This guide explains what each class means, how the class is worked out, and where your logo can safely go without undoing the certification.
Two materials, two jobs
Hi-vis works with two materials. The fluorescent background fabric, in yellow, orange-red or red, makes the wearer stand out in daylight and dusk. The retroreflective tape bounces vehicle headlights and torchlight back towards the source, so it does the work after dark.
The standard sets a minimum area for both. A garment is placed in the class that its weaker material reaches. Plenty of fluorescent fabric with too little tape still only earns the lower class.
Minimum areas for each class
These are the minimum visible areas EN ISO 20471 sets for each class. Class 3 is the highest level of visibility.
- Class 1: 0.14 m² fluorescent background and 0.10 m² reflective tape
- Class 2: 0.50 m² fluorescent background and 0.13 m² reflective tape
- Class 3: 0.80 m² fluorescent background and 0.20 m² reflective tape
What Class 3 needs beyond area
Area alone does not make Class 3. The garment must cover the torso and have either sleeves or full-length trouser legs with reflective bands. That is why a vest on its own cannot reach Class 3, while a long-sleeve jacket or a coverall can.
Two garments can also be certified together. A Class 2 jacket worn with Class 2 trousers may be rated Class 3 as a pair, but only when the label or user information says so. Some clients, including many highways contracts, want the top half to be Class 3 on its own, so check before relying on a combination.
Which class does your work need?
The standard does not say which class you must wear. That comes from your client, your site rules or your risk assessment. As a rough pattern, Class 1 suits low-risk areas away from traffic, Class 2 is common on building sites, yards and car parks, and Class 3 is usually asked for near fast roads, rail and in poor light.
If one person moves between a quiet yard and a roadside, buy for the riskiest part of the day.
Logos and the compliant area
A logo must never be printed or stitched over the reflective tape. It can go on the fluorescent background, but it covers some of that area. On a garment that only just meets its class, a large back print can push it below the minimum. Keep chest logos modest and ask before planning a full-width back print.
Where to put your logo
Printing is usually the better method for hi-vis because it sits flat on the fluorescent fabric and keeps the area it covers predictable. Put a small logo on the left chest and, if you want a back print, keep it between the tape bands and sensibly sized. Never brand over the tape itself. Kingston Branding sends a proof of the logo position to approve before anything is made, which is the moment to check the logo is not crowding the reflective areas.
