Struggling to pick the right hi-vis gear for your team? Worried about meeting safety standards? We make choosing the best high-visibility workwear simple and effective for your business needs.

To choose the best hi-vis workwear, you need to assess workplace risks, ensure garments meet key standards like ANSI/ISEA 107, and select the right class, color, and material for full 360° visibility, comfort, and durability in your specific environment.

Choosing the right gear is more than just picking a bright color. It's about protecting your team and meeting legal standards. As a manufacturer for over 15 years, I've helped countless businesses navigate these choices. Let's break down exactly what you need to look for to make the best choice for your company.

Who makes the best Hi-Vis workwear?

Sorting through countless brands is tough. You need a reliable partner, not just a supplier. We believe the best manufacturer is one who guarantees quality, compliance, and deep customization¹.

The "best" hi-vis workwear maker is a certified manufacturer that offers guaranteed compliance (like us at Vissafetywear with ISO and OEKO-TEX), provides deep customization¹, and has a proven quality control² record. This protects your business from costly recalls and safety failures³.

Over the years, I've seen firsthand what separates a great manufacturer from a risky one. The best partner is almost always the factory itself, not just a trading company. A direct manufacturer has control over the entire process, from sourcing materials to final inspection. I have a client in California, Danny Cheng, who I've worked with for 12 years. Before he came to us, he lost over $500,000 on a single order from another supplier due to color inconsistencies. That kind of mistake can ruin a business. It’s why we implemented a triple-inspection process: before production, during production, and a final check before shipping. This control ensures what you ordered is what you get. The "best" maker is one who acts as your partner, understands your market needs, and has the infrastructure to deliver consistently.

What are the OSHA requirements⁴ for high-visibility clothing?

Confused by government regulations? Worried about fines or accidents? Understanding OSHA's requirements is the first step to ensuring your team is safe and your business is compliant.

OSHA doesn't have its own specific standard for hi-vis clothing but requires employers to protect workers from struck-by hazards⁵. It refers to standards like ANSI/ISEA 107. Employers must perform a hazard assessment⁶ and provide appropriate PPE⁷, which almost always means ANSI-compliant hi-vis apparel.

Think of it this way: OSHA sets the rule, and standards like ANSI/ISEA 107⁸ provide the solution. OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards." For anyone working near moving vehicles or equipment—from road crews to warehouse staff—being struck is a major hazard. So, while OSHA might not say "you must use a Class 2 vest," they will say "you must protect your flagger from traffic." The accepted way to do that is by using gear compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107. We work with clients like Danny in the USA to ensure every product we ship meets these standards. This gives him, and his customers, complete peace of mind that they are not only keeping workers safe but are also fully compliant with OSHA's expectations.

What is class 3 high-visibility clothing⁹?

Does your team work in high-risk zones? Class 2 gear might not be enough. Class 3 hi-vis clothing offers the absolute maximum level of visibility, keeping workers safe and seen.

Class 3 high-visibility clothing offers the highest level of visibility protection¹⁰. It is designed for workers in high-traffic areas where vehicle speeds exceed 50 mph, complex backgrounds, or poor weather. It requires more material than other classes and must have sleeves and full-length trousers.

The key to understanding Class 3 is realizing it's about providing full-body visibility. It ensures a worker is recognizable as a human shape from all angles and distances, especially in chaotic environments. Imagine a highway crew working at night in the rain. A simple vest isn't enough. They need reflective material¹¹ on their arms and legs to show movement and their overall silhouette. This is why Class 3 garments like jackets and coveralls have sleeves with retroreflective banding¹². It's the highest level of protection for the most dangerous jobs. When we develop products, we always start with the end-user's environment. For clients who supply to major construction or state transportation departments, we engineer Class 3 apparel that not only meets the minimum material requirements but is also durable and comfortable for long shifts.

What is the ANSI standard for high-visibility clothing?

Hearing about ANSI standards but not sure what they mean? This standard is your guide to safety. Following it ensures your team's gear provides the protection they truly need.

The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard is the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel. It specifies requirements for design and materials, including the amount of background and reflective material, color, and placement to ensure worker visibility around moving vehicles and equipment.

This standard is the technical playbook for safety. It’s what we, as a manufacturer, use every single day in our design and production processes. The standard has gotten more specific over time to better address real-world risks. It breaks down work environment¹³s into Types and then assigns Performance Classes based on the amount of visible material required. For example, "Type R" is for Roadway use, while "Type O" is for Off-Road. Within those types, you have Classes 1, 2, and 3. In our factory's lab, we have over 75 testing devices to ensure every roll of fabric and every inch of reflective tape meets these exact specifications for color, brightness, and durability. This commitment to the standard is non-negotiable for our B2B clients who can't afford the risk of providing non-compliant gear.

What is the difference between a class 1 and class 2 hi vis vest?

Choosing between Class 1 and Class 2? It looks simple, but the wrong choice can compromise safety. Let’s clarify the difference so you can protect your workers properly.

The main difference is the amount of high-visibility material. A Class 2 vest has significantly more fluorescent background fabric and retroreflective tape than a Class 1 vest. This makes it suitable for environments with higher vehicle speeds (25-50 mph), while Class 1 is for low-speed areas.

The decision comes down to risk. A Class 1 vest is for workers who are separated from traffic that is moving slowly (under 25 mph). Think of a parking lot attendant or a warehouse worker directing forklifts. Their primary need is to be seen by people who are close by and already alert. A Class 2 vest is for workers who are on or near roadways where traffic is moving between 25 and 50 mph. This includes road construction crews, utility workers, and school crossing guards. The extra material is crucial because it gives drivers more time to see and react from a greater distance. As a manufacturer, we produce both classes, but we always advise our clients to analyze the specific job site. It’s better to have more protection than you need than not enough when a life is on the line.

What color is best for high visibility?

Yellow, orange, or red? The color you choose is critical for worker safety. But is there one "best" color? The answer really depends on the work environment and background.

The best color for high visibility depends on the background. Fluorescent yellow-green is the most visible to the human eye against most backdrops. Fluorescent orange-red provides high contrast against natural environments like foliage and snow. Fluorescent red is effective in both daytime and low-light conditions.

The goal is always contrast. You want the worker to stand out as much as possible from their surroundings. This is called conspicuity. Fluorescent yellow-green is scientifically the brightest color to the human eye, which makes it a great all-around choice, especially in urban settings with grey and black backgrounds. Fluorescent orange-red is fantastic for standing out against trees, dirt, and sky, which is why you see it so often on highway crews and railway workers. The specific choice can also be about company branding or distinguishing different roles on a job site. For instance, some sites use orange for workers and yellow for supervisors. We offer all three ANSI-compliant colors and often produce custom combinations to help our clients meet the unique needs of their customers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hi-vis workwear involves assessing risks, knowing the standards, and partnering with a reliable manufacturer. We can help you protect your team and grow your business.