Which reflective safety vests are best?
Working outside on construction sites or out on the open road can be dangerous enough, but add being in the dark and not visible to the drivers of passing cars to the mix, and it can be a deadly combination.
Crossing guards, police officers, first responders, security guards, TSA employees and more can benefit from wearing a safety vest on the job. It’s also a good idea to purchase a vest if you’re outside exercising or walking after the sun goes down. It doesn’t hurt to keep a reflective vest in the trunk of your car in case you ever have to change a tire in the middle of the night.
Overall, reflective vests are relatively inexpensive, and our top pick is the JKSafety Class 2 High Visibility Safety Vest, because it’s convenient and ideal for everyday use.
What to know before you buy reflective safety vests
Fluorescent colors
It’s the fluorescent colors that make the vest easier to see because the shades are brighter and can’t help but be noticed by the human eye. However, even fluorescent colors aren’t visible in the dark. They need light reflected either from the sun or another source of ultraviolet light.
Yellow and orange are the most common fluorescent colors found on vests, but some models are also available in pink and blue, though these might not comply with some worksite regulations.
Reflective tape
Reflective tape is different in that it’s also not visible in the dark, but it can reflect a light source back, such as the headlights of an approaching car.
There are typically two types of reflective tape: glass bead and micro prismatic. Glass bead tape is silver and has actual glass beads on the surface. It’s common and easy to produce. Micro prismatic tape is more durable, effective, and costly because it’s made up of prisms.
What to look for when buying reflective safety vests
Size
Keep in mind that a reflective vest is meant to be worn over your clothes. If you’ll be wearing your vest outside in the winter, it will have to fit over a jacket, so it’s a good idea to opt for a larger size.
Durability
These vests are often worn outside and on job sites, so they will undergo some wear and tear. Thinner mesh material might not last as long as stronger polyester material, so consider that when selecting a model.
Pockets
What sets some of the higher quality vests apart are pockets that allow you to hold and access various items easily. This is ideal for those wearing their vest while on the job or even on a late-night walk around the neighborhood.
If you’re looking for something that serves the same function but is a little more comfortable and casual than a reflective vest, try a reflective shirt.
How much you can expect to spend on reflective safety vests
An inexpensive reflective safety vest can cost under $10. These vests are usually made from a thin mesh material and aren’t as durable. A higher-quality vest made for more rugged outdoor work will run you about $15. These tend to have additional benefits, such as zippers and pockets.
Reflective safety vest FAQ
How do I clean my reflective safety vest?
A. A reflective safety vest should be cleaned often, as dirt can reduce the efficiency of the fluorescent and reflective parts. The vest should never be dry-cleaned. It should be washed on the cold setting or in cold water and either hung to dry or dried on low heat. Never iron a reflective vest.
Should I wear a reflective safety vest during the day?
A. Yes. A vest with reflective colors and tape can make you more noticeable during the day. However, those fluorescent colors and reflective tape are only visible in the dark when light is directly shined on them.
What are the best reflective safety vests to buy?
Top reflective safety vest
JKSafety Class 2 High Visibility Safety Vest
What you need to know: An ideal vest for all types of workers.
What you’ll love: This vest is compliant with industry standards, making it perfect for workers. It also has nine different pockets, perfect for storing your phone and other work equipment while on the job. Made from polyester and machine-washable, this vest is both durable and easy to clean. It also makes you visible in even low light.
What you should consider: It’s one of the more expensive models on the market.
Top reflective safety vest for money
Neiko Safety Vest
What you need to know: This is an inexpensive vest that’s of great quality for the price and highly reflective.
What you’ll love: This safety vest features two horizontal and vertical reflective strips on both the front and back. It’s extremely lightweight and breathable and is available in multiple sizes, all the way up to XXXL.
What you should consider: It’s durable, but the material can get uncomfortable, especially when outside in the sun or when the weather is warm.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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