EN ISO 20471 is the European standard for high-visibility clothing designed to visually signal the presence of workers in hazardous environments, especially under low light conditions. For fabric manufacturers like SPORTINGTEX®, understanding and meeting this standard is essential to supplying certified safety garments across construction, logistics, transportation, and emergency response sectors.

Overview of EN ISO 20471 Standard

What Does EN20471 Regulate?

EN20471 regulates the minimum performance requirements for high-visibility clothing in terms of color, retroreflectivity, and minimum areas of visible materials. The goal is to enhance visibility of workers through fluorescent and reflective materials.

Who Needs EN20471 Certified Garments?

Any worker exposed to road traffic, heavy equipment, or low-visibility environments is expected to wear EN20471-compliant gear. This includes construction workers, road maintenance crews, warehouse staff, airport ground personnel, and emergency responders.

Classes of EN20471 (Class 1, 2, 3 Explained)

EN20471 garments are divided into three classes based on the minimum visible surface area, determined by the combined area of fluorescent fabric and reflective tape. Choosing the right class depends on the work environment’s risk level and visibility requirements:

Class 1: Lowest visibility. Suitable for low-risk areas such as indoor warehouses, private properties, or workplaces without traffic. Requires the least amount of fluorescent and reflective surface.
Class 2: Intermediate visibility. Used in work environments where vehicles are moving under 50 km/h, such as urban areas or daylight construction. Requires more visible surface than Class 1 and greater body coverage.
Class 3: Highest visibility. Required in high-risk areas like highways, night work, or poor weather conditions. Garments must include long sleeves and/or pants with reflective bands, ensuring 360° visibility.

To meet Class 3 requirements, it’s often necessary to combine garments—for example, a high-visibility jacket with trousers—to achieve the required visible area.

Key Fabric Requirements for EN20471 Compliance

Fluorescent Background Material Specifications

The background fabric must be in one of the approved colors (fluorescent yellow, orange-red, or red) and must maintain chromaticity and luminance after exposure to UV, washing, and abrasion.

Retroreflective Tape Standards

Reflective materials must meet retroreflectivity thresholds (measured in RA) under various angles and light sources. Tapes are tested for performance even after repeated washes or physical wear.

Performance after Washing and Aging

To be EN20471-compliant, fabrics must maintain visibility properties after a designated number of washes—typically 25, 50, or even 75 cycles, depending on end-use requirements.

Color Options and Limitations

Only three fluorescent colors are allowed under EN20471: yellow, orange-red, and red. Custom hues or patterns are not compliant unless tested and certified.

How Is EN20471 Testing Done?

Certified Labs and Test Methods

Testing is conducted by accredited third-party labs using standards such as ISO 20471, ISO 6330 (washing), and ISO 13688 (general clothing performance).

Required Documentation for Certification

Manufacturers must provide technical files including fabric test reports, garment designs, and conformity declarations. CE marking is required for products entering the EU market.

Common Pitfalls in Testing

Frequent causes of failure include poor wash durability, color fading, reflective tape delamination, and incorrect surface area ratios on garments.

SPORTINGTEX®

EN20471 Certified Fabrics by SPORTINGTEX®

Our Fluorescent & Reflective Fabric Portfolio

SPORTINGTEX® offers a range of high-visibility textiles. All materials are tested to meet EN20471 performance criteria.

Tested Durability and Wash Cycles

Our fabrics are certified to maintain colorfastness and reflectivity after up to 50 or 75 washes, depending on specification. This ensures long-term compliance and garment lifespan.

Custom Development for OEM/ODM Projects

We support clients with custom EN20471-compliant fabric solutions tailored to workwear, outerwear, safety vests, and multifunctional garments.

EN20471 vs. ANSI/ISEA 107: What’s the Difference?

EN20471 is the European visibility standard, while ANSI/ISEA 107 is its American counterpart. While both have similar goals, they differ in classification systems and some color/area requirements. SPORTINGTEX® can support clients seeking compliance in both regions.

FAQ: Common Questions About EN20471

What is the difference between Class 1, 2, and 3 garments?

It refers to the amount of visible fluorescent and reflective surface. Class 3 provides the highest visibility.

Can a garment be both EN20471 and EN343 compliant?

Yes, garments can meet multiple standards such as visibility (EN20471) and waterproofing (EN343) when tested accordingly.

How often should EN20471 clothing be replaced?

Replace garments when reflectivity fades, fabrics become worn, or after exceeding certified wash cycles.

Is EN20471 required by law in Europe?

Yes. For workers exposed to road traffic or other visibility hazards, EN20471-compliant clothing is mandatory in many EU countries.

Contact SPORTINGTEX® for EN20471-Compliant Fabrics

Looking for durable, certified high-visibility fabrics? SPORTINGTEX® provides EN20471-compliant textiles backed by lab testing, fast development, and OEM/ODM support. Contact us to get a quote or request samples today.

Have you ever wondered what makes high-visibility clothing truly effective in keeping workers safe? Whether you’re on a construction site, managing road traffic, or working in emergency services, visibility can mean the difference between safety and danger. EN20471 is the European standard that ensures high-visibility garments meet strict safety requirements. But how does it work, and why is it essential across various industries?

Let’s dive into the details and discover how the right high-visibility fabric can enhance workplace safety and compliance!

What is EN20471?

EN20471 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for high-visibility clothing designed to ensure the safety of workers in hazardous environments. This standard defines the necessary visibility levels based on fluorescent materials, retroreflective strips, and contrast colors to enhance worker visibility during both daytime and nighttime conditions.

Classification of EN20471 High-Visibility Clothing

EN20471 divides high-visibility clothing into three classes based on the minimum area of fluorescent and reflective materials used:

- Class 1 (Lowest Visibility):
  - Suitable for low-risk environments with minimal traffic
  - Minimum 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of retroreflective tape
  - Example: Hi-vis trousers with reflective strips
- Class 2 (Intermediate Visibility):
  - Recommended for medium-risk work zones such as construction sites
  - Minimum 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of retroreflective tape
  - Example: Hi-vis vests and jackets
- Class 3 (Highest Visibility):
  - Essential for high-risk areas like highways or emergency services
  - Minimum 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of retroreflective tape
  - Example: Hi-vis jackets with full-sleeve coverage

Key Material Requirements of EN20471

To comply with EN20471, high-visibility fabrics must meet the following criteria:

- Fluorescent Material: Enhances visibility during daylight hours by absorbing UV light and reflecting it as visible light. Common colors include yellow, orange, and red.
- Retroreflective Tape: Improves visibility in low-light conditions by reflecting light from vehicle headlights back to the source. Commonly made of micro-glass beads or prismatic technology.
- Contrast Material: Dark-colored fabric that enhances the contrast between fluorescent and non-fluorescent areas, improving visibility against different backgrounds.

EN20471 is a crucial safety standard, ensuring that workers remain visible in high-risk environments. Choosing certified fabrics and garments helps companies meet safety regulations and reduce workplace accidents.

Industries That Require EN20471 Certified Fabrics

EN20471-certified high-visibility fabrics play a crucial role in various industries where worker safety and visibility are paramount. Here are some key sectors that require compliance with EN20471 standards:

1. Construction & Roadwork

Construction workers and road maintenance crews often work in hazardous environments with heavy machinery, moving vehicles, and low-light conditions. EN20471-compliant clothing ensures they remain visible to drivers and operators, reducing the risk of accidents.

2. Traffic & Emergency Services

Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics frequently work in high-risk scenarios, such as accident sites and emergency response zones. High-visibility fabrics improve their visibility in both daylight and nighttime conditions, ensuring their safety while responding to critical situations.

3. Railway & Aviation

Railway workers and airport ground staff operate in environments with fast-moving trains, airplanes, and heavy equipment. EN20471-compliant workwear allows them to be easily seen by operators, enhancing safety and preventing workplace incidents.

4. Manufacturing & Logistics

Warehouses, factories, and distribution centers involve high levels of activity with forklifts, conveyor belts, and automated machinery. Workers wearing high-visibility garments can be quickly identified, minimizing accidents in busy workspaces.

These industries rely on EN20471-compliant fabrics to maintain workplace safety, meet legal regulations, and enhance operational efficiency. Choosing the right high-visibility fabric is essential for protecting workers and reducing risks in these demanding environments.

How to Choose the Right EN20471 Fabric?

Selecting the appropriate EN20471-certified fabric is crucial for ensuring worker safety, compliance, and comfort. Here are key factors to consider when choosing high-visibility (Hi-Vis) materials:

1. Identify Industry-Specific Requirements

Different industries require different levels of high-visibility protection. For example:

- Construction & Roadwork: Requires Class 2 or Class 3 fabrics with strong durability.
- Emergency Services & Traffic Control: Demands highly reflective materials for nighttime visibility.
- Logistics & Warehousing: May need lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort during extended wear.

2. Determine the Required Visibility Class

EN20471 classifies Hi-Vis clothing into three categories based on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material:

- Class 1: Minimal visibility, suitable for low-risk areas.
- Class 2: Medium visibility, ideal for roadwork and warehouse environments.
- Class 3: Maximum visibility, required for high-risk zones such as highway construction.

3. Balance Durability and Comfort

- Polyester fabrics: Offer high durability, color retention, and strong resistance to environmental exposure.
- Cotton blends: Provide better breathability and comfort, making them ideal for warmer climates.
- Coated fabrics: Enhance resistance to water, oil, or chemicals, suitable for specific hazardous conditions.

4. Consider Reflective Tape Technology

The placement and quality of retroreflective tapes are critical for meeting EN20471 standards. Options include:

- Sew-on reflective tape: Provides long-lasting durability but may reduce fabric flexibility.
- Heat-applied reflective tape: Offers better flexibility and comfort but may wear out faster after multiple washes.

5. Verify Compliance and Certification

Ensure the fabric has been tested by an accredited laboratory and complies with EN20471 color, reflectivity, and durability requirements. Certifications from reputable testing organizations help guarantee product quality.

Choosing the right EN20471 fabric involves balancing safety, durability, and comfort based on specific industry needs. By selecting certified materials and the appropriate visibility class, companies can enhance worker protection while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

Enhance Safety with Sportingtex® EN20471-Compliant Knitted Fabrics

At Sportingtex®, we are dedicated to revolutionizing high-visibility workwear with our EN20471-compliant knitted fabrics. Combining comfort, durability, and superior visibility, our innovative textile solutions ensure workers stay safe without compromising flexibility and breathability.

Whether you’re in construction, transportation, or emergency response, our high-quality reflective and fluorescent knitted fabrics provide optimal performance and compliance with industry safety standards.

Choose Sportingtex® for cutting-edge EN20471 fabrics—where safety meets innovation. Contact us today to explore our high-visibility textile solutions!