Waterproof high-visibility clothing combines high visibility with protection against moisture and is used in working environments where rain, snow or moisture can affect safety. They are part of personal protective equipment that helps workers stay dry, visible and safe in all weather conditions.
Waterproof high-visibility clothing is workwear made to resist the penetration of water even during prolonged exposure. They often comply with the EN 343 standard, which sets out requirements for waterproofness and breathability of protective clothing.
The garments are used in occupations such as road and construction work, emergency services and airport operations. In these environments, both visibility and weather protection are crucial for safety.
To achieve waterproofness, sealed seams, waterproof zippers and materials with a polyurethane or membrane coating are used. The combination of these techniques prevents water from entering while allowing moisture from the body to ventilate out.
The aim is to provide long-lasting protection without compromising freedom of movement or comfort. This allows workers to perform their tasks effectively even in adverse weather conditions.
It is important to distinguish between waterproof and water-repellent materials. A waterproof material completely prevents water from penetrating the fabric, while a water-repellent material only resists light rain or moisture for a short time.
| Characteristics | Waterproof | Water repellent |
|---|---|---|
| Protection level | High - resists penetration | Moderate - withstands light rain |
| Seams | Sealed | Usually open |
| Area of use | Heavy rain, prolonged exposure | Shorter outdoor work |
| Standard | EN 343 | No specific standard |
This difference affects the choice of workwear depending on the risk level of the working environment. In high-risk areas, waterproof high-visibility clothing is required to ensure that protection is not compromised by prolonged rainfall.
Waterproof high-visibility clothing provides several practical benefits. It prevents hypothermia by keeping the body dry, reducing the risk of illness and fatigue.
They maintain visibility even in the rain, as reflective details work effectively on wet surfaces. They are often used in combination with breathability, which improves comfort during physical work.
It allows moisture from sweat to pass out without water getting in. For employers, this means fewer interruptions and increased safety in production.
Waterproof high-visibility clothing must meet both visibility and wetness protection requirements. They must therefore be tested and certified according to standards that regulate visibility, waterproofness of the material and durability in different working environments.
The EN ISO 20471 standard sets the minimum visibility requirements for high-visibility clothing. It defines the amount of fluorescent and reflective material required to make the wearer clearly visible in daylight, twilight and darkness.
For waterproof garments, EN 343 is often added, which deals with protection against rain and water penetration. It tests both the waterproofness (class 1-4) and breathability of the material.
Clothing that combines EN ISO 20471 and EN 343 must meet both standards simultaneously. This means that seams must be taped, the material must be able to withstand repeated washing and the reflectors must retain their function even after exposure to moisture.
The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that certified garments are labeled with the correct symbols and class levels. The label clearly indicates the protective properties of the garment.
Warning clothing is divided into three safety classes according to EN ISO 20471, based on the amount of fluorescent surface and reflective material the garment contains.
| Class | Level of visibility | Typical areas of use |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Lowest | Working in low risk environments, such as warehouses or fenced areas |
| Class 2 | Medium | Road works or construction sites with some traffic |
| Class 3 | Highest | Busy roads, emergency services, night work |
For a garment to reach class 3, a larger surface of fluorescent material and more reflectors are required. In some cases, several garments need to be combined, such as a jacket and trousers, to reach the highest class.
Class 3 waterproof high visibility garments are often used in occupations where both visibility and protection from the wet are essential for safety.
Visibility is based on two main components: fluorescent surface and reflectors. The fluorescent material makes the wearer visible in daylight and at dusk, while the reflectors reflect light from, for example, car headlights in the dark.
Minimum surface requirements are given in square meters and vary between classes. For example, Class 3 requires a significantly larger fluorescent surface than Class 1.
The width and positioning of reflective tape is also governed by the standard to ensure 360° visibility. For waterproof high-visibility clothing, the reflectors must be laminated or sewn with taped seams to prevent water penetration.
The material should also retain its color and reflectivity after repeated washing and exposure to rain or dirt.
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Waterproof high-visibility clothing combines protection against wetness with high visibility through fluorescent materials and reflectors. They are designed to withstand rain, wind and dirt without compromising the wearer's freedom of movement or comfort during long work shifts.
Waterproof protection often relies on membranes or coatings that prevent water from entering but allow moisture to pass outwards. Common technologies include PU coatings, PTFE membranes and microporous laminates.
The membrane is laminated to the outer fabric, which is usually made of durable polyester. Seams are taped to eliminate weak points where water might otherwise leak in.
| Type of technology | Characteristic | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| PU coating | Flexible, affordable | Rain jackets, trousers |
| PTFE membrane | Highly waterproof, durable | Professional protective clothing |
| Microporous laminate | Lightweight, breathable | Lighter jackets |
The combination of waterproof membrane and fluorescent outer fabric ensures the garment meets EN ISO 20471 for visibility even in wet conditions.
Breathability is crucial to avoid condensation and overheating. A well-balanced garment allows sweat vapor to pass through the material while stopping rain.
Manufacturers often indicate breathability in g/m²/24h, which shows how much moisture the material lets through. A value above 5 000 g/m²/24h is considered to provide good comfort for moderate activity.
Lined variants often use mesh linings or thin insulating layers that help retain warmth without reducing ventilation. Adjustable vents at the sleeves and waist improve airflow.
Reflectors are strategically placed to maintain visibility even when the garment is ventilated or worn in multiple layers.
Freedom of movement is crucial for both safety and efficiency. Today, stretch materials are often used in strategic places such as shoulders, knees and back panels.
This allows the garment to follow the body smoothly, without feeling stiff or restrictive. Elastic fibers like spandex or elastane are often blended with polyester for the right mix of flexibility and durability.
To withstand more, exposed areas, such as knees and elbows, are reinforced with heavier fabric or double layers. This reduces the risk of both wear and tear.
Stretch warning clothing keeps its shape even when combined with fluorescent materials and reflectors. Visibility is therefore not affected by the stretching of the fabric.
Waterproof high-visibility clothing combines visibility with protection against rain, wind and cold. They are often used in construction, transportation and road works where the job must get done regardless of the weather.
A high-visibility jacket is one of the most commonly used garments for protective work. It is almost always fluorescent yellow or orange fabric with reflective bands according to EN ISO 20471.
Often the fabric has a waterproof membrane or PU coating to keep moisture out. For colder days, there are winter parkas with insulating linings and taped seams.
They protect against both rain and cold without feeling bulky. Many variants have a detachable hood, ventilation openings and reinforced shoulder sections for extra durability.
| Characteristic | Typical function |
|---|---|
| Waterproofness | 10 000-20 000 mm water column |
| Visibility | Class 2 or 3 depending on the amount of material |
| Material | Polyester with PU or membrane coating |
A good high visibility jacket or parka also has zippers with protective strips and adjustable cuffs. This helps to keep water out.
Warning trousers are often used with jackets for complete protection. They are available as suspenders, waist trousers or coveralls.
Waterproof models have welded or taped seams and reinforced knees, so they can handle tough work on wet surfaces. Shell trousers are lighter and more breathable than lined models.
They are best suited to changing weather conditions where you don't want to get wet but don't want to sweat. Breathability is measured in g/m²/24h and affects how comfortable you feel when moving around a lot.
Trousers should have reflective tape around the legs and enough fluorescent material to be visible. They are classified according to EN ISO 20471 classes 1-3, with class 3 providing the highest visibility.
A high-visibility cover all provides full-body protection, perfect when it's dirty, wet or windy. They can be lined for winter or thin for rainy summer days.
They often have a front zipper, elasticated cuffs and hems and reinforced seams for durability. Varselshorts, on the other hand, are for warm days when long pants are just too much.
They are made from durable polyester fabric with a water-repellent finish and reflective details. Stretch panels in the shorts make them extra comfortable if you move around a lot.
Both overalls and shorts must meet the same visibility requirements as other high-visibility clothing. With the right materials, reflectors and fit, safety works whatever the weather.
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Waterproof high-visibility clothing is used where both visibility and weather protection are essential. They help reduce accidents and make work bearable even in rain, snow and wind.
Construction sites and road maintenance often involve traffic, machinery and bad weather. High visibility clothing with a waterproof membrane protects you from rain and dirt, while making you visible to both vehicles and colleagues.
The requirement for high-visibility clothing according to EN ISO 20471 varies depending on the level of risk. Class 3 is most common where traffic is close, for example during roadworks.
It is important not to sew or fold the garments, as this will reduce the surface area of fluorescent materials and reflectors.
Examples of garments:
In industrial and warehouse environments, high-visibility clothing is required to withstand both moisture and mechanical stress. Workers can be exposed to spills, dust and temperature changes, so waterproof materials are really practical.
High visibility clothing often combines durability, ventilation and freedom of movement. They are made not to hinder lifting or machine operation.
Certified garments are used especially where there is forklift traffic or poor lighting. It allows people to be seen clearly even in large warehouses.
Common materials: polyester with PU coating, breathable membranes like Gore-Tex® or similar.
In Sweden, the weather changes a lot, so workwear needs to keep up. During fall and winter, lined, waterproof jackets are needed that can handle both cold and rain.
In summer, many people opt for lighter rainwear with good ventilation. A smart way is to build on layers:
Garments must meet both EN ISO 20471 for visibility and EN 343 for rain protection. This means you can stay dry, visible and actually quite comfortable, whatever the weather.
There are plenty of well-known brands that provide waterproof high-visibility clothing with both safety and comfort. The biggest manufacturers have certified garments for construction, industry and transportation - and often put extra effort into function and visibility.
Blåkläder is one of the big names in workwear in the Nordics. Their waterproof high-visibility clothing is often EN ISO 20471- and EN 343-certified - so protection against both wetness and poor visibility is in place.
The range is wide: high visibility jackets, rain pants and softshell garments with taped seams and breathable materials. Many models have reinforced knees and shoulders for extra durability.
Blåkläder's high-visibility sweaters and long-sleeved sweatshirts are popular as a mid-layer under rain jackets. They are made from functional materials that wick moisture away from the body.
| Type of garment | Characteristics of the garment | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Warning jacket | Waterproof, breathable, taped seams | EN 343, EN ISO 20471 |
| Warning trousers | Reinforced knees, reflectors | EN ISO 20471 |
| Sweatshirt | Long sleeve, moisture wicking | - |
Jobman and Projob are two Swedish brands with a focus on practical and durable workwear. Both make waterproof high visibility jackets and rain pants that can take a beating.
Jobman often uses polyester with PU coating to keep it tight and still provide good mobility. Many models have removable hoods and zippers with a wind flap, so they work well even in wind and rain.
Projob is known for its ergonomic fit and smart details like ventilation openings and reinforced seams. They also have high visibility vests and warning shirts in several color combinations.
| Brand name | Focus | Examples of garments |
|---|---|---|
| Jobman | Durability and comfort | Warning jacket, rain trousers |
| Projob | Ergonomics and visibility | Safety vest, sweatshirt |
There are other big names, such as Helly Hansen Workwear, Snickers Workwear and Fristads. All offer high-visibility, waterproof high-visibility clothing with certified protection.
Helly Hansen focuses on breathable membranes and lightweight materials. Snickers Workwear prioritizes freedom of movement and modular layering solutions, where you can add inner jackets.
Fristads has CE-marked garments for construction and industry, including long-sleeved warning shirts and sweatshirts with reflective details. Often recycled materials are used for the sake of the environment.
What these brands have in common is the balance between safety, comfort and durability. Perhaps that's why they are so popular with people who work outside all year round.
Proper care is actually crucial if you want your high-visibility clothing to keep doing its job. Visibility and waterproofness depend on taking care of them.
Regular cleaning, checking and re-impregnation reduce the risk of performance deterioration. This is also what makes the garment last longer.
Dirt, oil and chemicals break down the fluorescent material. The reflectors can easily become less effective if you are not careful.
Warning clothing should be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions - it's worth double-checking the label occasionally. Too much washing or too much heat can reduce both waterproofing and color fastness.
Use a mild detergent, preferably without bleach or fabric softener. Fabric softeners can actually damage the membrane and reduce breathability.
Dry garments hanging at room temperature. Avoid tumble dryers and direct sunlight - heat and UV light are not kind to the protective material.
Check your clothes regularly, preferably before and after use. Worn seams, broken zippers or reflective tape should be fixed immediately.
A simple checklist can help:
| Checkpoint | Action to be taken |
|---|---|
| Reflectors faded | Replace or sew on new reflective tape |
| Seams cracked | Repair with waterproof seam tape |
| Outer material worn | Consider replacement of the garment |
After a few washes, the waterproof layer loses its ability to repel water. Then it's time to re-impregnate with an agent made for technical protective clothing.
Sprays or wash-based impregnations work best when the garment is clean and dry. It's actually quite easy, although it may seem like an extra thing to remember.
If you need to repair something, only use materials with the same protection class. Ordinary pinpricks can do more harm than good, so go for heat-applied tape or get someone with the right equipment to sew.
Smaller holes can be sealed with repair patches made of PU or similar material. It's not always neat, but it does the job.
For employers with many garments, it can be smart to have scheduled service checks. This avoids unpleasant surprises when it really matters.
Waterproof high-visibility clothing is about combining visibility with protection against rain, wind and dirt. It requires a bit more than just putting on the jacket - care, material selection and certification actually matter a lot in harsh working environments.
Wash according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain waterproofness and reflectivity. Direct sunlight, oil and strong chemicals are enemies of the finish.
Dry at room temperature and make sure the garments are dry before putting them away. This will prevent the membrane from breaking down unnecessarily.
High visibility clothing should be marked with EN ISO 20471 for visibility. For waterproofness, EN 343 applies, which shows how well the garment resists rain and wind.
Certified garments have been tested for both materials and seams, so it's something to look out for.
Most commonly, polyester with PU or PVC coating is used. Membrane materials such as ePTFE or PU laminates are also common.
Finishes such as DWR (Durable Water Repellent) help keep water off the surface of the fabric. It actually seems pretty smart when you think about it.
The EN 343 tests measure both waterproofness (i.e. water pressure in millimeters) and breathability. Seams and zippers receive extra attention as they are often weak points.
Quality assurance also includes wear tests to see how the garment stands up to repeated use and washing. After all, that's where it usually fails.
Yes, most garments can be machine washed at low temperature with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
Special detergents for functional clothing help preserve the properties of the membrane and the visibility of the reflective material. It's worth spending a few extra dollars on the right detergent sometimes.
Yes, there are models for rain, cold and high physical activity.
Lightweight shell garments are best for mobile work. Lined versions feel better in colder environments, especially if you get cold easily.
Employers often choose garments according to visibility classes 1-3 depending on the level of risk and visibility requirements.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.