What Makes A Good High Visibility Jacket?

Choosing the right high visibility apparel is a vital part for ensuring your safety and comfort when operating in hazardous work environments. With so many different hi-vis options available, each boasting various features, it can be challenging to choose the right high visibility clothing for your needs. Only by paying attention to key elements in the manufacture and design of the garment can you be sure of making a choice that is not only fully compliant with safety standards, but also provides the right level of protection, giving you maximum visibility and keeping you warm, comfortable and protected whilst working on site. In this blog post we outline the key features to look for when selecting your hi-vis gear, ensuring you make the most informed decision and choose a product that will reduce risk to the lowest levels while optimising wearer wellbeing.

Reflective Tape
It’s important to look for segmented tape, which is much more flexible and eliminates gaps over garment seams. Heat-applied tape ensures no stitching is required, making the jacket less bulky and more lightweight. This application method not only looks smarter but also gives the wearer more freedom of movement. Every garment in our new hi-vis range features heat-applied segmented tape for optimal performance and comfort.

 

Cuff Design
When selecting a high visibility jacket, pay special attention to the cuff design, and make sure you select storm cuffs. These are an important feature when working in cold or foul weather conditions. Storm cuffs provide an extra layer of protection, creating a barrier against the elements and keeping your arms and wrists warm, dry, and comfortable in harsh conditions and during extended wear. By keeping you more comfortable in adverse weather, storm cuffs contribute to overall safety by reducing distractions caused by discomfort. When choosing a high visibility jacket with storm cuffs, ensure they are well-constructed, with durable materials that can withstand frequent use and washing. The cuffs should be adjustable to provide a snug fit without being too tight, allowing for easy movement and dexterity in your work.

 

Hood Options
When working outdoors in variable weather conditions, a hood can be an essential feature of a high visibility jacket for protection from rain, wind, and cold. Roll-away hoods are an excellent option for work sites where a hood isn’t always necessary. However, it is very important to check any site regulations regarding hoods, particularly if you work in the rail industry, as they may be forbidden due to the risk of entanglement with equipment or moving vehicles. Also consider how the hood will work with other required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protective headgear or ear protection, and ensure it does not obstruct your vision.

 

ID Card Holder
While an ID card holder might seem like a small detail, it’s important for adhering to site security protocols, and eliminates any need for separate lanyards or clip-on badge holders, which can be cumbersome. Look for jackets with a clear ID card pocket. This allows for easy visibility of your identification without the need to remove it from the holder, saving time and reducing the risk of loss or damage. Some jacket designs allow the ID card holder to be easily concealed when not in use, beneficial when leaving the work site or in situations where displaying ID isn’t necessary. 

 

Pockets
There’s nothing worse than a garment with too few pockets. Look for jackets that offer a diverse range of pocket types, each designed for specific uses. This variety ensures you can safely store and easily access all your essential items.

Pockets types to look out for –

Napoleon Pocket: A vertical chest pocket, perfect for quick access to items like phones or small tools.
Cargo Pockets: Usually located on the lower front or sides of the jacket, these spacious pockets often feature expandable sides for additional storage capacity, without adding bulk when empty.
Chest Pockets: Ideal for storing smaller items that you need to access frequently.
Inner Pockets: Provide secure storage for personal items like wallets or keys.
Specialized Features: Some high-visibility jackets include extra details, such as a headphone wire outlet allowing you to listen to music or take calls while keeping your device safely stored in a pocket.

Having an adequate number and variety of pockets can significantly enhance the garment’s functionality and user convenience. Ensure that pockets are positioned for easy access, even when wearing gloves or other protective gear.

 

Lining
Look for jackets featuring padded thermal lining, as this provides superior insulation, trapping body heat and distributing consistent warmth distribution across the body. A quilted lining offers ultimate comfort, the quilting process creating small pockets of air that provide additional insulation while also ensuring the padding stays evenly distributed throughout the jacket. Choosing the best lining can significantly enhance your efficiency, allowing you to focus on your work without the intrusive effects of cold conditions or skin irritation.

 

Choosing the Right High Visibility Apparel for Your Needs

There are numerous factors to consider when selecting a high visibility jacket that’s both safe and comfortable for your work environment. Each feature plays a crucial role in creating an effective and user-friendly garment. There is also the need for full compliance with relevant safety standards, and overall design and fit.

The new Clad Safety range of high visibility jackets has been meticulously designed to include all of these important features.

Our team has carefully considered the needs of workers across key industries to create jackets that not only perform to the highest performance standards, but meet safety regulations while providing comfort, convenience, and durability. If you’re interested in learning more about our new premium quality high vis jacket range or want to find the perfect jacket for your work requirements, why not get touch with us today on  01423 881266 or email us at [email protected]. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the options and find the ideal high visibility solution for you or your workforce.