High-visibility clothing: tips, standards, updates, and everything you need to know in 2025

Why is high-visibility clothing essential? where is it used, and what is its purpose?

high-visibility clothing is an integral part of workplace safety as it significantly reduces the risk of accidents in low-visibility environments. Thanks to special fluorescent materials and reflective elements, it helps workers remain visible even in poor lighting conditions, at night, or during bad weather. In some professions, high-visibility clothing is even legally required and must meet strict standards such as EN ISO 20471.

Advantages and benefits of high-visibility clothing

Maximum visibility – reflective elements bounce back light, increasing worker safety

Protection from accidents – reduces the risk of collisions and workplace injuries in unclear environments

Mandatory in certain professions – required in construction, roadwork, and logistics

Comfort and functionality – modern high-visibility clothing is lightweight, flexible, and allows free movement

Weather resistance – many models are waterproof, windproof, or insulated

Where is high-visibility clothing used?

• Construction and roadwork – workers on roads and construction sites must be visible to drivers and machine operators
• Transportation and logistics – reflective vests are mandatory for drivers, couriers, and airport or warehouse staff
• Emergency services and firefighters – high visibility is crucial during operations in unclear terrain
• Industry and manufacturing – especially in areas with machinery and low lighting
• Everyday use – reflective elements are increasingly popular for cycling, running, and hiking

High-visibility clothing is now much more comfortable and stylishly designed than before. Thanks to new technologies and stretch materials, it is flexible, lightweight, and suitable for long-term wear. When choosing high-visibility clothing, it is essential to consider the work environment, standards, and level of protection to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

Types of high-visibility clothing: work pants, jackets, vests, and t-shirts

High-visibility workwear comes in various forms to ensure maximum safety and comfort depending on the work environment. From durable work pants for construction workers to lightweight high-visibility t-shirts for summer months – each type of clothing has its own specifications and advantages. In the following sections, we will introduce the most common types of high-visibility clothing and their uses.

High-visibility work pants and trousers

High-visibility work pants and trousers are a fundamental part of work gear for people working outdoors, where high visibility and durability are essential. Compared to regular work trousers, they feature reflective strips and fluorescent colors that ensure visibility even in low-light conditions. They are made from durable materials like cotton, ripstop, or twill, providing long-lasting wear and resistance to abrasion. Many models have reinforced knees with space for knee protectors, reducing fatigue when kneeling for long periods. Workers will also appreciate practical tool pockets that make organization easier on the job.

Modern high-visibility trousers are often equipped with stretch panels that enhance comfort and flexibility. Insulated versions with a waterproof membrane are ideal for cold winter months, while lighter, breathable versions are suitable for summer. High-visibility work pants and trousers are mandatory in construction, logistics, transportation, and any field where minimizing the risk of workplace accidents due to poor visibility is crucial.

High-visibility jackets

High-visibility jackets are designed to combine protection against cold, wind, and rain with maximum visibility. They are an essential part of workwear, especially for outdoor workers who need reliable protection against harsh weather conditions. The materials used include softshell, polyester with PU coating, and insulated fabrics with membranes that ensure water and wind resistance.

Some high-visibility jacket models are equipped with detachable sleeves and a hood, allowing for adjustments based on the weather. For extreme conditions, insulated models with thermal insulation are available to retain warmth even in low temperatures. Softshell high-visibility jackets are popular for their breathability and flexibility, providing greater comfort for long-term wear.

High-visibility vests

High-visibility vests are among the most widely used high-visibility garments because they are simple, lightweight, and affordable. They are used in construction, transportation, security services, and even for sports activities such as cycling or hiking. Their primary function is to ensure maximum visibility, and they must comply with the EN ISO 20471 standard, which specifies the minimum area of reflective elements and fluorescent material.

In addition to standard high-visibility vests, there are also insulated versions that provide thermal protection in cold weather. A practical alternative is vests with multiple pockets, allowing workers to carry small tools, documents, or a radio. High-visibility vests are mandatory in many industries and are considered essential workwear.

High-visibility hoodies

High-visibility hoodies are an ideal solution for workers who need a comfortable and warm garment for transitional seasons or mildly cold days. Fleece hoodies are popular for their ability to retain heat while remaining breathable, while classic cotton hoodies provide all-day comfort.

Many models feature reflective strips on the sleeves, back, and chest, enhancing safety when working in low-light conditions. High-visibility hoodies can come with or without a hood, and elastic cuffs and adjustable elements help retain warmth and protect against wind.

High-visibility t-shirts and polo shirts

For summer months and indoor workplaces, high-visibility t-shirts and polo shirts are a great alternative to heavier high-visibility garments. They are made from lightweight and breathable materials such as polyester, Coolmax, or Dry-fit, which efficiently wick away sweat and keep the wearer dry. Polo shirts with collars are often preferred in environments where a professional appearance needs to be combined with safety.

In addition to comfort, these garments also provide UV protection, which is crucial for working under direct sunlight. The reflective elements on t-shirts and polo shirts are strategically placed to enhance visibility without restricting movement.

High-visibility caps and helmets

Head protection is just as important as body protection, which is why high-visibility caps and helmets are essential accessories for workers in construction, industry, and transportation. High-visibility winter caps provide thermal insulation and protect against wind, while high-visibility baseball caps are ideal for warm conditions and also offer sun protection.

high-visibility helmets are mandatory in many industrial sectors and often feature integrated reflective elements to enhance visibility when working at night or in low-light conditions. Some models are equipped with additional LED lights, further increasing safety for the wearer in hazardous environments.

What standards do high-visibility garments meet?

High-visibility workwear must comply with strict safety standards that ensure visibility and protection in various working conditions. The main goal of these standards is to enhance the safety of workers operating in low-visibility environments, such as roadways, industrial zones, or construction sites.

The most important standard for high-visibility clothing is EN ISO 20471, which sets requirements for reflective elements, fluorescent materials, and visibility in different lighting conditions. In addition to this standard, there are other complementary regulations for high-visibility clothing that ensure protection against rain, cold, or electrostatic discharges. Below, we introduce the key standards that high-quality high-visibility workwear must meet.

Standards and regulations for high-visibility clothing

• EN ISO 20471 – Standard for high-visibility clothing
  

  This standard is the primary requirement for high-visibility workwear, as it specifies the minimum requirements for fluorescent materials and reflective elements. Based on this standard, garments are classified into three safety classes according to the amount of reflective and fluorescent material on the clothing.

• EN 17353 – Reflective elements for lower-risk environments
  

  EN 17353 applies to reflective elements that enhance visibility but do not meet the strict requirements of EN ISO 20471. It is suitable for workers in lower-risk environments or those who only need additional reflective features.

• EN 343 – Protection against rain and moisture
  

  This standard defines the requirements for waterproof workwear, including high-visibility jackets and trousers. It tests the water resistance and breathability of materials, which is crucial for workers spending long hours in rainy or humid conditions.

• EN 342 – Protection against cold
  

  Workwear certified under EN 342 provides protection against extremely low temperatures. These garments can be combined with reflective elements to ensure both thermal comfort and high visibility in winter conditions.

• EN 1149 – Antistatic properties (ESD protection)
  

  EN 1149 covers workwear with antistatic properties that reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge. This is important for workers in the chemical industry, electronics, and environments with explosion hazards.

• EN ISO 11612 – Protection against heat and flames
  

  This standard applies to workwear that provides protection against fire and extreme temperatures. High-visibility clothing with this certification is mainly used in metallurgy, welding, and work involving high heat exposure.

• EN ISO 11611 – Welding protection
  

  This standard ensures protection against sparks, contact heat, and short-term flame exposure. Some high-visibility clothing models are designed to meet this standard, providing safety for welders working in low-visibility environments.

EN 20471 - what do class 1, 2, and 3 mean?

The EN ISO 20471 standard is the most important European regulation for high-visibility workwear, as it sets minimum requirements for high visibility in various working conditions. Its main goal is to ensure that workers are visible from all directions, both in daylight and at night under artificial lighting.

This standard defines how much fluorescent material (yellow, orange, or red) and reflective strips must be present on workwear to meet safety requirements. Clothing is then classified into three visibility classes, which determine the level of protection:

Material	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3
Reflective material	0.14 m²	0.50 m²	0.80 m²
Background material	0.10 m² 5 cm wide strips with a minimum length of 2 m or 7 cm wide strips with a minimum length of 1.4 m	0.13 m² 5 cm wide strips with a minimum length of 2.6 m or 7 cm wide strips with a minimum length of 1.9 m	0.20 m² 5 cm wide strips with a minimum length of 4 m or 7 cm wide strips with a minimum length of 2.9 m
Combined material	0.20 m²
Description	Class 1 provides the lowest level of protection and is suitable only for lower-risk environments where the worker is not directly exposed to road traffic or heavy machinery	Class 2 offers higher protection and is mandatory for workers operating in hazardous areas with occasional vehicle or machinery movement	Class 3 is designed for the most high-risk work environments where maximum visibility is required throughout the day and in all lighting conditions

How do the individual classes look in practice? To give you a better idea, here is an example:

High-visibility clothing comes in yellow, orange, and red

The color of high-visibility workwear is not random. Fluorescent colors such as yellow, orange, and red are designed to maximize worker visibility in different conditions and work environments. Each color has its specific characteristics and is preferred in certain industries. Choosing the right color is influenced not only by safety requirements but also by the surrounding environment where the worker operates.

Yellow high-visibility color – best visibility in low light

Yellow (neon yellow) is the most commonly used high-visibility color because it provides the highest visibility both during the day and in dim lighting. This color contrasts best with most natural and urban environments, making workers easily recognizable.

Orange high-visibility color – ideal for the railway and road sector

Orange is the second most common high-visibility color and is often used where it is important to distinguish workers from other objects in the surroundings. Orange is associated with warnings and danger, making it a popular choice for workers in transportation and the railway industry.

Red high-visibility color – enhanced visibility in dense environments

Red high-visibility color is used less frequently than yellow and orange but is still certified under EN ISO 20471. It is best suited for workers who need to be visible in crowded or extreme conditions. Red stands out from other warning colors and is perceived as a danger signal.