Hi-Vis Clothing Classes Explained: Class 1, 2 and 3 (UK Guide)

If you have ever tried to order high-visibility workwear for your team, you will have run into the words “Class 1”, “Class 2” and “Class 3”, and possibly the standard behind them, EN ISO 20471. It is not always obvious what they mean or which one your crew actually needs. This guide breaks it down in plain English, so you can buy the right hi-vis with confidence and keep your people both safe and visible.

What is EN ISO 20471?

EN ISO 20471 is the main standard for high-visibility clothing in the UK and across Europe. It defines how much fluorescent background material and retro-reflective tape a garment must carry to qualify at a given class level. The higher the class, the more visible the garment — and the more appropriate it is for higher-risk environments.

The standard replaced the older EN 471 in 2013, though you will still sometimes see the old reference on older stock and documentation. If you are buying new, EN ISO 20471 is what to look for.

Class 1: minimal coverage, low-risk environments

Class 1 is the entry level. It requires the least fluorescent material (0.14 m² of background fabric and 0.10 m² of retro-reflective tape) and is suitable for environments where traffic speeds are low and there is a controlled separation between workers and vehicles.

Typical Class 1 garments include tabards, waistcoats and some vests. Common uses:

• Warehouse and logistics environments with low vehicle speeds
• Car parks with a 10 mph limit or similar
• Pedestrian-only areas where minimal separation from slow-moving vehicles is required

Class 1 is the least protective classification and is not suitable for roadside work or any environment with faster-moving traffic.

Class 2: the most commonly used class

Class 2 is the standard for most outdoor workers in the UK. It requires more coverage than Class 1 (0.50 m² of background fabric and 0.13 m² of retro-reflective tape) and provides good visibility in a wider range of conditions.

Typical Class 2 garments include:

• Hi-vis vests and waistcoats with retro-reflective bands
• Hi-vis polo shirts and T-shirts
• Some lightweight jackets

Common uses:

• Construction and civil engineering sites
• Roadside maintenance where traffic is managed or speed-limited
• Utility work, landscaping, recycling and waste management
• Airport ground crew

Class 2 is the minimum required for most UK highway and construction environments and the right starting point for most trades and site workers.

Class 3: maximum visibility for high-risk situations

Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility under EN ISO 20471. It requires the most background material (0.80 m²) and retro-reflective tape (0.20 m²), and the tape must be present on both the torso and the sleeves to ensure the wearer is visible from all angles and at greater distances.

Typical Class 3 garments:

• Full hi-vis jackets and coveralls
• Hi-vis trousers combined with a Class 2 top can achieve Class 3 in combination

Common uses:

• Motorway and high-speed road maintenance
• Rail trackside work
• Airside operations at major airports
• Any environment where workers are exposed to fast-moving traffic without separation

Which class do you need?

The short answer: match the class to the risk. Here is a quick decision guide:

When in doubt, go one class higher than you think you need. The cost difference between a Class 2 and Class 3 garment is small; the difference in protection is significant. If you are unsure about the requirements for a specific site or sector, the HSE website publishes guidance for construction, road, rail and utilities.

Can two garments combine to give a higher class?

Yes. Wearing a Class 1 jacket over a Class 2 vest, or combining a Class 2 top with Class 1 hi-vis trousers, can achieve Class 3 in combination — provided both garments are EN ISO 20471 certified and the total coverage meets the Class 3 requirements. This is sometimes called “Class 3 by combination” and is accepted on most UK sites. Check the labelling on both garments to confirm they can be combined in this way.

Branding hi-vis: what you need to know

Adding embroidery or print to hi-vis garments is allowed under EN ISO 20471, but there are rules. Branding must not be placed on the fluorescent background material in a way that reduces its effective area below the standard’s minimum. In practice, this means logos are usually positioned on a non-fluorescent section of the garment — typically the chest, above the reflective bands, or on a sleeve panel.

At CentralCustom, we apply branding to hi-vis in a way that preserves compliance. If you are unsure about placement for your specific garment, ask us and we will advise before production.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need EN ISO 20471 for all outdoor workers?

Not necessarily — the requirement depends on the risk. If your workers are not near moving vehicles, a standard non-hi-vis uniform may be sufficient. EN ISO 20471 is most commonly required where workers are exposed to vehicle traffic or operate in low-visibility conditions.

Is EN 471 still valid?

EN 471 was withdrawn and replaced by EN ISO 20471 in 2013. Stock certified under EN 471 is technically no longer compliant for new purchases, though existing garments already in use are generally not recalled. Buy new stock to EN ISO 20471.

What does RIS-3279-TOM mean on rail hi-vis?

RIS-3279-TOM is the additional standard for hi-vis worn on or near the UK rail network. It builds on EN ISO 20471 Class 2 or 3 and adds specific requirements for the colour (orange rather than yellow), tape width and garment construction. If you are buying for rail workers, make sure garments are certified to both EN ISO 20471 and RIS-3279-TOM.

Can I wash hi-vis garments in a normal machine?

Yes, but follow the care label. Most hi-vis garments have a wash cycle limit after which the fluorescent material may degrade and the garment should be replaced. This is typically 50 washes for standard garments. Track this and replace garments before they fall out of compliance.

Order branded hi-vis workwear

We supply EN ISO 20471 hi-vis garments across Class 1, 2 and 3, branded with your company logo or name. Contact us with your requirements and we will advise on the right garments and decoration for your site.