Are You Buying Hi-Vis Workwear That Actually Meets EU Safety Standards?

High-visibility clothing plays a critical role in workplace safety. In many industries, workers operate near moving vehicles, heavy machinery, or in low-light conditions where being seen clearly can prevent serious accidents.

However, not all reflective garments provide the same level of protection.

In Europe, hi-vis workwear must meet strict EU safety standards to ensure it performs reliably in real working environments. Certified garments are tested for visibility, durability, and correct reflective coverage, helping workplaces stay compliant and protected.

This guide explains the most common certifications for hi-vis workwear, what they mean, and why they matter when choosing reflective protective clothing.

Why EU Safety Standards Matter in Hi-Vis Workwear

Hi-vis workwear is not just about bright fabric. Certified high-visibility clothing is designed to improve detection of the wearer in daylight, low light, and nighttime conditions.

EU safety standards ensure that hi-vis garments provide:

1. Minimum fluorescent color performance
2. Effective retroreflective tape visibility at night
3. Correct garment design and reflective placement
4. Durability after repeated washing
5. Reliable compliance across different workplaces

Without certification, reflective clothing may look similar but fail to deliver the required level of safety.

EN ISO 20471: The Key Standard for Professional Hi-Vis Workwear

The most important and widely used certification for hi-vis workwear in Europe is EN ISO 20471.

This standard applies to high-visibility clothing intended for workers exposed to traffic or other workplace hazards where visibility is essential.

EN ISO 20471 covers:

1. Fluorescent background materials (yellow, orange, or red)
2. Retroreflective tape performance
3. Minimum visible surface area
4. Tape placement and garment construction
5. Performance after washing and wear

Because of its strict requirements, EN ISO 20471 is often considered the benchmark for certified reflective workwear.

EN ISO 20471 Classes Explained

EN ISO 20471 defines three visibility classes. These classes indicate how much fluorescent material and reflective tape coverage a garment provides.

Class 1: Basic Visibility

Class 1 offers the lowest level of certified visibility.

It is suitable for environments with limited risk, where traffic exposure is minimal. Class 1 garments are often lightweight vests used in controlled areas.

Class 2: Standard High-Visibility Protection

Class 2 is one of the most common certification levels for hi-vis workwear.

It provides a higher level of reflective coverage and is widely used in construction, logistics, and industrial environments where workers are regularly near vehicles or equipment.

Class 3: Maximum Visibility

Class 3 is the highest visibility class under EN ISO 20471.

It is designed for the most hazardous conditions, including high-speed traffic areas, poor weather, and low-light environments. Class 3 garments usually include long sleeves and full reflective coverage for maximum detection.

EN 17353: Enhanced Visibility for Moderate-Risk Situations

Another important EU safety standard is EN 17353.

While EN ISO 20471 focuses on professional high-risk environments, EN 17353 covers visibility clothing intended for moderate-risk situations or non-industrial settings.

EN 17353 is often used for garments that provide enhanced visibility but do not meet the full requirements of EN ISO 20471 classes.

It is especially relevant for:

• Lower-speed environments
• Multi-purpose reflective clothing
• Garments with reflective elements but reduced fluorescent surface area

For certain work settings, EN 17353 certified clothing provides an appropriate level of visibility protection.

EN 343: Rain Protection and Weather Safety

Visibility is only one part of workplace protection. Outdoor work often involves rain, wind, and harsh weather conditions.

That is where EN 343 becomes essential.

EN 343 is the European standard for protective clothing against rain and adverse weather. It evaluates:

1. Waterproof resistance
2. Breathability
3. Fabric durability after aging
4. Performance after repeated washing

Many hi-vis rain jackets and waterproof trousers combine:

• EN ISO 20471 for visibility

• EN 343 for weather protection

This combination is particularly important for workers exposed to traffic during storms or winter conditions.

EN 342: Extreme Cold Protection for Winter Workwear

In addition to visibility and rain protection, some working environments require certified insulation against severe cold. This is where EN 342 becomes highly relevant.

EN 342 is the European standard for protective clothing designed for work in extremely cold conditions, typically below -5°C, especially when combined with wind and humidity.

This certification is commonly required for:

• Cold storage and freezer logistics
• Winter road maintenance
• Outdoor construction in harsh climates
• Ports, airports, and rail operations during winter
• Industrial work in low-temperature environments

What EN 342 Tests

EN 342 evaluates thermal protection through several key performance factors, including:

• Thermal insulation (how well the garment retains heat)
• Air permeability (wind resistance)
• Breathability and moisture management
• Overall garment design and layering effectiveness

Combining EN 342 with Hi-Vis Standards

In many cases, winter workwear must provide both:

• High visibility (EN ISO 20471)

• Cold protection (EN 342)

For example, a certified hi-vis winter jacket may need to meet EN ISO 20471 Class 3 while also providing EN 342-rated insulation for extreme outdoor conditions.

This combination ensures workers remain both visible and protected, even in freezing temperatures and low-light winter environments.

EN ISO 13688: The General Standard Behind Protective Workwear

Most certified hi-vis workwear is also produced according to EN ISO 13688.

This is a general standard for protective clothing, ensuring that garments meet requirements for:

• Ergonomic design
• Material safety
• Comfort and sizing consistency
• Proper labeling and user information

Although EN ISO 13688 does not define visibility levels, it provides the foundation for many specialized PPE standards.

Other Certifications Sometimes Used in Reflective Workwear

Depending on the working environment, hi-vis garments may also include additional protective certifications:

EN 14058: Protection in Cool Conditions

For clothing designed for cool workplaces where moderate insulation is required.

EN ISO 11612: Flame-Resistant Workwear

For industries where workers face heat and flame risks, such as welding or oil and gas.

In some workplaces, hi-vis workwear must combine visibility certification with these additional protections.

What to Check When Choosing Certified Hi-Vis Workwear

When selecting reflective protective clothing, certification should always be verified through labels and documentation.

Key points to check include:

Certification Marking

The garment label should clearly state:

• The standard number (EN ISO 20471, EN 343, etc.)
• The visibility class level
• Manufacturer identification
• Washing and care instructions

Correct Protection Level

Different environments require different certification levels. Class 2 or Class 3 garments are typically required for traffic exposure, while EN 343 is essential for wet weather protection and EN 342 is critical for extreme winter conditions.

Long-Term Performance

Certified hi-vis workwear must maintain visibility and reflective performance after repeated washing. Reliable garments are tested for durability, not just appearance.

Conclusion: Certification Defines Real Safety in Hi-Vis Workwear

Hi-vis workwear is one of the most important safety measures in modern workplaces, but only certified garments can guarantee the required level of protection.

Understanding the most common EU safety standards, including:

• EN ISO 20471
• EN 17353
• EN 343
• EN 342
• EN ISO 13688

helps ensure that reflective clothing is compliant, reliable, and effective in real working conditions.

Before choosing any hi-vis workwear, always confirm the certification level, because visibility is not just a feature, it is a proven safety standard.