High-vis clothing

High-visibility clothing is part of your personal protective equipment (PPE) and must be certified in accordance with the European standard EN ISO 20471 (previously EN 471 until 2013). This ensures all requirements for high-visibility clothing are met. That includes materials in bright fluorescent warning colours and highly visible reflective strips that make sure you’re easily seen in all light and weather conditions, even from a distance.

Because risks vary from work environment to work environment, EN ISO 20471 is split into three categories: Protection class 1 to 3. The minimum area of high-vis elements on the garment will differ depending on the category. What matters for the classification is the risk posed by moving traffic:

• Class 1: Low risk. Protection class 1 high-vis clothing is rarely worn on its own in professional settings in Germany – if at all, it’s usually combined with higher classes.
• Class 2: Medium visibility. Class 1 is for environments with an increased level of risk, such as areas near roads with a speed limit of up to 60 km/h.
• Class 3: High visibility. Class 3 offers the highest visibility and is used in areas with speed limits above 60 km/h or with no speed limits at all, such as motorways or railway zones.

Every piece of Strauss high-visibility clothing is certified in accordance with EN ISO 20471:2013. Our range covers everything from class 1 to a huge selection of class 3 high-visibility protection – in both yellow and orange. With the e.s.motion 24/7 collection, we also offer high-vis clothing in typical industry colours, like red /high-vis yellow, blue / high-vis yellow and anthracite /orange.

You’ll find the relevant class listed in each product description. You can also use the online filter to select a specific protection class for your workwear under EN ISO and high-visibility options.

There are two options: You wear a single garment that meets the required class. Or: You combine two high-vis items, which are certified together to achieve a higher class. Check with your employer or your professional association to find out which class of high-visibility clothing is required for your job. If you’re unsure — for example if your workplace varies — always go for the higher class.

The hallmark of high-vis clothing is its signal colour, also known as a warning colour. These include fluorescent yellow, orange-red, and red. Fluorescent colours don’t occur naturally and stand out in any environment. When light hits them, they reflect part of it back.

But reflective strips are also needed to guarantee visibility in the dark or bad weather. These are made from retro-reflective material, which not only bounces light directly back to the source but also creates a glowing effect for the whole garment.