Wearing hi-visibility clothing is essential for safety at work.
Working on roadways, construction sites, or around heavy machinery can be especially dangerous. Hi vis workwear will keep you and your staff safe by making sure everyone is visible even when the lighting is not that good. High visibility clothing is typically made of bright fluorescent fabric and usually contains reflective logos and strips. Our eyes respond best to bright or contrasting objects. You, therefore, need to make sure you have the right clothing to keep you safe and visible.
Benefits of Using Hi-Visibility Clothing in a Business Setting:
Wearing hi-visibility clothing isn’t just about personal safety; it’s also a strategic move for businesses that want to ensure their workforce remains accident-free. For professionals operating in hazardous environments, a minor oversight in visibility can lead to significant setbacks, not just in terms of accidents but also regarding project delays, liabilities, and even damaged reputations.
- Decrease in Workplace Accidents: Ensuring that all workers are easily seen reduces the likelihood of accidents, thus keeping projects on schedule.
- Cost-Effective: While there’s an initial cost to purchasing high-quality hi-vis gear, it’s often dwarfed by the potential costs of accident-related medical bills or lawsuits.
- Boosts Employee Morale: When employees see that their safety is a priority, it can boost morale and improve overall job satisfaction.
- Enhances Professional Image: Clients and partners who visit job sites will note the emphasis on safety, which can bolster your company’s reputation.
For those involved in businesses where hi-vis clothing is pertinent, choosing the right type is crucial. Consider the environment in which your team works. Is it more appropriate to have a hi-vis hoodie for cooler climates or vests for warmer conditions? Also, reflective pants may be essential for nighttime operations or places with reduced light. Ensure you’re sourcing clothing that meets the specific requirements of your industry and complies with safety standards. Investing in quality hi-vis workwear is a proactive approach to minimizing risk, showcasing your commitment to safety, and maintaining smooth business operations.
Hi Visibility Clothing: Our Top Picks From Amazon
We’ve scrolled through Amazon’s multitude of hi vis clothing options to bring you our top picks. Here’s how we chose the items on our list:
- Material Quality and Durability (Very Important)
- Must withstand frequent use and harsh conditions.
- Should retain color and reflective properties after multiple washes.
- Visibility and Safety Standards Compliance (Extremely Important)
- Conforms to industry standards such as ANSI/ISEA 107.
- Features like reflective strips must be strategically placed for maximum visibility.
- Comfort and Fit (Important)
- Should not restrict movement, allowing for ease of work.
- Available in various sizes to accommodate all team members.
- Versatility and Adaptability (Moderately Important)
- Suitable for different weather conditions and work environments.
- Options like detachable sleeves or layers for temperature control.
- Cost-Effectiveness (Important)
- Offers value for money, balancing quality with affordability.
- Consideration for bulk purchase discounts and long-term durability.
- Aesthetic and Design Variety (Less Important)
- Availability of different styles to suit personal preferences.
- Helps in maintaining a professional image.
- Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews (Moderately Important)
- Trusted brands with positive feedback from similar businesses.
- Indicates reliability and customer satisfaction.
We used these criteria to ensure that the high-visibility clothing we recommend not only enhances safety but also aligns with the practical and financial realities of running a small business.
| Feature/Item | Reflective Pants | High Visibility Hoodie | Hi Vis Vests | Hi Vis Pants | Hi Vis Accessories (Hats, Gloves) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Material | Reflective strips/material | Fluorescent fabric | Fluorescent fabric | Fluorescent fabric | Fluorescent fabric, Reflective strips/material |
| Typical Purpose | Increased visibility during nighttime or low light working conditions | Warmth with visibility in colder climates | Over garment for quick visibility | Visibility in all conditions | Additional visibility and protection for extremities |
| Coverage Area | Legs only | Upper torso, arms, head | Upper torso | Legs only | Head and hands |
| Weather Suitability | All weather (depending on material) | Cold climates | All weather | All weather | Varies, some may be insulated |
| Added Features | May have cargo pockets | Pockets, drawstrings | Pockets, ID windows, radio clips | Cargo pockets, reinforced knees | May have insulating properties |
| Adjustability/Fit | Elastic waist, belt loops | Drawstrings for hood | Adjustable side straps | Elastic waist, belt loops | Varies by design |
Carhartt Men’s High-Visibility Waterproof Pant
The Carhartt Men’s hi vis pant is a perfect choice for anyone looking for authentic, truly American reflective pants for work. This high-visibility pant comes with fully taped waterproof seams and enough room for kneepads. It is also super comfortable and light in weight thanks to the 100% polyester construction and an elastic waistband that comes with an adjustable drawcord.
Carhartt Men’s High-Visibility Waterproof Pant
Carhartt Men’s High Visibility Jacket
Built for comfort, safety, and durability, this hi vis waterproof jacket is ready to perform in the toughest conditions. It is constructed with 100% polyester material that boasts a waterproof membrane and water-repellent finish. The top-left chest pocket features a waterproof zipper closure so you can keep your most important documents or items safe and dry. This jacket is fully equipped with ANSI class 3 certification and quilted insulation.
Carhartt Men’s High Visibility Jacket
L&M Hi Vis T-Shirt
Wearing reflective vests over your work shirts can be a plan, but for days that you just want a reflective cool mesh shirt, the L&M high visibility t-shirt is the perfect option. It is made of 100% polyester that’s super light and durable. It comes with a front pocket for the items that you need to keep close by. This t-shirt is available in both lime and orange.
SafetyShirtz American Grit Hoodie
SafetyShirtz American Grit hoodies are super comfortable and look really cool! They feature the American flag and all the safety features that you need in a good hoodie including reflective stipes and lime color that’s easy to spot from afar. These hoodies are warm and durable. SafetyShirtz is happy to add your company logo for orders above 24 pieces.
SafetyShirtz American Grit Hoodie
JKSafety Hi-Vis Black Safety Vest
The JKSafety high visibility vests are among the best visibility vests. This unisex safety vest is available in a variety of sizes and colors. It is made of 100% polyester that’s light, durable, and machine washable. It features a total of 10 functional pockets, so you get all the space you need to carry your tools with you. The vest is the ideal safety apparel for general applicants and complies with ANSI/ISEA safety requirements.
JKSafety Hi-Vis Black Safety Vest
Pioneer High Visibility Work Pant
The Pioneer hi vis pants are excellent traffic safety pants that feature StarTech silver reflective tape which provides excellent visibility. They are made of lightweight polyester that is also super durable. The mesh ventilation panels and elastic waist allow for all-day comfort. These unisex pants are available in a variety of sizes ranging from small to 4X-large.
Pioneer High Visibility Work Pant
Ergodyne GloWear Insulated Overall
The Ergodyne GloWear overalls are windproof and water-resistant. Their durable features include a heavy-duty zipper, scuff-resistant knee patches, and dirt-hiding black panels for long-lasting wear. More importantly, this overall comes with zippered pockets for extra security. These insulated coveralls are ideal for people working in transportation, baggage handling, road construction, or around moving vehicles.
Ergodyne GloWear Insulated Overall
Caterpillar Men’s Hi-vis Cap
Bonus Item: For the super sunny days, complete your safety outfit with a high-quality Caterpillar hi-vis cap. It comes with a Velcro closure for perfect adjustment and fit. The cap is available in both hi vis orange and lime.
What to Look for When Buying Hi Visibility Clothing
To reduce the occurrence of injuries and work-related accidents that occur due to poor visibility, people who are at risk of these accident should wear hi visibility clothing which range from hi vis pants to high vis caps. But before you get yourself and your workers hi vis workwear, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Classification: There are three standard classes for high vis clothing ranging from 1, 2, and 3. There is also “Class” E that describes high-visibility pants being worn without other high-visibility garments. Class 1 is fine for workers whose attention is not diverted from oncoming traffic while class 2 provides enhanced visibility during inclement weather. Class 3 provides maximum visibility for workers that undertake tasks that place them in imminent danger of oncoming traffic and where the visibility of the wearer is important at a minimum distance of 1,280 feet.
- Durability: Polyester construction, tough zippers, and strengthened knees and elbows are some of the features that you will find in the highly durable hi vis workwear.
- Fit: Like any workwear, you need high-visibility clothing that allows for easy movement as you will likely be wearing it all day long.
- Pockets: Like any workwear, having extra pockets is usually a plus as it allows you to carry with you the most necessary tools for a job, saving time. Some of the best hi visibility clothing will even feature waterproof pockets for safe keeping of your most important tools and documents.
- Colors: OSHA’s standards for high visibility clothing stipulate that workers need to wear a yellow, orange, or a “strong” yellow-green workwear for excellent visibility. At night, you need to make sure your high vis workwear uses retroreflective material that reflects the color back to the source.
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Image: Amazon
This article, "Hi Visibility Clothing: Essentials for Work" was first published on Small Business Trends
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