HIGH VISIBILITY PPE Vests

EN ISO 20471 is a European standard that establishes strict requirements for high visibility clothing used by professionals in hazardous environments. This certification classifies vests into three classes (1, 2 and 3), depending on the area of ​​fluorescent and reflective material they contain. The higher the class, the greater the visibility provided. At RAG Tailors, all of our reflective vests are approved according to this standard, ensuring that they offer adequate protection and comply with the legal requirements for use in professional environments. This certification is essential to ensure that the PPE meets the safety standards required to protect workers.

High visibility vests are mandatory in a number of workplaces where worker visibility is crucial to their safety. These include: road work, construction sites, port operations, airports, industrial environments, emergency and rescue services, forestry work and work at night or in low visibility conditions. Occupational safety legislation requires employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment, including high visibility vests, whenever workers are exposed to risks that cannot be eliminated by other means. Failure to comply with these standards can result in significant legal penalties.

High visibility vests are mainly available in fluorescent yellow and fluorescent orange, which are the colours that provide the highest contrast and visibility in different environments. Yellow provides excellent visibility in urban and industrial environments, whilst orange is often preferred for road and forestry work as it contrasts better with vegetation. RAG Tailors offers reflective vests in these standard colours, but can also customise other options such as green or red for specific applications. The choice of colour should take into account the working environment and typical lighting conditions, and all colours meet the requirements of EN ISO 20471, provided they have the minimum area of ​​fluorescent and reflective material required.

RAG Tailors’ high visibility vests are manufactured primarily from high-quality polyester or polyester/cotton blends, ensuring lightness and comfort without compromising durability. The reflective component is composed of glass microspheres or prisms that reflect light directly to the source, significantly increasing visibility in low light conditions. The quality of the materials directly influences the durability of the vest: fabrics with a higher grammage (between 120-150g/m²) offer better resistance to tears and wear. Premium vests include reinforced seams, superior quality zippers and treatments that extend the life of the fluorescent material, maintaining its properties even after multiple washes. Investing in superior quality vests means greater safety and savings in the long term.

Yes, personalizing high visibility vests is one of RAG Tailors’ specialties. We offer embroidery, printing and screen printing services to apply logos, company names or specific information to reflective vests, while maintaining all safety properties and certifications. This personalization allows immediate identification of workers and reinforces corporate identity even in work contexts where safety is a priority. To request a quote for personalization, simply send an email with the desired references and the image to be applied. The delivery time for personalized vests varies between 10 and 15 business days, while orders without personalization can be delivered within 5 business days.

High visibility vest classes indicate the level of protection offered according to EN ISO 20471. Class 1 is the basic level, with a minimum area of ​​0.14m² of fluorescent material and 0.10m² of reflective material, suitable for environments with reduced risk. Class 2 requires a minimum of 0.50m² of fluorescent material and 0.13m² of reflective material, and is the most common for work on urban roads and construction sites. Class 3 offers maximum protection, with at least 0.80m² of fluorescent material and 0.20m² of reflective material, mandatory for work on highways, motorways or any high-risk situation. At RAG Tailors, we provide vests of all classes to ensure that each professional has the exact level of protection required for their work environment.

To maintain the effectiveness and extend the life of your high visibility vests, we recommend following the specific washing instructions indicated on the label. Generally, you should wash your reflective vest in cold or lukewarm water (maximum 40°C), using mild detergent and avoiding bleaches or fabric softeners that could damage the reflective materials. Vests should be washed inside out and should never be wrung out. Ideally, let them dry naturally, away from direct sunlight and sources of intense heat. Machine drying should only be done at a low temperature. Regularly inspect your vest for damage to the reflective strips or fluorescent fabric, replacing it if it shows signs of deterioration that compromise visibility.