STANDARDS · CLASS COMPARISON

EN ISO 20471 Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3: A Buyer's Comparison Guide

Choosing the correct EN ISO 20471 class is an important part of specifying high-visibility workwear. This guide compares Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 and explains what professional buyers should check before placing bulk orders.

What Do EN ISO 20471 Classes Mean?

EN ISO 20471 defines three garment classes based on minimum areas of high-visibility background material and retroreflective material. The classes represent different levels of conspicuity, with Class 3 providing the highest level.

The required class should not be selected by product appearance alone. Buyers should consider the workplace risk assessment, garment design, working environment and applicable project or market requirements.

EN ISO 20471 Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3

What Is EN ISO 20471 Class 1?

Class 1 uses the lowest minimum area of high-visibility materials among the three classes. It may be appropriate only where the relevant risk assessment and purchasing specification permit a lower level of conspicuity.

Buyers should avoid assuming that any fluorescent garment automatically qualifies as Class 1. Material performance, visible areas, placement and garment construction all need to meet the applicable requirements.

What Is EN ISO 20471 Class 2?

Class 2 requires substantially more fluorescent background material than Class 1 and also requires a greater minimum area of retroreflective material. It therefore provides a higher level of conspicuity.

When sourcing Class 2 garments, buyers should verify that logos, pockets, printing and customization do not reduce the required visible areas below the intended garment classification.

What Is EN ISO 20471 Class 3?

Class 3 is the highest EN ISO 20471 garment class and requires the greatest minimum areas of background and retroreflective materials.

Class 3 garments also involve specific garment-design considerations. Professional buyers should verify the complete garment configuration rather than assessing reflective tape or fluorescent fabric in isolation.

How Should Buyers Choose Between Class 1, 2 and 3?

The correct class depends on the actual risk environment and purchasing specification. Buyers should start with the workplace risk assessment rather than selecting the highest or lowest class purely on price.

• Identify the work environment and visibility risks.
• Confirm the required EN ISO 20471 class in the purchasing specification.
• Check background and retroreflective material specifications.
• Review the finished garment design and visible material areas.
• Verify relevant test reports, declarations or certification documents.
• Approve customization and pre-production samples before bulk production.

Can Logos and Customization Affect the Garment Class?

They can. Large logos, printing, pockets or other design changes can cover high-visibility background material and may affect the visible area available on the finished garment.

For OEM projects, buyers should therefore confirm the final customized design rather than relying only on an unbranded sample.

Is ISO 20471:2013 Still Current in 2026?

ISO 20471:2013 and Amendment 1:2016 remain published standards. A revised ISO/DIS 20471 is currently under development and does not automatically replace the current published edition.

Buyers should confirm the edition required by their market, customer, tender or project before placing an order.

Related EN ISO 20471 Resources

For a broader explanation of fluorescent materials, retroreflective tape, compliance documentation and bulk purchasing considerations, read our complete EN ISO 20471 buyer guide.

Buyers sourcing high-visibility garments can also review the HVV1001 hi-vis vest or browse our hi-vis safety workwear range.