ANSI FAQs
ANSI hi-vis apparel: common questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility apparel. For a deeper look at garment types, classes and labeling, see ANSI Made Easy.
Who decides which ANSI class my crew needs?
A "competent person" at your company, usually the safety director or safety manager, makes the call, ideally after a risk assessment. The main factors are traffic speed, how complex the work environment is, and how much workers' attention is on their task rather than on traffic. Some companies simply standardize on Class 3 for every hi-vis need as a precaution.
Shop by class: ANSI Class 2 · ANSI Class 3 · ANSI Class E (supplemental)
What colors can ANSI garments come in?
ANSI recognizes three fluorescent background colors: yellow-green (lime), orange-red and red. In the U.S. you'll mainly find lime and orange; red is largely a European option.
Why is lime more common than orange in the U.S.?
- It's easier to see. Industry research has found lime stands out better than orange in busy, cluttered work zones.
- Color blindness. Under sodium roadway lighting, some colorblind workers can perceive orange as black.
- Less blending in. Barricades, cones and much work-zone equipment are orange, so orange-clad workers can get lost against them in low visibility.
- Avoiding confusion. Orange is also used for prison work crews, which road crews generally want to avoid being mistaken for.
Can I buy cotton hi-vis and still be ANSI compliant?
No. ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 requires a compliant fluorescent background material, and cotton doesn't hold the required fluorescent dye; it fades quickly in the wash. That includes 50/50 cotton-poly blends sold as "safety green" or "safety orange": adding reflective tape doesn't make them compliant.
Polyester feels hotter than cotton. Are there cooler options?
Low-quality polyester can be heavy and doesn't wick, but modern performance polyesters are a different story. A quality cotton shirt typically weighs around 6.2 oz, while today's lightweight polyester micromesh and birdseye knits can be as light as about 3.7 oz and pull moisture away from the skin.
Shop cooler options: Moisture-wicking · Breathable
Can I add our logo or names to ANSI apparel?
Yes, and many companies do. Logos build a professional, recognizable look, and adding titles, training levels or safety awards can help morale. Personalized apparel also tends to walk off the job site less often.
The catch is size: decoration covers background material, so a logo that's too large, especially on a small garment like a vest, can take it out of compliance. We size decoration to keep garments compliant. See our Logo Guide and Customization page.
How should I wash ANSI garments?
- Don't dry clean.
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water with regular detergent.
- Skip fabric softener and bleach; they reduce wicking and breathability and wear out the garment.
- Turn garments inside out to protect the reflective tape.
- Line dry whenever possible.
- Check the care label for the maximum number of wash cycles the garment is rated for.
What kinds of reflective material are there?
There are two main types: glass bead (open cell) and prismatic (closed cell). Glass bead is the most common on apparel; it uses tiny glass beads set in an adhesive layer to bounce light back toward its source. 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective material is a well-known example.
Shop: 3M Scotchlite Trim · Segmented Tape
What changed between ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 and 107-2020?
- Accessories removed. The 2020 edition dropped the separate hi-vis accessory criteria and focuses on garment configuration and design within each Type and Performance Class.
- Single-use disposable coveralls. New provisions cover disposable coveralls used where garments get heavily soiled, with their own minimum material, color and labeling requirements.
- Updated test methods. Material testing was aligned with current versions of related test methods.
- Nighttime visibility. The standard adds a way to measure overall nighttime luminance, with an optional test method (ASTM E1501) manufacturers can use.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help you pick the right class, color and style for your crew. Contact us or request a quote.
This is an educational summary, not an official interpretation of ANSI/ISEA 107 or a determination of workplace compliance. The standard, manufacturer documentation and your safety professional's assessment should govern garment selection.