Class 3 Safety Vests: Points You Need to Know Before Choosing

Published on: March 6, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Typically, class 3 high visibility safety vests must use many different work conditions like emergency responders, high-traffic areas, site inspectors, railway workers, and utility crews. There are plenty of work zones and roadside distress that can draw a driver’s concentration away from the worker’s appearance. In this case, class 3 safety vests enhance a person’s visibility by bringing back into the driver’s focus.

Sometimes the workers need to work at night, and it’s too risky to work without a safety vest. If the worker doesn’t have a full shape outline at night, the driver might not notice him, and an accident can happen. So a perfect class 3 safety vest should be used in both daytime and low light conditions. 

There are a wide variety of class 3 safety vests from the top brand manufacturer at an affordable price, which we reviewed in this article to help you choose from. If you are not knowledgeable enough, then we added a buying guide for your support.

Points You Need to Know Before Choosing a Class 3 Safety Vest

Choosing the right safety vest is very important for the safety of workers. There are some other types of protective equipment that guarantee your safety. But a safety vest is the major item among them. But it’s a daunting task to choose the perfect one from the large variety of safety vests from the top brand. But we make this task easier for you by discussing the below points that you can bear in mind at the purchasing time.

Material

When buying a safety vest, there are several materials you can find. Among them, polyester and vinyl are commonly used. Moreover, it would help if you never bought cheap material that is not ANSI-compliant: the amount of reflector material present on the vest is set up to keep you safe.

Commonly, class 3 has the same color in the daytime and nighttime activity. Also, the material should be water-proof and machine washable. It would help if you got a safety vest made from light and breathable high-quality materials and built with long-term use in mind.

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Colors and Style

The color and style of a class 3 safety vest will depend on the work requirements. There are three standard colors available to you. They are bright yellow, fluorescent lime green, and fluorescent orange with a silver or white strap. You need to check your job responsibility first what color safety vests the project should use. The zipper front closure and T-shirt style are the most common uses by the worker in a different work environments.

Purpose of Using

We already know that class 3 safety vest designs are for those who work in high-risk situations. So they need to be more highly visible. They need to be highly visible and require high mobility and versatility while wearing these high visibility vests. This vest must have a minimum of 310 square inches of reflective tape that is 12.92 feet straight and 2-inches wide. Class 3 vests should be visible through a full range of motions at a minimum of 1000 feet. So before proceeding, think about the purpose of using the vest.

Pockets

Pockets are a useful feature as they can be used as a light tool holder at the workplace. Several brands make safety vests with pockets ​to enhance portability. Moreover, safety vests come with large and small pouches and pockets on the vest’s exterior and interior. So try to buy a vest with several pockets as it helps to carry light tools.

Reflectivity and Durability

A class 3 safety vest should have the right amount of reflective material so the user can be easily seen and identified despite the amount of light available in the area. The mirror stripes should also work during the daytime when the sun is so bright that its rays drown out the fluorescent colors. 

Also, it needs to be tough enough to last long without the material tearing, and its colors and reflectors are fading for everyday usage. So, for durability, the safety vest joints should be double-stitched, and the fabric is not so thin that it shreds quickly.

View Our Top 10 Class 3 Safety Vests, Below

We would suggest you acknowledge several buying factors like color, durability, material and so on, then you can select a perfect class 3 safety vest. If your company provides workers with a safety vest or just purchasing one for yourself, you should try to look for the best that your payment can get from our following lists.

1. CJ Safety CJHVSV3002 ANSI Class 3 Safety Vest

• Material: Polyester;
• Style: Zipper front closing;
• Pocket: 4;
• Weight: 8 oz.

This reflective heavy-duty class 3 safety vest holds the top position in our list because of the perfect breathable 100 percent polyester mesh material in the back and stiff fabric in the front. On the super comfortable orange fabric, it has silver reflective tape to ensure maximum visibility. Also, it is available in many sizes and comes in two distinct tones. 

The zipper front closure makes it quick, wearable, and sweat-free. To enhance user performance, it has a clear PVC chest pouch and chest pocket with pen holders. To stop the useful tool slip, it has two bottom pockets with flaps and velcro closing. The material has no sharp edges that may cause irritations and injuries. So if you want an ANSI/ISEA

 compliant vest, this vest meets all the standards.

Pros

• Made of Polyester fabric;
• The Mesh fabric on the back is breathable;
• Easy opening zipper front system;
• Enough pockets to keep useful light tools;
• Velcro on the pocket prevents tools from slipping;
• Meet ANSI complaints.

Cons

• Pockets get ripped off quickly if it carries heavy tools;
• Chest pockets are small.

2. Viking Class 3 Hi-Vis Vest with U Configuration

• Material: Polyester;
• Fully compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Type R, Class 3, not FR;
• Must have Level 2 retro-reflection;
• Weight: 1 pound.

Viking follows the slogan of “Brave the Elements” that they follow in this rugged safety T-vest. It is made of breathable polyester that features a “U” ANSI configuration and 4″ ANSI certification. The reflective tape on the top of it with contrasting colors makes it more visible from long distances, even at night.

It has Level 2 retro-reflection that is most suited for roadway work. Besides, it can be used in different work environments for specific workers. It comes with a front zipper closure with dual chest straps for an ID badge, cell phone, and walkie-talkie. Further, these four hook-and-loop closure pockets help the user keep valuable things safe during work. The machine-washable fabrics help the user to wash and maintain it effortlessly without a tear.

Pros

• The contrasting color increase visibility;
• The T-Vest doesn’t limit arms movement;
• Machine washable, durable material;
• Long-time usage;
• Dual chest strap and arm strap;
• Smooth zipper and sweat-proof.

Cons

• Not suitable for those who want a gender-neutral vest;
• There are some size concerns at the time of purchase.

3. Pyramex RVZ3110XL Lumen Safety Vest

• Material: Polyester;
• Style: Zipper front closing;
• Pocket: 4;
• Double 2 inches reflective tape;
• Weight: 10.6 oz.

Pyramex is the top manufacturer of safety apparel and provides personal protective goods. So this safety vest is one of the most durable vests. This simple looking high is a lightweight safety vest manufactured of polyester mesh material. It’s a low-cost but high-quality safety vest that complies with a front zipper closure with five pockets. 

It also includes dual 2-inches silver reflective material around the waist and double 2-inch silver reflective material used vertically over the shoulders. Employers used this vest for Jobsite construction workers or any emergency. The extended inner and outer five pockets make it highly useful for the worker to keep essential tools safely.

Those who sweat a lot can now comfortably use this vest because of its breathability. It satisfies level 8 of the American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel.

Pros

• Affordable price with highly durable material;
• High visibility makes it ideal to use in low-light conditions;
• Comfortable to wear during long hours;
• Front zipper with five pockets;
• Breathable material and easy to wash;
• Available in 7 different sizes.

Cons

• Buyers need to be concerned about sizes to fit perfectly.

4. Radians SV63GXL Two-Tone Vest for Safety

• Material: Polyester;
• Visibility range: 1280 feet;
• Two inches of reflective silver tape;
• Weight: 12.8 oz.

Radian is an excellent safety vest made of highly visible polyester with a solid front and nets back and sleeves. The durable material provides the same brightness as before, even after 25 washes. Besides, the front closing zipper is very hardy and hi-vis. 

The sleeves provide an extra layer of safety with 2-inches reflective striping outlined in a contrasting color for improved visibility at night work or daytime conditions. It is highly visible from a distance of 1280 feet.

The pockets are the best part of this. You can keep your pen, cell phone, and small handheld instrument with you while out on the site. This vest passed the ANSI/ISEA requirements and can be found in two colors. We highly recommend this class 3 safety vest for use in a high-risk environment.

Pros

• 2-inches reflective striping outlined;
• Contrasting visible color for the low light situation;
• Upper and lower pockets include flap closure;
• Fulfill the ANSI/ISEA requirements;
• Two different bright colors;
• Easily washable and maintained.

Cons

• Sleeves are not flexible enough for easy movement;
• It doesn’t have breathable fabric.

5. Ironwear 1293BRK-LZ-3-LG Class 3 Vest for Safety

• Material: Polyester;
• 360-degree constant reflective strips;
• Two inches of reflective silver tape;
• Weight: 8.3 oz.

Ironwear is the lightest safety vest in the market with its breathable soft material on both front and back. It’s built with 100 percent polyester, which is machine washable and easy to maintain. This vest’s unique features are high visibility silver reflective tape in a suspender design over the top of the shoulders and 360-degree connected reflective bands surrounding the body. So that at each angle, it is visible from a distance.

Furthermore, it follows the ANSI/ISEA Class 3 standards to ensure reflectivity. The upper pockets have a velcro option to keep small things secure, and the lower pockets are spacious enough to keep useful tools. On top of that, it has two inside pockets to keep valuable items secure during rain.

Pros

• It has a 360-degree full-body cover reflective band;
• A suspender design of silver tape over the shoulder;
• Machine washable with gentle tumble dry;
• Both front and back have breathable fabric;
• Six different size options.

Cons

• The upper front pockets are not correctly configured;
• It doesn’t have reflective tape over the lower pockets.

6. Pyramex RVZ3110L Lumen X Safety Vest

• Material: Polyester T-vest;
• Pockets:5 ;
• Two inches of reflective silver tape;
• Weight: 10.6 oz.

The Pyramex reflective high visibility safety vest is one of our highly recommended items for personal protective equipment because it serves multiple purposes or uses. This simple-looking multi-use vest can be used in the construction industry, outdoor utility, or any other place where you need the safety most. It follows the ANSI /ISEA Class 3 level 2 regulation to assure the user of its reflectivity.

Also, the lightweight polyester mesh material enhances breathability to help those who sweat a lot. Besides, it has two silver stripes of two inches on the waist and two vertically aligned two inches stripes over the shoulder to increase distinctness. It conveniently designs a zipper front closure to put it on and take it off. The five pockets option allows you to put necessary items securely in place.

Pros

• Simple looking but durable;
• Dual strips around the waist;
• Outside three and inside two pockets;
• Day or night usage for an indoor or outdoor purpose;
• It designs front zipper style;
• Comfortable and breathable material.

Cons

• Easily tear off in rough work environment;
• There are some relevant issues in terms of sizes.

7. Radians SV83GML Class 3 Standard Vest

• Material: Polyester stable knit;
• Two horizontal bands;
• Two inches of reflective silver tape;
• Weight: 8.8 oz.

Radians are a significant manufacturer of durable safety vests to keep you safe and secure when doing specific jobs and activities, like running, biking, motorcycling, surveying, and construction jobs. It has a front-closing flexible zipper for comfortable wearing and six extensive pockets on both the inner and outer sides.

Furthermore, the breathable element helps to wear it during a hot day to prevent sweat. The two inches of highly visible reflective silver bands over the hands, shoulder, and waist guaranteed your visibility from a high distance, even in low light conditions or nighttime work. The lightweight material is machine washable and doesn’t fade out quickly.

Pros

• Highly reflective that maximizing your visibility;
• Attends the safety standards of class 3 regulations;
• Extreme safe and secure services;
• Comes with easy-to-use zipper closure;
• Firm and robust structure;
• Suitable for different workers and projects.

Cons

• It arrives in only one color;
• Edges stitches are not very durable.

8. Radians SV63G2X Class 3 Two-Tone Surveyor Vest

• Material: Polyester stable knit;
• Pockets for compact radios with loops for a mic;
• Two inches of reflective silver tape;
• Weight: 13.6 oz.

The Radians SV63 two-tone surveyor class 3 short-sleeved vest can stand for the construction site’s wear and tear. It’s a heavy-duty vest that is Hi-Viz and perfects to use in both day and nighttime conditions.

It is formed of highly visible polyester with a thick front, back, and sleeves that control brightness after many washes.

Variation trim mixtures make workers much more prominent at night and in full daylight. The pocket is configured very functionally so you can carry most of the tools you need to do your job. The vest can assure your safety with its fluorescent yellow color and the two inches-wide reflective silver bands wrapping the waist, shoulder, and sleeves.

Besides, inner and outer functional pockets configure nicely to carry the crucial tools you need to do your job. Also, this vest meets the ANSI/ISEA requirements to assure the user’s safety.

Pros

• Highly visible and reflective;
• Perform well to keep you safe;
• Provided lots of multifunctional pockets;
• Large enough to fit all users;
• Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable fabrication;
• Multipurpose use in different environments.

Cons

• The front sides fabric is not breathable;
• Sleeves may restrict easy movement.

9. Safety Depot Class 3 Safety Vest

• Material: 100 %Polyester knit;
• Joints and pockets have eight stitchings per inch;
• Pockets: 6;
• Weight: 12.8 oz.

Safety Depot is a popular safety vest among workers because of its availability of sizes from extra small to 5XL to fit maximum users. Besides the measures, the polyester fabric is much more durable and breathable that provides extra comfort. Not only is it durable, but it can also be washable without a tear as many times as you want.

The front zipper closure stopping at chest height designs allows easy on and off of the vest. This high-quality safety vest with 2 inches of reflective tape will provide safety by keeping you visible day or night while working. On top of that, the reflective tape is stitched-in and appears horizontal, vertical, and front to back.

Furthermore, the two 5-6 inches lower outside flap hook and loop closing pockets allow secure and quick access to essential gadgets at work time. Also, the two lower inner pockets give more security for items during rain or harsh environments. 

Pros

• Durable and comfortable fit;
• High-quality reflective tape safety vest;
• Features a zipper front closure at chest height;
• Stronger stitch support;
• Provided with lots of pockets;
• Suitable to use in dark situations.

Cons

• It may be loose if you don’t layer it with an undershirt.

10. KwikSafety KS3302 Safety Vest

• Material: 100% polyester woven stitched;
• Hi-Viz Neon yellow mesh fabric; 
• Two-tone contrast orange 1-inch and silver 2 inches band;
• Pockets: 10;
• Weight: 5.6 oz.

With KwikSafety protective vest, safety will no longer be a matter. It structures to handle almost all sorts of conditions, applicability, and possible users. It even gains the approval of PPE workwear gear for emergency responders, construction workers, police, survey crews, surveyors, forestry, firefighter, public safety, security, traffic, and parking attendants. 

The structured design also supports healthy and safe working conditions and activities such as cycling, running, jogging, bike, bicycle, motorcycle, and volunteering. It has a type R class 2 breathable and flexible mesh fabrication that also works well day or night or whether you use it indoors or outdoors.

It has ten durable pockets divided into the lower and upper side with strong closures and pulls tabs. This safety vest edition is in full agreement with ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Class2 Level 2 to ensure safety.

The 360-degree surrounding reflective band provides visibility in each movement. It’s a perfect buy with the option of two Radio mic tags and 2 grommets for surveying tape. This vest is built in a way that it can perfectly fit over clothes, like jackets and shirts.

Pros

• Highly protective despite your work environment;
• Light, convenient, and comfortable to wear;
• The breathable mesh material;
• Comes with various pockets;
• A professional finished and clean look;
• It meets ANSI and OSHA agreements.

Cons

• The sleeves haven’t enough reflective area to mean class 3;
• Less expensive than similar other models.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between Yellow and Orange Safety Vests?

Colors can assist drivers and gear administrators with perceiving laborers. While fluorescent yellow is the most brilliant shading on the chromaticity scale and the most broadly utilized, orange hello there vis PPE has solid acknowledgment as a danger identifier – orange signifies “alert” or “watch out.”

What Color Vest is Ideal?

Essentially, your vest should coordinate or if nothing else stream firmly with your suit coat and pants. Most men like to wear a vest in a similar shading as the remainder of their suit. In the event that you’re intending to wear a naval force suit coat with a couple of naval force pants, for instance, you might need to pick a comparative naval force shaded vest.

At the End

The high visibility class 3 vest is required in any industry to be visible in any high-risk area. It will also save you from a terrible workplace accident, mostly if you work in an area that has extremely low visibility. If you are highly visible in that area, there is less chance of drivers or operators hitting you and causing fatal injuries. 

After reading the complete information, we believe you are concerned about your safety and ready to choose a perfect class 3 safety vest for you from the above list. We suggest you invest in an excellent high-visibility safety vest that might save your life soon. Read more: Gloves for Warehouse Work