Hi-Vis Explained: EN ISO 20471 Classes

High-visibility clothing in the UK and Europe is certified to EN ISO 20471. The standard sets minimum areas of fluorescent background fabric and retroreflective tape, and sorts garments into three classes by how much of that material they carry. More material means higher visibility, and a higher class.

The three classes

Class 1 is the lowest level of coverage. Typically hi-vis trousers or a simple waistcoat. Suited to lower-risk environments away from fast-moving traffic, or worn to top up another garment.

Class 2 is the middle level, most often seen as hi-vis vests, tabards and polo shirts. A common choice for warehouses, deliveries, events and many general worksites.

Class 3 is the highest level of visibility, requiring the wearer's torso and arms to be covered in compliant material. That means sleeved garments (jackets, sleeved polos or a compliant combination) for high-risk settings such as roadside work, near fast traffic, or work in poor light and at night.

How to choose

Match the class to the risk. The faster the traffic and the poorer the light, the higher the class you need. Roadside and night work generally calls for Class 3. Where garments combine (for example a Class 2 vest over Class 1 trousers) the combination can raise the effective protection, but each garment is certified individually, so check the label.

Branding hi-vis without breaking compliance

Adding a logo must not reduce the certified areas of background fabric or cover the reflective tape. In practice that means placing decoration on the non-certified zones and keeping logos an appropriate size. We do this every day, so your team stays both branded and compliant. If in doubt, we'll advise on placement before anything is made.