3 Most Important Certifications for Hi-Vis Workwear

High-visibility (hi-vis) workwear isn’t just about neon colors and reflective stripes—it’s about real protection. Whether you're on a construction site, cycling along a busy road, or working outdoors in stormy weather, the right certification behind your hi-vis gear can mean the difference between being seen or being at risk.

Across Europe, there are three essential standards that guide the design and performance of hi-vis garments:

• EN ISO 20471 – for professional, high-risk work environments
• EN 17353 – for recreational and medium-risk activities
• EN 343 – for protection against rain and harsh weather

Each standard serves a specific purpose, and understanding them helps ensure your gear matches your safety needs.

Table of Contents

1. EN ISO 20471: The Professional Standard for High-Risk Environments
2. EN 17353: Smart Visibility for Recreational and Medium-Risk Use
3. EN 343: Stay Visible—and Dry
4. How to Choose the Right Hi-Vis Workwear for Your Situation
5. Beyond Compliance: The Future of Hi-Vis Workwear
6. Final Thoughts: Be Seen, Be Smart, Be Safe

EN ISO 20471: The Professional Standard for High-Risk Environments

This is the most widely recognized certification for professional hi-vis workwear. If you're working in high-risk areas—such as roadside construction, railways, or emergency response—EN ISO 20471 is mandatory.

The standard defines three protection classes, based on the surface area of both fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape:

• Class 1 requires a minimum of 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of retroreflective tape. This is the minimum visibility level and should only be used in low-risk settings, such as indoor warehouses or private sites.
• Class 2 raises the bar with at least 0.50 m² of fluorescent background and 0.13 m² of reflective tape. This class is common for daytime construction workers, traffic staff, or logistics teams operating in moderate-risk environments.
• Class 3 offers the highest visibility protection, demanding at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of retroreflective material, plus visibility from all directions (360°). Garments must usually cover the torso and limbs—like long-sleeved jackets and trousers—to meet this level.

To legally qualify as Class 3, a single item or a certified combination of garments must meet the total required material area. For example, a short-sleeved vest alone may not be sufficient even if it’s bright and reflective.

EN 17353: Smart Visibility for Recreational and Medium-Risk Use

Not all hi-vis garments are designed for industrial job sites. Many people—such as cyclists, runners, school children, or delivery riders—need visibility in low-risk but still hazardous settings. That’s where EN 17353 comes in.

This standard covers enhanced visibility clothing for non-professional use, especially for medium-risk environments where workers or users may be exposed to moving vehicles or low light, but not heavy industrial machinery.

EN 17353 divides garments into three types, each with its own technical requirements:

• Type A is for daylight visibility only. It requires a minimum of 0.14 m² of fluorescent material placed on the torso and limbs, with no retroreflective tape needed. It’s ideal for daytime outdoor users like cyclists or joggers.
• Type B targets nighttime visibility. It relies on retroreflective elements and is split into subtypes:
• Type B1 (small accessories like bands or belts): requires 0.05 m² of retroreflective tape.
• Type B2 (vests or larger gear): must include 0.13 m² of retroreflective material.
• Type B3 (full garments like jackets): also demands 0.13 m² but requires distribution across torso and limbs.
• Type AB combines both daylight and nighttime performance. It must include at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of retroreflective tape, making it suitable for all-day protection.

EN 17353 is more flexible than EN ISO 20471 in terms of garment shape and function. Many certified products under this standard are lighter, more breathable, and often used for casual safety—without compromising effectiveness.

EN 343: Stay Visible—and Dry

Hi-vis is essential, but so is staying dry and comfortable—especially when working outdoors. EN 343 is the European standard for protective clothing against rain, and it plays a crucial role when visibility and weather resistance must work hand-in-hand.

EN 343 measures two core properties:

• Water Penetration Resistance (Waterproofness): Rated from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the most waterproof.
• Class 1 garments resist at least 2,000 mm of water column pressure.
• Class 4 garments resist up to or over 13,000 mm, suitable for prolonged exposure to rain and pressure.
• Water Vapor Resistance (Breathability): Also rated from Class 1 to Class 4, with higher classes offering better sweat management.
• Class 1 garments are less breathable and may trap moisture.
• Class 4 offers excellent breathability, ideal for physical labor in wet climates.

Some garments also include an optional test known as the rain tower test, simulating extreme weather conditions. Those that pass are marked with an “R” symbol, indicating extended protection during downpours or heavy rain.

Many high-performance hi-vis jackets combine EN ISO 20471 and EN 343, ensuring both visibility and protection from the elements—a must-have for outdoor workers in forestry, road maintenance, or construction.

How to Choose the Right Hi-Vis Workwear for Your Situation

Selecting the right hi-vis gear isn’t just about grabbing the brightest color. You need to match your gear to your risk level and working conditions.

• If you're working near fast-moving traffic, in poor lighting, or during nighttime operations, go for Class 3 certified garments under EN ISO 20471. These offer the maximum protection and legal compliance for high-risk sites.
• For low- to medium-risk situations like cycling, delivery services, or jogging, EN 17353 Type AB garments provide lightweight yet effective visibility for day and night use.
• If your job involves frequent exposure to wet weather—think outdoor maintenance, harbor operations, or farming—ensure your jacket or trousers carry EN 343 Class 3 or 4 ratings for both waterproofness and breathability.

Always check for clearly marked certification labels inside the garment. These labels should show the EN standard number, the classification (Class or Type), and sometimes even the year of compliance.

And remember: combining garments (like a vest over a parka) doesn’t automatically add up to Class 3. Each item—or the entire combination—must be certified as a system to meet requirements.

Beyond Compliance: The Future of Hi-Vis Workwear

As workwear evolves, safety gear is becoming smarter, more sustainable, and more comfortable.

Here are a few innovations shaping the future of hi-vis workwear:

• Stretchable reflective tape for better flexibility without compromising safety
• Softshell and moisture-wicking fabrics that meet both EN ISO 20471 and EN 343
• Eco-friendly materials, including hi-vis fabrics made from recycled PET bottles
• Smart wearables, such as embedded LED strips, motion sensors, or connectivity modules for lone worker safety

These advancements are making hi-vis garments more than just compliant—they’re becoming performance wear for real-world, all-weather, all-condition use.

Final Thoughts: Be Seen, Be Smart, Be Safe

Hi-vis workwear is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce risk in low-visibility environments—but only if it’s certified and appropriate for the task.

Understanding EN ISO 20471, EN 17353, and EN 343 helps ensure that your workwear does more than just stand out—it protects, performs, and lasts.

So the next time you buy hi-vis clothing, don’t just look at the color—look at the label. Because when it comes to safety, visibility isn’t optional. It’s essential.

At WERKVIS, we understand the importance of certified protection in demanding environments. That’s why our Class 3 hi-vis jackets and EN 343-certified rainwear are designed to meet the highest European safety standards—ensuring both visibility and durability, even in the toughest weather. Whether you're working on-site or on the road, our gear is engineered to keep you seen and safe.