There are three classes of high visibility clothing under EN ISO 20471: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. Class 3 gives the most visibility and Class 1 the least. The class depends on how much fluorescent background fabric and reflective tape a garment has. EN ISO 20471 replaced the old BS EN 471 standard in 2013, so if you are still specifying "EN 471", it is time to update.
The three classes at a glance
| Class |
Minimum fluorescent background |
Minimum reflective tape |
Typical garments |
Typical use |
| Class 3 (highest) |
0.80 m² |
0.20 m² |
Jackets with sleeves, coveralls, long-sleeved vests |
High-speed roads, night work, poor visibility |
| Class 2 |
0.50 m² |
0.13 m² |
Sleeveless vests, polo shirts, sweatshirts, some trousers |
Road works, construction sites, warehouses and yards |
| Class 1 (lowest) |
0.14 m² |
0.10 m² |
Trousers, shorts, some T-shirts |
Low-risk areas away from traffic, or worn with a higher-class top |
The class is printed on the garment's label next to the hi-vis pictogram. Always check the label, as the same style of garment can be made to different classes.
Why it matters
Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second most common cause of work-related death in Great Britain. In 2025/26 it accounted for 24 of the 126 workers killed, according to the Health and Safety Executive. Hi-vis clothing is one of the simplest ways to make sure drivers and plant operators see people in time.
What EN ISO 20471 requires
- Fluorescent colour. The background fabric must be fluorescent yellow, orange-red or red. Other colours, such as navy or pink, cannot be certified to EN ISO 20471, however bright they look.
- Reflective tape. Retro-reflective bands bounce light from headlights back to the driver, which is what makes you visible at night.
- Coverage all round. Bands must go all the way round the torso, arms and legs where fitted, so you can be seen from every direction.
- Tested durability. Fabrics and tape are tested for colour fastness and for performance after washing. Where washing was tested, the label shows the maximum number of washes.
The current version is EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016, which includes a 2016 amendment. In the UK, hi-vis clothing is personal protective equipment, so it should also carry the right conformity marking (UKCA and/or CE).
Combining garments
Some garments are certified to reach a higher class when worn together. For example, a jacket and trousers may each be Class 2 on their own but Class 3 as a set. This only applies when the manufacturer has tested and labelled them as a combination, so check the label before relying on it.
Rail work: RIS-3279-TOM
On Network Rail infrastructure, hi-vis must also meet RIS-3279-TOM, which replaced the older GO/RT 3279. It requires fluorescent orange, and garments must meet at least Class 2 under EN ISO 20471. Browse our rail spec hi-vis.
Road works and highways
Work on or near roads usually needs Class 2 as a minimum, and Class 3 on high-speed roads or at night. Highways clients often set their own rules on top of the standard, such as requiring sleeves, so always check your contract or site rules.
Looking after hi-vis
- Wash garments as the label says. Dirt and fading reduce how visible you are.
- Replace garments once they are faded, heavily soiled or damaged, or have reached the wash limit on the label.
- Never cut off or cover sections of the garment. The class depends on the full area of fluorescent fabric and tape.
- Wear garments fastened so the bands go all the way round.
Adding your logo
We print and embroider company logos on hi-vis in-house, with no minimum order. Keep logos a sensible size so the garment still meets its class; our team is happy to advise. See printing and embroidery options.
Frequently asked questions
How many classes of high visibility clothing are there?
Three: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3, with Class 3 giving the highest visibility.
Is EN 471 still valid?
No. EN 471 was replaced by EN ISO 20471 in 2013. New hi-vis clothing should be certified to EN ISO 20471.
What class of hi-vis vest do I need?
Most sleeveless vests are Class 2, which suits most sites, yards and road works. For high-speed roads or night work, choose a Class 3 garment with sleeves, such as a jacket.
Can hi-vis be navy, pink or another colour?
Not if it needs to meet EN ISO 20471. Only fluorescent yellow, orange-red and red backgrounds qualify.
Shop by garment
Hi-vis vests · Hi-vis jackets · Hi-vis trousers · All hi-vis clothing
Not sure what you need? Get in touch and we'll help you choose the right class for the job.