Hi-Vis Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3 — What's the Difference?
If you've ever been told you need "Class 2 hi-vis" on site and had no idea what that meant — you're not alone. Most workers know they need high-visibility clothing but few understand the classification system behind it.
This guide explains exactly what hi-vis Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 mean, when each is required on UK sites and how to make sure your workwear meets the right standard.
What is EN ISO 20471?
All high-visibility clothing sold in the UK is rated under EN ISO 20471 — the international standard for high-visibility warning clothing. This standard was introduced to ensure that hi-vis garments provide a consistent, measurable level of visibility in different working environments.
The standard defines three classes based on the amount of fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape on a garment. The higher the class number, the more visible the garment — and the more demanding the environment it's designed for.
Under UK PPE regulations, employers are required to provide appropriate high-visibility clothing based on the risk level of the working environment. Getting the class wrong — wearing Class 1 on a Class 3 site for example — puts workers at genuine risk and may breach health and safety law.
Hi-Vis Class 1 — Minimum Visibility
Class 1 is the lowest level of high-visibility protection. Garments in this class have the smallest amount of fluorescent material and reflective tape — enough for low-risk environments but not suitable for most construction or roadwork sites.
Who needs Class 1?
Class 1 hi-vis is suitable for workers in environments where vehicle speeds are low and the risk of being struck is minimal. Examples include car parks, warehouses with slow-moving forklift traffic, and pedestrian areas with occasional vehicle access.
Common Class 1 garments
Vests, waistcoats and accessories are typically Class 1. These are the thin hi-vis vests you see on car park attendants and event stewards. They provide basic visibility but are not sufficient for construction sites, roadworks or any environment with fast-moving traffic.
Hi-Vis Class 2 — Medium Visibility
Class 2 is the minimum standard required on most UK construction sites. Garments must have more fluorescent background material and more reflective tape than Class 1 — providing significantly better visibility in busier, higher-risk environments.
Who needs Class 2?
Class 2 hi-vis is required for construction workers, site operatives, warehouse staff working with faster-moving vehicles, delivery drivers and anyone working in an environment where vehicles travel at moderate speeds. Most principal contractors set Class 2 as the minimum site requirement.
Common Class 2 garments
Jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, polo shirts and full-zip tops can all achieve Class 2 certification when they have sufficient fluorescent fabric and reflective tape coverage. Our hi-vis hoodies, hi-vis polo shirts and hi-vis sweatshirts are designed to meet Class 2 visibility requirements.
Hi-Vis Class 3 — Maximum Visibility
Class 3 is the highest level of high-visibility protection. Garments must cover the largest surface area with fluorescent material and have reflective tape on both the body and the sleeves — providing 360° visibility from all angles and at greater distances.
Who needs Class 3?
Class 3 hi-vis is required for roadworkers, highways maintenance crews, emergency responders and anyone working in close proximity to fast-moving traffic. Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, high-risk environments require the highest level of PPE — and Class 3 is the standard for roadwork and motorway sites.
Common Class 3 garments
Full jackets with sleeve coverage, coveralls and full suits are typically Class 3. Some Class 2 tops can be combined with hi-vis trousers to achieve Class 3 compliance — known as a "combined classification". Our hi-vis tracksuits and hi-vis trousers are designed for full-body visibility coverage.
Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3 — Quick Comparison
| Class | Visibility Level | Typical Environment | Common Garments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Minimum | Car parks, low-risk warehouses | Vests, waistcoats |
| Class 2 | Medium | Construction sites, warehouses | Hoodies, polo shirts, jackets |
| Class 3 | Maximum | Roadworks, motorways, emergency response | Full suits, coveralls, combined tops + trousers |
How to Check What Class Your Workwear Is
Every EN ISO 20471 certified garment has a label inside showing its class. Look for the EN ISO 20471 marking followed by a number — Class 1, 2 or 3. If you can't find this marking, the garment may not be certified and could fail a site safety inspection.
When buying hi-vis workwear online, check the product description for the EN ISO 20471 classification. Reputable workwear brands include this information in their product listings.
Can You Combine Garments to Achieve a Higher Class?
Yes — this is known as a "combined classification" and is recognised under EN ISO 20471. For example, a Class 2 jacket worn with Class 2 hi-vis trousers can together meet Class 3 requirements because the combined surface area of fluorescent material and reflective tape reaches the Class 3 threshold.
This is why many construction workers wear a hi-vis hoodie or sweatshirt with hi-vis trousers rather than a single full-length garment — the combination gives Class 3 coverage with more flexibility and comfort.
Our hi-vis hoodies paired with our hi-vis trousers gives you flexible Class 3 coverage — warm, practical and compliant.
What Colour Hi-Vis Do You Need?
EN ISO 20471 recognises three fluorescent colours — yellow-green, orange-red and red. In the UK, yellow and orange are by far the most common on construction and highways sites.
There is no universal rule about which colour to wear — it depends on your employer's requirements and site rules. Some sites use colour to distinguish between different roles — for example, orange for groundworkers and yellow for supervisors. Always check with your principal contractor before ordering.
Our workwear is available in both yellow/black and orange/black colourways across the full range — so you can meet any site colour requirement.
Shop Hi-Vis Workwear by Class
Final Word
Getting the right hi-vis class isn't just about compliance — it's about making sure you're genuinely visible and safe in your working environment. Class 1 for low-risk areas. Class 2 for most construction sites. Class 3 for roadworks and high-risk environments.
If you're unsure what class your site requires, check with your principal contractor or site manager before ordering. And if you need help choosing the right hi-vis workwear for your role, browse the full Toro Activa hi-vis workwear range — free UK delivery on orders over £50, next-day delivery available, 30-day returns on all items.
