Hi-vis branding guide

7 minute read

Want your team to stand out whilst staying compliant?

Then custom branded hi-vis workwear could be right for you.

Hi-vis PPE is legally required in many industries - from construction to road maintenance. It helps keep your team visible and reduces accident risk.

Branding it is a smart move. It makes your team instantly recognisable, shows who they represent, and helps boost your business visibility too.

WHY BRAND YOUR HI-VIS WORKWEAR?

You can make your workforce stand out with custom hi-vis uniforms.

Although the main purpose of hi-vis clothes is for safety, they can be customised just like any other type of workwear.

With the right design, you can protect your team and increase your business’s visibility at the same time.

Branded hi-vis workwear helps with:

Safety on site
Team visibility
Staff identification
Company recognition

LOGO BRANDING METHODS: EMBROIDERY VS HEAT SEAL

There are two main ways to add your logo to hi-vis workwear.

At SMI, we offer:

Embroidery - The logo design is stitched into the fabric.
Heat seal - The logo is transferred onto the garment using heat and pressure, ideal for detailed designs and lightweight fabrics.

TOP TIP: Whatever method you choose, avoid covering reflective strips to keep your hi-vis kit compliant with safety standards.

Want help choosing the right option?
Read our full comparison of embroidery vs heat seal to weigh up the pros and cons!

CAN YOU EMBROIDER HI-VIS GARMENTS?

Yes! It's a great option for smaller designs and if you're looking for a more durable finish.

PROS:

Durable
High-quality
Professional finish
Resistant to washing

CONS:

Compared to heat seal, embroidery can cost more.

NOTE: Fleece and similar items are better embroidered. Heat seal works best on flat, smooth surfaces to stick properly.

CAN YOU HEAT SEAL A LOGO ON HI-VIS WORKWEAR?

If embroidery isn’t ticking all of the boxes, then heat sealing your logo design could be the next best option.

This branding technique is a great option for larger, complex designs on hi-vis vests and other garments.

PROS:

Ideal for large logo designs
Cheaper for large order runs

CONS:

Can peel or crack over time
Less resistant to frequent washing
May fade with frequent sun exposure

NOTE: For waterproof outerwear, always use heat seal. Sewing can damage the waterproof membrane.

HOW LONG DOES CUSTOM BRANDING TAKE?

We can embroider or heat seal your hi-vis uniforms and dispatch custom branded clothing from stocked lines in as little as 48 hours.

Need a quick turnaround?

Get in touch to see how we can help brand your team’s kit.

HOW TO BRAND YOUR HI-VIS

Branding hi-vis workwear doesn’t need to be difficult.

Follow this simple guide to provide your workforce with personalised hi-vis clothing that keeps them safe and promotes your business:

Design a logo - Make sure the logo size and placement doesn't impact compliance. Choose a simple design that catches the eye and showcases your business.
Choose a branding method - Do your research and choose the best branding method for your working conditions. Chat to our team if you’re not sure which technique is best for your hi-vis uniforms.
Find a supplier - Choose a PPE supplier that stocks compliant hi-vis workwear. Save time and money by ordering from a supplier that adds custom branding on site.

TOP TIP: Once your order arrives, make sure your team knows how to correctly wear and maintain their hi-vis workwear.

KEY THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE YOU ORDER

Planning ahead is key to successfully branding your hi-vis workwear.

Before hitting send on your order, make sure you’ve thought about the following:

LOGO PLACEMENT

Choosing the right spot for your logo can be tricky. It needs to be clearly visible - without affecting the hi-vis performance of the garment.

The most common placements are:

Left chest
Right chest
Upper back
Left-hand sleeve
Right-hand sleeve

These areas keep your branding visible while staying compliant with safety standards.

EN ISO 20471 COMPLIANCE

All hi-vis PPE must meet the EN ISO 20471 safety standard.

This standard splits hi-vis clothing into three classes:

Class 1 - Offers basic visibility and is typically needed for construction, warehouse, and delivery work.
Class 2 - Provides medium levels of visibility and is worn by roadside workers, waste management teams, and site visitors.
Class 3 - Offers maximum visibility for railway workers, emergency service crews, and teams working outdoors at night.

Provide your workers with the right level of visibility and make sure they wear the kit correctly to stay compliant.

Want more information about the EN ISO 20471 hi-vis standard? Read our guide!

DURABILITY

Does your team need to wash their kit regularly? If so, embroidery is the best choice.

Embroidered logos are highly durable and stand up well to frequent washing, helping your branded kit last longer on the job.

Heat sealed logos offer a smooth, detailed finish but may be less durable than embroidery. They can peel, crack, or fade over time, especially if exposed to frequent washing, excess heat, or harsh working conditions.

Typically, a heat-seal logo should last the expected lifespan of the garment if cared for properly and not subjected to extreme conditions.

FUNCTIONALITY

Don’t let branding get in the way of your team’s comfort, safety, and productivity.

Logos shouldn’t impact a hi-vis garment’s breathability, waterproof protection, or visibility levels.

It’s important to find a balance between advertising your business and keeping your workforce safe and happy on the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Will your custom hi-vis workwear be used outdoors?

Rain and heat can cause logos to fade, crack, or peel over time. Embroidered logos are often more robust than heat seal transfers.

AVOID THESE HI-VIS BRANDING MISTAKES

Adding your company logo to your hi-vis workwear is a great way to market your business, but only when it’s done right.

Avoid making these common branding mistakes:

Covering reflective strips
Choosing appearance over safety
Prioritising branding over comfort
Covering too much fluorescent material
Selecting a branding method that won’t withstand working conditions

Hi-vis workwear won’t meet the EN ISO 20471 standard if your logo covers too much of the required reflective and fluorescent areas.

Here’s a quick recap of the minimum surface area requirements:

Class 1 - 0.10 sqm reflective tape, 0.14 sqm fluorescent material
Class 2 - 0.13 sqm reflective tape, 0.50 sqm fluorescent material
Class 3 - 0.20 sqm reflective tape, 0.80 sqm fluorescent material

Not sure if your logo is the right size or placed correctly?
Our friendly team is ready to help!

CUSTOMISE YOUR WORKWEAR WITH SMI

At SMI, all logo embroidery and heat sealing is done in-house.

Alongside hi-vis, we stock customisable polos, jumpers, and more!

From perfecting your logo to delivering your branded workwear, we manage every step.

Here’s what you get:

25,000+ products
97% stock availability
Own delivery fleet in key regions
3-hour email response time (max)
2-day dispatch on branded workwear

Need personalised vests, jackets, or trousers?
Chat to our team to find out how we can help.

FAQS

What are the legal hi-vis colours?

Hi-vis clothing worn as PPE must meet the EN ISO 20471 safety standard. The only compliant hi-vis clothing colours are fluorescent yellow, orange, and red.

Do hi-vis jackets need to be certified?

Hi-vis clothing must be certified if it’s needed for safety purposes. In the UK, all hi-vis workwear must meet the requirements of the EN ISO 20471 standard.

Can branding affect the compliance of hi-vis workwear?

Logos and company branding can make hi-vis workwear non-compliant.

Branding can’t cover the reflective strips or a large surface area of fluorescent material. Each hi-vis class has different minimum visibility requirements.