What Do Different Colour Hi Vis Mean? A Guide for Tradespeople

When it comes to safety on site, hi vis workwear is one of the most essential pieces of gear you can wear. It helps you stand out, stay safe, and comply with site regulations—but have you ever wondered what the different colours of hi vis actually mean?

Whether you’re new to the trade or just want to stay informed, understanding the colour coding of hi vis workwear can help you choose the right gear for the job. In this blog, we’ll break it down and answer the key question:
What do different colour hi vis mean?

👉 Browse our full range of hi vis workwear here

 

The Importance of Hi Vis Colour Coding

High-visibility clothing is designed to make the wearer easy to spot in any environment. The EN ISO 20471 standard specifies visibility requirements, but it doesn’t dictate colours. Instead, colours are often chosen based on industry preferences, work conditions, and specific job roles.

The two most common colours are yellow and orange, but other shades like red, blue, green, and even pink are sometimes used for specific purposes.

 

Yellow Hi Vis: The All-Rounder

Yellow is the most widely recognised and commonly used hi vis colour. It offers excellent visibility in both daylight and low-light conditions, which is why it’s seen on everything from jackets and trousers to hoodies and vests.

Yellow hi vis is typically worn by:

  • Construction workers

  • Logistics and warehouse staff

  • Emergency services (alongside blue or red)

  • General trades on-site

One great example is the Portwest PW242 Hi Vis Holster Trouser Yellow/Black. These trousers combine classic yellow hi vis with durable black contrast panels—perfect for tradespeople who want visibility without the dirt showing too easily.

Another popular option is the 2839 Snickers High-Vis Class 2 Full Zip Hoodie. This high-vis hoodie is ideal for layering and adds a modern, comfortable twist to traditional sitewear—great for cooler days when you need freedom of movement and visibility.

 

Orange Hi Vis: The Rail & Road Choice

Orange hi vis is often associated with higher-risk environments, especially those involving moving vehicles or poor visibility. It’s the standard colour for railway workers in the UK and Ireland due to RIS-3279-TOM compliance.

Orange hi vis is commonly used for:

  • Railway and highway maintenance workers

  • Road construction crews

  • Utility engineers

If you work outdoors in colder conditions, the Portwest PW351 Hi-Vis Winter Trouser Orange/Black is a top pick. These insulated trousers provide warmth, weather protection, and Class 2 visibility in bright orange—making them ideal for winter site work.

 

Other Colours: What They Mean

  • Red: Occasionally used by emergency services or event staff, but not standard for EN ISO 20471 compliance.

  • Blue & Green: Typically used in healthcare or emergency contexts to denote specific teams or job functions.

  • Pink: Rare but used for site visitors or promotional safety days.

While these colours can serve a purpose, yellow and orange remain the only colours officially compliant with EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility workwear in most trade settings.

👉 Shop all hi vis workwear at Tradeworx

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding what different hi vis colours mean isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety, compliance, and practicality. Whether you need yellow trousers, an orange winter layer, or a hi vis hoodie for daily wear, Tradeworx has you covered with top-quality gear from Snickers, Portwest, and Blaklader.

Stay safe, stay visible, and choose the colour that’s right for the job.

 

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