The Difference Between Class 2 and Class 3 Safety Apparel

High-visibility gear saves lives. When workers are moving around heavy equipment, traffic, or low-light job sites, being seen is the only way to stay safe. The right vest, shirt, or jacket makes workers stand out, helps prevent accidents, and keeps companies compliant with safety regulations.

But here’s the problem: a lot of worksites get it wrong when it comes to picking between Class 2 and Class 3 gear. To make things more confusing, the standard for hi-vis gear was updated in ANSI/ISEA 107-2020. If you’re still relying on old specs, your gear may already be out of compliance. 

Let’s break down the key differences between Class 2 and Class 3 safety apparel so you can keep your crew safe and your worksite compliant..

What Are Safety Apparel Classes?

Safety apparel classes are part of the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard, which is the rulebook for high-visibility clothing in the U.S. It lays out how much fluorescent background material and reflective tape a garment needs to make a worker stand out in all kinds of environments.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces ANSI/ISEA 107 standards in high-risk jobs like road construction. In fact, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requires ANSI-compliant gear for roadway work. Even outside of that, OSHA can still cite employers under the General Duty Clause if workers aren’t given the hi-vis clothing they need to stay safe around traffic or heavy equipment.

How many classes of hi-vis clothing are there? Here’s a breakdown of the three hi-vis classes:

•  Class 1: This offers the lowest level of visibility. It covers jobs where workers are separated from traffic and vehicles are moving no faster than 25 mph (e.g., parking attendants or warehouse staff).
•  Class 2: Class 2 high-visibility clothing is the middle ground. It provides more reflective material and brighter fabric for workers near heavier traffic (over 25 mph) or cluttered backgrounds (e.g., road crews, utility workers, or airport staff).
•  Class 3: Class 3 hi-vis clothing provides full-body coverage with sleeves and more reflective material so you show up as a clear silhouette. It’s required when traffic’s going at 50 mph or more, or for high-risk jobs like highway work, construction, or emergency response.

Class 2 vs. Class 3 Hi-Vis Clothing: Key Differences

At first glance, Class 2 and Class 3 gear might look the same, but the standards draw a hard line between the two. The differences come down to how much material is on the garment, how it’s built, and the type of jobsite it’s made for.

Material Requirements

•  Class 2 gear has less coverage, about 775 square inches of bright fabric and 201 square inches of reflective tape.
•  Class 3 gear goes bigger, around 1,240 square inches of fabric and 310 square inches of tape.

The extra material in Class 3 gives you more visibility at longer distances and in tougher environments, especially when traffic is moving fast.

Design and Visibility

•  Class 2 clothing is usually vests, polos, or short-sleeve shirts. Stripes run over the shoulders and around the waist.
•  Class 3 clothing must have sleeves, like jackets, long-sleeve shirts, or full coveralls, so reflective tape outlines the whole body. This gives drivers a clear human shape, even in rain, fog, or at night.

Environmental and Usage Considerations

•  Class 2 is best for work zones with moderate traffic (up to about 50 mph) and daytime visibility.
•  Class 3 is required for high-speed traffic (over 50 mph), nighttime jobs, or areas with poor lighting and complex backgrounds.

Typical Job Roles

•  Class 2 apparel is common for airport staff, toll booth operators, warehouse and parking crews, forestry workers, and daytime utility work.
•  Class 3 apparel is worn by highway construction crews, emergency responders, railway workers, and utility teams working roadside at night.

Example Clothing

Examples of customized safety vests and clothing that meet Class 2 requirements include

•  The Reversible Bomber Jacket Class 2
•  CROWN’s ANSI CLASS 2 Basic Mesh Vest
•  OccuNomix’s Classic Lightweight Hoodie with Zipper
•  The Wicking & Cooling Birdseye Polo Short Sleeve T-Shirt by OccuNomix

The following are examples of typical Class 3 safety sweatshirts, shirts, and other garments:

•  Lightweight Safety Vest
•  Class 3 Chore Coat by CROWN
•  ANSI Class 3 Safety Orange Polo T-Shirt
•  Premium Brilliant Series Long Rain Coat by Kishigo

Comparision Table

How to Choose the Right Class for Your Worksite

Knowing the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 is one thing. Picking the right one for your crew is another. The right call depends on traffic speed, visibility, and the type of work being done.

Ask these questions before deciding which class of hi-vis gear you need:

•  How fast is traffic moving nearby?

- Up to 50 mph, Class 2 may be enough

- Over 50 mph, Class 3 is required

• What are the lighting conditions?

- Choose Class 2 for daytime, clear visibility

- Pick Class 3 for nighttime, low light, or bad weather

• How close are workers to traffic or equipment?

  - If they’re set back or separated, pick Class 2

- Working right on the roadway or next to moving equipment, choose Class 3

• What’s the background environment?

- Pick Class 2 for simple, uncluttered backgrounds

- Choose Class 3 for busy, complex backgrounds (city streets, highways, industrial zones)

If you’re ever on the fence, go with Class 3. It gives maximum visibility and ensures your crew is protected in all conditions.

Additional Factors and Enhancements

Class 2 and Class 3 lay down the rules, but the real world isn’t always that simple. The conditions on your jobsite can change how well that gear actually works.

Color and Fluorescence Options

Hi-vis gear usually comes in fluorescent yellow-green or fluorescent orange-red. Both meet ANSI standards, but the right choice depends on the environment:

•  Yellow-green pops in darker settings or when there’s a lot of natural green around (like forestry or roadside grass).
•  Orange-red stands out better in daylight against concrete, asphalt, or construction zones.

Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility. Lightweight Class 2 vests may not cut it in bad weather, while Class 3 jackets, rain gear, or insulated coveralls provide both protection from the elements and maximum visibility.

Maintenance and Wear

Reflective tape and fluorescent fabric don’t last forever. Dirt, oil, and repeated washing break them down over time. If the material looks faded or the reflective stripes don’t shine back light, the garment is no longer compliant and safe.

AcCessories That Matter

•  Pants, sleeves, and gaiters can add extra coverage and sometimes upgrade visibility.
•  Hi-vis gloves and hats help outline the worker’s silhouette, especially in dark or complex environments.
•  Custom embroidery is safe if stitched, but skip iron-ons or decals since adhesives can melt or fail.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

As mentioned earlier, the standards for hi-vis gear come from ANSI/ISEA 107-2020. That’s the rulebook that says how much bright fabric and reflective tape a vest, shirt, or jacket needs so you stand out on the job.

Then there’s OSHA, which doesn’t write the ANSI/ISEA standards but uses them as the benchmark when enforcing safety laws for certain work environments (e.g., road construction and traffic control jobs). The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) makes ANSI-compliant Class 2 or Class 3 gear mandatory. Even if you’re not working on highways, OSHA can still fine an employer under the General Duty Clause if crews aren’t visible enough around traffic or heavy equipment.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

If you don’t provide the right class of safety apparel, it can cost your company more ways than one:

•  OSHA citations and fines for not meeting PPE requirements.
•  Project delays or rejections on DOT and public works jobs if the gear doesn’t meet MUTCD requirements.
•  Increased liability and insurance costs if a worker is injured while wearing non-compliant gear.

 

How to Verify Your Gear

Every compliant garment has a tag inside that clearly shows:

•  ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 (the latest standard)
•  The class (Class 2 or Class 3)
• The type: O (off-road), R (roadway), or P (public safety)
• The manufacturer, size, and care instructions

If that label isn’t there, or if the reflective tape looks dull and the fabric is faded, the garment is non-compliant and unsafe.

Cost vs. Safety Trade-Offs

When it comes to hi-vis gear, cost is always part of the conversation. Class 3 hi-vis clothing uses more material and usually costs more than Class 2 hi-vis shirts, vests, or polos. But looking at price alone can end up costing a whole lot more down the road.

Upfront Cost Differences

•  Class 2 apparel is lighter, cheaper, and usually more comfortable in warm weather.
•  Class 3 apparel is more expensive because of the extra fabric, sleeves, and reflective tape. It can also be warmer, which adds to the weight

Long-Term Value

The real value comes in what the gear saves you:

•  Fewer accidents: Class 3 gives maximum visibility in high-risk jobs, which means fewer struck-by incidents.
•  Lower liability: Safer workers mean fewer comp claims, fewer lawsuits, and fewer OSHA fines.
•  Better safety record: Insurance companies look at that, and it can keep premiums from climbing.

If a worker gets hit because they weren’t visible enough, the cost goes way beyond replacing gear. Medical bills, legal fees, lost productivity, and damage to reputation can weaken any company.

Frequently Asked Questions About Class 2 vs. Class 3 Hi-Vis Clothing

Is Class 3 always better than Class 2?

Not always. Class 3 gives the most visibility, but it’s only required in high-risk jobs (fast traffic, night work, bad weather). For lower-risk jobs, Class 2 is lighter, cheaper, and easier to wear.

Can I combine accessories (like sleeves or pants) to upgrade a Class 2 garment?

No. Combining accessories like sleeves or pants with a Class 2 garment doesn’t upgrade it to Class 3 under the current ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard. Accessories don’t count toward the minimum area requirements for higher classes.

How do I verify if a product meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards?

Check the tag or label inside the garment. It should clearly state ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, the class (2 or 3), and the type (R, P, or O). If the label isn’t there, it’s not compliant.

Do the colors matter (yellow vs. orange vs. green)?

Both yellow-green and orange-red meet ANSI standards. The right choice depends on the background: yellow works better in darker or green-heavy areas, while orange pops against pavement, dirt, and construction sites.

What’s the difference between ANSI/ISEA 107 and other international standards (like CSA or EN)?

ANSI/ISEA 107 is the U.S. standard. Canada uses CSA, and Europe uses EN ISO 20471. They’re similar but not identical, so always follow ANSI/ISEA 107 for U.S. compliance.

What are the ANSI Class 2 vest requirements?

ANSI Class 2 vests must have at least 775 square inches of fluorescent background fabric and 201 square inches of reflective tape that goes over the shoulders and around the torso.

Get Your Hi-Vis Gear from Triple Crown Products

Class 2 and Class 3 safety apparel are built for different risks. Class 2 is for moderate traffic and daytime work, while Class 3 is for fast traffic, poor light, and high-risk jobs. If you’re an employer, it’s your responsibility to put your crew in the right gear for the job.

Not sure whether you need customized safety vests, sweatshirts, or shirts? Contact Triple Crown Products today. We’ll help you choose the right PPE equipment for your workforce and provide you with gear that keeps your crew safe and your company compliant.