7 Best Safety Vests and High-Visibility Wear for Women
Updated: Feb. 17, 2023Prepare to be seen! High-visibility vests and other apparel for women on the jobsite are important for everyone's safety and security.
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Workplace Safety for All
As gender roles evolve, women continue to play a larger role in the construction, transportation and trades workforce.
When it comes to high-visibility (hi-vis) vests and apparel, proper fit is essential for women, and not only for style and comfort. Oversized garments can create secondary safety hazards — extra fabric can get caught in machinery, for instance. Well-proportioned safety apparel made for women is the solution.
Read on for our seven top options.
Surveyor Vest
When you’re in the field, you’ll stand out in this orange Surveyor Vest ANSI Class 2 by SeeHerWork. It features two-inch reflective strips set on a three-inch contrasting-color background so you’ll never go undetected.
Designed for operating professionals, the high-performing vest has front and back poly mesh for breathability and heat control. A comprehensive sizing chart offers lengths and inseams befitting shorter and curvier female bodies.
Women’s Traffic Vest
The Pioneer Protective Products Women’s Work Traffic Vest is designed for women who manage the flow of traffic. Compliant with industry safety standards, the patented StarTech reflective tape ensures your clear visibility on the street, the highway or the tarmac. Made of lightweight Tricot polyester, the vest features a built-in radiophone clip to keep you in constant communication with your crew.
Portwest Hi-Vis Breathable Jacket
Sporting a contemporary silhouette just for women, the Portwest Ladies Hi-Vis Breathable Jacket combines a flattering fit with 360 degrees of visibility and awesome rain protection. Made of lightweight polyester mesh lining and 100 percent 300D Oxford weave shell, it’s coated with polyurethane to block out moisture. The jacket comes in sizes from XS to 3X and has a detachable hood.
Amazon reviewer and construction inspector Karen P. wrote, “The material doesn’t feel like straight plastic, yet it protects just as well. I wear it in the rain and during concrete pours.”
KwikSafety Fitted Safety Vest
The KwikSafety Class 2 Fitted Safety Vest‘s silver reflective tape with contrasting black trim shines brilliantly so you’re always in sight. The vest is made of breathable fabric so it’s light and easy to work in, and it’s tapered at the waist so it fits snugly without being restrictive. It’s great for women working almost anywhere, from schoolyards to shipyards.
Flame-Resistant Cotton Long Sleeve Polo
Designed by women for women, the National Safety Apparel Flame-Resistant Cotton Women’s Long Sleeve Polo‘s highly visable crimson-red color definitively announces your whereabouts. The collared polo shirt, made of flame-resistant cotton, is dual-certified to protect against flash fire and arc flash hazards. It won’t melt, drip or ignite.
Blaklader Women’s Hi-Vis Trousers
The hard-wearing Blaklader Women’s Hi-Vis Trousers are specially tailored for craftswomen and women who work in construction. The multi-pocket pants are sewn from high-visibility 65 percent polyester/35 percent cotton twill with a water-repellent finish. Great details include a side hammer loop, a knife holder with a button, loops with a D ring and a removable ID pocket.
The elastic waist provides a comfortable fit and the drawstring-hem trouser legs are banded with reflective tape. Available in orange/navy blue, red/black, yellow/black and yellow/navy blue.
Parka with Teflon Fabric Protector
Meeting ANSI visibility standards, the Utility Pro Class 2 Hi-Vis Ladies Parka with Teflon Protector is liquid and stain repellent for doing messy jobs in the cold. And talking about cold: Lined with super warm microfleece, this parka features storm cuffs and a cozy, detachable hood. Another plus: The dark navy contrast color on the sleeves hides dirt and stains.
