Hi-Vis Classes Made Simple: Which Rating Does Your Site Need?

A high-visibility vest might look bright enough in daylight, but would it make a worker visible to a reversing vehicle on a poorly lit site? That is the question worth asking before ordering workwear. Choosing high-visibility clothing is not simply about picking fluorescent yellow or orange. The garment needs to provide the right level of visibility for the conditions in which someone works.

The EN ISO 20471 classes help employers understand the visibility performance of high-visibility clothing. However, the class printed on a garment is only one part of the decision. The working environment, traffic movement, lighting, weather and job responsibilities all matter. The Health and Safety Executive's guidance on high-visibility clothing explains why employers should select clothing according to the risks and conditions of the workplace. 

So, what is the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3? And how do you know which rating your team needs? Let's break it down in practical terms.

Key Takeaways

• EN ISO 20471 sets three high-visibility performance classes: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3.

• Class 1 has the lowest minimum material requirements, while Class 3 has the highest.

• The class depends on the garment's certified design and material coverage, not simply its colour or style.

• A vest, jacket or pair of trousers should never be assumed to meet a particular class without checking its label and product information.

• The required level of visibility should be determined through a workplace risk assessment.

• Employers should check garment condition, fit, compatibility and care instructions as part of ongoing PPE management.

What Does EN ISO 20471 Actually Mean?

EN ISO 20471 is the standard for high-visibility clothing designed to make the wearer more conspicuous to people operating vehicles or machinery. It covers requirements for fluorescent material, retroreflective material, colour performance and the placement of these materials on garments.

The two main material types have different purposes:

• Fluorescent material: Helps the wearer stand out in daylight and some low-light conditions by making better use of available light.

• Retroreflective material: Reflects light to the source, so the wearer is more visible when lit by the headlights of a vehicle in the dark.

This distinction matters because a garment that looks bright during the day may not provide the same visibility performance at night. The standard considers both the materials and how much of them is incorporated into the garment.

For the UK market, check the product's conformity information and the applicable standard edition. Harveys' existing compliance guide identifies BS EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 as the published standard referenced for its hi-vis guidance.

Hi-Vis Classes Explained: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3

The standard groups garments into three classes according to their minimum areas of high-visibility material. In general, the higher the class, the greater the minimum material coverage required.

These figures explain why two garments that look similar can have different classifications. Their material coverage, design and certified construction may not be the same.

Class 3 also has additional design requirements. It must provide the required coverage around the torso and include sleeves with retroreflective bands or full-length trouser legs with retroreflective bands, in accordance with the standard.

Remember that these are performance classifications, not automatic instructions for which class every industry must use. The right choice depends on the actual visibility risks and any relevant site or industry requirements.

Hi Vis Class 2 vs Class 3: What's the Difference?

The difference between hi vis class 2 vs class 3 comes down to material coverage and the design requirements of the certified garment.

Class 2 provides a middle visibility classification. It may be appropriate in some work environments where the risk assessment finds it appropriate. For some roles, hi vis vests can be a practical option, provided the individual garment meets the required classification.

Class 3 provides the highest classification under EN ISO 20471. It requires larger minimum areas of fluorescent and retroreflective material, alongside additional design criteria.

A useful way to compare them is to consider the working conditions:

Class 2 may be considered where:

• The risk assessment identifies an intermediate visibility requirement.

• Workers need to be visible around site traffic or moving equipment.

• The garment's certified design provides the coverage required for the task.

Class 3 may be considered where:

• Workers are more exposed to moving cars or machinery.

• Visibility problems are worsened by poor illumination, darkness or bad weather.

• The site or relevant industry requirements specify the higher classification.

Neither class should be selected simply because it is more common or looks more substantial. Employers should assess the task, site layout, lighting and vehicle movements before deciding what their team needs.

Which Hi-Vis Class Applies to Different Garments?

A common purchasing mistake is assuming that the garment style determines its class. For example, a jacket is not automatically Class 3, and a vest is not automatically Class 2.

The following table gives a practical overview of garment types and the classifications they may achieve. These are typical examples, not a guarantee of certification. Always check the individual garment's label and specification.

A garment's classification must come from its certification and product information, not from this general table. This applies to styles such as hi vis bomber jackets too; their appearance does not automatically determine their certified class. Where a combination of garments is intended to provide a higher level of visibility, confirm that the specific combination has been assessed and documented for that purpose. Do not assume that wearing two certified items automatically creates a higher-class outfit.

Choosing the Right Garment for Your Site

Once the required class has been identified, consider the type of clothing your employees need to wear every day.

A lightweight vest may suit some indoor or warmer working environments, while outdoor teams may need hi vis jackets for additional coverage in colder or wetter conditions. The clothing must still meet the visibility standards defined for the work. A jacket may provide further coverage and protection from the weather, but it still must meet the visibility standards established for the job.

When comparing workwear options, check the certified class, sizing, material, fastening, weather protection and care instructions for each individual product.

It is also worth thinking about how the garment will be worn. If workers need to add a fleece or waterproof layer over their hi-vis clothing, make sure the required fluorescent and reflective areas are not hidden. The garment should remain suitable for the conditions in which it is used.

Hi-Vis Certification: What Should Employers Check?

Understanding hi vis certification means looking beyond the product photograph or colour. Before issuing garments to employees, check the information supplied by the manufacturer.

A practical purchasing checklist includes:

1. Check the label: Look for the EN ISO 20471 marking and the stated class.

2. Confirm product details: Make sure the product description and conformity information match the class required for the job.

3. Check the fit: Clothing should fit correctly and allow employees to work without unnecessary restriction.

4. Consider layering: Additional garments should not cover the fluorescent or reflective areas needed for visibility.

5. Review care instructions: Washing and maintenance should follow the manufacturer's guidance.

6. Inspect regularly: Replace garments that are damaged, excessively worn or no longer suitable for use.

Employers also have responsibilities beyond buying the correct clothing. Where hi-vis is required as personal protective equipment, it must be provided, maintained and used appropriately. Staff should understand when it is required and how to wear and care for it.

Make Your Next Hi-Vis Order a More Informed One

The right hi-vis garment is not necessarily the brightest-looking or most expensive option. It is the one that meets the visibility requirements identified for the job and remains suitable for the conditions in which your team works.

Before placing your next order, review your site requirements, check the classification of each garment and consider the practical needs of the people wearing it. Harveys Workwear offers a range of high-visibility clothing options for different working environments. Check the individual product specifications or contact the team if you need help comparing styles for your workforce. 

A few careful checks before buying can help you make a more informed choice and keep visibility at the centre of your workwear decisions.

FAQs

What are the three EN ISO 20471 classes?

EN ISO 20471 has three classes: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. They are based on minimum areas of fluorescent and retro-reflective material. Class 3 has the greatest material requirements.

Is Class 2 or Class 3 hi-vis better?

Class 3 is a higher-visibility categorisation than Class 2, but that does not mean it’s automatically required for every project. The right class should be determined based on the risk assessment of the workplace and any site or industry requirements.

Is every hi-vis jacket Class 3?

Nope. Hi-vis jackets can be classified according to their design, material coverage and certification. Always refer to the individual garment label and product specification.

Can a hi-vis vest meet EN ISO 20471?

Yes. A vest can be certified under EN ISO 20471 if it meets the requirements for its stated class. Do not assume that every vest has the same classification.

Does wearing a hi-vis jacket over a vest increase the class?

Not automatically. A clothing combination must meet the standard's requirements and have supporting manufacturer information confirming the classification of that combination. You are not of a higher class because you put on two clothes.