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On a construction site next to traffic or moving machinery, being seen is the first layer of protection. In the EU, high-visibility clothing is tested to EN ISO 20471, and every certified garment is marked with a class from 1 to 3. The class tells you how much visible material the garment has — not how good the fabric is.
What the class number means
Hi-vis clothing uses two materials: fluorescent background material (yellow, orange or red) that stands out in daylight, and retroreflective tape that shines back in headlights at night. The class is set by the minimum area of each:
| Class | Fluorescent background | Retroreflective tape | Typical garments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 3 | 0.80 m² | 0.20 m² | Long-sleeve jackets and coats, jacket + trousers combinations, coveralls |
| Class 2 | 0.50 m² | 0.13 m² | Vests, short jackets, trousers, t-shirts |
| Class 1 | 0.14 m² | 0.10 m² | Shorts, bib trousers, low-risk accessories |
Class 3 gives the highest visibility. It requires the garment to cover the torso and to have reflective bands on the sleeves or legs.
Combining garments
A class 2 jacket worn with class 2 or class 1 hi-vis trousers can reach class 3 as a combination, as long as the manufacturer has certified that combination. The label or user information lists which combinations are approved. This matters for crews that need class 3 but find long hi-vis coats too warm or impractical.
Colour and fabric
Fluorescent yellow is the most common colour and works well in most environments. Orange stands out better against green vegetation and snow and is often required on railways. Red is used less often. Hi-vis material loses its brightness with washing and sunlight: check the maximum number of washes on the label, and replace garments when they become dull, dirty or the reflective tape cracks.
Which class does a construction site need?
- Road works, work next to traffic, motorways: class 3 is the usual requirement — a class 3 jacket, or a certified jacket + trousers combination.
- General construction sites with machinery and vehicles: class 2 minimum, class 3 in the dark season and low light.
- Logistics yards and warehouses: class 2 vest or jacket is often enough.
Always follow the site safety plan and the requirements of the main contractor and local authorities — they may ask for a higher class than the general rule.
Hi-vis in winter and rain
In Northern Europe the darkest months are also the coldest and wettest. A hi-vis winter jacket keeps the worker visible and warm, while hi-vis rainwear tested to EN 343 adds waterproof protection over normal workwear. Our guide to EN 343 rainwear explains the waterproof classes.
Hi-vis workwear at TrustGear
Browse hi-vis work jackets and rainwear — each product page lists the EN ISO 20471 class, colours and reflective tape details. Building kits for a whole crew? Use the kit builder to add jackets, trousers, boots, gloves and helmets in one order. Companies with an EU VAT number can buy without VAT and receive an invoice.