Overview
A softshell rather than a shell: the fabric has some body to it, so it holds shape over a base layer and does not crackle or flap in wind the way a thin coated jacket does. The black side and sleeve panels are placed where a garment takes the most abrasion, which keeps the fluorescent face clean and readable instead of scuffed grey at the edges.
Construction
- Fluorescent yellow-green softshell body
- Black panels on the sides and sleeves at the high-wear zones
- Silver retroreflective bands around the torso and sleeves
- Black full-length zip with a stand collar
- Two zip hand pockets
Where it fits in a layering system
This is the middle of three layers: a base layer under it, a shell over it when rain is the problem. It is not sold as waterproof. If the requirement is a garment that keeps rain out, the rain jacket in this range is the correct piece, and the two are cut to sit over each other without the sleeve bands lining up badly.
How it is specified
Band layout and standard class are confirmed at order stage; softshell face weight, backing and the black panel placement are fixed at sampling.
A middle layer, and it should be bought as one
Softshell holds its shape and blocks wind, and it is not a waterproof shell: the seams are not taped and the face is not built for standing rain. It works when it is bought as the middle of a three-layer system, with a base layer under it and a proper shell over it when water is the problem. Bought as a standalone jacket for wet weather it will disappoint, and that expectation is worth correcting before the order rather than after delivery.
What to confirm before ordering
- Class or type you are buying to: EN ISO 20471 class 1, 2 or 3, or an ANSI/ISEA 107 type. The same garment cannot be every class, so the class has to be stated before the banding is fixed.
- The layer it goes over: Class areas are measured on the garment, not on the outfit. A jacket worn over a fleece has to fit over the fleece, which may mean a larger size rather than less banding.
- Whether waterproofing or flame retardancy is also required: Those are separate standards with separate tests. A high-visibility claim says nothing about either.
- Band width and layout, if your buyer's spec fixes them: Two suppliers can both meet a class with different layouts, so a fixed layout is a spec item and not a detail.
- Whether trims, logos and pockets may reduce the fluorescent area: Some specs prohibit it. Pockets and logos are subtracted from the area that counts.
Compliance note
A high-visibility garment is assessed as a garment, not as a fabric. Band width, band count, fluorescent area and the way they are laid out are all measured on the finished article, and the class belongs to that article. What can be stated here is the standard the build is designed against and how the banding is arranged; what cannot be stated on a product page is that a particular batch's certificate matches your requirement. That certificate is requested per order, against the standard and class in your purchase spec, and it is the document your customer's auditor will ask for.
Related formats
For closely related builds see Hi Vis Bomber Jacket and Hi Vis Fleece-Lined Work Jacket. The full category is at Hi Vis Jackets.
Samples and lead time
Sample pieces are supplied before a bulk order so your team can check fit, finish and marking on the actual article. Standard lead time is 2–4 weeks from order confirmation.
