Hi-Vis Classes Explained: Class 1, 2 and 3 With Real Garment Examples
The short answer
Under EN ISO 20471, Class 1 needs 0.14 m² of fluorescent fabric and 0.10 m² of retro-reflective material, Class 2 needs 0.50 m² and 0.13 m², and Class 3 needs 0.80 m² and 0.20 m². In practice: Class 1 is a simple vest for low-risk sites, Class 2 is the standard taped vest or polo for roadway work, and Class 3 is a jacket, coverall or two-piece suit with sleeves.
The class is not a quality rating. It describes how much visible material the garment carries, and therefore how far away a driver can identify the wearer.
Last updated: September 2026.
Key takeaways
- Class 2 vs Class 3 comes down to area, which is why Class 3 has sleeves.
- A sleeveless vest cannot be Class 3 under EN ISO 20471.
- Class 1 is not suitable for roadway work in most European risk assessments.
- Class 2 is the default for construction, logistics and utilities near traffic.
- Adding tape to a vest does not upgrade its class unless the total area thresholds are met.
1. Standard vs use case vs purchasing notes
| Class | Area requirement | Typical use case | What to check when buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 0.14 m² fluorescent, 0.10 m² reflective | Warehouses, visitors, low-speed sites, short exposure | Confirm the risk assessment allows Class 1; check tape configuration |
| Class 2 | 0.50 m² fluorescent, 0.13 m² reflective | Road works, logistics, construction, utility crews | Tape width and layout, sleeve and shoulder coverage, 25-wash performance |
| Class 3 | 0.80 m² fluorescent, 0.20 m² reflective | High-speed traffic, night work, poor visibility | Sleeves or full coverage, dual certification for the US market |
2. Real garment examples by class
| Class | Garment example | Why it qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Mesh vest with two horizontal bands | Meets the minimum area at the lowest cost |
| Class 1 | High-vis T-shirt with one band | Suitable only for controlled environments |
| Class 2 | Five-point taped vest | Standard roadway configuration |
| Class 2 | Taped polo shirt, short sleeve | Wearable in warm conditions |
| Class 3 | Taped jacket with sleeves | Adds sleeve area to reach the threshold |
| Class 3 | Hi-vis coverall or two-piece suit | Full coverage, often with rain protection |
Two practical notes: a Class 2 polo is often the better buy than a Class 2 vest over normal clothing, because it is worn directly and does not flap in wind. A Class 3 jacket is usually the only route to Class 3 for winter, which is why insulated hi-vis is nearly always Class 3.
3. How the class is chosen in practice
| Risk factor | Pushes the class up | Pushes it down |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic speed | Above 50 km/h | Off-road, controlled site |
| Visibility conditions | Night, fog, rain | Daylight, clear sightlines |
| Exposure time | Full shift | Occasional entry |
| Distance from traffic | Within the traffic envelope | Behind barriers |
| Wearer behaviour | Moving, bending, working at ground level | Static supervision |
The standard sets the measurement; the risk assessment sets the class. Buyers who choose on price alone usually discover the gap during a site inspection.
4. What to specify on a purchase order
| Item | Specification to write | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Class | "EN ISO 20471 Class 2" | The class, not the word "hi-vis" |
| Tape | Certified tape, width in centimetres, band layout | Tape drives both performance and price |
| Fluorescent colour | Fluorescent yellow, orange or yellow-orange | Colour affects the risk assessment, not the class |
| Wash performance | Retained after 25 domestic wash cycles | Fading is the most common compliance failure |
| Sleeves | Sleeved or sleeveless, stated explicitly | Determines whether Class 3 is achievable |
| Marking | Standard and class printed on the garment | Required for inspection and for customs |
5. Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 hi-vis?
Class 3 requires 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of reflective material against 0.50 m² and 0.13 m² for Class 2. In practice Class 3 means sleeves or full-body coverage, usually a jacket, coverall or suit.
Can a vest be Class 3?
No, not under EN ISO 20471. A sleeveless garment cannot reach the required area, so Class 3 garments have sleeves or full-body coverage.
Is Class 1 enough for a construction site?
Only if the risk assessment allows it, which is usually limited to controlled areas away from moving vehicles or plant. Most construction work near traffic requires Class 2.
Does adding reflective tape upgrade a vest's class?
Only if the fluorescent and reflective area thresholds are met. Tape alone does not change the class, and the garment must be re-tested to claim a new class.
Which class do I need for night work?
Class 3 is the usual requirement for night work near traffic, ideally combined with active lighting on the site. Check your local regulations, which may be stricter than the standard.
Can one garment serve both the EU and the US markets?
Yes, if it is dual certified to EN ISO 20471 and ANSI/ISEA 107. The marking and test reports must cover both standards.
Get the right class quoted
Tell us your work environment and the class you need, and we will quote the correct configuration with the tape specification, wash performance and certification stated in the quotation.
