The selection of appropriate fabric for high-visibility apparel is of paramount importance in ensuring the optimal balance between comfort, durability, and safety. Reflective workwear is manufactured from a variety of materials, each of which has been specifically designed to meet different requirements. For instance, 100% polyester is a prevalent material in the manufacture of reflective shirts and safety vests due to its moisture-wicking, quick-drying properties and its ability to maintain colour integrity under harsh conditions. In contrast, cotton possesses a soft texture and facilitates breathability, while also retaining moisture. A significant number of manufacturers offer cotton-polyester blends, which are known to offer a balanced combination of comfort and performance. The selection of fabric has a significant impact on the breathability, weight, and longevity of the garment.
Polyester: Durability and Performance
Polyester is frequently employed in the manufacture of high-visibility work shirts and vests. The material exhibits excellent moisture-wicking properties, thereby ensuring that perspiration is moved away from the body, thus maintaining the user's dryness during strenuous tasks. In addition, polyester fabrics have the advantage of drying quickly, which serves to reduce the sensation of coldness when the shirt is wet from rain or sweat. Polyester is a robust material that, due to its strength, results in a higher resistance to tears and abrasions when compared with cotton. For instance, the polyester-based reflective shirts and safety vests manufactured by our company exhibit a high level of durability, which renders them well-suited to harsh working environments. This ensures that the branded high-visibility equipment retains its functionality over an extended period of time.
Cotton and Blends: Comfort vs. Moisture
The weight of the fabric (measured in GSM or ounces) has a direct impact on the perceived temperature of the garment. Lightweight fabrics are characterised by their breathability, which renders them particularly well-suited for summer or active employment. It is evident that a lightweight mesh reflective shirt will permit greater airflow than a heavy jacket. In contradistinction, the utilisation of heavier fabrics may be considered for the fabrication of cold-weather hi-vis garments. For instance, a high-visibility sweatshirt or reflective safety vest might use a heavier fabric or lining to provide insulation. In order to ensure optimal performance and longevity, it is imperative to take into consideration the prevailing climatic conditions and the intended season of utilisation when placing an order. CustomTok provides a range of options with regard to fabric weight, extending from ultralight meshes to sturdy heavy-weight poly blends. This enables the user to select the most appropriate fabric weight for the specific worksite conditions.
Special Fabrics: Mesh and Moisture-Wicking
Reflective workwear is characterised by the integration of mesh panels or high-tech fibres, which are engineered to enhance the visibility of the wearer in low-light conditions. Reflective shirts are characterised by the presence of perforations or breathable panels in the underarm and back regions. These perforations facilitate the circulation of air, thereby ensuring optimal thermal regulation. Moisture-wicking fabrics, such as CoolMax or Dry-Fit polyester, are engineered to rapidly remove sweat from the body. These fabrics are especially valuable for hot or physically demanding work. A significant proportion of our most commercially successful reflective shirts utilise a distinctive micro-perforated polyester fabric, which possesses a weight comparable to that of a conventional t-shirt, yet concurrently exhibits high visibility. The evolution of modern fabrics has been a remarkable progression from the early-generation safety shirts of yesteryear. In addition to moisture management, a growing number of high-visibility fabrics are now being produced with finishes that are resistant to odour and UV-protective. The utilisation of such shirts has been demonstrated to enhance the level of satisfaction experienced by team members.
Key Fabric Types:
• Polyester: Strong, quick-dry, and durable for long-lasting visibility.
• Cotton: Soft and breathable, but absorbs sweat (best in dry conditions).
• Polyester Blends: A mix of polyester and cotton or spandex for balanced comfort and performance.
• Mesh & Ventilated Weaves: Panels of net-like fabric for extra breathability.
• Specialty Fabrics: Some hi-vis gear uses treated fabrics for odor control, UV protection, or flame resistance.
Care and Maintenance
The correct maintenance of high-visibility gear is known to prolong its lifespan. Reflective shirts and safety vests should be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. It is imperative to refrain from the use of chlorine bleach or fabric softeners, as these substances have the potential to degrade the fluorescent dyes and reflective tape. It is preferable to suspend garments from a suitable support structure for the purpose of drying, as opposed to the utilisation of elevated temperatures, which have been observed to result in the contraction of fabric and the deterioration of retroreflective strips. It is imperative to turn items inside-out prior to washing in order to safeguard printed logos and reflective elements. Adherence to the prescribed care guidelines is instrumental in ensuring the longevity of the colour and functionality of reflective shirts and custom safety vests over numerous seasons. The selection of appropriate fabric for reflective workwear necessitates a balanced consideration of factors including comfort, climate, and safety. The company's team of experts is able to advise customers on the most appropriate fabric for their safety vests or reflective shirts, taking into account the specific requirements of each client's industry and the conditions in which the vests will be worn. An exploration of the Workwear collection reveals a variety of fabric choices. Alternatively, should a customised recommendation be required, interested parties are invited to contact the relevant department. Investment in appropriate materials is therefore essential to ensure that personnel remain visible, comfortable and safe during execution of all tasks.
