Quick Summary: High-visibility (hi-vis) safety apparel is more than just bright clothing — it’s a crucial layer of protection designed to make workers stand out in dangerous environments. In this 2025 guide, we break down the differences between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 apparel under the latest ANSI/ISEA 107 standards, how to choose the right class for your job, and how to stay compliant with OSHA safety requirements.
Understanding High-Visibility Safety Apparel
High-visibility apparel (Hi-Vis PPE) is designed to make workers visible in low-light or high-risk environments. It uses fluorescent background materials and retroreflective tape to ensure visibility during both day and night. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must provide reflective safety gear whenever workers are exposed to vehicle traffic or moving equipment.
Hi-vis PPE is standardized under the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 guidelines, which classify garments based on visibility performance, reflective tape placement, and coverage area. Each class corresponds to a specific level of exposure and hazard.
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020: The Standard That Defines Visibility
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) updated their standard in 2020 to better align with real-world job conditions. This standard ensures consistent quality and testing for vests, jackets, coveralls, and other high-visibility gear.
Every compliant piece of apparel must meet three main criteria:
- Fluorescent background material (for daytime visibility)
- Retroreflective material (for nighttime visibility)
- Combined-performance material (when both are used together)
High-Visibility Apparel Classes Explained
Class 1: Basic Visibility for Low-Risk Environments
Class 1 garments are the minimum level of visibility protection under ANSI/ISEA 107. They are designed for workers in areas where traffic does not exceed 25 mph and where workers have sufficient separation from moving vehicles.
Typical Examples:
- Warehouse and stockroom workers
- Parking lot attendants
- Delivery drivers and roadside service personnel
Garment Types: Lightweight vests or T-shirts with limited reflective striping.
Key Requirement: Minimum background area of 217 square inches and reflective material of 155 square inches.
Class 2: Enhanced Visibility for Moderate-Risk Environments
Class 2 garments provide greater coverage and are required for workers exposed to higher traffic speeds (25–50 mph) or complex backgrounds that could obscure visibility.
Typical Examples:
- Construction workers
- Airport ground crews
- Utility and maintenance workers
- Emergency responders in low-light areas
Garment Types: Hi-vis vests with larger reflective bands, short-sleeve shirts, or jackets that cover the torso.
Key Requirement: Minimum background material of 775 square inches and 201 square inches of reflective material.
Shop Class 2 Reflective Vests ›
Class 3: Maximum Visibility for High-Risk Environments
Class 3 garments offer the highest level of visibility for workers in hazardous areas with high traffic speeds (over 50 mph), low light, or complex visual backgrounds. They cover both the torso and limbs to ensure 360-degree visibility.
Typical Examples:
- Highway construction and repair crews
- Tow truck operators
- Emergency responders
- Flaggers and heavy machinery operators
Garment Types: Long-sleeve jackets, coveralls, and rain gear with full reflective coverage.
Key Requirement: Minimum background material of 1,240 square inches and 310 square inches of reflective material.
Shop Class 3 Jackets & Coveralls ›
Supplemental Class: Class E Pants
Class E applies to high-visibility pants or shorts that can be combined with Class 2 or 3 upper garments to elevate the ensemble to a higher classification. When worn with a Class 2 vest, Class E pants create a Class 3 ensemble.
Color Options and Reflective Material Standards
ANSI standards recognize three fluorescent background colors: lime-yellow, orange-red, and red. The choice of color depends on environmental conditions and job site contrast. Reflective materials must meet minimum retroreflectivity levels to ensure visibility from at least 1,000 feet at night.
Most Class 2 and 3 garments feature 2-inch-wide reflective bands placed horizontally around the torso and vertically over the shoulders for maximum detection from all directions.
Choosing the Right Class for Your Job Site
To select the correct class, consider these key factors:
- Speed of nearby traffic or machinery
- Lighting conditions — daytime, nighttime, or mixed
- Work proximity to moving vehicles
- Background complexity — cluttered or simple visual environments
When in doubt, always upgrade to the higher class for added safety. The increased visibility can prevent life-threatening accidents.
OSHA Requirements and Employer Responsibilities
While OSHA does not specify exact clothing classes, it requires employers to ensure workers exposed to traffic or moving equipment wear reflective apparel that meets ANSI standards. Failure to comply can result in citations under OSHA’s General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)).
Employers must:
- Provide appropriate hi-vis PPE at no cost to employees
- Train workers on its proper use and limitations
- Inspect apparel regularly for damage, fading, or reduced reflectivity
Maintenance and Replacement Tips
Hi-vis garments lose effectiveness over time due to wear, washing, and UV exposure. To extend their lifespan:
- Follow manufacturer’s care instructions
- Avoid bleach or harsh detergents
- Inspect reflective strips for cracking or peeling
- Replace apparel that appears faded or dull
ANSI recommends replacing high-visibility apparel every 6 to 12 months depending on use conditions.
Additional PPE to Pair with High-Visibility Apparel
Hi-vis gear should be integrated with other personal protective equipment for comprehensive protection, such as:
- Hard Hats — for head protection
- Safety Glasses — for eye safety
- Work Gloves — for hand protection
- Hearing Protection — for noise hazards
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the role of high-visibility apparel remains as vital as ever. Understanding the differences between Class 1, 2, and 3 garments allows employers and workers to make informed, life-saving decisions. By selecting ANSI-compliant gear and maintaining it properly, you not only stay compliant — you stay safe.
Explore eSafetySupplies.com’s full selection of high-visibility safety apparel to find the right protection for your team today.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 safety vests?
Class 2 vests are designed for workers exposed to moderate traffic speeds (25–50 mph), while Class 3 provides full-body coverage for high-speed, high-risk environments above 50 mph.
How often should high-visibility vests be replaced?
Replace hi-vis vests every 6–12 months or immediately if the fluorescent fabric fades or reflective tape peels off. Visibility is the key safety factor.
Does OSHA require reflective vests?
Yes. OSHA requires employers to ensure employees exposed to vehicle traffic wear high-visibility clothing that meets ANSI/ISEA 107 standards.
What colors are approved for high-visibility apparel?
ANSI recognizes fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, and red as approved hi-vis colors. Lime-yellow is the most commonly used across industries.
Can a Class 2 vest become Class 3?
Yes. When paired with Class E pants, a Class 2 vest combination qualifies as Class 3 apparel, providing full-body visibility coverage.
About the Author
Mick Chan is a Safety Supplies industry professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience. He specializes in OSHA compliance, PPE regulations, and bulk safety product procurement for high-risk industries. Mick earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State LA in 2013 and has been advising companies across California ever since. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Mick understands the safety needs of businesses in diverse urban and industrial environments. His work focuses on bridging safety compliance with practical product solutions for the modern workplace.