Hi Vis Fleeces

About Hi Vis Fleeces

Hi vis fleeces are essential workwear garments that combine warmth, comfort and safety visibility for workers across numerous industries. These specialist fleeces incorporate fluorescent fabric panels and reflective tape to ensure wearers remain conspicuous in low light conditions, poor weather, or busy work environments. Unlike standard fleeces, hi vis versions must meet specific EN ISO 20471 safety standards, making them crucial pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) rather than just comfortable mid-layers.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a range of hi vis fleeces from trusted brands like Portwest, including full-zip jackets, half-zip pullovers, mesh-lined options for enhanced breathability, and two-tone designs that incorporate contrasting colours to hide dirt whilst maintaining visibility. These fleeces serve as ideal intermediate layers during cooler months or can function as standalone outer garments in milder conditions, providing excellent insulation properties whilst remaining lightweight and allowing freedom of movement essential for active trades work.

Applications

Hi vis fleeces are worn by professionals across a wide range of industries and applications:

• Construction workers and site managers requiring warmth and visibility on building sites
• Road workers and traffic management personnel working near active carriageways
• Warehouse and logistics staff operating in busy distribution centres with forklift traffic
• Council and local authority workers including refuse collectors and grounds maintenance teams
• Railway maintenance crews working on or near railway tracks and platforms
• Utility workers from gas, electric, and water companies conducting outdoor repairs
• Security personnel requiring visibility during patrols, especially in car parks and outdoor facilities
• Events staff and stewards managing crowds at outdoor venues and festivals
• Delivery drivers and couriers working in varied weather conditions
• Airport ground crew and marshalling staff working around aircraft

Choosing The Right Hi Vis Fleeces

Safety Standards Compliance: Ensure the fleece meets EN ISO 20471 certification appropriate for your work environment. Check whether your employer or industry requires Class 2 or Class 3 visibility, with Class 3 providing maximum visibility for high-risk situations like motorway work.

Fabric Weight and Warmth: Fleeces come in different weights typically measured in grams per square metre (GSM). Lightweight options (around 200 GSM) suit milder conditions or active work, whilst heavier fleeces (300+ GSM) provide greater insulation for cold environments.

Style and Functionality: Full-zip jackets offer maximum versatility and easy wearing, half-zip pullovers provide good neck protection and are less prone to snags, whilst quarter-zip styles offer a balance between ventilation and warmth retention. Consider features like stand-up collars, elasticated cuffs, and adjustable hems for additional weather protection.

Two-Tone vs Solid Colour: Two-tone designs with darker lower panels maintain a cleaner appearance in dirty work environments whilst still meeting visibility standards. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both solid fluorescent options for maximum conspicuity and practical two-tone alternatives from Portwest.

Safety Information

Hi vis fleeces must be properly maintained to retain their protective properties. The fluorescent fabric and reflective tape deteriorate over time through washing, sunlight exposure, and general wear. Regularly inspect your fleece for faded colours, damaged reflective tape, or compromised visibility – garments failing to meet minimum reflectivity standards should be replaced immediately to maintain HSE compliance.

Always wash hi vis garments according to manufacturer instructions, typically at 40°C or below using non-biological detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach which can degrade reflective properties. Store hi vis fleeces away from direct sunlight when not in use to prevent premature fading of fluorescent materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 hi vis fleeces?

Class 2 garments contain a minimum of 0.50m² of fluorescent background material and 0.13m² of reflective tape, suitable for most construction sites, warehouses, and low-speed traffic environments. Class 3 provides the highest visibility with at least 0.80m² of background material and 0.20m² of reflective tape, required for high-risk situations like motorway work or railway operations.

How often should I replace my hi vis fleece?

Replace your hi vis fleece when the fluorescent fabric shows significant fading, reflective tape becomes cracked or peeling, or the garment no longer meets visibility standards. As a general guideline, with regular use and proper care, expect to replace hi vis fleeces every 12-24 months depending on workplace conditions.

Can I wear a hi vis fleece as my only protective outer layer?

This depends entirely on your workplace risk assessment. Hi vis fleeces primarily provide visibility and warmth but aren't waterproof or windproof. For outdoor work in wet conditions, you'll need to layer a waterproof hi vis jacket over your fleece. Always check your employer's PPE policy and relevant industry standards before relying on a fleece alone.