How Many Classes of Hi Vis Clothing Are There? A Guide for Tradespeople

Whether you're working on a busy road, a construction site, or a logistics yard, hi vis workwear isn’t just a nice-to-have—it's a legal requirement. Designed to keep you visible and safe, high-visibility clothing is essential for preventing accidents in low-light, high-risk environments. But not all hi vis is the same.

One of the most common questions we get at Tradeworx is:
"How many classes of hi vis clothing are there—and which one do I need?"

Let’s break it down so you can stay safe, compliant, and well-equipped on the job.

👉 Explore the full range of hi vis workwear at Tradeworx

 

Understanding Hi Vis Classes: The Basics

Hi vis clothing in the UK and Ireland is classified under EN ISO 20471, a European standard that defines the level of visibility a garment provides. There are three classes of hi vis workwear, each indicating how much reflective and fluorescent material is used, and how visible the wearer will be in different environments.

 

Class 1: Minimal Visibility

  • Best for: Low-risk environments (e.g. warehouses, private premises)

  • Minimum requirement:

    • 0.14m² of reflective material

    • 0.50m² of fluorescent material

  • Examples: Hi vis trousers or vests worn separately without jackets

Class 1 offers the lowest level of visibility and is not suitable for high-risk zones such as roadside work or construction sites.

 

Class 2: Intermediate Visibility

  • Best for: General construction work, logistics, or daytime roadside use

  • Minimum requirement:

    • 0.20m² of reflective material

    • 0.50m² of fluorescent material

  • Examples: Hi vis trousers and jackets that provide torso and leg coverage

At Tradeworx, some of our best-selling Class 2 hi vis workwear includes:

Class 3: Maximum Visibility

  • Best for: High-risk environments (e.g. roadworks, railways, night work)

  • Minimum requirement:

    • 0.20m² of reflective material

    • 0.80m² of fluorescent material

  • Examples: Long-sleeve jackets and full-body combinations (e.g. jacket + trousers)

To meet Class 3 standards, garments usually need to be worn together (like trousers and a jacket) or come in the form of a single garment that offers full coverage.

One excellent option is the Portwest T400 PW3 Hi-Vis Winter Jacket – Yellow/Black. This jacket provides Class 3 protection, a modern design, and exceptional insulation for cold, wet weather—perfect for those early morning starts or long night shifts outdoors.

 

Which Class Should You Choose?

It depends entirely on your work environment and risk level:

  • Warehouse or indoor setting? Class 1 may be sufficient.

  • General trades or daytime site work? Class 2 is usually required.

  • High-speed roads, night work, or rail? Go with Class 3 for maximum safety.

Remember, your employer or site safety officer will typically specify the minimum class required for your role. But having the correct gear—like a Class 2 hi vis trouser or a Class 3 winter jacket—can make a huge difference to your safety and visibility on site.

👉 Shop the full Tradeworx hi vis range here

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different classes of hi vis workwear is more than just a compliance issue—it's about making sure you get home safe at the end of every shift. At Tradeworx, we stock a wide range of certified hi vis clothing from brands like Snickers, Portwest, and Blaklader, designed to keep you protected in all working conditions.

From Class 2 stretch trousers to Class 3 winter jackets, you’ll find everything you need to stay safe, stay warm, and stay visible—right here at Tradeworx.

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