Hi-Vis Clothing to EN ISO 20471 - Which Class?
High-visibility clothing makes people visible by day through fluorescent material and by night through retroreflective tape. This guide explains the three classes of EN ISO 20471, the required minimum areas and how to choose the right level for warehouse, site and traffic work.
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What classes does EN ISO 20471 define?
EN ISO 20471 sorts high-visibility clothing into three classes, ranked by the minimum area of visible material. Class 3 offers the highest protection, class 1 the lowest. What counts are the areas of fluorescent background material and retroreflective material on the finished garment.
Class 3 requires at least 0.80 m² of background material and 0.20 m² of retroreflective material. Class 2 asks for 0.50 m² and 0.13 m², class 1 only 0.14 m² and 0.10 m². A vest on its own usually reaches only class 2, while a long-sleeved jacket with trousers or a coverall meets class 3.
How do colour and retroreflection work?
By day the fluorescent material provides contrast: it converts UV in daylight and glows more intensely than ordinary colours. EN ISO 20471 allows the base colours yellow, orange-red and red, which must meet defined colour coordinates and a minimum luminance factor.
In the dark the retroreflective material takes over. It bounces the light of vehicle headlamps back towards the source, so the driver can see the person at up to 150 m - far earlier than without reflective tape. The retroreflection value is measured in candela per lux and square metre.
- Fluorescent background material: visible in daylight and dusk.
- Retroreflective material: visible in headlamp light at night.
- Combined material delivers both functions in one fabric.
- Reflective bands must run around the body so the wearer is seen from every direction.
Which class for warehouse or traffic?
The right class depends on the surroundings and the speed of nearby traffic. The faster vehicles move and the poorer the visibility, the higher the class must be. Your risk assessment, together with the relevant workplace rules and road-work regulations, sets the level.
- In-house warehouse traffic with forklifts: usually class 2.
- Work on roads and near railway tracks: class 3 as jacket plus trousers.
- Bad weather or night work: always step up one class.
- Print and company logos must not reduce the minimum hi-vis areas.
How to assemble the complete PPE set for your team to standard.
Read the guideHow is the warning effect maintained?
High-visibility clothing loses its brightness through washing, dirt and UV exposure. The label states the maximum number of care cycles for which the standard values are guaranteed - typically 25 to 50 washes. After that, or when the reflective tape is visibly damaged, the garment must be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hi-vis vest enough for traffic work?
A plain vest usually reaches only class 2. For work on roads with fast traffic, class 3 is required, meaning a jacket plus hi-vis trousers or a coverall with encircling reflective bands.
What do classes 1, 2 and 3 mean?
The classes state the minimum area of visible material. Class 3 needs 0.80 m² of background and 0.20 m² of retroreflective material and gives the highest protection, class 1 the lowest.
How long does hi-vis clothing protect?
Up to the number of care cycles printed on the label, usually 25 to 50 washes. Once the colour or reflective tape has faded or is damaged, the garment must be replaced.
Which colours are allowed?
EN ISO 20471 permits fluorescent yellow, orange-red and red, provided they meet the standardised colour coordinates and luminance factor.
Looking for the right hi-vis clothing?
We supply hi-vis vests, jackets and trousers in classes 1 to 3 - tested to EN ISO 20471, for warehouse, site and traffic areas.
Standard-tested
Every item complies with EN ISO 20471.
Fully reflective
Encircling reflective bands for night visibility.
Wash-resistant
Warning effect over the stated care cycles.
Expert advice
Specialists help you pick the right class.