When it comes to workplace safety, few items are as instantly recognisable – or as critically important – as hi-vis clothing. Whether you're working on a motorway, a construction site, or in a warehouse, high visibility workwear can literally be the difference between life and death.

But with different classes, colours, and standards to navigate, choosing the right hi-vis clothing can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything you need to know about high visibility workwear.

What Is Hi-Vis Clothing and Why Is It Important?

Hi-vis clothing (also called high visibility or reflective workwear) is specially designed to make the wearer easily visible in hazardous environments. The clothing uses fluorescent background materials combined with reflective tape to ensure workers can be seen clearly in both daylight and low-light conditions.

High-quality reflective tape showing the retroreflective properties that make hi-vis workwear effective in low-light conditions

When Is Hi-Vis Clothing Legally Required?

In the UK, hi-vis clothing is mandated under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Your employer must provide appropriate hi-vis workwear if you work in environments where there's a risk from moving vehicles or equipment. Whether you're based in Hinckley, Leicester, or anywhere across the UK, these regulations apply to ensure worker safety.

Industries that commonly require hi-vis clothing include:

• Road construction and highway maintenance
• Railway work
• Construction sites
• Warehousing and logistics
• Airports and docks
• Emergency services
• Utilities and telecommunications
• Traffic management
• Waste collection and recycling

Understanding Hi-Vis Standards: EN ISO 20471

The European standard EN ISO 20471 classifies high visibility clothing into three classes based on the amount and placement of visible material. Understanding these classes is essential for compliance and safety.

Visual comparison of Class 1, 2, and 3 hi-vis safety vests showing the increasing levels of fluorescent material and reflective tape coverage

Hi-Vis Colours: Does It Matter?

Hi-vis clothing comes in three standard colours, each with specific uses:

Day-Glo vs. Reflective: Understanding the Difference

Hi-vis clothing works through two different mechanisms:

Fluorescent (Day-Glo) Material:

• Works by absorbing UV light and re-emitting it as visible light
• Makes you highly visible in daylight
• Becomes less effective at night when there's no UV light

Reflective Tape:

• Works by bouncing light back to its source (retroreflection)
• Essential for night-time and low-light visibility
• Requires a light source (headlights, torches) to be effective

The most effective hi-vis clothing combines both elements, ensuring 24-hour visibility.

Seasonal Hi-Vis: Staying Visible Year-Round

Your hi-vis needs change with the seasons. Here's how to stay protected whatever the weather:

Hi-Vis Care and Maintenance

Proper care ensures your hi-vis clothing maintains its protective properties:

Washing Guidelines:

• Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully
• Wash at temperatures no higher than 40°C
• Use mild detergent only (no bleach or fabric softener)
• Reflective tape can degrade with harsh chemicals
• Air dry when possible; avoid high heat tumble drying

Inspection and Replacement:

• Check hi-vis clothing before each shift
• Look for faded fluorescent material
• Inspect reflective tape for cracks or peeling
• Replace if material is torn or compromised
• Most hi-vis clothing has a lifespan of 50-100 washes

Regular inspection and proper maintenance are crucial for ensuring hi-vis workwear remains effective and compliant with safety standards

Common Hi-Vis Mistakes to Avoid

Hi-Vis Workwear Supply in Hinckley & Leicester

Based in Hinckley, Leicester, Workwear Direct is your trusted local supplier of high-quality hi-vis clothing and safety workwear. We understand the unique requirements of businesses across Leicester, Hinckley, and the wider Midlands region.

Our comprehensive range includes everything from Class 1 hi-vis vests for warehouse operations to Class 3 winter jackets for highway maintenance teams. Whether you're a construction company in Leicester city centre or a logistics firm in Hinckley, we have the expertise and stock levels to meet your safety requirements.

Conclusion

Hi-vis clothing is more than just a legal requirement – it's your most visible line of defence in hazardous work environments. By understanding the classes, standards, and proper usage, you can ensure you're not just compliant, but genuinely protected.

Remember, the best hi-vis clothing is the one that's appropriate for your specific job, properly maintained, and worn correctly every single day. For businesses in Hinckley, Leicester and across the UK, Workwear Direct provides the expertise and quality products you need to keep your team safe and compliant.