9 June 2025
How many classes of hi vis clothing are there?
When it comes to staying safe and visible in hazardous working environments, high visibility (hi vis) clothing is essential. But not all hi vis garments are created equal.
To ensure the right level of protection, the EN ISO 20471 standard classifies hi vis clothing into three distinct classes based on visibility and the amount of reflective and fluorescent material used.
At alsico, we believe in equipping workers with the knowledge to make informed decisions. So, let’s break down the different classes of hi vis clothing and when each is most appropriate.
Class 1: Minimum visibility
Class 1 is the lowest level of visibility protection under EN ISO 20471. These garments are intended for environments where workers are separated from traffic or moving vehicles and are not at immediate risk.
Typical uses:
- Warehouse work with low vehicle movement
- Jobs on private roads or in areas with restricted public access
- Occasional exposure to hazards in daylight
Examples:
- Hi vis trousers (worn without a hi vis top)
- Hi vis vests with limited reflective material
Whilst Class 1 offers minimal coverage, it’s still compliant when used correctly and in the right setting.
Class 2: Intermediate visibility
Class 1 is the lowest level of visibility protection under EN ISO 20471. These garments are intended for environments where workers are separated from traffic or moving vehicles and are not at immediate risk.
Typical uses:
- Warehouse work with low vehicle movement
- Jobs on private roads or in areas with restricted public access
- Occasional exposure to hazards in daylight
Examples:
- Hi vis trousers (worn without a hi vis top)
- Hi vis vests with limited reflective material
Whilst Class 1 offers minimal coverage, it’s still compliant when used correctly and in the right setting.
Class 3: Maximum visibility
Class 3 is the highest level of visibility protection. These garments provide full-body coverage and are designed for workers in high-risk environments, such as near fast-moving traffic or in poor visibility conditions.
Typical uses:
- Motorway maintenance
- Emergency services
- Night-time railway and construction work
Examples:
- Hi vis jackets with full-length sleeves and reflective tape
- Trousers worn with a Class 2 or 3 hi vis top
- Hi vis coveralls that offer complete coverage
To meet Class 3 requirements, a garment must cover the torso and have either sleeves with reflective bands or be worn with other Class 2 items to provide full coverage.
matching protection to the job
Choosing the right class of hi vis clothing isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting lives. At alsico, we offer a comprehensive range of hi vis garments designed to meet EN ISO 20471 standards across all classes.
Whether you're kitting out a single worker or an entire team, we’ll help you find the right fit for your needs. Not sure who needs high visibility clothing? Check our helpful guide on the different industries that wear hi vis garments.
learn more about the environments we supply into
Environments
wearer protection
Protection is weaved into every part of alsico, we build it into everything we do and it drives our every decision. Our protective workwear range covers all high-safety sectors.
Environments
healthcare
We are one of the largest healthcare uniform suppliers in the UK, and are the majority supplier for the new NHS National Healthcare Uniform project.
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workwear
At alsico, we have shown excellence in a wide range of work uniforms, ranging from warehousing to global travel companies and from transportation to construction.
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electrification
Our passion for creating innovative fabrics has positioned us as a key supplier in the exciting new sector of electrical safety clothing, from battery companies to aerospace, to all anti-static environments.
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contamination control
We have developed a specialism in cleanroom clothing and uniforms, delivering exceptional performance in highly controlled environments.
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emergency response
We are always honored to be asked to provide workwear for our emergency services teams. We put our trust in them to help to look after us, and we do our very best in return, delivering performance when it matters.
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