Aug. 07, 2025
Keeping Workers Cool and Visible in Summer Heat
As temperatures climb during the summer months, many employers ask the same critical question: How can I keep employees safe, comfortable, and visible while they wear high-visibility (hi-vis) apparel in the heat?
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious safety concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 9,235 people are hospitalized each year due to heat-related conditions, and approximately 702 lives are lost annually.
To protect your team, it's important to choose hi-vis garments that are both breathable and compliant with industry safety standards. Here’s what you need to know.
Which Fabrics Meet ANSI/ISEA Hi-Vis Safety Standards?
Hi-vis apparel must meet specific criteria set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). So, the first step in selecting summer-friendly PPE is asking: Which fabrics are ANSI/ISEA compliant?
You might be surprised to learn that cotton does not meet ANSI/ISEA standards for high-visibility clothing. During wash and exposure testing, cotton fails because it doesn’t retain enough fluorescent dye to meet background material visibility requirements.
Some manufacturers offer garments made from a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend in colors like “safety green” or “safety orange.” However, these blends also fall short of ANSI/ISEA standards—even when reflective tape is added. The limited fluorescence of the fabric simply doesn’t meet the minimum visibility thresholds.
As a result, companies like Reflective Apparel avoid using cotton or cotton/polyester blends in their ANSI-compliant product lines. Instead, they focus on performance fabrics that retain color and reflectivity even after repeated use and exposure to outdoor elements.
Conclusion: Choose Smart, Stay Safe
To ensure your employees remain visible and cool in summer conditions, opt for ANSI/ISEA-certified hi-vis garments made from lightweight, breathable synthetic fabrics specifically designed for safety. Avoid cotton-based options, which may feel comfortable but don’t deliver the compliance or protection your workforce needs.
What Are the Most Breathable Hi-Vis Fabrics?
When it comes to hot working conditions, fabric breathability is critical. Breathable fabrics help keep workers cool by allowing sweat to evaporate and body heat to escape. The better the breathability, the more comfortable and safer your team will be—especially in high-temperature environments.
Avoid Low-Quality Polyester — Choose Moisture-Wicking Options
Not all hi-vis polyester fabrics are created equal. Low-quality, thick polyester can trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of overheating. In contrast, high-quality polyester with moisture-wicking properties draws perspiration away from the skin and promotes ventilation, making it ideal for summer workwear.
Leading brands like Nike®, Under Armour®, and WildSpark™ have pioneered polyester technologies that combine wicking, antimicrobial, and reflective properties, setting a new standard in performance workwear. These advancements have made modern polyester superior to even cotton in hot, humid environments.
While cotton is traditionally known for breathability, it retains 24–27 times its weight in water, making it heavy and less effective in high-moisture conditions. For outdoor work involving sweat, rain, or humidity, workers will stay cooler and more visible in high-quality, ANSI-compliant polyester hi-vis garments.
Top Examples of Breathable ANSI-Compliant Hi-Vis Shirts
Here are three high-performance hi-vis shirts made from different types of breathable, moisture-wicking polyester:
1. 103CTLM Hi-Vis Lime Micromesh Pocket Safety Shirt with 3M™ Comfort Trim
Fabric: 3.7 oz Ultra-Light Micromesh Polyester
Visibility: ANSI Class 2 Compliant
Key Features:
Featured content:
Exceptional breathability with open-weave micromesh
Wicks moisture 3x faster than cotton
Lightweight, long-lasting construction
Includes 3M™ Scotchlite™ 5510 Comfort Trim—a flexible, non-abrasive alternative to standard reflective tape
Certified for 75+ washes
2. 342CTLB Two-Tone Birdseye Safety Polo with 3M™ Comfort Trim
Fabric: 4.1 oz Birdseye Knit Polyester
Visibility: ANSI Class 2 Compliant
Key Features:
Soft interior for all-day comfort
Durable for rugged job sites
Rib-knit collar and 3-snap placket offer a professional look
Moisture-wicking performance, 3x faster than cotton
Two-tone lime/black design hides stains
Features 3M™ Scotchlite™ 5510 Comfort Trim
3. 101CTLM Hi-Vis Lime Jersey Knit Tee with 3M™ Comfort Trim
Fabric: 6 oz Jersey Knit Polyester
Visibility: ANSI Class 2 Compliant
Key Features:
Cotton-like softness with enhanced durability
Advanced wicking performance
Designed for maximum comfort in warm environments
Equipped with 3M™ Scotchlite™ 5510 Comfort Trim for superior flexibility and comfort
Conclusion: Choose Smarter Fabrics for Safer Summer Workwear
For optimal comfort, visibility, and compliance, select hi-vis garments made from lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking polyester. These fabrics outperform cotton in hot, humid, and physically demanding conditions—keeping your crew cool, dry, and safe on the job.
Previous: Key Features of High-Visibility Fabrics
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