High-visibility workwear
In professional sectors, people often refer to high-visibility workwear or hi-vis workwear. Although these are the official terms, reflective clothing is the most commonly used name in colloquial speech. Essentially, these terms mean the same thing: clothing designed to stand out under all conceivable light conditions.
The fluorescent material ensures excellent visibility during the day and at dusk. As soon as it gets dark, the reflective strips take over this task by reflecting light directly from headlights or spotlights. This makes hi-vis workwear an indispensable part of your personal protective equipment (PPE).
What does the EN ISO 20471 standard for high-visibility workwear entail?
To ensure safety, high-visibility workwear must comply with the European standard EN ISO 20471. This standard is divided into three different classes, based on the minimum area of fluorescent and reflective material. Which class you need depends on the risk at the workplace and the speed of passing traffic.
- Class 1: Suitable for low-risk situations and traffic up to 30 km/h. This includes warehouse employees or work that involves only short-term presence on public roads.
- Class 2: The most common class for general road works and construction, where vehicle speeds do not exceed 60 km/h. It offers good visibility in daylight, dusk, and darkness.
- Class 3: Mandatory for work in the dark and along roads where speeds exceed 60 km/h (such as highways). Class 3 requires the torso, arms, and/or legs to also be covered with reflective material. This class is often achieved by combining a jacket and trousers.
What type of reflective workwear is available?
The range of hi-vis workwear is now so broad that there is a suitable outfit for every season and every type of work. The days of shapeless, uncomfortable vests are long behind us; modern reflective clothing combines optimal protection with ergonomic comfort and a professional appearance.
Reflective work jackets, parkas, and softshells
For the cold and wet months, there are robust reflective work jackets and parkas that protect you from the elements. If you work in changing weather conditions and need extra flexibility, then wind- and water-resistant reflective softshell jackets offer the ideal solution for your workday.
Reflective work trousers and high-visibility work trousers
Good work trousers must be sturdy, provide sufficient storage space, and be comfortable. Our reflective work trousers feature durable materials and strategically placed reflective strips. This ensures your lower body remains clearly visible at all times, even when performing work on your knees.
Reflective sweaters and vests
As an intermediate layer or for fresh early mornings, reflective sweaters and comfortable work vests are indispensable. They provide comfortable warmth without compromising your visibility. For additional insulation, you can also choose from our range of reflective fleece clothing.
Reflective shirts and polos
During warm summer days, it is important for workwear to be breathable and moisture-regulating. With our reflective shirts and reflective polos you stay cool and comfortable at work, while still fully complying with the safety standards on the work floor.
Reflective overalls
When you need full body protection against dirt and hazards, reflective overalls are the perfect choice. These overalls ensure you are covered from head to toe in certified material, maximizing safety on the work floor.
What other types of reflective workwear are there?
In addition to the standard EN ISO 20471 standard, there are specific subcategories and supplementary standards. A good example of this is the EN 17353 standard, which applies to clothing in situations with moderate risk. For work on the Dutch railway network, RWS workwear is mandatory; this RWS clothing meets the strict guidelines of Rijkswaterstaat.
In addition, we supply certified traffic warden clothing, recognizable by specific color combinations and an official traffic warden jacket. For risky environments where there is also danger from heat, flames, or chemicals, there is multi-norm workwear. This clothing is not always standard reflective, but often is in practice. Finally, you can also find classic and widely applicable safety vests from us.
Can I have reflective or Hi-Vis workwear printed with a logo?
Yes, it is certainly possible to personalize your reflective or hi-vis workwear. At Unishore Workwear, we can expertly print or embroider your company logo onto your clothing. This ensures a professional and uniform appearance for your team on the work floor.
However, strict attention must be paid to safety standards. Oversized logos reduce the surface area of the fluorescent and retro-reflective material, which can invalidate the official certification. The dimensions of the logos must therefore remain limited. In some specific cases, such as official traffic warden clothing, there are even legal restrictions that mean no or only a minimal logo may be placed.
Buy reflective workwear online at Unishore Workwear
At Unishore Workwear, we understand that safety allows for no compromises. That is why we offer a very extensive range of top brands, fast delivery times, and expert advice. Whether you are looking for a single reflective jacket or a complete clothing package for your entire company, we are happy to help you.
Our specialists are ready to answer all your questions about standards and personalization. Order your reflective clothing directly online in our webshop, or contact us for a no-obligation, customized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hi-vis and reflective workwear?
In practice, the terms are used interchangeably. 'Hi-vis' (High Visibility) is the official umbrella term for clothing that stands out both during the day (due to fluorescent material) and at night (due to reflective strips). 'Reflective workwear' is the popular vernacular term that mainly focuses on retroreflective strips.
What is RWS workwear and when do I need it?
RWS clothing complies with the specific guidelines of Rijkswaterstaat (Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) and is mandatory for work on or alongside Dutch national roads and railways. This clothing has additional requirements compared to the standard EN ISO 20471 norm, such as reflective strips in the shape of a Roman cross on the back.
What is RIS TOM 3279 workwear and when is it used?
RIS TOM 3279 is the specific British railway standard for high-visibility clothing. This clothing is recognizable by a very specific fluorescent orange color, which ensures optimal contrast against the background of railway tracks and nature. It is primarily used by personnel working on the British railway network.
How should I wash Hi-Vis clothing to maintain its reflection?
Always wash the clothing inside out and close all zippers and hook-and-loop fasteners to prevent damage to the reflective strips. Use a mild detergent without optical brighteners and avoid fabric softener. Preferably air dry the clothing and do not put it in the dryer.
How often can I wash reflective clothing?
The wash label of certified clothing indicates with a number how many times the garment can be washed (often 25 to 50 times) while maintaining its certification. After this number of washes, the brightness of the fluorescent material and the strength of the reflection may decrease, requiring the garment to be replaced.
What are the requirements in Germany for reflective workwear along the road?
In Germany, reflective workwear along public roads must comply with the legal provisions of the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance). In most cases, a minimum of EN ISO 20471 Class 2 is mandatory, and for motorways or poor visibility, Class 3, whereby the clothing often must meet additional German guidelines for color purity and reflective surface.
