Choosing Right Custom Hi Vis Work Shirts: A Guide For Corporate Buyers

High visibility (hi vis) work shirts are essential for ensuring the safety and visibility of workers in various industries. Selecting the right custom hi vis shirts for your workforce involves several considerations. This guide will help corporate buyers make informed decisions. Providing insights gleaned from real-life customer scenarios, ensuring you receive practical, actionable tips.

Read on to discover how you can enhance safety and brand identity with the perfect Custom Hi Vis work shirts.

Select the Right Performance Level

ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard:Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3?

Choosing high visibility (hi vis) work shirts, it’s crucial to select the appropriate performance level based on the specific work environment and risks involved. The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard categorizes hi vis apparel into three classes, each offering different levels of visibility.

A. Class 1: Low-Risk Environments

Application:

• Suitable for workers in low-risk areas.
• Ideal for tasks where the worker’s attention is not primarily focused on approaching traffic or machinery.

Examples of Work Environments:

• Parking lot attendants
• Warehouse workers
• Delivery drivers in low-traffic areas

Key Features:

• Minimum background material: 217 square inches
• Minimum reflective material: 155 square inches
• Reflective material: 1-inch wide

Benefits:

• Provides basic visibility.
• Lightweight and less cumbersome, enhancing comfort for workers in less hazardous environments.

B. Class 2: Medium-Risk Environments

Application:

• Designed for workers exposed to moderate levels of risk.
• Appropriate for environments where traffic speeds do not exceed 50 mph.

Examples of Work Environments:

• Roadway construction workers
• Utility workers
• Survey crews

Key Features:

• Minimum background material: 775 square inches
• Minimum reflective material: 201 square inches
• Reflective material: 1.375 inches wide

Benefits:

• Higher visibility compared to Class 1.
• Offers greater coverage and reflective properties for enhanced safety.

C. Class 3: High-Risk Environments

Application:

• Essential for workers in high-risk areas with fast-moving traffic or low-light conditions.
• Required for environments where visibility is paramount due to hazardous conditions.

Examples of Work Environments:

• Highway construction workers
• Emergency responders
• Utility workers in high-speed traffic areas

Key Features:

• Minimum background material: 1240 square inches
• Minimum reflective material: 310 square inches
• Reflective material: 2 inches wide

Benefits:

• Maximum visibility in all lighting conditions.
• Provides full coverage, including sleeves and pant legs if applicable, ensuring the highest level of safety.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Class

1. Work Environment: Assess the specific conditions and risks present in the work environment. Higher traffic speeds and more hazardous conditions necessitate higher visibility.

2. Job Role: Determine the primary tasks of the workers and their exposure to potential hazards. Roles that involve direct interaction with traffic or heavy machinery often require higher visibility.

3. Visibility Needs: Consider the lighting conditions and the need for reflective materials. Workers operating in low-light or nighttime conditions will benefit from higher class garments.

Consider the Weather When Customizing Hi Vis Work Shirts

1. Fabric and Construction

a. Hot Weather

Fabric:

• Lightweight and Breathable Materials: Opt for fabrics like polyester mesh or moisture-wicking blends that allow air circulation and help keep the body cool.
• Moisture-Wicking Properties: Fabrics that wick away sweat and dry quickly can enhance comfort in hot and humid conditions.

Construction:

• Ventilation Panels: Shirts with mesh panels or vents improve airflow, reducing heat buildup.
• Loose Fit: A slightly looser fit allows for better air circulation and freedom of movement.

b. Cold Weather

Fabric:

• Insulated Materials: Consider fabrics with built-in insulation, such as fleece-lined polyester or quilted linings, to retain body heat.
• Thermal Properties: Look for materials that provide warmth while maintaining breathability, such as thermal knit fabrics.

Construction:

• Layering Options: Shirts designed to be layered over thermal base layers or under jackets can provide additional warmth.
• Adjustable Features: Cuffs and hems that can be adjusted to seal out cold air are beneficial.

c. Wet Weather

Fabric:

• Water-Resistant or Waterproof Materials: Choose fabrics treated with water-repellent coatings or those inherently water-resistant, such as nylon or treated polyester.
• Quick-Drying Properties: Fabrics that dry quickly prevent discomfort and cold from prolonged wetness.

Construction:

• Sealed Seams: Seams that are sealed or taped prevent water from seeping through the stitching.
• Hood and Cuffs: Shirts with adjustable hoods and cuffs help keep rain out.

2. Special Features

a. For Hot Weather:

• UV Protection: Fabrics with built-in UV protection can shield workers from harmful sun exposure.
• Antimicrobial Treatment: Prevents odor build-up and keeps shirts fresher for longer periods.

b. For Cold Weather:

• Reflective Insulation: Incorporate reflective strips that remain effective even in low temperatures.
• High Neck and Extended Hem: Provides additional coverage to keep the neck and lower back warm.

c. For Wet Weather:

• Waterproof Pockets: Keeps important items dry and accessible.
• Drainage Holes: Prevents water accumulation in pockets or other areas of the shirt.

3. High Visibility Work Shirts for Different Weather Conditions

Summer/Hot Weather Hi Vis Shirts

• Fabric: Lightweight polyester mesh with moisture-wicking properties.
• Features: Ventilation panels, UV protection, and a loose fit for enhanced airflow.
• Example: A short-sleeved hi vis shirt with reflective strips, mesh ventilation on the sides, and moisture-wicking fabric.

Winter/Cold Weather Hi Vis Shirts

• Fabric: Insulated polyester or fleece-lined materials.
• Features: Thermal properties, layering options, adjustable cuffs and hems, and a high neck for warmth.
• Example: A long-sleeved hi vis shirt with reflective strips, fleece lining, and an extended hem for added warmth.

Rainy/Wet Weather Hi Vis Shirts

• Fabric: Water-resistant or waterproof treated polyester or nylon.
• Features: Sealed seams, adjustable hoods and cuffs, waterproof pockets, and quick-drying properties.
• Example: A long-sleeved hi vis rain shirt with reflective strips, waterproof zippers, and a hood.

Choose a Design for Custom Hi Vis Work Shirts

a. Customization Options

1. Color Selection

• Standard Hi Vis Colors: Fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, and red are the most common colors used for hi vis shirts due to their high visibility in various environments.
• Brand Colors: If possible, integrate your company’s brand colors while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

2. Reflective Material

• Type of Reflective Tape: Choose between standard reflective tape or segmented reflective tape. Segmented tape can be more flexible and comfortable.
• Pattern and Placement: Reflective strips can be placed horizontally, vertically, or in an “X” pattern on the back. Ensure the placement does not interfere with the garment’s functionality.

3. Fabric Choices

• Moisture-Wicking: Ideal for hot weather or physically demanding jobs.
• Insulated: Best for cold environments.
• Water-Resistant: Necessary for wet conditions.
• Breathable Mesh: Provides additional comfort in hot climates.

4. Style Options

• Short-Sleeve vs. Long-Sleeve: Choose based on the working environment and weather conditions.
• Pockets: Adding chest or side pockets for practicality.
• Zipper vs. Pullover: Depending on ease of wear and user preference.

b. Logo Placement

Strategically placing your company logo on hi vis work shirts can enhance brand visibility without compromising safety. Here are optimal locations for logo placement:

1. Chest Area

• Left or Right Chest: A small to medium-sized logo placed on the left or right chest area is a standard choice. It is easily visible and does not interfere with reflective strips.
• Centered Chest: Placing the logo in the center can also work, especially if reflective strips are positioned on the shoulders and sleeves.

2. Back Area

• Upper Back: A logo placed between the shoulder blades is highly visible and does not interfere with reflective tape on the lower back or sides.
• Full Back: For maximum visibility, a large logo can be placed across the upper back, just below the reflective “X” pattern if used.

3. Sleeves

• Shoulders or Upper Sleeves: Small logos on the upper sleeves are another option. Ensure they do not interfere with reflective strips or tape.

4. Pocket Area

• Above or On Pockets: If the shirt has chest pockets, the logo can be placed above or directly on the pocket.

Order Custom Hi Vis Work Shirts at LeelineCustom.com

1. Extensive Customization Options

   • We offer a wide range of colors, fabrics, and styles at LeelineCustom to ensure your hi-vis work shirts meet both safety standards and your brand’s aesthetic.
   • Add your company logo, employee names, or any other customization to promote your brand while ensuring visibility.

2. High-Quality Materials

   • Our hi-vis shirts are made from durable, breathable, and comfortable materials, ensuring your team stays comfortable and safe in any working conditions.
   • We provide moisture-wicking, insulated, and water-resistant options to cater to different weather conditions.

3. Compliance with Safety Standards

   • All our hi-vis work shirts comply with ANSI/ISEA 107 standards, ensuring maximum visibility and safety for your workers.
   • We offer Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 hi-vis shirts to match the specific needs of different work environments.

4. Expert Design and Support

   • Our team of experts is ready to help you design the perfect hi-vis work shirts for your needs.
   • We provide personalized customer support and service to guide you through the customization and ordering process.

5. Fast Turnaround and Delivery

   • We understand the importance of timely delivery. Our efficient production process ensures that you receive your custom hi-vis shirts quickly, without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right custom Hi-Vis work shirts involves assessing material quality, visibility features, comfort, and compliance with safety standards. Additionally, it’s important to consider branding options and customization features that align with your business needs. Ensure durability and safety by selecting reputable suppliers and testing samples.

For more detailed options about customizing work shirts and other products, visit leelinecustom.com. If you have custom T-shirts requests for your business, contact us with [email protected] to find the right solutions tailored to your needs.