Hi Vis Polo Shirts

About Hi Vis Polo Shirts

Hi vis polo shirts deliver essential workplace visibility whilst maintaining a professional, comfortable appearance suitable for tradespeople, site workers, and logistics personnel. These garments combine fluorescent fabric with reflective tape to meet EN ISO 20471 safety standards, ensuring wearers remain clearly visible in low light conditions and high-risk environments. Unlike traditional hi vis vests, polo shirts offer superior breathability and comfort for all-day wear, making them ideal for warmer weather or indoor environments where maintaining a smart image is important alongside safety compliance.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks hi vis polo shirts from trusted brands including Portwest, Modaflame, and Scan, with options spanning short sleeve and long sleeve designs, Class 2 and Class 3 visibility ratings, and specialist features such as flame-resistant and anti-static properties. Our range includes eco-friendly options using recycled materials, cotton comfort blends for enhanced breathability, and RIS-compliant garments for railway industry work. Available with practical features like contrast panels, chest pockets, and moisture-wicking fabrics, these polo shirts provide the perfect balance of safety, comfort, and professional appearance.

Applications

• Construction Sites: Site managers, supervisors, and tradespeople requiring visible workwear that meets safety regulations whilst maintaining professional appearance
• Warehouse and Logistics: Forklift operators, warehouse staff, and loading bay personnel working around moving vehicles and machinery
• Highway Maintenance: Road workers, traffic management teams, and council maintenance crews requiring maximum visibility near moving traffic
• Railway Infrastructure: Track maintenance crews and signalling engineers needing RIS-compliant garments for work on or near railways
• Electrical Contractors: Sparkies working on site who need to combine visibility with electrical safety features like anti-static properties
• Security Personnel: Door supervisors, event security, and patrol officers requiring visible identification with professional appearance
• Delivery Drivers: Couriers and delivery personnel loading and unloading in varied locations, particularly during early morning or evening shifts
• Groundskeeping: Landscapers and council workers operating near roads or in public spaces

Choosing The Right Hi Vis Polo Shirts

Visibility Class: Determine whether you need Class 2 or Class 3 protection. Class 2 suits most construction sites and warehouses, whilst Class 3 is mandatory for roadside work and high-risk environments where traffic speeds exceed 30mph. Check your site-specific risk assessment if uncertain.

Sleeve Length: Short sleeve designs offer excellent breathability for summer months and indoor work, whilst long sleeve options provide better coverage, sun protection, and typically achieve Class 3 visibility ratings required for higher-risk environments.

Material and Comfort: Cotton comfort blends from Portwest deliver superior breathability compared to pure polyester options. Consider moisture-wicking fabrics for physically demanding roles, or eco-friendly recycled materials for environmentally conscious workplaces.

Specialist Features: For electrical work or fire risk environments, select garments with flame-resistant and anti-static properties. Railway workers must ensure RIS-3279-TOM certification. Contrast panels improve body silhouette visibility, whilst chest pockets add practical storage for pens and small tools.

Safety Information

Hi vis polo shirts are classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and must comply with EN ISO 20471 standards appropriate to your work environment. Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to provide suitable PPE where risks cannot be eliminated by other means. Regular inspection is essential—check reflective tape for damage or reduced reflectivity, and examine fluorescent fabric for fading caused by washing or UV exposure. Replace garments that no longer meet visibility standards, as compromised hi vis clothing cannot provide adequate protection.

Follow manufacturer washing instructions carefully to preserve safety features. Wash at temperatures no higher than 40°C, avoid fabric softener which can reduce moisture-wicking properties and affect flame-resistant treatments, and line-dry when possible. For roles requiring specific certifications such as RIS compliance or flame-resistant properties, ensure your chosen garment displays appropriate certification markings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Class 2 garments contain a minimum of 0.5m² of fluorescent background material and 0.13m² of reflective tape, suitable for most construction sites and warehouses. Class 3 requires greater coverage—typically achieved with long sleeves and additional reflective tape—and is mandatory for high-risk environments like roadside work where traffic speeds exceed 30mph.

Can I wear a hi vis polo shirt on its own without a vest?

Yes, a properly certified hi vis polo shirt meeting the required class for your work environment can be worn as standalone PPE without additional vests. However, when adding outer layers in cold weather, ensure your hi vis jacket or coat maintains or increases your visibility class. Always consult your site-specific risk assessment to confirm what's acceptable.

How should I care for my hi vis polo shirt to maintain its safety properties?

Wash at maximum 40°C using mild detergent, avoid fabric softener, and line-dry when possible. Never tumble dry on high heat as this degrades reflective materials and fluorescent dyes. With proper care, quality hi vis polo shirts from MyToolShed.co.uk typically last 6-12 months with regular use. Replace garments when fluorescent colour fades significantly or reflective tape loses effectiveness.