Class 2 vs Class 3 High-Visibility Clothing: What's the Difference?
If you've ever shopped for safety gear or high-visibility workwear, you've probably seen class 2 high visibility clothing and class 3 high visibility clothing on product labels. These labels aren't just for show, they're part of a system created by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to help workers and employers understand the level of visibility and protection a garment provides. But what exactly do these classes mean, and how do you know which one is right for the job?
What Is Class 2 High Visibility Clothing?
Class 2 high visibility clothing is designed for workers near traffic or moving equipment, but not directly in it. These garments provide more visibility than basic reflective gear, but less than in class 3. They usually include class 2 safety vests, shirts, or jackets with reflective tape and bright fluorescent fabric, like neon yellow-green or orange.
Class 2 garments are meant for daytime use or low-light situations where vehicles or machines move under 50 miles per hour. Workers in construction, parking lot operations, and maintenance crews often wear class 2 high visibility clothing. It's the right level of visibility when you need to be seen, but you're not in the middle of fast-moving traffic or extreme weather conditions.
What Is Class 3 High Visibility Clothing?
Class 3 high visibility clothing provides the highest visibility recognized by ANSI. These garments are for workers in high-risk environments where visibility is critical. They offer more reflective material and a brighter surface area than class 2 clothing, usually covering the arms, legs, and torso.
This gear includes jackets, coveralls, rain suits, and long-sleeved shirts with extensive reflective tape. Class 3 high visibility clothing is made for those working near high-speed traffic, in poor weather, at night, or in complex job sites where distractions are everywhere. For example, highway road crews, utility workers, and emergency responders often wear Class 3 to help make sure they stand out from their surroundings at all times.
The Key Differences Between Class 2 and Class 3
While both classes are made with safety in mind, the most significant difference lies in how much of your body is covered with visible material. Class 3 gear gives you more visibility, more fabric, reflective tape, and coverage. Class 2 clothing might only be a vest over your shirt, while class 3 typically includes full-sleeve or full-body garments. If you're working in a place with fast traffic, bad weather, or poor lighting, class 3 is the better choice.
Choosing the Right High-Visibility Gear for the Job
Consider your work environment when deciding between class 2 and class 3 high visibility clothing. Ask yourself how close you are to traffic, how fast the vehicles move, when you're working, and whether weather or lighting could reduce visibility. You want to be sure that others can see you clearly from a distance and every angle.
At Hi-Viz.com, we carry a complete line of Class 2 and Class 3 high visibility clothing for construction, public safety, utilities, and more. Whether you're looking for a simple vest or a full reflective jacket with custom printing, we have the gear to help you stay safe and seen.
Need high-quality hi-vis gear you can trust?
Understanding the difference between class 2 high visibility clothing and class 3 high visibility clothing can help you choose the proper protection for your job. The higher the risk, the more visibility you need. It's not just about compliance, it's about ensuring you get home safely at the end of every shift.
Shop now at Hi-Viz.com for ANSI-compliant class 2 and class 3 high visibility clothing trusted by workers and public safety teams nationwide. We also offer custom printing so your crew can proudly wear department logos, company names, or safety titles. Get the gear that works as hard as you do, order today.