What Colour Hi Vis Should I Wear? A Practical Guide for Tradespeople

When it comes to hi vis workwear, colour isn’t just a matter of personal taste or style—it can be the difference between being seen or not, especially in hazardous or low-light environments.

Whether you're on a construction site, rail line, or in a warehouse, choosing the right hi vis colour is essential for your safety and compliance. But how do you know which one is right for the job?

At Tradeworx, we specialise in supplying high-performance hi vis clothing from trusted brands like Snickers, Portwest, and Blåkläder. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between hi vis colours—and help you decide which option works best for your trade.

 

The Most Common Hi Vis Colours

The two most widely used and regulation-approved colours in the UK and Ireland are:

  • Fluorescent Yellow

  • Fluorescent Orange

Each has its place on the job, and in some cases, regulations determine exactly which one you must wear.

 

When to Wear Yellow Hi Vis

Fluorescent yellow is the most universally accepted hi vis colour. It's commonly used in general construction, warehousing, logistics, and roadside work.

It provides excellent contrast in a wide range of environments, particularly in urban and built-up areas.

One great example of yellow hi vis done right is the Snickers High-Vis Class 2 Stretch Trousers with Holster Pockets in Yellow/Black. These trousers offer freedom of movement, durability, and certified Class 2 visibility—perfect for day-to-day wear on building sites or deliveries.

 

When to Wear Orange Hi Vis

Fluorescent orange is often required in specific industries—especially those involving railways and high-speed roads. According to UK rail safety standards, orange is mandatory for anyone working on or near railway lines.

Orange is also a strong choice for outdoor environments like rural roads, where it stands out against green vegetation and grey surroundings.

For example, the Portwest PW242 Hi Vis Holster Trouser in Orange/Black offers heavy-duty performance with practical holster pockets, making it ideal for rail and highway work.

 

Choosing for Weather and Visibility Conditions

The weather and time of day also impact which hi vis colour is most effective:

  • Yellow is ideal for low-light or indoor settings like warehouses or early morning shifts.

  • Orange offers excellent visibility in natural, outdoor surroundings—especially where greenery dominates.

If you're working outdoors in winter, an insulated jacket like the Portwest T400 PW3 Hi Vis Winter Jacket in Orange/Grey provides thermal protection, waterproofing, and EN ISO 20471 Class 3 certification.

 

Is One Colour Safer Than the Other?

Both colours are safe and EN ISO 20471 compliant, meaning they meet the minimum standards for visibility in dangerous environments. The key is choosing the colour that offers the best contrast for your specific work environment.

It’s not always about standing out in the light—it’s about standing out in your surroundings.

 

Final Word: Choose What Keeps You Seen

So, what colour hi vis should you wear? The answer depends on your job, your location, and your environment. But whether it's bright yellow for high traffic areas, or orange for rail compliance, the most important thing is that your gear keeps you visible, safe, and compliant.

At Tradeworx, we stock a wide range of hi vis workwear including trousers, jackets, and hoodies from industry leaders like Snickers, Portwest, and Blåkläder—all designed for the demands of your trade.

🦺 Stay seen. Stay safe. Shop hi vis now.

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