Hi-Vis Jackets vs. Hi-Vis Vests – Which Is Better for Your Workforce?

No matter the industry you work in, hi-vis clothing is key to increasing your team's visibility and safety on site. Making it an important piece of equipment in your PPE toolkit. 

Hi-vis jackets and vests are a go-to choice, as they’re easy to wear over other clothing indoors or out, making them incredibly versatile.

But deciding which is best for your workforce can be confusing... what's the best option for your team? 

We're here to help you decide. 

Hi-vis Jackets vs. Hi-vis Vests: Which is better?

It all depends on your industry and your specific job demands.

These factors will include: 

• If your team works outdoors
• The level of waterproofing needed
• How mobile will your team need to be
• How much protective coverage the job requires

Long story short, hi-vis jackets aren't better than hi-vis vests and vice versa.

They were designed for different workplace applications and have different features as a result. 

Hi-vis Jackets

Hi-vis jackets were made to provide a strong level of protection against serious on-the-job hazards.

They're designed to be highly durable and warm to protect workers against cold and wet working conditions. 

Key features:

• Full-length sleeves to protect the arms. 
• Enhanced protection against weather and moisture
• Good for use in tougher environments thanks to more durable materials
• Hi-vis jackets are warmer, making them best for use in cold environments

HI-VIS JACKETS ARE BEST FOR:

• Teams working with hazardous materials
• Anyone working with heavy equipment or machinery
• Crews working outside or in contact with the elements

Hi-vis Vests

Hi-vis vests (also known as hi-vis waistcoats) were made to provide an everyday level of protection for on-site teams. 

They’re easy to put on at a moment’s notice, making them a good choice for companies with low hi-vis requirements. 

Key features:

• Usable in hot and humid conditions
• Only provide protection for the torso
• Lightweight but have limited durability

HI-VIS VESTS ARE BEST FOR:

• Workplaces where teams work mainly indoors
• Situations where hi-vis safety equipment is needed at short notice

How to decide if a hi-vis jacket or a hi-vis vest is best for your workforce

To decide if hi-vis jackets or hi-vis vests are best for your team, you need to think about your team's working environment.

Think about the:

• Common tasks
• Most likely hazards
• If they work indoors or outdoors

You should conduct risk assessments in all areas where your team will be working.

This will indicate what kind of hi-vis protection will be required on a per-area basis. 

Check out our guide on conducting a PPE risk assessment, and use our handy risk assessment template.

Need hi-vis jackets and hi-vis vests for your team?

You’ve come to the right place! SMI is a leading supplier of hi-vis jackets and hi-vis vests for UK workforces.

You’ll find a full range of hi-vis clothing in our online store. We provide high-quality hi-vis for both men and women, made to be EN compliant for use in the UK. 

Need to talk about your requirements?
Give us a call or send us a message online!

FAQs

Why do builders wear hi-vis jackets?

Builders most commonly work outside. This means they need fluorescence to stand out in lower light levels. 

However, they’re also likely to work in harsher elements than indoor teams wearing hi-vis vests. 

Hi-vis jackets are created to be warm and provide cover for the whole body. This makes hi-vis jackets a better PPE option for builders and construction teams as a whole. 

Is hi-vis clothing a legal requirement in the UK?

Work regulations in the UK mean employers must provide hi-vis clothing to their workers if the job has visibility-related hazards. 

This hi-vis clothing also needs to be suitable for the work demands, and must be provided free of charge. 

Why are there different colours of hi-vis jackets?

There are different colours of hi-vis jackets to make sure hi-vis PPE follows correct safety standards.

If you want to find out more, check out our full breakdown of hi-vis colours and their meanings.