High visibility (hi vis) jackets are essential for safety gear in many industries. When looking for the best hi vis jacket, you must consider the standards required in the UK, among several other things. 

A hi vis jacket is designed to be highly noticeable and visible, with bright colour fabrics and retroreflective accents. It’s particularly useful in low-light conditions and dangerous environments. 

This detailed guide will help you pick the right hi vis jacket that does its job well.  

Hi Vis Standards and Regulations

Before you start looking for a hi vis jacket, understand the standards and regulations around it. 

Since this type of jacket is part of safety gear, it’s governed by international and sometimes local standards. 

And that’s a good thing because standards ensure the gear meets the requirements. In the UK, all hi vis clothing must meet the EN ISO 24071 standard. 

EN ISO 20471 Standard

This international standard ensures that hi vis jackets meet visibility and durability requirements in European countries. 

It has preceded the older EN 471 standard and is even more strict and detailed. 

EN ISO 20471 has three classes based on the amount of reflective and fluorescent material used:

Class 1: 

This class of hi vis jackets offers the lowest visibility. It’s ideal for low-risk environments only. It may not be used for road work, for example. 

To be classified as ISO 20471 Class 1, the hi vis jacket must have a minimum of 0.14 square meters of fluorescent material and 0.10 square meters of reflective material.

Class 2:

This class is a level up from Class 1 and provides an intermediate level of protection. It’s suitable for moderate-risk environments like road maintenance or lorry driving. 

It requires a minimum of 0.50 square meters of fluorescent material and 0.13 square meters of reflective material.

Class 3:

This class offers the highest level of visibility. It’s for high-risk situations like motorway work, railways, and emergency response.

These jackets must have a minimum of 0.80 square meters of fluorescent material and 0.20 square meters of reflective material. 

Key Considerations When Looking for the Best Hi Vis Jacket

Here are the main things to keep in mind:

Material and Durability

hi vis jackets are made from synthetic materials, but there are choices. And those choices determine durability, comfort, and cost. 

Here are your hi vis jacket material choices:

• Polyester: Lightweight and durable, commonly used in standard hi vis jackets.
• Mesh: Breathable, ideal for hot weather conditions.
• Waterproof Fabrics: Necessary for rainy or snowy environments, like in the UK, where it rains 164 days on average. 
• Flame-Resistant (FR) Material: Essential for industries with fire hazards, like manufacturing or construction. 

When choosing the material, consider the work environment. Outdoor workers need weather-resistant fabrics. Indoor workers can make do with lightweight, non-weather-resistant jackets. 

Colour and Reflective Features

hi vis jackets come in various fluorescent colours and reflective designs to enhance visibility. Since there’s no specific colour requirement in the standards, choosing one is up to you. 

Here are the different colour choices and their advantages:

• Fluorescent Yellow: This is the most common and visible colour in both daytime and low-light conditions. It’s suitable for most work environments. 
• Fluorescent Orange: This one is often used for road workers. It provides high contrast against most backgrounds.
• Fluorescent Red: This is a less common colour but highly visible in specific environments.
• Reflective Strips: These are essential for nighttime visibility. These should be placed on arms, torso, and shoulders.

You don’t necessarily have to stick with a single colour. In fact, if you have different types or levels of experience as workers, you can use colour as a distinguisher. 

Fit, Comfort, and Mobility

A hi vis jacket should allow for ease of movement and be comfortable. That’s because workers may need to wear it for many hours. 

Ensure a snug but comfortable fit to avoid restricting movement. 

The jacket should be adjustable with features like elastic cuffs, drawstrings, and ventilation panels. 

If working in cold environments, choose a jacket that allows for layering, i.e, slightly oversized.

Additional Features to Look For

When selecting a hi vis jacket, consider extra features that enhance functionality.

• Pockets: These are useful for carrying tools and small items.
• Hooded vs. Non-Hooded: Hoods provide extra protection in bad weather. In the UK, hooded jackets are considered, especially for outdoor use. 
• Insulation: Consider jackets with some insulation for peak winters to keep warm.  
• Parka: hi vis parkas are essentially jackets but with a longer length. These can provide further protection from environmental elements like rain and snow. 

Industry-Specific Considerations

Different industries require specific features in a hi vis jacket.

• Construction Workers need durable, weather-resistant jackets that meet EN ISO 20471 Class 2 or 3 standards.
• Roadside Workers require maximum visibility (Class 3) with reflective strips.
• Warehouse Workers may prefer lightweight, breathable jackets for indoor use (Class 1).
• Emergency Responders may need flame-resistant, waterproof, or insulated hi vis jackets (Class 3).

Best Hi Vis Jackets

MPS Construction Supplies offers the best hi vis jackets that meet the EN ISO 20471 standard. We provide work jackets for construction activities, made from high-quality materials and features that prioritise safety and convenience. 

Explore our hi vis jackets!

FAQs

How often should I replace my hi vis jacket?

hi vis jackets should be replaced once their colour fades or the reflective patches wear off. That depends on the quality of materials, construction, and your use. 

In general, you can expect the jacket to last a few years of regular use. 

Can I wash my hi vis jacket?

hi vis jackets are washable. In fact, most are machine washable. 

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use mild detergent, avoid bleach, and wash in cold water to preserve the reflective strips.

What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 hi vis jackets?

Class 2 hi vis jackets provide moderate visibility for workers near lower-speed traffic. Class 3 jackets offer maximum visibility for high-speed traffic or hazardous environments. 

Class 2 jackets may be used in construction, but not roadside work. 

Do I need a flame-resistant hi vis jacket?

A flame-resistant hi vis jacket is essential for safety if you work in an environment with fire hazards (e.g., oil and gas, welding). It’s not essential for outdoor jobs. 

Are hi vis jackets required by law?

In many industries, regulatory bodies require workers to wear hi vis jackets for safety in hazardous environments.

It’s the responsibility of the company and the workers to ensure that proper safety gear is worn on the job.