Advanced textile materials combine different functions to bring maximum comfort to the user. In technical textiles, specifically protection fabrics and garments, comfort is upgraded with safety and durability. To emphasize, we describe materials that combine different functions as FUNTIONAL YARNS or PERFORMANCE YARNS.

High-visibility clothing, often called hi-vis gear, is, as a matter of fact, vital for maintaining safety in the workplace because it helps workers stand out, particularly in dangerous settings or areas with poor lighting. These garments are made with use of vivid fluorescent shades and reflective elements that enhance visibility and lower the risk of accidents while also meeting safety standards. In summary, hi-vis apparel is a key component of personal protective equipment.

WHERE IS HIGH-VIS CLOTHING USED?

Workers in high-risk occupations wear high-visibility clothing to stay safe and easily seen. For example:

• Construction workers working on roads or large construction sites
• Road and railway maintenance workers
• Traffic police
• Emergency response workers
• Logistics and warehouse workers
• Municipal workers (e.g. waste collection, road cleaning)

Good visibility is essential to prevent accidents, especially in poor lighting, as well as in hazardous working conditions as shown above.

WHICH STANDARD OF HI-VIS CLOTHING IS VALID FOR SPORTS?

In sports, it is rather a recommendation than a mandatory standard: most sportswear is NOT certified according to EN ISO 20471, because it must be light, breathable and comfortable. Manufacturers use elements of the standard (bright colors + reflective details). For recreational athletes, the term “hi-vis” or “reflective gear” is often used, without a formal classification

However, another key point for serious exposure to traffic (e.g. cycling on the road at night), it is recommended to choose equipment that at least approximately meets EN ISO 20471 or has larger reflective surfaces.

WHICH STANDARD OF HI-VIS CLOTHING IS VALID FOR PROTECTION GARMENTS?

The main, internationally recognized standard for high-visibility protective clothing is: ISO 20471

This standard specifies requirements for clothing that makes the wearer clearly visible in hazardous situations, both in daylight and under artificial light (e.g., vehicle headlights). It is mandatory or referenced in industries like construction, roadwork and emergency services. Indicated standard defines:

• Minimum areas of fluorescent materials
• Use and placement of retroreflective strips
• Performance classes based on risk level and visibility needs

COLLABORATION WITH TEKSTINA

During our exhibition on TechTextil in Frankfurt, in collaboration with our partner Tekstina d.o.o. we were presenting two fabrics:

• High-vis yellow
• High-vis orange

Due to high demand, we have decided to further develop high-vis in red colour and thus round out our high-vis offer.

If you are interested in our high-vis yarn and you would like to have additional information or samples, contact BETI’s sales team.