What Is a Hi Vis Jacket?

Everything Tradespeople Need to Know

Whether you're laying bricks, managing traffic, or working at height, one thing is essential: being seen. That’s where the hi vis jacket comes in—a must-have piece of PPE designed to keep you visible and safe in hazardous environments. But what exactly is a hi vis jacket, and why does it matter?

At Tradeworx, we supply a wide range of certified hi vis clothing from trusted brands like Snickers, Blaklader, and Portwest. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what a hi vis jacket is, when you need one, and how to choose the right option for your trade.

The Basics: What Is a Hi Vis Jacket?

A hi vis (high-visibility) jacket is a type of outerwear designed with bright, fluorescent colours—usually yellow or orange—combined with reflective tape to make the wearer easily visible in low-light or high-risk environments. These jackets are classified as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and are often required by law on construction sites, roadside works, warehouses, and railways.

They help reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring that vehicle operators, machinery users, and co-workers can clearly see you—even in poor weather or at night.

Features That Make Hi Vis Jackets Effective

Hi vis jackets are much more than just bright colours. They often include features like:

  • Reflective tape around the chest, shoulders, and arms

  • Waterproof or windproof materials for weather resistance

  • Padded or insulated linings for warmth in winter

  • Multiple pockets for tool and accessory storage

  • Zipped or Velcro fastenings for easy on/off access

Many of our products at Tradeworx are designed with both comfort and compliance in mind, making them suitable for long workdays in demanding environments.

Examples of Hi Vis Clothing You Can Trust

While the term “hi vis jacket” usually refers to outerwear, it’s important to know that other garments also play a part in overall visibility.

For example, the Blaklader Hi Vis Sweatshirt – Orange offers hi vis visibility in a warm, softshell format—perfect for layering under a waterproof or during dry, chilly mornings on-site.

Pair that with the Snickers Hi Vis Women's Stretch Trousers with Holster Pockets – Orange, and you’ve got a head-to-toe solution that keeps you visible, mobile, and comfortable throughout your shift.

And for a versatile top layer, the classic Blaklader Hi Vis Sweatshirt remains a popular choice—offering visibility with a professional look.

When Is a Hi Vis Jacket Required?

A hi vis jacket is typically required if you're working:

  • Near moving vehicles or plant machinery

  • In low-light conditions such as early mornings, evenings, or night shifts

  • On or near roadways, railways, or busy construction sites

  • In warehouses where forklift or HGV traffic is common

  • In poor weather where visibility may be reduced

Employers are legally responsible for supplying appropriate hi vis PPE to workers. However, many self-employed tradespeople and subcontractors choose to invest in high-quality gear from the start—and for good reason. Your safety is worth it.

How to Choose the Right Hi Vis Jacket

When choosing your next hi vis jacket, consider:

  • EN ISO 20471 Certification – Ensures the jacket meets UK and EU safety standards

  • Weather resistance – Do you need waterproofing or insulation?

  • Fit and flexibility – Look for stretch fabrics or softshell materials if you need freedom of movement

  • Trade-specific features – Holster pockets, tool loops, and reinforced areas for durability

At Tradeworx, we offer a carefully curated range of hi vis jackets, trousers, sweatshirts, and more to suit your trade, your environment, and your budget.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a hi vis jacket? It’s not just a bright coat—it’s a critical piece of safety equipment that keeps you seen and protected in hazardous conditions. Whether you're on a busy construction site or working roadside at night, your visibility matters.

Explore our full hi vis collection today and gear up with certified, comfortable, and durable workwear that gets the job done.

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