Safety First: High-Visibility Workwear for Darker Winter Days

Winter in Britain—short days, relentless rain, and misty mornings that blur the world around you. For those working outdoors, staying visible is more than a suggestion; it’s a necessity.

Customised high-visibility workwear ensures that even when the weather does its worst, you remain safe, warm, and represent your team. Let’s take a closer look at the gear designed to keep you protected and ready to tackle winter head-on.

Hi-Vis Sweatshirts: Be Seen, Stay Snug

High-vis sweatshirts are widely used across industries such as construction, road maintenance, and transport, where workers need to stay visible while maintaining flexibility and warmth. They are also popular among warehouse staff, delivery drivers, and outdoor workers who require a balance of visibility and comfort.

Their soft, insulated fabric makes them ideal for cooler weather, providing both warmth and safety without compromising on mobility. High-vis sweatshirts are a versatile and convenient choice for staying visible and protected.

Our Top Picks:

Essential Workwear Hi-Vis Sweatshirt

A classic piece that offers warmth and high visibility in equal measure. Perfect for early mornings or overcast afternoons, this sweatshirt ensures you’re seen without sacrificing comfort. You’ll look so bright, even the postman might stop and ask if you deliver packages.

Yoko Full-Zip Hi-Vis Hoodie

For those who want their hi-vis with a side of hoodie vibes. The Yoko Full-Zip is cosy, functional, and perfect for unpredictable British weather. Pop the hood up when it starts spitting, and you’re good to go—bonus points for looking like a stylish safety hero.

Hi-Vis Jackets: Battle the Elements

With shorter daylight hours, foggy conditions, and often reduced visibility due to rain or snow, it becomes increasingly difficult for drivers and other road users to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and workers. High-vis jackets are designed to ensure individuals remain easily visible in these conditions, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

Made with fluorescent materials and reflective strips, high-vis jackets catch and reflect light from vehicles and streetlights, making the wearer stand out even in low-light situations. For those working outdoors—such as construction workers, road maintenance crews, or delivery drivers—a high-vis jacket is not just practical but also often a legal requirement to ensure safety.

Our Top Picks for High Vis Jackets:

ProJob Waterproof Hi-Vis Jacket

Waterproof, windproof, and reflective enough to rival a disco ball—this jacket is your ultimate weatherproof companion. Whether you’re working in torrential rain or just battling a strong British breeze, this ProJob masterpiece keeps you dry and visible.

ProJob Functional Jacket

When functionality is non-negotiable, this jacket steps up. Multiple pockets, breathable fabric, and enough reflective details to outshine Rudolph’s nose—it’s a worksite essential. Perfect for anyone who needs to carry their tools and look like a responsible safety beacon.

Portwest PW3 Hi-Vis Softshell Jacket

Looking for lightweight warmth that doesn’t compromise on visibility? The Portwest PW3 softshell jacket is your answer. It’s flexible, breathable, and has reflective details that make you impossible to miss—even if you’re moving like a ninja.

Hi-Vis Trousers: Tackle Wet, Cold, and Mud

High-vis trousers are typically made from tough, tear-resistant materials that protect against abrasions, sharp objects, and other hazards in industrial or outdoor settings. This durability ensures wearers remain safe while navigating potentially dangerous areas. High-vis trousers must meet specific safety standards, such as EN ISO 20471 in the UK, which outlines requirements for high-visibility clothing. This certification guarantees the trousers provide adequate visibility and protection for use in workplaces where being seen is critical.

The reflective and bright materials on the legs make movement more noticeable. The human eye is naturally drawn to motion, so the visibility of moving legs helps drivers and equipment operators spot individuals quickly, even in challenging environments.

Essential Workwear Recommends:

Yoko Hi-Vis Cargo Trousers

Need hi-vis for your legs? These cargo trousers are the answer. They’ve got reflective detailing, durable fabric, and pockets for all your bits and bobs. Perfect for anyone who works with tools—or snacks (we don’t judge).

Portwest PW3 Hi-Vis Trousers

Built for the toughest jobs, these trousers don’t mess about. They’re durable, water-resistant, and equipped with reflective strips to ensure you’re visible from every angle. Whether you’re climbing scaffolding or knee-deep in mud, these are the trousers to trust.

Hi-Vis Waistpants

Soggy legs are no joke. These hi-vis waist pants are water-resistant and tough enough to handle any worksite chaos. A reliable choice for anyone who values comfort and practicality during those long winter shifts.

Hi-Vis Coveralls: All-in-One Brilliance

What Makes High-Vis Coveralls Essential?

• Full-Body Coverage: Unlike separate trousers and jackets, high-vis coveralls provide head-to-toe visibility, reducing the risk of any part of the body being overlooked in low-light or hazardous conditions. These are a great way to meet safety compliance standards all in one go. Having a few of these can make that early morning rush a lot easier.
• Reflective Strips: Strategically placed reflective strips enhance visibility in all directions, especially under artificial light or in dark environments.
• Protection from Elements: Most high-vis coveralls are waterproof, windproof, and insulated, offering protection from harsh weather while maintaining comfort and mobility.
• Durability: Designed for tough environments, they are resistant to tears, abrasions, and chemical splashes, ensuring long-lasting protection.

Yoko Hi-Vis Polycotton Coverall

When you need head-to-toe protection, these coveralls have your back (and your front). They’re warm, comfortable, and so bright you’ll be spotted even through the thickest fog. Perfect for messy jobs where staying clean isn’t an option.

ProJob Hi-Vis Coverall

For those who want maximum visibility with a touch of Scandinavian design. The ProJob Coverall is built for durability and comfort, ensuring you’re ready to tackle anything—whether it’s pouring rain or freezing cold.

Hi-Vis Fleece: Cosy Meets Bright

Stay warm and visible this winter with high-visibility fleece jackets, the perfect blend of comfort and safety. Designed for outdoor workers, delivery drivers, and those in cold, low-light environments, hi-vis fleeces offer unmatched insulation while ensuring you remain easily seen. Made from soft, breathable materials with reflective detailing, these fleeces are ideal for layering during chilly mornings or long shifts. Whether you’re braving frosty conditions or tackling early starts, a hi-vis fleece keeps you cosy without compromising on workplace safety. Choose Essential Workwear’s hi-vis fleece options for reliable, compliant, and stylish visibility this winter.

ProJob Hi-Vis Fleece Jacket

This fleece is the best of both worlds—soft enough to keep you toasty and bright enough to make sure you’re seen. Ideal for chilly mornings when you need to layer up but still look sharp (and safe).

Why High-Visibility Workwear is Essential

Winter is no time to blend in. High-visibility workwear ensures that you’re safe, warm, and protected, no matter how grim the weather gets. Whether it’s reflective jackets, durable hi-vis trousers, or cosy hi-vis fleeces, investing in quality high visibility gear means you can focus on the job without worrying about not being seen.

So, gear up, stay visible, and show winter who’s boss. Because let’s face it—when the skies are dark, and the rain’s pouring down, you’ve got to bring your own sunshine. And if that sunshine happens to be fluorescent yellow? Even better. Cheers! ☕

Understanding Hi-Visibility Clothing Classes

When choosing hi-visibility clothing, it’s important to understand the different classes defined by the EN ISO 20471 standard. These classifications ensure that workers have the appropriate level of visibility for their specific working environment, promoting safety and compliance.

Class 1: Basic Visibility for Low-Risk Areas

Class 1 hi-vis garments provide the minimum level of visibility and are designed for environments with lower risk, such as areas where traffic is minimal or moves at low speeds (under 25 mph). Common examples include hi-vis trousers or shorts. These are typically worn by workers in controlled settings like warehouses or private delivery areas, where the likelihood of accidents is reduced.

Class 2: Enhanced Visibility for Moderate Risk

Class 2 garments offer a higher degree of visibility, making them suitable for tasks in moderately hazardous areas. These include environments like construction sites or roadwork zones with traffic speeds up to 50 mph. Items such as sleeveless hi-vis vests and jackets fall under this category. Workers like road maintenance crews, utility staff, and logistics personnel often wear Class 2 clothing to ensure they are seen more clearly in their surroundings.

Class 3: Maximum Visibility for High-Risk Environments

Class 3 hi-vis clothing provides the highest level of visibility and is essential for high-risk work settings. This category is mandatory for workers in areas with fast-moving traffic (over 50 mph), poor lighting, or challenging weather conditions. Garments in this class typically include full-body coverage, such as long-sleeved jackets and trousers, ensuring visibility from all angles. Emergency responders, highway maintenance teams, and other workers in critical roles depend on Class 3 clothing for optimal safety.

Why Understanding Hi-Vis Classes Matters

Choosing the correct hi-visibility class is more than just meeting safety standards—it’s about protecting lives. Employers should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the right level of hi-vis clothing for their teams. By doing so, they create a safer workplace and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Investing in the appropriate hi-vis workwear is an essential step toward enhancing safety and visibility, especially during darker winter months when visibility is reduced.