What is the difference between a class 2 and class 3 high-vis?

Hi-vis specifications in the United Kingdom are based on the ISO 20471 Standard. This standard specifies the testing needed for hi-vis workwear to make sure it is fit for purpose. It also helps to classify the different types of hi-vis workwear garments, so that we know what level of visibility is needed in different environments to ensure the safety of staff. A class 2 high-vis is suited to moderate-risk working environments, including working near vehicles going under 40mph. However, class 3 hi-vis garments are required if you are working near a motorway or dual carriage way. It’s important to note, you can adapt the classification of your hi-vis outfit, by wearing multiple hi-vis garments at one time. For example, if you wear a class 2 hi-vis vest and a class 2 pair of hi-vis trousers they can equal a class 3 hi-vis ensemble. Check out our guide to hi-vis workwear here.

Why do tradies wear hi-vis?

High-vis clothing are commonly worn in working environments where people are working with or around hazardous materials and machinery. It is essential for workers to wear hi-vis clothing on construction sites, due to the amount of large machinery on site. Operators of these vehicles not only need to be seen for their own safety, but they need to be able to clearly see every potential hazard on site, including their colleagues. The bright colours and reflective materials of high-vis clothing ensure that workers can see each other clearly. Each worker will stand out from each other and their busy environment. This visibility is crucial in keeping every worker safe on site.

What is the British standard for hi-vis?

Previously, the British standard for hi vis clothing was the BS EN 471. However, this was replaced by the ISO 20471 in 2013. In the UK, we now follow the ISO 20471 as our standard for hi-vis clothing. The ISO 20471 standard ensures that hi vis garments are properly tested to record their performance and level of visibility. High-vis garments are split into the different classification levels: 1, 2 or 3, so that the right level of visibility is worn to match the environment.

Is black hi-vis legal?

Whilst black hi-vis vests are not illegal in the UK, they do not comply with the standards set by the ISO 20471. To be compliant with this standard, hi-vis clothing needs to consist of fluorescent fabric and reflective strips and black hi vis does not fit this description. Black hi-vis clothing is commonly worn by security personnel and event staff, or anyone who is in an indoor or low visibility risk setting. They are great for identification, but do not perform highly enough to comply with ISO 20471. Black can be used as a contrast colour on hardwearing sections of a hi-vis garment, but the need for the majority of the garment to be made out of fluorescent materials remains.

What is the best hi-vis colour?

The most common hi-vis colours that are compliant with ISO 20471 are yellow and orange. But the best hi-vis colour is yellow. Not only is it the preferred colour choice in the majority of workplaces, yellow is one of the most fluorescent colours that can help to keep you seen and safe. Yellow is a brilliant colour choice for your hi-vis if you work on a building site, in a dark warehouse or in a busy factory, as you will stand out against your background. But, if yellow is a colour that is used for signals or is commonly found in your working environment, orange is the second best choice for your hi-vis.

What is the best hi-vis colour?

The most common hi-vis colours that are compliant with ISO 20471 are yellow and orange. But the best hi-vis colour is yellow. Not only is it the preferred colour choice in the majority of workplaces, yellow is one of the most fluorescent colours that can help to keep you seen and safe. Yellow is a brilliant colour choice for your hi-vis if you work on a building site, in a dark warehouse or in a busy factory, as you will stand out against your background. But, if yellow is a colour that is used for signals or is commonly found in your working environment, orange is the second best choice for your hi-vis.

Men's & Women's Hi-vis t-shirts

Hi-vis t-shirts are crucial in many work environments especially when it comes to being visible at every layer. This is why we’re proud to offer a wide range of hi vis shirts to ensure there’s an option whether you’re working in a manufacturing environment, on a railway or at a construction site.

Showcasing your branding at every layer is simple with hi-vis t-shirts as they can be printed or embroidered on the left or right breast, left or right sleeve or the back. This ensures your logos, personalisation, slogan or imagery is clearly noticed.

Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis Cotton Comfort... Product Code: PW_PW312

Buy now for £25.01 ex VAT
Yoko Hi‑Vis Long Sleeve T‑Shirt Product Code: YK012

Top Rated

Buy now for £17.30 ex VAT
Warrior Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt Product Code: WR009

Buy now for £10.37 ex VAT
Portwest Hi‑Vis Band and Brace Zip... Product Code: PW_C372

Buy now for £7.28 ex VAT
Portwest PW2 Hi‑Vis Cotton Comfort... Product Code: PW_PW213

Buy now for £14.56 ex VAT
Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis Class 1 Tool Vest PW308 Product Code: PW_PW308

Buy now for £46.99 ex VAT
Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis Cotton Comfort... Product Code: PW_T185

Buy now for £26.04 ex VAT
Portwest PW2 Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt L/S PW221 Product Code: PW_PW221

Buy now for £15.17 ex VAT
Portwest DX4 Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt L/S DX416 Product Code: PW_DX416

Buy now for £22.45 ex VAT
Portwest Eco Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt S/S... Product Code: PW_EC12

Buy now for £64.66 ex VAT
Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis V‑Neck Mesh... Product Code: PW_PW310

Buy now for £17.94 ex VAT
Portwest DX4 Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt S/S DX413 Product Code: PW_DX413

Buy now for £17.32 ex VAT

Created from breathable and durable materials to couple safety with lasting comfort, our selection of hi vis shirts come in a wide range of sizes and colours. We proudly offer Yoko, Portwest, Regatta, Result and ProRTX in a variety of styles so there’s an ideal fit for everyone in your team.

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Men's & Women's Hi-vis t-shirts

Hi-Vis Categories

Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis Cotton Comfort... Product Code: PW_PW312

Yoko Hi‑Vis Long Sleeve T‑Shirt Product Code: YK012

Warrior Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt Product Code: WR009

Portwest Hi‑Vis Band and Brace Zip... Product Code: PW_C372

Portwest PW2 Hi‑Vis Cotton Comfort... Product Code: PW_PW213

Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis Class 1 Tool Vest PW308 Product Code: PW_PW308

Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis Cotton Comfort... Product Code: PW_T185

Portwest PW2 Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt L/S PW221 Product Code: PW_PW221

Portwest DX4 Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt L/S DX416 Product Code: PW_DX416

Portwest Eco Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt S/S... Product Code: PW_EC12

Portwest PW3 Hi‑Vis V‑Neck Mesh... Product Code: PW_PW310

Portwest DX4 Hi‑Vis T‑Shirt S/S DX413 Product Code: PW_DX413