What You Should Know About Hi-Vis Apparel in the Summer Heat

High-visibility (hi-vis) apparel keeps you visible and protected on the job, but it can become uncomfortable when temperatures rise during the summer months, especially if you work outside. In fact, if you haven’t selected the right clothing, your safety gear can even become hazardous.

In this guide, you’ll learn what you should know about hi-vis apparel in the summer heat so you can stay visible and comfortable this season.

The Importance of High-Visibility Apparel for Summer Work

Before considering which hi-vis gear to purchase, you need to understand why this clothing is nonnegotiable for blue-collar workers like you. Whether working on the roadside, in construction, or in another high-risk field, wearing hi-vis gear helps others see you, even through a haze of dust or sunlight.

That said, summer changes the game. Heat stress is real, especially when wearing heavy, non-breathable layers that trap heat. This apparel can result in dizziness, dehydration, and even heat stroke.

If you work outdoors in open areas, sun exposure increases your risk. Plus, more daylight hours mean longer periods spent outside. And even in bright sunlight, it’s easy to blend into the background. Thankfully, hi-vis colors and reflective tape keep you in clear view. By investing in the right apparel, you can stay safe on multiple fronts.

How Hi-Vis Apparel Works

Hi-vis clothing isn’t bright just for show. These garments use colors and materials that are highly visible from a distance and stand out against nearly any background. ANSI/ISEA 107 standards set requirements for color, reflectivity, and design for maximum safety.

• Fluorescent colors: By absorbing and emitting more light than typical colors, fluorescent yellow, orange, or lime green enhances visibility in daylight.
• Reflective tape: Silver or gray reflective strips catch and bounce light, helping you remain visible when the sun is low or when working in artificial light.
• Moisture-wicking materials: To promote cooling and quick drying, modern hi-vis apparel includes technical fabrics designed to move sweat away from your skin.
• Loose, lightweight construction: When selecting hi-vis clothing for summer, every feature matters. If you’re working in hot conditions, always choose gear with breathable mesh or perforated panels that provide ample airflow.

Choosing the Best Hi-Vis Apparel To Beat the Summer Heat

Not all hi-vis apparel is suitable for summer. Heavy jackets and traditional vests may check the safety box, but they can also raise your risk of overheating. Focus on three main factors when choosing your garments:

1. Fabric Type and Weight

Look for lightweight, micro-mesh, or polyester blends. These high-performance fabrics are engineered for breathability. Micro-mesh is airy and dries fast, while moisture-wicking polyester pulls sweat from your body and promotes evaporation.

The one material you should avoid is cotton (and cotton blends). Although they’re usually comfortable, cotton clothes hold onto moisture unless they’re designed for hot weather. For example, a polyester mesh hi-vis T-shirt keeps you cooler than a basic cotton tee, especially in high humidity. Brands now offer Class 2 and 3 safety tees in these technical fabrics to meet ANSI standards without adding bulk.

2. Coverage Without Overheating

You might think the less you wear, the cooler you’ll be. However, exposing skin can lead to faster dehydration, sunburns, and an increased risk of cuts, bites, and other injuries on worksites.

Hi-vis bibs and overalls give you an edge here. Modern bibs are made from lightweight mesh or ripstop fabric, offering full lower body coverage with minimal added heat load. Many are sleeveless above the waist, so you stay covered where it matters most without stacking unnecessary layers.

Additionally, bibs allow air to circulate under the garment. Some bibs come with ventilated side panels or zippered vents near the legs that can be opened when you’re stationary or in shaded areas.

3. Fit and Functionality

Ill-fitting hi-vis apparel restricts movement and reduces airflow, so finding a proper fit is key. To guarantee your gear fits well and allows you to function, look for bibs and overalls with adjustable straps. Plus, make sure the sleeves aren’t too tight and that you have enough room in the torso area.

Features like zippered chest pockets or D-rings help you keep tools handy without having to add more layers. Modern designs focus on ergonomics so you don’t have to choose between safety and comfort.

Real World Hi-Vis Apparel Solutions for Hot Weather

Follow along to learn how to put this gear into action using examples from the field.

Roadwork in High Humidity

You’re flagging traffic on a three-lane highway under the blazing sun. The asphalt reflects heat, and your shift lasts eight hours outdoors. Traditional jackets are out of the question. Instead, consider these more comfortable alternatives:

• Lightweight hi-vis mesh vest: These vests meet Class 2 standards and slip easily over a company tee.
• Hi-vis bibs with side vents: Bibs offer leg protection without trapping sweat, keeping your lower body shielded from flying gravel.
• Moisture-wicking headwear: Specialty headwear protects your scalp and neck.

Landscaping on Sloped Terrain

You’re maneuvering equipment and pushing a mower on rolling hills, so you need maximum freedom and coverage from start to finish.

• Hi-vis short-sleeved performance tee: Performance tees keep you cool while maintaining ANSI compliance.
• Lightweight bibs: A lightweight bib reduces sun exposure to your thighs and knees. Plus, reflective tape and mesh construction keep you seen from a distance.
• Arm sleeves: For added protection, removable sleeves allow you to adapt as the weather changes.

Utility Work Around Traffic

You aren’t just standing still; you’re climbing, carrying cables, and working near distracted drivers. Here is the high-vis apparel you need:

• Performance mesh long-sleeved shirt: Lightweight and offering great coverage, these shirts protect the skin from UV rays while promoting airflow.
• Ripstop hi-vis bibs: These durable bibs provide extra durability against snags but don’t sacrifice behind-the-knee ventilation.
• Reflective tape placement: Wide X-patterns across the back increase visibility whether you’re upright or bent over.

Beyond the Basics: Compliance and Care

Wearing hi-vis apparel is more than checking off a box on your daily checklist. You must maintain compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ANSI/ISEA 107 guidelines, which define what’s acceptable for your worksite.

To keep your hi-vis gear up to standard this summer, follow these essential tips:

• Wash your gear regularly in cool water to maintain reflectivity and moisture-wicking properties. Follow the washing instructions on your garment’s tag.
• Inspect gear often for fading fabric and fraying reflective tape. Replace garments when color or reflectivity diminishes.
• When not in use, store your gear away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Pair your summer gear with the right personal protective equipment (PPE), like lightweight gloves and breathable, reinforced footwear.

Remember, even the best hi-vis clothing won’t do its job if it’s not in good condition.

Stay Safe All Summer

You work hard, so your safety gear needs to work hard too. Now that you know how different types of hi-vis apparel perform in the summer heat, you can do your part to protect your health, comfort, and visibility every time you clock in for work.