What is EN ISO 20471?
EN ISO 20471 is the standard for high-visibility clothing used where people need to be seen, such as on roads, construction sites, warehouses and yards. It sets out how much fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape a garment must have, how those materials must perform, and how the garment is tested and labelled.
A garment that meets the standard carries a label showing its class. That class tells you how visible the garment makes the wearer. If you are buying hi-vis for a team, the class is the first thing to check.
What do hi-vis Class 1, 2 and 3 mean?
The class is based on the minimum visible area of fluorescent background material and retroreflective material in the garment. The more material, the higher the class and the more visible the wearer.
Class 1
The lowest level of visibility. Class 1 garments, such as some trousers or simple items, suit lower-risk settings where traffic is slow and the wearer is easy to spot.
Class 2
A medium level of visibility. Many hi-vis vests and t-shirts are Class 2, and they are common on sites and in warehouses and yards.
Class 3
The highest level of visibility, usually achieved with garments that cover more of the body, such as jackets with sleeves, or a jacket worn with hi-vis trousers. Class 3 is often required for work near fast-moving traffic.
Some garments only reach a higher class when worn together. A Class 2 jacket worn with Class 1 trousers can achieve Class 3 as an ensemble when the label says so, so always check the labels.
How do you choose the right hi-vis class?
- Start with your risk assessment. Your employer duties under health and safety law mean the clothing should match the risk.
- Check any site, client or industry rules. Many construction sites, highways contractors and rail work set their own minimum class or colour.
- Think about speed and distance. The faster the traffic and the further away drivers are, the more visibility is needed.
- Consider light conditions. Retroreflective tape matters most in darkness and poor weather.
- Choose garments people will actually wear, in the right sizes and for the season.
The Health and Safety Executive's guidance on personal protective equipment at work explains employers' responsibilities for PPE.
Can you add a logo to hi-vis clothing?
Yes, as long as the logo does not reduce the fluorescent and reflective areas below what the class needs. We position logos clear of the reflective tape and keep them to a sensible size. Our guide on embroidering and printing on hi-vis explains what works and what to avoid.
How do you keep hi-vis performing?
Hi-vis loses visibility as it gets dirty, faded or damaged. Follow the care label, which often limits the number of wash cycles, and replace garments when the colour fades or the tape is cracked or peeling. Clean garments are more visible than dirty ones.
Which hi-vis garments do we supply?
We supply hi-vis vests, jackets, trousers, t-shirts and polos, and brand them for businesses across the West Midlands and the UK. Browse our branded hi-vis and our construction workwear. For the wider workwear range, see our comparison of Portwest, Regatta and Result workwear.
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 Wolverhampton and embroidery in Dudley, or browse all areas we serve in the West Midlands.
Frequently asked questions about hi-vis classes
Which hi-vis class do I need?
It depends on your risk assessment and any site or client rules. Work near fast traffic often calls for Class 3, while lower-risk settings may only need Class 1 or 2. If you are unsure, check with your site manager or health and safety adviser.
Can you supply branded hi-vis 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 garments that match the class your work calls for.
Does adding a logo affect the hi-vis class?
It can if the logo covers too much fluorescent or reflective material. We keep logos clear of the tape and to a sensible size so the garment still meets its class.
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?
- ISO 20471:2013 High visibility clothing: test methods and requirements
- HSE: Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work
Need branded hi-vis for your team?
Tell us the garments, the class you need, quantities and sizes, and share your logo. You can request a quote, call 07825 818684 or message us on WhatsApp.
