Why It’s Important To Have Comfortable Hi-Vis Clothing

Why It’s Important To Have Comfortable Hi-Vis Clothing

15th Feb 2023

Safety apparel must satisfy strict design and manufacturing requirements to earn the label “high-visibility.” But when it comes to purchasing the right hi-vis clothing for you or your staff, you must purchase comfortable apparel for effective performance. Continue reading to learn why it’s important to have comfortable hi-vis clothing.

Properly Fitted Hi-Vis Clothes Work Better

Hi-vis clothes are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that reduces incident risk and helps workers avoid injury. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) categorizes high-visibility apparel and accessories into different classes based on each item’s hi-vis performance.

Each ANSI class is defined by a minimum amount of background and retroreflective material and the placement of the retroreflective material. If the retroreflective tape isn’t in the right location on the wearer’s body due to an ill-fitting garment, it reduces the efficacy of the apparel.

Poor Fit Creates Hazards

Another reason it’s important to have comfortable hi-vis clothing is that ill-fitting clothes are a safety hazard in the workplace. People who wear hi-vis gear often work around heavy objects and moving machinery; loose clothing can snag and cause trips and falls.

In contrast, clothes that are too tight limit a worker’s mobility. A tight shirt or vest doesn’t allow the wearer to comfortably raise their arms, and tight clothes often cause discomfort and increase worker fatigue.

Comfortable Clothes Increase Compliance

To receive authorization for work that requires PPE, employees must understand the purpose and limitations of the PPE. They must also know when PPE is required and how to properly wear it. But when hi-vis clothing feels uncomfortable, workers avoid wearing it altogether.

Employers should emphasize the importance of wearing hi-vis clothes, but verbal statements aren’t the only way to make a point. Provide employees with comfortable hi-vis garments that show you value their safety and expect them to wear their safety apparel.

SafetyShirtz is the number one provider of stylish high-visibility clothing. We carry safety hoodies, t-shirts, and other gear that looks great while protecting you on the job. Shop today for comfortable hi-vis clothes for you or your crew.