Hi-Vis Vests

Choosing hi-vis vests and waistcoats

A hi-vis vest is the quickest way to make someone visible, and general-purpose vests are typically certified to EN ISO 20471 Class 2 — enough for most construction sites, car parks and yards. Check the class on each product. Because a vest has no sleeves, it cannot reach Class 3 on its own; pair it with Class 1 hi-vis trousers certified as a Class 3 combination, or choose a sleeved hi-vis jacket, where Class 3 is required.

Look beyond the basic vest for the job in hand: pull-apart (breakaway) waistcoats release if they snag on machinery, zip-front styles stay on better than hook-and-loop on active work, and ID pockets and phone pockets save people taking gloves off.

For rail, choose orange garments certified to RIS-3279-TOM; for utilities and energy, there are flame-retardant hi-vis vests in the range.

We stock 74 vests and waistcoats from Leo EcoViz, Beeswift, Orbit International and Warrior. The range starts at around £1.50 ex VAT for a basic vest and goes up to executive, sleeved, rail, flame-retardant (EN 14116) and children's (EN 17353) styles, plus bulk packs for sites that hand vests out to visitors. Vests are also the garment most often branded: a printed company name on the back helps people find each other on a busy site.

What to look for

• Class 2 for general use; a vest alone cannot be Class 3
• Breakaway styles near moving machinery and vehicles
• Orange RIS-3279-TOM for rail
• Size to fit over winter layers

Full detail: Hi-vis classes explained

Frequently asked questions

Standards and how to choose

Specifying vests correctly means matching the product to the right EN standard. These guides explain what the ratings mean, in plain English:

• GORE-TEX® vs Standard Waterproof Workwear: Is It Worth It?For people outdoors all day in the rain, usually yes. For occasional use, usually no. Here is how GORE-TEX® Workwear compares with PU-coated and breathable waterproofs, with real prices from our range.
• How to Wash GORE-TEX® Workwear (Jackets & Trousers)Washing doesn’t harm a GORE-TEX® Garment. Dirt does. Here is Gore’s own care routine for GORE-TEX® workwear, with the extra checks that hi-vis and rail garments need.
• EN 343 Explained: Waterproof Workwear Classes4:4:R, 3:1 or 3:3? The EN 343 label on a waterproof tells you how well it keeps rain out and how well it lets sweat out. Here is how to read it.

Related categories

• Jackets
• Bodywarmers & Gilets
• Coveralls
• Trousers
• Shorts
• T-Shirts
• Poloshirts
• Fleeces
• Sweatshirts
• Softshell Jackets

Trade accounts and bulk orders

Buying vests for a team or a whole site? We quote for bulk and recurring orders, and can hold agreed lines in stock for scheduled call-off. Request a quote with your quantities, or talk to us about opening a trade account.