Something You Need to Know : Why Colors and Visibility Matters in Workwear

Table of Contents

• What Is Hi Vis Material?
• Reflective Tape and Hi Vis Tape: Clarifying the Terminology
• Types of Reflective Tape in European Workwear
• Understanding Hi Vis Colors in Europe
• European Standard EN ISO 20471: What It Means
• Selecting the Right Hi Vis Gear for European Workplaces
• Care and Maintenance of Hi Vis Garments
• The Role of Color Psychology and Worker Visibility
• Sustainable Hi Vis Workwear: A Growing Trend in Europe
• Conclusion: Visibility Is a Safety Standard, Not an Option
• About WERKVIS

 

In hazardous work environments, safety begins with visibility. Whether on construction sites, transportation hubs, or industrial zones, workers face daily risks that can be significantly reduced through proper high-visibility clothing. Central to this are two essential elements: reflective tape (also known as hi vis tape) and hi vis color.

This comprehensive guide explores the function and value of hi vis material, explains how reflective tape works, and outlines how high visibility colors play a critical role in workplace safety and compliance.

What Is Hi Vis Material?

Hi vis material refers to specially engineered fabric designed to increase the visibility of the wearer. It typically combines a fluorescent base color with reflective tape to ensure visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, including daytime, low light, and complete darkness.

Key characteristics of hi vis material include:

• Fluorescent coloration for daytime visibility
• Retroreflective elements such as hi vis tape for nighttime recognition
• Durability to withstand industrial wear and laundering
• Compliance with international standards such as EN ISO 20471 or ANSI/ISEA 107

Hi vis fabrics are commonly made from polyester or polyester-cotton blends, sometimes incorporating mesh or moisture-wicking technologies for additional comfort.

Reflective Tape and Hi Vis Tape: Clarifying the Terminology

Reflective tape and hi vis tape are interchangeable terms used to describe the same component: a strip of material that reflects light back toward its source, typically from vehicle headlights or workplace lighting.

Reflective tape is essential for maintaining visibility in low-light or night conditions. It does not emit light but returns it directly to the source through retroreflection. This property allows the wearer to appear illuminated from a distance, even in near-darkness.

Types of Reflective Tape for Workwear

The type of reflective tape used in a garment can affect its performance, comfort, and longevity. The main categories include:

1. Sewn-On Reflective Tape

• Permanently stitched onto the fabric
• Extremely durable and suited for industrial or heavy-duty environments
• May reduce flexibility and add weight

2. Heat-Transfer Reflective Tape

• Applied using heat and pressure
• Offers a smooth, lightweight finish with good flexibility
• Ideal for lighter garments like t-shirts and polos

3. Segmented Reflective Tape

• Made up of smaller reflective segments to increase flexibility and breathability
• Often used in performance workwear where mobility is critical

Each of these tapes can be used strategically, depending on the type of workwear and its intended function.

Understanding High Visibility Colors

While reflective tape plays a key role in visibility at night, hi vis color ensures the wearer is highly noticeable during the day. The most common high visibility colors are fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, and red.

These colors are selected based on how the human eye perceives them under varying lighting conditions. Fluorescent materials work by converting invisible ultraviolet light into visible light, thereby increasing perceived brightness.

Common hi vis colors and their applications:

• Fluorescent Yellow-Green: Common in traffic, logistics, and general construction
• Fluorescent Orange-Red: Frequently used in highway, rail, and airport settings
• Fluorescent Red: Suitable for emergency and fire services

These hi-vis colors provide maximum contrast against common backgrounds in outdoor and urban environments, ensuring that workers are visible in a range of weather and lighting conditions.

Safety Compliance: Standards That Matter

Ensuring that garments meet safety certifications is not optional—it is a legal and operational requirement in many industries.

EN ISO 20471 (Europe)

• Class 1: Minimum visibility, suitable for low-risk areas
• Class 2: Intermediate level, appropriate for many general-purpose garments
• Class 3: Maximum visibility, requires full-body coverage with multiple bands of reflective tape

Key Considerations When Choosing Hi Vis Workwear

To select the most effective high-visibility clothing for your team or workplace, consider the following:

1. Certification Level: Always choose garments that meet the required class or type for your industry and location.
2. Tape Placement: Ensure reflective tape is placed around the torso, arms, and legs to provide 360-degree visibility.
3. Material Quality: Look for hi vis materials with fade resistance, breathability, and strong color retention.
4. Environmental Suitability: Select lighter garments and segmented tape for hot environments; heavier options for cold or hazardous sites.
5. Maintenance Requirements: Follow garment care guidelines closely to retain reflectivity and color performance over time.

WERKVIS garments are designed in Europe to meet these standards, combining technical performance with practical design for every work condition.

Maintaining Reflective Tape and Hi Vis Materials

Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the performance of hi vis material and reflective tape:

• Wash garments inside out at temperatures below 40°C
• Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners
• Line dry or use low-heat tumble drying
• Inspect regularly for signs of damage, fading, or reduced reflectivity

Reflective tape can degrade over time due to friction, UV exposure, or repeated laundering. Worn-out tape should be replaced to ensure continued safety compliance.

The Psychology of Visibility in the Workplace

Visibility does more than improve safety—it also influences behavior and performance. Studies show that workers who feel seen are more alert and less likely to experience accidents. Furthermore, bright colors like fluorescent yellow or orange act as visual warnings, increasing situational awareness among coworkers and passersby.

High-visibility garments can also contribute to professional identity and team cohesion. A consistent appearance across staff improves public perception and reinforces accountability.

Sustainability in Hi Vis Workwear

Modern advancements in textile engineering have made it possible to manufacture hi vis material with reduced environmental impact. Sustainable developments include:

• Recycled polyester fabric
• Water-efficient dyeing processes for hi vis colors
• Reduced emissions in reflective tape production

WERKVIS is committed to integrating sustainability into our supply chain while maintaining rigorous safety and performance standards.

Conclusion: Visibility Is a Core Safety Strategy

Hi-vis clothing is more than a safety accessory—it is an essential part of workplace risk management. By combining fluorescent hi vis colors with properly applied reflective tape, employers can ensure that workers remain visible in all conditions.

Whether you are outfitting a construction crew, logistics team, or emergency response unit, investing in high-quality hi vis material with certified hi vis tape is a long-term commitment to safety, compliance, and professionalism.

About WERKVIS Hi Vis Workwear

At WERKVIS, we specialize in designing hi-vis workwear that meets the highest European standards. Our collection includes hi vis jackets, polos, vests, and trousers made with premium hi vis materials and precision-placed reflective tape, built for durability, comfort, and long-term performance.

To learn more or explore our range of certified workwear, visit WERKVIS Hi Vis Collection.