< Back to Hi Vis Workwear

Hi-Vis Jackets

Hi vis jackets keep you seen when you're working around moving plant, traffic, or low light on site, road, and rail jobs.

There's no point saving a few quid if the fit's wrong or the tape peels after a month. These hi vis work jackets cover waterproof shells, insulated winter coats, softshells and fleeces, with EN ISO 20471 options and RIS 3279 for rail. Pick the right class for the job, then choose the warmth and weatherproofing you actually need and get sorted.

What Jobs Are Hi Vis Jackets Best At?

  • Working around site traffic and lifting ops where being seen fast matters, especially at dawn starts, late finishes, and shaded refurb jobs.
  • Roadwork and street works where reflective work jackets help drivers clock you early, and a longer-cut parka stops spray and grit soaking your mid-layer.
  • Rail and trackside tasks where RIS 3279 hi vis jackets are required, so you stay compliant without having to layer a vest over everything.
  • Wet weather shifts where hi vis waterproof jackets and hi vis rain jackets keep the weather out while the fluorescent fabric and taped seams still do their job.
  • Cold, exposed work where hi vis winter jackets, insulated jackets, and padded jackets keep your core warm without restricting you when you're carrying boards, fitting tray, or handling tools.

Choosing the Right Hi Vis Jackets

Sort the right hi vis work jacket by matching the safety class and weather protection to the job, not whatever's cheapest on the peg.

1. EN ISO 20471 Class 1, 2, or 3

If you're mainly in a yard or low-risk areas, class 1 can be enough, but for most construction hi vis jackets you'll be looking at class 2, and for roadwork and high exposure jobs class 3 is the sensible choice because it gives you more reflective coverage and visibility from more angles.

2. Waterproof shell vs softshell vs insulated

If you're getting proper rain and spray, go for hi vis waterproof jackets with a storm flap and a hood you'll actually use. If you're active all day and hate sweating up, a breathable hi vis jacket or softshell is easier to work in, but it won't replace a true rain shell. If you're standing about or working exposed, pick hi vis insulated jackets or padded jackets so you're not layering five jumpers underneath.

3. Hood setup and cuffs (the bits that annoy you daily)

If you're on and off hard hats, a detachable hood hi vis jacket stops the hood bunching up behind your neck. For wet and wind, look for a decent peaked hood and adjustable cuffs, because that's what stops water running up your sleeves when you're handling materials.

4. Pockets and cut for working, not posing

If you carry kit, multi pocket hi vis jackets with secure chest pockets are worth it because gloves, phone, and tape don't end up on the floor. If you're bending and reaching, pick a longer back or parka cut so you're not flashing your mid-layer every time you kneel down.

Hi Vis Jackets FAQs

What is a hi-vis jacket?

A hi vis jacket is a high visibility work jacket made with fluorescent fabric for daytime visibility and reflective tape for low light and headlights. On site it is used as PPE to make sure you are seen around moving vehicles, plant, and busy work areas.

Who wears high vis jackets?

Anyone working where vehicles, plant, or low light are a risk wears them, including construction site teams, groundworkers, delivery and yard staff, highways crews, and rail workers. The key is matching the jacket class and any rail spec to the job you are actually doing.

What is considered hi vis clothing?

Proper hi vis clothing is PPE designed to a recognised standard, typically EN ISO 20471, using fluorescent material and reflective striping in set amounts and layouts. A bright hoodie is not the same thing unless it is made and certified as high visibility workwear.

Are high vis vests a legal requirement in the UK?

There is not one blanket rule that says everyone must wear a vest at all times, but UK employers must provide suitable PPE based on risk assessment and many sites and highways jobs make hi vis mandatory. If the site rules say hi vis, you need compliant hi vis PPE, whether that is a vest or a hi vis safety jacket of the right class.

Do I need class 2 or class 3 hi vis jackets for construction work?

Most construction sites expect at least class 2 for regular site work, especially where plant is operating. Class 3 is the safer call for roadwork, traffic management, and any job where you are exposed to faster moving vehicles, because it gives you more reflective coverage including sleeves.

Are hi vis waterproof jackets actually waterproof, or just showerproof?

It depends on the jacket spec, not the colour. If you need proper wet weather protection, look for a listed waterproof rating and taped seams, plus a storm flap and adjustable cuffs. Softshell hi vis jackets are great for wind and light rain, but they will wet through in a full day of proper weather.

Who Uses Hi Vis Jackets on Site?

  • Groundworkers, scaffolders, and general site teams who are in and out of plant routes all day and need high visibility work jackets that stay bright and don't snag to bits.
  • Highways and utilities crews who need class 2 or class 3 hi vis safety jackets for live traffic environments, with hoods and longer backs for wet, windy verges.
  • Rail contractors who specifically need RIS 3279 hi vis jackets for compliance, usually paired with weatherproof layers for long shifts on open track.
  • Delivery, yard, and logistics teams who want durable hi vis jackets with multi pocket layouts so scanners, gloves, and hand tools aren't getting dumped in the van.

The Basics: Understanding Hi Vis Jacket Standards

Hi vis PPE jackets are about two things: fluorescent fabric for daytime visibility and reflective tape for headlights and low light. The rating tells you how much coverage you're getting.

1. EN ISO 20471 (Visibility Class)

This is the main high visibility work jacket standard on UK sites. Class 1 is lower coverage, class 2 is the common site level, and class 3 is higher coverage for high-risk environments like traffic management, where you need maximum visibility on your torso and arms.

2. RIS 3279 (Rail Specific)

RIS 3279 hi vis jackets are for rail work and are typically the rail-approved orange. If you're trackside, don't chance it with standard hi vis, get the right spec so you're compliant on day one.

3. Waterproofing vs breathability (why some feel clammy)

Hi vis waterproof jackets keep rain out with a membrane and taped seams, but if you're working hard you'll want breathable hi vis jackets or pit zips to dump heat, otherwise you end up wet from sweat instead of weather.

Hi Vis Jacket Add Ons That Make Site Life Easier

A couple of simple extras stop your jacket becoming a soggy, cold layer that you hate wearing by lunchtime.

1. Hi Vis Trousers or Overtrousers

If you're in rain or road spray, matching hi vis waterproof overtrousers keep your legs dry and stop water wicking up into your jacket, which is what makes you cold on long shifts.

2. Hi Vis Hoodies and Fleeces

For winter, a hi vis fleece jacket or hoodie under a shell gives you warmth without going massive and stiff, and you can strip layers when you're grafting instead of sweating through one thick coat.

3. Hi Vis Vests

A vest is still handy for visitors or quick compliance over a non-hi-vis coat, and it's a good backup in the van when your main hi vis work jacket is drying out.

Shop Hi Vis Jackets at ITS

Whether you need lightweight hi vis jackets for milder days, hi vis waterproof jackets for proper rain, or class 3 high visibility jackets for traffic work, we stock the full range in the key styles and safety classes. It's all held in our own warehouse, ready for next day delivery so you're not turning up on site under-specced.

Read more

Hi-Vis Jackets

Hi vis jackets keep you seen when you're working around moving plant, traffic, or low light on site, road, and rail jobs.

There's no point saving a few quid if the fit's wrong or the tape peels after a month. These hi vis work jackets cover waterproof shells, insulated winter coats, softshells and fleeces, with EN ISO 20471 options and RIS 3279 for rail. Pick the right class for the job, then choose the warmth and weatherproofing you actually need and get sorted.

What Jobs Are Hi Vis Jackets Best At?

  • Working around site traffic and lifting ops where being seen fast matters, especially at dawn starts, late finishes, and shaded refurb jobs.
  • Roadwork and street works where reflective work jackets help drivers clock you early, and a longer-cut parka stops spray and grit soaking your mid-layer.
  • Rail and trackside tasks where RIS 3279 hi vis jackets are required, so you stay compliant without having to layer a vest over everything.
  • Wet weather shifts where hi vis waterproof jackets and hi vis rain jackets keep the weather out while the fluorescent fabric and taped seams still do their job.
  • Cold, exposed work where hi vis winter jackets, insulated jackets, and padded jackets keep your core warm without restricting you when you're carrying boards, fitting tray, or handling tools.

Choosing the Right Hi Vis Jackets

Sort the right hi vis work jacket by matching the safety class and weather protection to the job, not whatever's cheapest on the peg.

1. EN ISO 20471 Class 1, 2, or 3

If you're mainly in a yard or low-risk areas, class 1 can be enough, but for most construction hi vis jackets you'll be looking at class 2, and for roadwork and high exposure jobs class 3 is the sensible choice because it gives you more reflective coverage and visibility from more angles.

2. Waterproof shell vs softshell vs insulated

If you're getting proper rain and spray, go for hi vis waterproof jackets with a storm flap and a hood you'll actually use. If you're active all day and hate sweating up, a breathable hi vis jacket or softshell is easier to work in, but it won't replace a true rain shell. If you're standing about or working exposed, pick hi vis insulated jackets or padded jackets so you're not layering five jumpers underneath.

3. Hood setup and cuffs (the bits that annoy you daily)

If you're on and off hard hats, a detachable hood hi vis jacket stops the hood bunching up behind your neck. For wet and wind, look for a decent peaked hood and adjustable cuffs, because that's what stops water running up your sleeves when you're handling materials.

4. Pockets and cut for working, not posing

If you carry kit, multi pocket hi vis jackets with secure chest pockets are worth it because gloves, phone, and tape don't end up on the floor. If you're bending and reaching, pick a longer back or parka cut so you're not flashing your mid-layer every time you kneel down.

Hi Vis Jackets FAQs

What is a hi-vis jacket?

A hi vis jacket is a high visibility work jacket made with fluorescent fabric for daytime visibility and reflective tape for low light and headlights. On site it is used as PPE to make sure you are seen around moving vehicles, plant, and busy work areas.

Who wears high vis jackets?

Anyone working where vehicles, plant, or low light are a risk wears them, including construction site teams, groundworkers, delivery and yard staff, highways crews, and rail workers. The key is matching the jacket class and any rail spec to the job you are actually doing.

What is considered hi vis clothing?

Proper hi vis clothing is PPE designed to a recognised standard, typically EN ISO 20471, using fluorescent material and reflective striping in set amounts and layouts. A bright hoodie is not the same thing unless it is made and certified as high visibility workwear.

Are high vis vests a legal requirement in the UK?

There is not one blanket rule that says everyone must wear a vest at all times, but UK employers must provide suitable PPE based on risk assessment and many sites and highways jobs make hi vis mandatory. If the site rules say hi vis, you need compliant hi vis PPE, whether that is a vest or a hi vis safety jacket of the right class.

Do I need class 2 or class 3 hi vis jackets for construction work?

Most construction sites expect at least class 2 for regular site work, especially where plant is operating. Class 3 is the safer call for roadwork, traffic management, and any job where you are exposed to faster moving vehicles, because it gives you more reflective coverage including sleeves.

Are hi vis waterproof jackets actually waterproof, or just showerproof?

It depends on the jacket spec, not the colour. If you need proper wet weather protection, look for a listed waterproof rating and taped seams, plus a storm flap and adjustable cuffs. Softshell hi vis jackets are great for wind and light rain, but they will wet through in a full day of proper weather.

Who Uses Hi Vis Jackets on Site?

  • Groundworkers, scaffolders, and general site teams who are in and out of plant routes all day and need high visibility work jackets that stay bright and don't snag to bits.
  • Highways and utilities crews who need class 2 or class 3 hi vis safety jackets for live traffic environments, with hoods and longer backs for wet, windy verges.
  • Rail contractors who specifically need RIS 3279 hi vis jackets for compliance, usually paired with weatherproof layers for long shifts on open track.
  • Delivery, yard, and logistics teams who want durable hi vis jackets with multi pocket layouts so scanners, gloves, and hand tools aren't getting dumped in the van.

The Basics: Understanding Hi Vis Jacket Standards

Hi vis PPE jackets are about two things: fluorescent fabric for daytime visibility and reflective tape for headlights and low light. The rating tells you how much coverage you're getting.

1. EN ISO 20471 (Visibility Class)

This is the main high visibility work jacket standard on UK sites. Class 1 is lower coverage, class 2 is the common site level, and class 3 is higher coverage for high-risk environments like traffic management, where you need maximum visibility on your torso and arms.

2. RIS 3279 (Rail Specific)

RIS 3279 hi vis jackets are for rail work and are typically the rail-approved orange. If you're trackside, don't chance it with standard hi vis, get the right spec so you're compliant on day one.

3. Waterproofing vs breathability (why some feel clammy)

Hi vis waterproof jackets keep rain out with a membrane and taped seams, but if you're working hard you'll want breathable hi vis jackets or pit zips to dump heat, otherwise you end up wet from sweat instead of weather.

Hi Vis Jacket Add Ons That Make Site Life Easier

A couple of simple extras stop your jacket becoming a soggy, cold layer that you hate wearing by lunchtime.

1. Hi Vis Trousers or Overtrousers

If you're in rain or road spray, matching hi vis waterproof overtrousers keep your legs dry and stop water wicking up into your jacket, which is what makes you cold on long shifts.

2. Hi Vis Hoodies and Fleeces

For winter, a hi vis fleece jacket or hoodie under a shell gives you warmth without going massive and stiff, and you can strip layers when you're grafting instead of sweating through one thick coat.

3. Hi Vis Vests

A vest is still handy for visitors or quick compliance over a non-hi-vis coat, and it's a good backup in the van when your main hi vis work jacket is drying out.

Shop Hi Vis Jackets at ITS

Whether you need lightweight hi vis jackets for milder days, hi vis waterproof jackets for proper rain, or class 3 high visibility jackets for traffic work, we stock the full range in the key styles and safety classes. It's all held in our own warehouse, ready for next day delivery so you're not turning up on site under-specced.

View Basket

View Basket
ITS Click and Collect Icon
Store Opening Hours
Opening times