Top 10 Mistakes Workers Make When Buying Hi-Vis Workwear (and How to Avoid Them)

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Mistake 1: Choosing Hi-Vis Workwear Without the Correct EN Standard
3. Mistake 2: Ignoring Reflective Tape Quality
4. Mistake 3: Buying the Wrong Size or Fit
5. Mistake 4: Overlooking Material Quality and Breathability
6. Mistake 5: Choosing the Wrong Type of Garment
7. Mistake 6: Ignoring Functional Details and Pocket Design
8. Mistake 7: Selecting Low Durability Products
9. Mistake 8: Forgetting Climate Considerations
10. Mistake 9: Not Checking the Supplier’s Reliability
11. Mistake 10: Ignoring Long Term Comfort
12. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Choosing the right hi-vis workwear is essential for worker safety in industries such as construction, logistics, transportation, warehousing, and maintenance. Visibility directly influences accident prevention, especially in environments where workers operate near vehicles, machinery, or low light conditions.

However, many workers and even supervisors unknowingly make common mistakes when buying hi-vis workwear. Some errors reduce visibility, while others affect durability, comfort, or even EN compliance. This guide explains the top 10 mistakes and how to avoid them, helping you select hi-vis workwear that is safer, longer lasting, and better suited to your environment.

2. Mistake 1: Choosing Hi-Vis Workwear Without the Correct EN Standard

One of the biggest mistakes is buying hi-vis workwear without verifying the correct European safety certification. Many people assume bright colors are enough, but proper certification ensures that the garment meets specific visibility and performance requirements.

The most relevant standards include:

• EN ISO 20471 for high visibility in professional use
• EN 17353 for enhanced visibility in medium-risk environments
• EN 343 for waterproof and breathable garments

Garments that look bright may still fail to meet required reflective or fluorescent area standards. For tasks near moving vehicles, EN ISO 20471 Class 2 or Class 3 is typically required.

How to avoid it:

Check the label or product description for the correct EN standard and ensure the reflective tape is high quality. Consult your safety officer if you are unsure which class your job requires.

3. Mistake 2: Ignoring Reflective Tape Quality

Many buyers assume all reflective tape performs the same. In reality, low quality tape loses reflectivity after repeated washing or exposure to weather. Once the reflection weakens, the hi vis workwear no longer provides adequate protection.

High quality reflective tape uses a strong backing, durable micro glass beads, and secure stitching or heat application. This is also why the reflective technology used by WERKVIS stands out. Our reflective tape features a unique patented pattern that is exclusive to the brand, designed not only for high visibility but also for durability. The heat applied version offers excellent bonding strength so it stays firmly attached even after frequent wash cycles and daily wear.

How to avoid it:

Look for workwear with certified reflective tape that maintains reflectivity after multiple wash cycles. If possible, choose garments with double stitching reinforcement or high quality heat applied tape like the one used in WERKVIS products.

4. Mistake 3: Buying the Wrong Size or Fit

Even the best hi-vis workwear will not perform correctly if the fit is wrong. Clothing that is too loose can get caught on machinery, while garments that are too tight restrict movement or distort the reflective tape.

This issue becomes more obvious during winter when workers wear multiple layers and do not account for added bulk.

How to avoid it:

Check the size chart carefully or try on different sizes. Consider the layers you typically wear underneath. Aim for a comfortable fit that allows natural movement without hanging too loosely.

5. Mistake 4: Overlooking Material Quality and Breathability

Material quality affects comfort, durability, and heat management. Workers sometimes choose low cost options without considering whether the fabric is breathable, soft, or quick drying.

The most common issues include:

• heavy fabrics causing overheating
• poor breathability leading to discomfort
• cheap polyester that feels stiff
• slow drying materials that stay wet after rain

In hot weather, high breathability is especially important for avoiding fatigue and heat stress.

How to avoid it:

Select hi-vis workwear made from breathable polyester, mesh panels, or moisture wicking fabrics. For lighter tasks or warm climates, hi-vis t-shirts and lightweight vests are ideal.

6. Mistake 5: Choosing the Wrong Type of Garment

Different jobs have different requirements, yet many workers use the same hi-vis clothing for all conditions. For example, wearing a thin vest in cold weather or a heavy jacket in summer reduces comfort and safety.

Common garment types include:

• hi-vis vests for light tasks or indoor use
• hi-vis t-shirts for warm conditions
• hi-vis sweatshirts for spring or mild cold
• hi-vis jackets for winter and outdoor work
• waterproof jackets for rainy environments

How to avoid it:

Select the garment type based on weather, task intensity, and safety requirements. Layering provides flexibility while maintaining visibility.

Learn more shirts:

7. Mistake 6: Ignoring Functional Details and Pocket Design

Hi-vis workwear is not just about visibility. Workers also need functionality. Poor pocket placement or low quality zippers can slow down workflow or cause tools to fall out.

Good functional design includes:

• reinforced zippers
• deep pockets for tools
• ID card pockets
• radio loops
• strong stitching

How to avoid it:

Before purchasing, think about your daily tools and devices. Choose garments with pocket placements that support your tasks rather than hinder them.

8. Mistake 7: Selecting Low Durability Products

Low cost workwear may fade after a few washes, lose reflectivity, or tear easily. In the long term, constantly replacing low durability garments is more expensive than investing in quality pieces.

Signs of durability include:

• reinforced seams
• colorfast fabric
• high quality reflective tape
• structured design that holds shape

How to avoid it:

Look for durable stitching, wash tested reflective tapes, and fabrics that resist fading.

9. Mistake 8: Forgetting Climate Considerations

Weather conditions strongly influence which hi-vis workwear is appropriate. Some workers expect one garment to work for all seasons, but this often leads to discomfort.

Examples:

• cold weather needs insulated garments
• hot weather needs breathable fabrics
• rainy environments require EN 343 waterproof garments

How to avoid it:

Choose workwear based on your environment and season. Layering is a great way to maintain flexibility while staying visible and comfortable.

10. Mistake 9: Not Checking the Supplier’s Reliability

Many buyers choose unknown sellers, leading to poor quality, delayed shipments, or incorrect sizing. A reliable supplier provides transparency on certification, materials, delivery times, and returns.

Reliable suppliers usually offer:

• clear EN certification details
• fast and predictable shipping
• accurate product descriptions
• customer support
• consistent stock availability

WERKVIS follows these standards strictly. All of our hi vis products come with the required CE certifications and corresponding EN standards, ensuring every garment meets professional safety requirements. With certified materials and controlled production, the product quality and visibility performance are guaranteed.

How to avoid it:
Choose reputable European or German workwear suppliers who can provide genuine certifications and fast delivery. Opt for brands that clearly present their CE and EN compliance, such as WERKVIS, to ensure safety and reliability from production to delivery.

11. Mistake 10: Ignoring Long Term Comfort

Comfort may seem secondary, but it directly affects worker performance. Uncomfortable garments restrict movement, increase fatigue, and reduce compliance since workers may avoid wearing them.

Comfort depends on factors like:

• ergonomic design
• breathability
• softness of fabric
• weight distribution
• seam placement

How to avoid it:

Choose hi-vis workwear designed with both safety and comfort in mind. Look for ergonomic cuts and breathable fabrics to ensure all day wearability.

12. Conclusion

Buying hi-vis workwear is not simply about choosing bright colors. It requires understanding EN standards, choosing durable materials, evaluating functionality, and selecting garments designed for your working conditions. By avoiding the common mistakes listed above, workers and companies can significantly improve safety, comfort, and long term value.

High quality hi-vis workwear helps workers stay visible, protected, and confident in demanding environments, making it an essential part of any professional safety setup.