A Complete Guide to Hi-Vis Safety Apparel: What You Should Know Before Buying

A Complete Guide to Hi-Vis Safety Apparel: What You Should Know Before Buying

When it comes to keeping your team safe and visible, hi-vis safety apparel isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. At Novarlo LLC, we understand that the right visibility gear can make all the difference in low-light, high-risk, or demanding work environments. This guide will walk you through what you should know before buying, so you can choose with confidence.

Why Hi-Vis Safety Apparel Matters

Hi‑vis safety apparel makes workers more visible in low-light conditions, around moving vehicles, or in high-risk environments. Proper gear improves safety and helps companies meet industry compliance standards. Choosing apparel that fits well and is designed for the work environment encourages consistent use, which further reduces accidents and injuries.

Beyond simple coloration, high-quality hi-vis safety apparel means:

  • Easier recognition by vehicle operators or machine drivers

  • Compliance with safety standards and site requirements

  • Comfort and build quality, so workers are more likely to keep it on

Key Features to Look for Before Buying

When selecting hi-vis safety apparel, keep these essentials in mind:

1. Correct Class and Compliance

In the U.S., high-visibility clothing follows the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard, which sets guidelines to ensure workers are visible in both daylight and low-light conditions. This is especially important for employees working near traffic, heavy machinery, or other hazardous situations.

The standard organizes hi‑vis apparel into three performance classes, based on the level of risk and the amount of reflective and fluorescent material on the garment:

  • Type O (Off-road): For jobs where employees aren’t exposed to public traffic, like mining or indoor facilities.

  • Type R (Roadway): For workers near roads or in construction zones.

  • Type P (Public Safety): For emergency responders, law enforcement, and other public safety personnel.

Selecting hi‑vis apparel that meets the correct class and type ensures compliance, improves safety, and helps protect workers from potential accidents.

2. Visibility Materials and Design

Beyond bright fluorescent colours (yellow, orange, lime), the right gear has:

  • Reflective tape or striping that works in low light or with headlights.

  • Background fabrics that contrast with the environment so workers stand out.

  • Additional design features like pockets, harness compatibility, and appropriate closures for the job site.

3. Comfort and Durability

Your team will wear it—often all day—so comfort matters. Consider:

  • Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics for warmer environments

  • Durable materials that hold up to abrasion, wear, and outdoor exposure

  • Gear that doesn’t restrict movement or get in the way of tools or tasks

4. Specialized Uses

At Novarlo, we offer hi-vis pieces across a broad range, including vests, t-shirts, polos, hoodies, jackets, and pants. Even hi-vis flame-resistant (FR) or arc-flash rated options are available for specialty environments. So you’ll want to match the hi-vis safety apparel to the specific demands of your team’s environment.

Buying Checklist: What to Ask Before You Commit

Here’s a quick bullet list to use as you evaluate potential hi-vis gear:

  • Does the apparel meet the required ANSI/ISEA class for your work environment?

  • Is the design (colour, striping, fabric) suitable for low-light or high-risk visibility?

  • Is it comfortable enough to wear all day in your conditions (heat, cold, rain)?

  • Are there features helpful for your crew (zip closures, pockets, tool loops, harness integration)?

  • Can the gear handle your work environment (abrasion, weather, layering)?

  • If branding is important, can the apparel be custom-branded (logos, team names) without compromising certification or visibility?

  • Is the supplier reliable and able to provide ongoing support, sizes, replacements, and bulk order capability?

The Novarlo Difference

Partnering with Novarlo means you’re working with a team that knows specialty apparel and PPE inside out. We pride ourselves on:

  • Offering premium hi-vis safety apparel that we would use ourselves.

  • Helping you select, manage, and maintain the gear your team needs.

  • Availability of custom branding and company-store solutions so your team looks unified, safe, and professional.

  • A full range of hi-vis garments—from vests to jackets to pants—to cover all your crew’s visibility needs.

Hi-Vis Safety Apparel in the United States: Take Action Today

If you’re ready to raise your team’s visibility, confidence, and safety standards with hi-vis safety apparel in the United States, we’re here to help. Reach out today and let Novarlo LLC guide you to the right solutions—tailored for your industry, your team, and your budget. Let’s make sure your crew doesn’t just get seen—they stand out and stay safe.


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