How to Wash and Care for Hi-Vis Workwear

Hi-vis workwear is designed to help keep the wearer noticeable in busy, low-light or high-risk working environments. Its performance depends on both the fluorescent background fabric and the reflective parts of the garment, so the way it is washed, dried and stored matters.

This guide gives general care advice for hi-vis jackets, trousers, waistcoats and other high-visibility clothing. Always follow the care label supplied with the individual garment, as materials and finishes can vary.

Browse our Outdoor & Work Wear collection for hi-vis jackets, trousers and other workwear.

Before washing hi-vis clothing

Check the garment care label and follow its temperature and cleaning instructions.
Remove items from pockets, close zips and fasteners, and detach removable parts if the label tells you to.
Wash hi-vis clothing separately from heavily soiled workwear where possible, particularly if dirt could transfer onto the fluorescent or reflective areas.
Do not soak the garment unless the manufacturer's instructions allow it.

How to wash hi-vis workwear

Use the wash temperature shown on the care label. A hotter wash is not necessarily a better clean and may shorten the life of the fabric or reflective trim.
Use a suitable detergent and avoid bleach, aggressive stain removers and other chemicals unless the manufacturer specifically approves them.
Do not overload the washing machine. Garments need room to move through the wash without excessive rubbing.
Keep an eye on the garment's stated maximum number of washes where one is provided.

Drying hi-vis workwear

Dry garments according to the care label. Air drying in a clean, well-ventilated area is often the safest option. Keep wet clothing away from direct heat, radiators and prolonged strong sunlight. Only use a tumble dryer when the garment's care instructions expressly allow it.

Inspect garments after washing

Check hi-vis clothing after each wash and before it is worn. Look for fading, heavy staining, holes, torn seams, damaged fasteners, peeling or cracked reflective tape, and areas where the reflective material is no longer securely attached.

A garment that is badly faded, damaged or contaminated may no longer provide the expected level of visibility. Cleaning cannot restore worn-out fluorescent fabric or damaged reflective material. Replace the garment when its condition could affect visibility or when it no longer meets your workplace PPE requirements.

Care for hi-vis rainwear

Waterproof or coated hi-vis garments need extra care. Repeated washing can affect water repellency, seam performance or protective coatings, so use the product label as the final authority. Do not apply reproofing products unless they are suitable for that garment and recommended by the manufacturer.

Storing high-visibility clothing

Make sure the garment is clean and completely dry before storing it.
Store it in a cool, dry, clean place away from direct sunlight and unnecessary heat.
Avoid storing hi-vis clothing where it can become crushed, damp, oily or contaminated.
Inspect stored garments before use, especially after long periods out of service.

Important reminder

This guide is general care information, not a replacement for the garment manufacturer's instructions, a workplace risk assessment or your organisation's PPE policy. Where there is a difference, follow the product care label and the requirements for your working environment.