High-visibility clothing is designed to make the wearer easier to see against the background. It can help signal a person’s presence in daylight, low-light conditions and darkness when the garment is selected, worn and maintained correctly.
EN ISO 20471 is the standard used for high-visibility clothing that visually signals the wearer’s presence. This guide explains the materials, performance classes and practical checks to consider when choosing hi-vis workwear.
This is general product-selection information. The required clothing should be decided through a suitable workplace risk assessment, site rules, traffic-management requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions.
What does EN ISO 20471 mean?
EN ISO 20471 sets requirements and test methods for high-visibility clothing. It considers the garment’s conspicuous materials, the performance of its fluorescent and retroreflective materials, design features, durability and care information.
A garment labelled to EN ISO 20471 should be supplied with product information identifying its certification and intended use. Check the garment label, user instructions and declaration or certification information rather than relying only on a product photograph or colour.
The three parts of a hi-vis garment
Fluorescent background material
Fluorescent yellow, orange or red material helps the wearer stand out in daylight and some poor-light conditions. Fluorescent material needs suitable light to appear bright and does not provide the same effect in darkness without illumination.
Retroreflective material
Silver or other approved retroreflective material is designed to return light towards its source, such as vehicle headlights. It is particularly important in darkness or low light, but it needs a light source to work effectively.
Retroreflective tape is not a substitute for a suitable garment design. Its position, continuity and amount of visible material contribute to the garment’s certified performance.
Contrast material
Some garments include darker contrast fabric in areas more likely to become dirty, such as cuffs, lower sleeves, knees and lower trouser sections. Contrast panels can help practical wear, but they must not be treated as fluorescent or retroreflective protection.
What are Classes 1, 2 and 3?
EN ISO 20471 groups garments into three performance classes according to the minimum areas and arrangement of conspicuous materials. In broad terms, Class 1 provides the lowest certified level of conspicuity, Class 2 an intermediate level and Class 3 the highest level within this standard.
| Class | What it generally indicates | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Lower material coverage and the lowest class within EN ISO 20471. | May be suitable only where the risk assessment and site rules allow it. Do not assume it is suitable for traffic exposure. |
| Class 2 | Intermediate material coverage, commonly found in waistcoats and shirts. | Use only where the workplace requirements accept the garment’s class and design. |
| Class 3 | Higher material coverage, commonly achieved with long-sleeved jackets, coveralls or combinations of garments. | Often selected for more demanding visibility environments, but the required class still depends on the task and risk assessment. |
These descriptions are not a universal job-to-class chart. A motorway, railway, construction site, warehouse or private yard may have different requirements. Follow the employer’s risk assessment, traffic-management plan, site rules and any applicable industry or infrastructure standard.
Real product examples
Class 2 hi-vis waistcoat
The Traega TWC01 is specified as an EN ISO 20471 Class 2 waistcoat with two waist bands and shoulder braces. Its orange version also carries the GO/RT 3279 railway specification. This shows why the garment’s complete certification and intended application matter, not just its colour.
Class 3 hi-vis bomber jacket
The Traega TBJ01/TBJ01G is specified as an EN ISO 20471 Class 3 bomber jacket. The orange version also lists RIS-3279-TOM railway requirements. The datasheet instructs that the garment should be worn fastened to provide its stated protection.
These are product examples, not a replacement for checking the certification and instructions for the exact garment being used.
Wear hi-vis clothing correctly
- Wear the garment fastened as instructed. An open jacket may not provide the certified arrangement or visible coverage.
- Do not cover fluorescent or retroreflective areas with another jacket, harness, backpack, tool belt or other equipment unless the complete arrangement has been assessed as suitable.
- Do not tuck, shorten or alter hi-vis clothing in a way that reduces the visible material or changes the certified design.
- Choose a size that allows normal movement without excessive folds, gaps or hanging material.
- Make sure the garment is visible from the directions that matter for the task, including when working beside vehicles or moving plant.
- Check compatibility with other PPE, including harnesses, life jackets, weatherproof layers and tools.
Logos, printing and alterations
Branding and personalisation can cover background or retroreflective material. If enough certified area is covered, the garment may no longer provide the performance for which it was tested. Use the manufacturer’s approved logo-placement instructions, and avoid cutting, sewing, ironing or modifying the garment without approval.
Where branding is needed, placing it on a suitable contrast panel or using an approved reflective transfer may reduce the effect on visibility. The manufacturer or competent PPE adviser should confirm whether the finished garment remains suitable.
Colour and railway requirements
Yellow and orange garments can both be certified to EN ISO 20471, but colour alone does not determine the garment’s class or suitability. Some rail and infrastructure environments have additional requirements, such as RIS-3279-TOM or other site specifications. Check the exact requirement before choosing orange or another colour for railway work.
Care, inspection and replacement
Clean hi-vis clothing so dirt does not obscure the fluorescent or retroreflective materials. Follow the garment’s washing instructions, and inspect it regularly for fading, staining, damage, loose seams, detached tape and loss of reflectivity.
Replace the garment if it is irreversibly soiled or contaminated, damaged or no longer provides the required visible performance. Do not iron retroreflective tape unless the manufacturer specifically permits it, and do not attempt unauthorised repairs.
For more detail, read How to Wash and Care for Hi-Vis Workwear.
Choosing the right class
Start with the workplace risk assessment. Consider traffic speed and distance, vehicle and plant movements, background colours, daylight and darkness, weather, task duration, body position and whether other PPE or equipment could hide the garment.
Then check the complete garment information for its EN ISO 20471 class, colour, design, size range, care instructions and any additional standard or application requirement. A higher class is not automatically the right choice if the garment is incompatible with the task, uncomfortable or obscured by other equipment.
Find hi-vis workwear
Browse the Outdoor & Work Wear collection for hi-vis jackets, waistcoats, trousers and other protective workwear.
For more PPE, workwear and sizing advice, visit the Trade Guides hub.
Safety reminder
EN ISO 20471 certification does not remove the need for a competent risk assessment or safe system of work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, employer requirements and applicable site rules. If you are unsure which class, colour or garment design is suitable, seek competent advice before starting work.
Last reviewed: September 2026.