Hi vis is the one piece of workwear that is usually not optional. What you need depends on when you work, how fast the traffic is moving around you, and what your site or client specifies.
Day-only, night or day/night
Day-only garments use fluorescent fabric alone — fine in daylight, useless once the light drops. Night garments use retroreflective tape that bounces headlights back. Day/night combines both and is what most sites specify, because it covers dawn, dusk and anyone still on the tools after dark. If you are unsure, day/night is the safe buy.
What the classes mean
Australian hi vis is measured against AS/NZS 4602.1, which sets out garment classes — Class D for daytime use, Class N for night, and Class D/N for both. The class needed is normally set by your employer, principal contractor or the road authority for the job, so check the site requirement before buying rather than guessing.
Taping patterns and biomotion
Standard taping runs around the torso and arms. Biomotion taping adds bands at the shoulders, elbows, knees and lower legs so a driver recognises a moving human shape, not just a bright patch — it is noticeably more visible at distance and is increasingly specified on road and rail work.
Staying cool in it
Hi vis in an Australian summer is its own problem. Look for lightweight or vented ranges, cotton-backed polyester if you want breathability against the skin, and open weave panels under the arms and across the back. A lighter shirt you actually keep on beats a heavy one you take off.
The brands we stock
We carry hi vis from Bisley, Syzmik, Hard Yakka, KingGee, JB’s Wear and AIW — shirts, polos, vests, jackets, pants and wet weather gear, in men’s and women’s fits. We can add your logo by embroidery or print, and quote on bulk for crews. Come into our Banksmeadow warehouse or the Bondi Junction outlet if you would rather try sizes on.