High Visibility Jackets - ANSI-Certified Reflective Safety Coats & Outerwear

For most road construction environments, ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or Class 3 is required. Class 2 covers work zones where traffic speeds are 25–50 mph and worker attention may be diverted. Class 3 is required for high-speed roadways (over 50 mph), complex backgrounds, or any situation where maximum visibility is critical — such as highway construction, nighttime work, or flagging operations. When in doubt, Class 3 is always the safer choice and satisfies Class 2 requirements. The FHWA mandates Class 2 or Class 3 hi-vis apparel for all workers in the right-of-way on federally funded highway projects.

Bomber jackets are hip-length insulated jackets with ribbed cuffs and hem, designed for cold weather work where warmth and a close fit are needed. They are a popular choice for utility, construction, and transit workers in cold climates.

Parkas are longer-length insulated jackets — typically extending to the hip or mid-thigh — providing more coverage and warmth than a bomber. Parkas are ideal for workers exposed to wind and cold for extended periods, such as road crews and outdoor utility workers in winter conditions.

Soft shell jackets are lightweight, stretch-woven outer layers that provide wind resistance and light water repellency without insulation bulk. They are best suited for active work in cool to cold temperatures where breathability and mobility are priorities over heavy warmth.

A convertible hi-vis jacket is a multi-configuration garment that can be worn as a full jacket or converted — typically by removing the sleeves — into a safety vest. This versatility is useful for workers who move between environments requiring different levels of coverage, such as spending part of a shift outdoors in cold weather and part of a shift in a vehicle or heated enclosure. Convertible jackets eliminate the need to carry and change between a separate jacket and vest, and both configurations maintain ANSI certification.

X Back hi-vis jackets feature retroreflective tape arranged in an "X" pattern across the back panel, rather than the standard horizontal band configuration. The X Back layout maintains retroreflective tape visibility at all angles — including when the worker is bent over, crouched, or facing away from traffic. Some state DOTs and project specifications require X Back configuration for flaggers and road construction workers. Even where not specifically mandated, X Back jackets are recommended for workers who frequently change body position or work with their backs facing traffic.

Yes, but fit and ANSI certification must be considered carefully. A hi-vis jacket worn under a fall protection harness may obscure retroreflective tape and compromise visibility — in harness-required environments, a hi-vis safety vest worn over the harness is typically the correct approach, as it keeps reflective tape visible and ANSI certification intact. Many workers in harness environments wear a non-hi-vis jacket as an underlayer for warmth and add a certified hi-vis vest on top. If your worksite requires both hi-vis clothing and fall protection, consult your site safety officer to confirm the correct combination meets both ANSI/ISEA 107 and your fall protection program requirements.

Yes — hi-vis windbreakers carried by Safety Smart Gear are ANSI/ISEA 107 certified (Class 2 or Class 3 as specified). Windbreakers are lightweight, packable outer layers designed to block wind and light rain without the bulk of a full insulated jacket. They are an excellent choice for spring and fall conditions or for workers who move frequently between outdoors and heated environments. Like all ANSI-certified hi-vis outerwear, windbreakers must display the required fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape placement to carry their certification.

Safety Smart Gear carries hi-vis jackets from leading brands including GSS Safety, Majestic, OccuNomix, Kishigo, Blaklader, Portwest, and Utility Pro. Our jacket selection spans bomber jackets, parkas, soft shell jackets, windbreakers, convertible jackets, enhanced visibility styles, and X Back configurations — in both ANSI Class 2 and Class 3, in fluorescent yellow-green and fluorescent orange-red colorways.

Proper laundering maintains the performance of both the fluorescent background fabric and the retroreflective tape. General guidelines: machine wash in warm water using mild detergent; avoid chlorine bleach and fabric softeners, which can degrade fluorescent dyes and retroreflective material; tumble dry on low heat or hang dry; do not iron directly over retroreflective tape. Inspect jackets regularly — retroreflective tape that has peeled, cracked, or become heavily soiled no longer meets ANSI performance requirements and the garment should be replaced. Always follow the specific care label instructions on each garment.

Enhanced Visibility (non-ANSI) jackets use high-visibility colors and reflective elements but do not meet the full ANSI/ISEA 107 certification requirements for background material area, retroreflective tape placement, or tape quantity. They are appropriate for low-traffic environments where some visibility improvement is desired but full ANSI certification is not mandated — such as warehouse operations, landscaping, or industrial sites without public road traffic. They must never be used as a substitute for certified Class 2 or Class 3 jackets where ANSI compliance is required by OSHA, FHWA, or project specification.

Yes. Safety Smart Gear offers bulk and volume pricing for contractors, municipalities, utilities, and organizations outfitting crews with hi-vis jackets. You can request a bulk quote on our website. Custom logo printing is also available on select hi-vis jackets through our printing program. Contact us at (508) 248-3141 for fleet or safety program pricing.