Stay visible with reflective clothing

Why reflective workwear?

Reflective work clothing, also called high-visibility (or hi vis) clothing, is designed to be extra visible in all kinds of conditions. These garments are equipped with reflective strips so that the light reflects off them. In addition, reflective work clothing often comes in bright colors such as: orange, yellow or green. These colors stand out more than, for example, brown or black. These features ensure that you are still clearly visible even in bad weather.

Important benefits of visibility clothing

• Visibility: this is the most important feature of high visibility clothing. It must ensure that you are clearly visible to others, such as motorists and your colleagues.
• Safety: by increasing your visibility, you reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. This way you can fully focus on your task. Even if you stand with your back turned to the road, for example, you know that others see you. That makes your working day a lot more relaxed.
• Weather resistance: Many of our reflective garments are waterproof or water-repellent, so you stay dry in all weather conditions. This makes it much easier for you to continue working and return home dry and warm in the car at the end of the working day.
• Comfort: Comfort and safety go hand in hand when it comes to our high-vis clothing. We achieve these properties by working with light, breathable fabrics with stretch that provide sufficient freedom of movement.

Different types of reflective clothing

Reflective workwear comes in all kinds of forms, each with its own applications and benefits. For example, there are the well-known reflective vests, perfect for when you temporarily need extra visibility, and reflective jackets that also protect you against the weather. Reflective trousers make your legs stand out, while reflective overalls cover your entire body and are ideal for heavy industries. In addition, there are also reflective accessories such as gloves and caps for extra visibility. You can find all of these at 71workx.com.

Branches and reflective clothing

Reflective work clothing is used in many different sectors. Below we will briefly discuss the most common ones with you:

• Construction sites: construction workers often work in places with limited visibility. Reflective clothing helps them to remain visible to colleagues, traffic and colleagues who operate the machines.
• Traffic controllers: people who regulate traffic, such as parking attendants, must be clearly visible to work safely and prevent accidents.
• Emergency services: Firefighters, police officers and paramedics often wear high-vis clothing to stand out during emergencies, especially in low light.

Legislation and standards for reflective clothing

In many countries, wearing reflective clothing is mandatory by law and regulations. This is intended to ensure the safety of employees. In Europe, high-vis clothing must meet the EN ISO 20471 standard. This is the European standard for high-visibility clothing. This standard, previously known as EN 471, sets requirements for the visibility of work clothing to improve the safety of employees. Clothing that meets this standard is designed to make wearers more visible in high-risk situations, both day and night, by using fluorescent materials and reflective strips.

At 71Workx we offer a wide range of reflective clothing that meets these strict standards. This way you can rest assured that your clothing is not only visible, but also meets the highest safety standards.

The three classes of EN ISO 20471

The standard divides clothing into three classes, based on the level of visibility they provide. Each class has specific requirements for the amount and placement of reflective and fluorescent materials.

1. Class 1: This is the lowest protection class. Clothing in this category is suitable for low-risk situations, for example for work on a private property or in a warehouse, or if you work along a road with a maximum speed of 30 km/h. A class 1 garment must contain at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material.
2. Class 2: Class 2 clothing offers a higher level of visibility and is often used by workers working along roads at speeds up to 50 km/h. This class requires a minimum of 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material.
3. Class 3: This is the highest protection class and is recommended for high-risk situations, such as working along highways or in poorly lit conditions. Class 3 clothing must contain at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of reflective material.

Color requirements for different workplaces

The color of reflective workwear is crucial for visibility and safety. The EN ISO 20471 standard specifies three colours: yellow, orange and red. The choice of color may depend on the specific workplace:

• Along the track: Since 2019, orange has been the standard color due to its better visibility against the background of green and brown, previously this was yellow. Do you exercise authority over others? Then you wear the color yellow.
• Regular roads and highways: Red or orange is usually used depending on the environment and the nature of the work.

Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) regulations

Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) sets certain requirements for work clothing for work on and along highways in the Netherlands. RWS work clothing must be fluorescent orange or yellow with wide reflective striping, so that employees are clearly visible, even at high speeds. The reflective strips must have a specific width and placement to meet RWS standards, such as the shape of an 'H' and a vertical stripe on the sleeves and trouser legs. At 71workx we also have RWS clothing. Interested? Contact us and we will show you our collection.

How do you choose the right reflective work clothing?

When choosing reflective clothing, there are several factors to take into account:

• Risk analysis: First determine what the most common risks are in your workplace and choose clothing that offers protection against them. For example, if you work outside a lot in the rain, choose waterproof high-vis clothing.
• Comfort: Make sure the clothes are comfortable, especially if you have to wear them for long days. Pay attention to breathable fabrics and a good fit. To help you with this, we have added size charts to the product pages, so you can easily find the right size.
• The purpose of the garment: Every profession requires different properties of your work clothing. Consider additional features such as: pockets, hoods, adjustable sleeves or waistbands that make it even easier for you to complete your tasks. By taking this into account when purchasing your reflective work clothing, you ensure that you do not get frustrated during work, for example when you want to put away your screwdriver or have to roll up your sleeves. Tip: write down everything you are currently encountering at work. This way you can put together the perfect new work outfit that solves all your current irritations!

Maintenance of reflective work clothing

To preserve the lifespan of your reflective clothing, it is important to maintain it properly. We would like to give you some tips that will help you benefit from your new clothes for as long as possible:

• Always follow the washing instructions on the clothing label to ensure that the reflective strips are not damaged.
• Avoid using bleach or fabric softener as these products can affect the reflective properties.
• Check your clothing regularly for wear or damage and replace them on time. This way your safety is guaranteed.

Reflective clothing at 71Workx

At 71Workx we are proud of our extensive range of reflective clothing. We offer products from top brands known for their quality and longevity. Whether you are looking for a reflective jacket, pants, vest or overalls, with us you will find everything you need to work safely.

Take a look at our collection today and discover how we can help you make your work safer. Our customer service is always ready to advise and support you in making the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between reflective and fluorescent workwear?
Reflective clothing reflects light from external sources such as headlights, while fluorescent clothing is brightly colored and absorbs and reflects light, making it more visible during the day.

How often should I replace my reflective clothing?
The lifespan of reflective work clothing depends on use and working conditions. In general, you should replace clothing as soon as its reflective properties begin to deteriorate, which usually happens after repeated washing or wear.

Can I wash reflective clothing myself?
Yes, but always follow the manufacturer's washing instructions. Avoid using fabric softener and high temperatures as these can affect the reflective properties.

Is reflective work clothing mandatory in all workplaces?
No, the obligation depends on the specific risks and regulations within your sector and workplace. Consult occupational health and safety legislation and company guidelines to determine whether hi-vis clothing is necessary.

Where can I buy high-quality reflective clothing?
At 71WorkX we offer a wide range of reflective clothing from top brands such as Blåkläder and Snickers Workwear. Our selection meets the highest standards and offers both comfort and durability.