High-Visibility
Use of EN ISO 20471 clothing
EN ISO 20471 clothing is intended for workers who must be visible to operators of vehicles or other mechanised equipment. The standard requires visibility from all directions (360°) so that the user remains noticeable at all times.
Fluorescent and retroreflective materials
High-visibility clothing certified to EN ISO 20471 combines two material types:
Fluorescent fabrics improve visibility during daylight by making the wearer stand out against the surroundings.
Retroreflective materials reflect incoming light, such as headlights, making the wearer visible at twilight and at night.
Together, these ensure visibility from all directions (360°) in different light conditions.
Darker contrast fabrics help high-vis garments stay functional and presentable for longer.
Did you know? The darker contrast fabrics in high-visibility clothing are not only a design element. They are placed in areas most likely to get dirty, such as hems, cuffs or knees, helping garments stay functional and presentable for longer — while still complying with EN ISO 20471.
EN ISO 20471: three high-visibility classes
High-visibility clothing according to EN ISO 20471 is divided into three classes. Each class specifies the minimum surface of fluorescent and retroreflective material, linked to the traffic speed and risk level of the environment.
| Class | Typical use | Max. traffic speed | Minimum fluorescent (m²) | Minimum retroreflective (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-risk environments, extra visibility on company grounds | 30 km/h | ≥ 0.14 | ≥ 0.10 |
| 2 | Work in twilight, public roads | 60 km/h | ≥ 0.50 | ≥ 0.13 |
| 3 | Roadworks in darkness, high-speed traffic | > 60 km/h | ≥ 0.80 | ≥ 0.20 |
Garments in Class 3 offer the highest level of conspicuity. Regardless of material areas used, a Class 3 garment must always cover the torso and include certified retroreflective bands on sleeves and/or trouser legs to maintain compliance.
The symbol explained:
Certification variations in EN ISO 20471 garments
The certified class of a garment can vary depending on several factors:
Garment size
Because the certified surfaces of fluorescent and retroreflective material are measured, smaller sizes may fall into a lower class than larger sizes of the same model. Always check the label for the class of your specific size.
Removable sleeves
For garments with detachable sleeves, the protection class may be lower when the sleeves are removed (see label). To maintain Class 3 compliance, a sleeveless garment must be combined with clothing that provides long sleeves and/or long trouser legs with:
two retroreflective strips, each 5 cm wide
at least 5 cm of fluorescent material all around the sleeves and/or trouser legs
Combining garments
EN ISO 20471 also allows certified garments to be combined to reach a higher protection class. For example, a jacket and trousers, each certified as Class 2, may together form a Class 3 outfit. Such combinations must always be approved by a notified body to ensure compliance.
Logos and personalisation
Adding company logos or other personalisation to a high-visibility garment reduces the available fluorescent surface. This can influence the certified class. Placement and size of personalisation should therefore be considered carefully.
Correct use and maintenance of EN ISO 20471 garments
The effective visibility of a garment depends on several factors:
Use
Soiling, heavy wear, or exposure to light can reduce visibility. After long exposure, colours may shift but will still comply with EN ISO 20471.Care
Labels indicate the maximum permissible number of care cycles (‘Max xx’) tested during certification. However, actual lifespan may be shorter or longer depending on conditions. Caution is advised when laundering together with dark garments, as this can cause staining.Repairs
Damaged or improperly repaired garments may no longer meet the standard’s requirements.Storage
Storing garments in dark, dry environments helps preserve their fluorescent and retroreflective properties.
