What high visibility safety vest do you need? ANSI class guide + top picks

When it comes to staying visible and safe on the job, a hi-vis vest isn’t just a suggestion - it’s essential PPE. Whether you’re directing traffic, working roadside, or operating heavy machinery, the right type of high-visibility vest can help prevent accidents and save lives.

At Novarlo, we carry a full range of hi-vis vests in orange, yellow, and lime, each designed for specific environments and ANSI class levels. Here’s your guide to choosing the best vest for the job, plus our top picks for each situation.

What makes a good Hi-Vis vest?

A good hi-vis vest should:

• Be ANSI-rated (Class 1, 2, or 3)
• Feature reflective tape for low-light visibility
• Be breathable and comfortable for long wear
• Have enough pockets and access for your tools

Colors like fluorescent yellow/green and orange serve specific purposes in traffic control, construction, utility work, and more.

 

Understanding ANSI vest types

 

Learn more: ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Standard: Personal Protective Equipment

Top high-visibility vest picks

Lightweight mesh surveyor vest 

• Features: lightweight, cooling mesh fabric, with a zipper fastening, 2 external chest pockets and 2 internal patch pocket
• Certifications: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 2, Type R
• Best for: Surveyors, engineers, or supervisors working in warm outdoor environments where visibility and mobility are critical.
• Why we recommend it: Its breathable design and practical pocket layout make it a smart choice for professionals who need to stay cool and carry essentials.

Blaklader - Hi-Vis vest 

• Features: Front pockets with flap, Inside iPad-pocket, Inner pocket with velcro closure, Mesh fabric in front and back
• Certifications: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type R, Class 2
• Best for: Site managers, technicians, or supervisors who need convenient storage and device access while working in and out of vehicles or site offices.
• Why we recommend it: This vest combines breathable mesh with secure, tech-friendly pockets - ideal for roles that require movement and coordination across zones.

High visibility mesh safety vest 

• Features: Fabric is excellent for warm days, two radio pockets with ID badge display, pen pockets, and generous waist pockets, Side zippers allow relief from binding while sitting down
• Certifications: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 3, Type R
• Best for: Operators and transport personnel in high-speed or high-risk zones who need full-body visibility and pocket space without bulk.
• Why we recommend it: It’s built for comfort in motion—great airflow, functional storage, and flexible design that makes it easy to wear even while seated or driving.

Hi-Vis surveyor's vest

• Features: Contrasting DOT striping, heavy duty radio tabs and seven full size pockets including a radio pocket, chest pocket, two waist pockets, two inside pockets, four pen pockets, heavy duty zipper closure
• Certifications: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 2, Type R Standard
• Best for: Professionals needing maximum storage, such as surveyors, inspectors, or field leads managing equipment and tools onsite.
• Why we recommend it: With 7 pockets and reinforced detailing, this vest stands up to rugged site work while keeping gear close and organized.

Blaklader Hi-Vis sleeved vest 

• Features: opening in the back for safety harness, Mesh fabric in front yoke and all back, Lower front pockets with bellow 2 in 1 with flap attached with Velcro, Short sleeves, Inside iPad-pocket, Radio loop, Loose-hanging chest pockets with safety straps and button closure, one with telephone pocket and one with pen pocket
• Certifications: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type R, Class 3
• Best for: Utility workers or elevated site teams requiring extra visibility, sleeve coverage, and compatibility with safety harnesses.
• Why we recommend it: It provides full Class 3 coverage with a smart layout for tools, digital devices, and harness use - ideal for high-elevation or complex sites.

Vohl Hi-Vis safety yellow mesh vest

• Features: Lightweight, 2" Silver Reflective Material, Front Zipper Closure, 2 Chest Pockets, 1 Pen / Pencil Pocket, 2 Secure Velcro Pockets
• Best for: General site workers, warehouse personnel, or contractors seeking basic high-visibility protection with lightweight comfort.
• Why we recommend it: It’s a simple, easy-to-wear option that delivers visibility and light storage without overcomplicating things - perfect for everyday compliance.

Specialty vests for unique needs

Breakaway vests

Breakaway vests are designed for environments where entanglement risks are high - such as around machinery with moving parts, heavy equipment, or vehicles. These vests feature strategically placed Velcro release points that allow the garment to come apart instantly if it’s pulled or snagged. This reduces the risk of serious injury by preventing the wearer from being dragged or caught.

Ideal for utility workers, warehouse staff, maintenance crews, or anyone working near conveyors, forklifts, or rotating equipment, breakaway vests combine visibility with a critical layer of tear-away safety.

High visibility breakaway mesh vest

• Features: Five-point velcro breakaway that allow the vest to be pulled off at the sides, shoulders, or front for the protection in case vest is caught in machinery, Zipper front closure, ID badge holder, four pen pockets, radio pocket, radio tab, and two waist flap pockets
• Certifications: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 3, Type R Standard

Hi-Vis breakaway mesh vest

• Features: High visibility yellow polyester mesh vest, One outside chest pocket and one inside waist pocket, 5-point breakaway Velcro closures
• Certifications: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class 2, Type R

 

FR & Arc Flash Rated Vests

FR Hi-Vis vest 

• Features: Short waist design for easy accommodation of a tool belt, FR fabric will not melt, drip, or ignite, inherently flame resistant, FR protection will not wash/wear out, Four pockets: cell phone, pencil and two lower pockets
• Certifications: Arc Rating: 9.4 cal/cm². CAT 2
• Fabric/Material: 9 oz. Orange 100% FR Cotton, NON ANSI

DRIFIRE Hi-Vis twill deluxe vest

• Features: Dual certified to protect against flash fire and arc flash hazards, Moisture wicking and breathable, inherently flame resistant, FR protection will not wash/wear out, cell phone chest pocket, pencil pocket, and two lower inside pockets
• Certifications: Arc Rating: 8.9 cal/cm², CAT 2
• Fabric/Material: 6.5 oz. Westex® DH

Arc flash fleece lined vest

• Features: Lightweight, breathable, and fast drying, Wind and water resistant, Lined pockets to keep your hands warm, Resists cold cracking in low temperatures
• Certifications: Arc Rating: 30 cal/cm², CAT 3
• Fabric/Material: 7 oz. GORE-TEX® PYRAD® fabric technology, lined with 10 oz. modacrylic blend fleece

Drifire IA FR fleece lined vest 

• Features: GORE-TEX PYRAD® provides superior water and and water resistance, inside chest pocket, Extended Tail offers extra warmth and comfort, Fleece lined for added warmth
• Certifications: Arc Rating: 30 cal/cm² | CAT 3
• Fabric/Material: 7 oz. GORE® PYRAD® fabric technology, lined with 14 oz. modacrylic blend fleece

Choosing the right vest for the right job

Visibility is non-negotiable

Don’t leave safety to chance. Whether you’re working in daylight or darkness, low-speed zones or busy highways, the right high-visibility vest ensures you’re seen and safe.

Shop all ANSI-compliant, high-quality safety vests at Novarlo and stay visible, compliant, and protected.