Stay Seen, Stay Safe: The Ultimate Guide to High-Visibility

Stay Seen, Stay Safe: The Ultimate Guide to High-Visibility & ANSI-Rated Gear

At Trailhead Printing, we know that your gear needs to do more than just look good—it needs to work as hard as you do. Whether you are managing a busy construction site, directing traffic, or simply walking the dog at dusk, the right apparel can be the difference between being invisible and being safe.

To help you outfit your team with confidence, we’ve put together this essential guide to understanding high-visibility and ANSI-rated workwear.

Understanding the Classes: Which Gear Do You Need?

Safety standards are divided into classes based on the level of risk and the environment of the jobsite.

1. Enhanced Visibility: Beyond the Jobsite

Enhanced Visibility gear is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd but aren't working in high-risk traffic areas.

Who typically wears it? Shopping cart retrievers, delivery drivers, joggers, and recreational walkers.
How to use it: It works great as a base layer under certified gear, a uniforming option, or a change of clothes for lunch breaks off-site.

2. ANSI Class 2: The Jobsite Standard

ANSI Class 2 is required for workers who are in close proximity to traffic traveling over 25 mph or whose tasks divert their attention from approaching vehicles.

Who typically wears it? Roadway construction workers, survey crews, airport ground crews, and school crossing guards.
Key Feature: Provides a high level of visibility in complex backgrounds and various weather conditions.

3. ANSI Class 3: Maximum Protection

ANSI Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility for the most dangerous conditions.

Who typically wears it? Flagging crews, construction vehicle operators, and those exposed to significantly high-speed traffic
The Requirement: Workers must be identifiable as a person and conspicuous through a full range of body motions from a minimum distance of 1,280 feet.

Gear That Works for Every Season

Safety doesn't stop when the weather turns. Our guide features a wide range of professional, durable options from brands you trust like Carhartt, Cornerstone, and Port Authority.

Vests for Every Shift: From mesh zippered vests for breathability to surveyor vests with multiple pockets, we have options for Class 2 and Class 3 requirements.
Rugged Outerwear: Stay dry and seen with waterproof rain jackets, ripstop parkas, and windbreakers. Pair a Class 3 jacket with Class E rain pants for head-to-toe protection.
High-Vis Sweatshirts & Tees: For cooler mornings, try our Carhartt sweatshirts featuring Rain Defender® technology to keep you dry and safe. For the heat of summer, our snag-resistant and moisture-wicking tees keep your team comfortable.
Professional Polos: Need a more "office-ready" look that still meets safety needs? Enhanced visibility polos offer a professional appearance for supervisors and site managers.