Hi-vis workwear is an essential component of the PPE kit for workers who must be visible on the job. But, like other safety gear, it does not last forever, and using hi-vis clothing after its expiration date can be costly.

High-visibility apparel should last around six months if utilised regularly. If the clothes are not used regularly, they will last considerably longer. Workers working in dangerous areas or harsh temperatures, on the other hand, may discover that their workwear does not even last six months.

As a result, there is no predetermined timeframe for changing your garments. It is vital to look at the situation as it is now.

In this piece, we'll talk about high-visibility workwear, how to care for it, and when it's time to replace it. But first, a word on high-visibility gear.

High-visibility apparel is required on construction sites and during road maintenance activities.

Finally, it is intended to improve your general visibility to others, which is ideal if you operate in low-light environments. It improves operator and driver visibility.

The Health and Safety Executive defines very stringent requirements and guidelines limiting the usage of PPE, including the approval of hi-vis clothing, when it comes to high visibility garment standards.

Hi-vis clothing is available in bright colours such as yellow, orange, green, and even red, and it features retro-reflective stripes.

This line, which contains everything from hi-vis jeans to waterproof hi-vis jackets, is one of our most popular. If you are determined to get the best hi-vis workwear, you can acquire some of the best hi-vis workwear available online.

If used routinely, hi-vis clothing should last around six months. Of course, if it is not used regularly, it will last longer; nonetheless, those who work in high-risk areas may find that it only lasts six months!

Additionally, the industry and employment position may have a significant impact on the garment's performance.

Wearers should be on alert for signs of wear and tear at all times. ensuring that it meets all statutory workplace visibility requirements (the high visibility clothing regulations).

Although high-visibility apparel is an essential component of a tradesperson's safety equipment, it is not indestructible.

Updating it as needed keeps you looking gorgeous while also keeping you safe and secure. Check out some of our best picks for keeping your hi-vis workwear in good shape and lasting longer:

1. Always double-check the label. While not all high-visibility clothing may be machine cleaned, it is critical to follow the cleaning guidelines to avoid your garments from losing their effectiveness. Some high-visibility clothing will specify how many times the garment may be cleaned before the reflective stripes become ineffective.

2. Keep high-visibility apparel away from direct sunlight (sunlight will make the colours fade quicker, reducing its effectiveness).

3. Don't cram your clothing into the tiniest possible space. It increases the stress on the fibres of the garment, causing them to break down faster.

4. Maintain the sterility of your clothes. We understand that this isn't always practicable, especially on construction sites, but wiping and removing dirt at the end of each day will help to prevent dirt from piling up.

5. To increase the life of your garments, wipe them down between washing.

Various manufacturers and products will have different standards for maintaining your safety equipment completely compliant, which must be followed at all times.

Maintain and clean your high-visibility apparel after each usage to extend its life. It should be carefully stored and inspected regularly to detect any possible issues early. If you have any worries about the efficacy of your high-visibility clothing, don't wear it and get a replacement from a safety supervisor.

Although your high-visibility apparel keeps you safe, it cannot keep you safe permanently. Its brightness may progressively fade, reducing the efficacy and rating of its safety standard. Maintain your high-visibility apparel as needed to comply, but not so frequently that you waste money on supplies.

Check your high-visibility apparel frequently. When your present clothing shows indications of wear and tear, it's time to retire it. If you're not being recognised on the job, it's another sign that your safety equipment needs to be upgraded. Change your work clothing before they fall below the class 3 hi-visibility criteria.

A variety of factors impact how frequently you should replace your high-visibility safety clothing. It is recommended that you change it once a year. But, depending on how often you wear high-visibility apparel, you may need to change it sooner. Wash and dry your high-visibility clothing as directed, and store it properly to keep it clean.

When it comes to cleaning your hi-vis clothing, the care instructions will normally tell you what temperatures to use. Read the instruction booklet for your washing machine to find out what wash temps it uses.

Some hi-vis workwear will have a maximum number of wash cycles specified in the care instructions. The visibility elements on your garments may become less effective after a specific number of wash cycles. This does not necessarily imply that you should discard it, but you should be aware that your clothing has reached the end of its useful life.