Hi-Viz Wear: Beyond Color and Into Performance

You see it everywhere these days -- hi viz clothing.  It's popular among athletes who train outdoors for obvious reasons. The high visibility colors draw the eye making drivers and others aware of their presence. But for the worker who uses hi-viz clothing, it's not merely the bright colors and meeting the ANSI requirements for safety, but it is also the performance of the garment that makes it an indispensable part of their work gear. The following are some important characteristics to look for in hi-viz wear for the workplace:
     

• Flame Resistance: Hi-viz apparel made with modacrylic fibers are inherently flame resistant. Although the material burns when directly exposed to flame, it will not drip or melt and is self-extinguishing once the fire source is removed. The flame resistance of this particular type of clothing is known as durable, meaning that its flame retardant qualities will not diminish after repeated washing.
• Comfort: Hi-viz clothing made with HydrowickTM technologies allow perspiration to dry away from the skin, keeping the wearer cool and dry even in high temperatures.  Additionally, the material is soft, strong, and resilient making it durable, comfortable, and able to keep its shape.
• Soil and Stain Release Properties: Because working outdoors can leave clothing soiled and stained, it's important for the materials to wash well for long wear of the garment. Look for garments that have these properties for greater longevity and wear.
• Chemical/Insect Resistance:  Hi-viz wear made with modacrylic fibers are excellent in their ability to resist chemicals and solvents while also being resistant to things such as mildew and moths.

Look for these qualities to get the most out of your hi-viz wear for the job!