Standards guide

ANSI/ISEA 107 High-Visibility Classes Explained

Updated 2026-09-01 6 min read Workwear standards

ANSI/ISEA 107 is the US standard for high-visibility safety apparel. It defines performance classes based on how much fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape a garment carries, so buyers can match clothing to the visibility risk of a job.

This guide explains the current class system, the difference between Class E trousers and Class 2/3 tops, and how to specify garments that actually meet the standard when worn together.

What ANSI/ISEA 107 covers

The standard applies to high-visibility apparel worn by workers exposed to traffic, moving equipment or low-light conditions. It sets requirements for background material color and luminance, retroreflective performance, minimum areas, and testing.

Garments are certified by type and class, and the label must state the class, the garment type and the standard year. A compliant label is the first thing a safety officer checks.

Class 1, 2 and 3 at a glance

The higher the class, the more visible material and tape a garment must carry. Class 2 is the most common requirement for road crews and general site work; Class 3 is specified for high-speed traffic, night work and complex backgrounds.

Class	Minimum background material	Minimum retroreflective material	Typical use
Class 1	217 in² (0.14 m²)	155 in² (0.10 m²)	Low-speed, off-road, parking and warehouse tasks
Class 2	775 in² (0.50 m²)	201 in² (0.13 m²)	Road crews near traffic under 25 mph, site workers
Class 3	1240 in² (0.80 m²)	310 in² (0.20 m²)	High-speed traffic, night work, complex backgrounds
Class E	Trousers paired with Class 2/3 tops	Tape on both legs	Complete lower-body visibility with a certified top

Class E trousers and full outfits

Trousers with Class E tape are not a standalone class: they must be worn with a certified Class 2 or Class 3 top. Together they create full-body visibility, which many sites require when workers bend or kneel and their upper garment no longer covers the visible area.

If you sell trousers, make sure the label and marketing state that they are Class E and must be paired with a compliant top.

How to choose the right class

Check the site safety plan, contract documents or client standard first: they often specify the class by role.
Match class to speed and lighting: higher speed, night work and poor backgrounds push you to Class 3.
Consider sleeve coverage: a Class 2 short-sleeve shirt can become Class 3 when worn with a Class 3 jacket.
For rain gear, check EN 343 or ANSI rain garment requirements in addition to visibility.
Verify tape certifications and request test reports with each lot.

Common compliance mistakes

Wearing a non-compliant vest over a jacket that is not taped.
Assuming a Class 2 vest remains compliant when covered by a backpack or tool belt.
Mixing garments from different standards without checking the combined outfit.
Buying 'ANSI style' products that are not tested to the standard.

Need this checked against your order? Send the standard, class and garment type — we will confirm the fabric, tape and labeling before production.

FAQ

Questions on this standard

Is ANSI Class 2 enough for construction?

Most US construction sites require Class 2 for general workers and Class 3 for flaggers and night work; confirm with the site safety plan.

What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3?

Class 3 requires more background material and tape (1,240 in² and 310 in² vs 775 in² and 201 in²) and is used for higher-risk visibility situations.

Can a Class 2 vest become Class 3?

Only if the certified combination of garments meets Class 3; adding sleeves or a Class 3 jacket over a Class 2 vest is a common tested combination.

Build compliant workwear with the documentation to prove it.

Send your standard and quantity. We will quote the right fabric, tape and labeling for your market.

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