High-vis vest or high-vis jacket? Both make staff more visible in the yard, at the loading bay and in the warehouse. However, they differ in weather protection, features and handling. This comparison sets a high-visibility waistcoat against a high-visibility windbreaker from our range and shows when each option fits. You will find all models in the high-visibility clothing category.
The differences at a glance
Both items are made by NITRAS SAFETY. The values are taken from the product data in our shop.
| Criterion | High-visibility waistcoat | High-visibility windbreaker |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | neon orange | neon yellow |
| Certificates | EN ISO 13688, EN ISO 20471 | EN ISO 13688, EN ISO 20471 class 3 |
| Reflective strips | two all-round strips plus shoulder strips | all-round segmented strips |
| Closure | hook-and-loop fastener | full-length YKK zip with chin guard |
| Weather protection | not stated | water- and wind-repellent, hood, water column 25,000 mmH2O |
| Material | 100% polyester | 100% polyester, softshell |
| Washing | machine wash at 40°C | machine wash at 40°C |
Both items are listed in our shop in size XL; according to the manufacturer, the windbreaker comes in sizes XS-5XL. The details on the respective product page are authoritative.
The high-vis vest: on in seconds
The NITRAS high-visibility waistcoat, neon orange, EN ISO 13688, EN ISO 20471 is simply pulled on over existing clothing and closed with the hook-and-loop fastener. According to the manufacturer, the straight, loose cut allows freedom of movement, and the material is light and breathable.
- Advantage: it is pulled on over existing workwear and is always ready to hand, for example for visitors or drivers. Whether the size also fits over thick clothing is best tried out.
- Advantage: according to the manufacturer, two all-round reflective strips and additional shoulder strips ensure good visibility even in poor light.
- Disadvantage: the vest offers no protection against rain and wind, so the clothing underneath has to do that job.
The high-vis jacket: visibility and weather protection in one
The NITRAS MOTION TEX VIZ, high-visibility windbreaker, neon yellow is a light softshell jacket. According to the manufacturer, it is water- and wind-repellent and has a hood with drawstring and an inner wind guard.
- Advantage: weather protection and visibility in a single garment, certified to EN ISO 20471 class 3.
- Advantage: chest and side pockets, elasticated cuffs and a small pack size.
- Disadvantage: the jacket is a garment in its own right and is not put on and taken off as quickly as a vest. For changing wearers such as visitors, it is less practical.
According to the manufacturer, the water column is 25,000 mmH2O and the breathability 2,000 g/m²/24h.
What about the legs?
Anyone working in the yard and at the loading bay all year round often adds high-vis trousers to the vest or jacket. The NITRAS MOTION TEX VIZ, high-visibility work trousers, long, EN ISO 13688, EN ISO 20471 neon yellow have all-round reflective strips and reflective piping on the side and knee pockets. They also offer knee pockets for pads, a folding rule pocket and a hammer loop.
The trousers are made of 60% polyester and 40% cotton and, according to the manufacturer, can be washed at 60°C. Whether your workplace requires a particular combination or class follows from your risk assessment. This article is a selection guide – the manufacturer's operating instructions apply for use and inspection.
Typical applications
Warehouse and indoor loading bay
Indoors, weather protection is rarely an issue. What counts here is that staff and drivers are quickly visible. A vest can be pulled on quickly over workwear and handed out to visitors when needed. Set a fixed place for this at the entrance or the loading bay so that the vests always hang where they are needed.
Yard and outdoor areas
Anyone manoeuvring, guiding vehicles or checking loads outdoors is exposed to rain and wind as well. Here the high-vis jacket provides visibility and weather protection in one piece, complemented by high-vis trousers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high-vis vest enough in the company yard?
That depends on your risk assessment. It determines which high-visibility clothing is required at which workplace. According to the manufacturer, both items presented here are certified to EN ISO 13688 and EN ISO 20471.
Can I wash the high-vis clothing?
Yes. According to the care instructions, the vest and windbreaker are machine washable at 40°C and the trousers at 60°C. Do not bleach, do not tumble dry, do not iron and do not dry clean.
Which sizes are available?
The vest and the windbreaker are listed in our shop in size XL; according to the manufacturer, the windbreaker is available in XS-5XL. We stock the trousers in size 52.
You will find all models under high-visibility clothing. We are happy to advise you: +49 2237 628095-00, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.