Hi Vis T Shirts

About Hi Vis T Shirts

Hi vis t-shirts combine essential workplace safety with everyday comfort, providing compliant high-visibility protection for workers across construction, logistics, highways maintenance, and industrial environments. Featuring fluorescent background materials and reflective tape that meet EN ISO 20471 standards, these garments ensure workers remain visible in hazardous conditions whilst offering the breathability and freedom of movement needed for physically demanding tasks. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of Portwest hi vis t-shirts, trusted by British tradespeople for their quality construction, practical features, and reliable safety performance.

The collection spans short-sleeve and long-sleeve variants to suit different seasons and working conditions, with advanced options including moisture-wicking fabrics, mesh insert panels for enhanced ventilation, and contrast panels that help mask everyday dirt. From basic Class 1 visibility t-shirts for warehouse environments to specialist flame-resistant options for hot works, and eco-friendly multi-packs for kitting out entire teams, MyToolShed.co.uk provides versatile solutions for keeping workers safe, visible, and comfortable throughout demanding shifts.

Applications

Hi vis t-shirts are essential workwear for numerous trades and professions where visibility is critical for safety:

• Construction workers – groundworkers, labourers, and site operatives working around moving machinery and vehicles
• Road workers and highways maintenance crews – personnel working on carriageways where visibility to motorists is paramount
• Warehouse and logistics staff – forklift operators, pickers, packers, and loading bay personnel
• Delivery drivers and couriers – making frequent roadside stops and deliveries near traffic
• Railway maintenance crews – trackside workers and station staff near moving trains
• Utilities engineers – gas, electricity, and water company employees working on roadside infrastructure
• Event stewards and security personnel – managing crowds, car parks, and outdoor venues
• Refuse collection crews – working around moving vehicles in residential and commercial areas
• Airport ground staff – operating around aircraft and ground vehicles on aprons and taxiways
• DIY enthusiasts – undertaking roadside property maintenance or driveway improvements near traffic

Choosing The Right Hi Vis T Shirts

Visibility Classification: Determine the required EN ISO 20471 class based on your risk assessment. Class 1 suits low-risk environments like warehouses, whilst Class 2 is typically required for roadside work. Always consult HSE guidance and your employer's safety policies.

Sleeve Length: Short-sleeve options provide maximum comfort during warm weather and physically demanding work, whilst long-sleeve variants offer additional sun protection and coverage for cooler conditions or specific safety requirements.

Fabric and Comfort: Cotton comfort fabrics deliver superior breathability and softness for all-day wear, whilst polyester blends offer excellent moisture-wicking properties and faster drying. Mesh insert panels significantly improve ventilation during strenuous activity.

Durability and Features: Consider working conditions and laundry frequency when selecting garments. Reinforced seams and quality construction ensure longer service life, whilst contrast panels help mask soiling and chest pockets provide practical storage for small items.

Specialist Requirements: Flame-resistant t-shirts are essential for welding or hot works environments. Eco-friendly options and multi-pack purchasing offer cost-effective solutions for businesses kitting out teams.

Safety Information

EN ISO 20471 Compliance: All professional hi vis garments must meet EN ISO 20471 standards, which specify minimum areas of fluorescent material and reflective tape for each classification. Never rely on non-compliant visibility wear where HSE regulations apply.

Maintenance and Replacement: Regular washing maintains visibility properties, but follow manufacturer care instructions to prevent degradation. Replace garments when fluorescent colours fade, reflective tape becomes damaged, or fabric integrity is compromised. With daily use, expect replacement every 6-12 months.

Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct thorough risk assessments to determine appropriate visibility classifications. Simply wearing a hi vis t-shirt doesn't guarantee safety—the garment must provide adequate visibility for specific risks including traffic speeds, lighting conditions, and proximity to moving vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 hi vis t-shirts?

The classification relates to the amount of visible material. Class 1 t-shirts contain minimum fluorescent and reflective material, suitable for low-risk warehouse or off-road environments where traffic speeds are below 30mph. Class 2 provides greater visibility for roadside work and construction sites with moderate traffic, featuring increased fluorescent background material and reflective tape coverage.

How often should hi vis t-shirts be replaced?

Replace hi vis t-shirts when fluorescent colours noticeably fade, reflective tape becomes damaged or loses reflectivity, or fabric develops tears. With daily use and regular washing, expect replacement every 6-12 months. Regular visual inspections help identify when replacement is necessary—if fluorescent colour appears dull compared to new garments, or reflective strips show cracking or peeling, immediate replacement is recommended.

Are cotton or polyester hi vis t-shirts better?

Both materials offer distinct advantages. Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics provide superior comfort, softness, and breathability, ideal for all-day wear. Polyester and technical fabrics offer excellent moisture-wicking properties, dry quickly, and prove more durable through repeated industrial washing. Many modern hi vis t-shirts available at MyToolShed.co.uk use cotton-polyester blends or cotton comfort technology to combine the best of both worlds.