aider". Printing on hi-vis needs care with heat settings, because some hi-vis fabrics and tapes are sensitive to high temperatures.

Where should a logo go on hi-vis?

  • Left chest, clear of any reflective bands.
  • The back panel, between or above the reflective tape.
  • Sleeves on jackets, where there is space away from the tape.

Logos should never cover or overlap the reflective tape. We check the garment layout and agree the size and position with you on a proof before anything is made.

How big can a logo on hi-vis be?

Keep logos to a sensible size. A large logo covers fluorescent background material, and on a garment that only just meets its class, that can be enough to reduce it. For large back text, choose a garment with a generous back panel, or use a separate badge or tabard if your site rules allow.

What should you check before ordering branded hi-vis?

  1. The class your work calls for, from your risk assessment and any site rules.
  2. Whether your client or site has rules on logos, colours or lettering.
  3. The garment's care label, since some hi-vis has a limited number of washes.
  4. Whether you need extra wording such as a role, a name or a phone number.

Do branded hi-vis costs count as a business expense?

Protective clothing needed for work is generally treated differently from everyday clothing for tax purposes. Our plain-English guide on whether branded workwear is tax deductible explains the HMRC guidance, though you should always check with your accountant.

Which hi-vis do we brand?

We supply and brand hi-vis vests, jackets, trousers, t-shirts and polos. Browse our hi-vis range and tell us what you need.

Do we supply customers near you?

We are based in Worcestershire and dispatch orders across the UK, and customers nearby can arrange local collection. See how we work with customers locally on our pages for embroidery in West Bromwich and embroidery in Walsall, or browse all areas we serve in the West Midlands.

Frequently asked questions about branded hi-vis

Does a logo make hi-vis non-compliant?

Not if it is positioned and sized correctly. The logo must stay clear of the reflective tape and must not reduce the fluorescent area below what the garment class needs.

Can you add names or job roles to hi-vis?

Yes. Names and roles such as Supervisor or First Aider are usually printed on the back panel, clear of the reflective tape.

Can you supply hi-vis with our logo for a site team?

Yes. We supply hi-vis vests, jackets and trousers and add your logo in a way that leaves the reflective tape clear. We can advise on the visibility class your work calls for.

Is there a minimum order?

We welcome small orders as well as large ones, so a sole trader kitting out one van and a club ordering a full squad are both looked after. Tell us your quantity when you ask for a quote and we will advise on the best value option.

Can I see a proof before you make my order?

Yes. Once your logo is prepared we can send a visual showing the position and size on the garment for you to approve before anything is embroidered or printed.

Where can you check the facts in this guide?

Order branded hi-vis

Tell us the garments, the class you need, the quantity and sizes, and share your logo. You can request a quote, call 07825 818684 or message us on WhatsApp.

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