High-visibility clothing keeps workers seen and safe in low light and busy environments — but not all hi-vis is equal. Here's what the standards mean and how to choose the right level of protection.

What is EN ISO 20471?

EN ISO 20471 is the European standard for high-visibility clothing. It sets out how much fluorescent background material and reflective tape a garment must have to be certified, and it groups garments into three classes based on the level of visibility they provide.

The three hi-vis classes

Class 1 offers the lowest level of coverage and suits low-risk environments away from traffic — for example warehouse or car-park work. Class 2 provides an intermediate level and is common for delivery drivers, groundwork and semi-busy roads. Class 3 gives the highest visibility and is required for high-risk environments such as motorways and high-speed traffic, typically meaning a garment with sleeves like a jacket or coverall.

Which hi-vis do you need?

As a rule, the faster the traffic and the lower the light, the higher the class you need. Vests are a flexible Class 2 option for many jobs, while full jackets and coveralls achieve Class 3 for roadside and highways work. Always follow your site's risk assessment.

Can hi-vis be personalised?

Yes — you can add your company logo to hi-vis by print or embroidery without affecting its certification, as long as the decoration doesn't cover the reflective and fluorescent areas beyond the permitted limits. We'll make sure your branding is placed correctly.

Browse our certified range of hi-vis workwear and get your team seen and safe.