High-Visibility Clothing: Guide to EN ISO 20471 Classes (1, 2 and 3)

Q: What is the difference between EN ISO 20471 and EN 17353?

EN 17353 is a more recent standard designed for enhanced visibility workwear that does not always reach the minimums of EN ISO 20471, useful for moderate risks where traditional Class 1-2 would be excessive.

Quick answer: the EN ISO 20471 standard classifies high-visibility clothing into 3 classes based on the minimum surface area of fluorescent and retroreflective material. Class 3 (the highest) requires combining a long-sleeved upper garment with high-visibility trousers or a one-piece coverall/suit; it is used in public works and night work or on roads with traffic. Class 2 is common on construction sites and warehouses with lower risk, and Class 1 is reserved for accessories or low-risk environments, almost always combined with another garment to reach a higher class.

The 3 classes of the EN ISO 20471 standard

Class	Minimum fluorescent material	When to use it	Product example
Class 1	0.14 m²	Accessory in low-risk environments or combined with another garment	EN 17353 Reflective Trousers
Class 2	0.50 m²	Construction sites, warehouses, urban maintenance	Jacket with Reflective Tape
Class 3	0.80 m²	Roads with traffic, public works, night work	Class 3 High-Visibility Rain Suit

Garments by type of shift

Daytime shift on site: high-visibility sweatshirt or Xenon Rugby shirt, comfortable and breathable.
Cold or rain: Extreme jacket or high-visibility rain suit, both certified.
Night work or roadwork: combine a Class 2-3 upper garment with reflective trousers to reach a Class 3 outfit.

All of Vetonek's high-visibility PPE garments carry CE marking and comply with EN ISO 20471; check each product page for the exact class and available sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine two Class 1 garments to reach Class 3?

Yes, as long as the combined fluorescent and retroreflective surface area of both garments meets the Class 3 minimums (0.80 m² fluorescent and 0.20 m² retroreflective). It is common to combine a Class 2 upper garment with a Class 1 trouser.

Does high-visibility clothing expire?

Retroreflective material loses effectiveness with washing, abrasion and sun exposure. The manufacturer states a maximum number of wash cycles on the inner label; beyond that point the garment should be replaced.

What is the difference between EN ISO 20471 and EN 17353?

EN 17353 is a more recent standard designed for "enhanced visibility" workwear that does not always reach the minimums of EN ISO 20471, useful for moderate risks where traditional Class 1-2 would be excessive.