High visibility workwear is made to keep you seen and safe while you're on the job. Whether you’re out on a construction site, working roadside, or managing night shifts in low-light spaces, hi-vis clothing plays a major role in making sure people notice you quickly. But just like any piece of work gear, it needs a bit of care to keep doing its job properly.
If your workwear’s looking grimy, faded or coming apart at the seams, it may no longer be doing what it was designed to do. Keeping your high visibility clothing in top shape helps you stay safe, look professional, and feel comfortable through long hours. The better you look after your kit, the longer it holds up, and the less often you’ll need to replace it.
Routine Cleaning And Maintenance
High visibility clothing works best when it’s clean and bright. Dirt, sweat and grime can dull the colours and cover up the reflective strips, making it hard for others to spot you on site. Regular washing helps it stay bright and visible, especially if you're working in areas with dust, mud, or oils around.
But don’t just throw it into a hot machine wash and hope for the best. Workwear takes a beating day to day, so it helps to be gentle at home. Here are a few good habits to keep your hi-vis gear in better shape for longer:
- Wash in cool or lukewarm water. High heat can damage reflective areas and make colours fade faster.
- Use a mild detergent. Strong chemicals can break down the fabric and reduce reflectivity.
- Avoid fabric softeners. They block the pores in reflective material and stop it from shining under light.
- Keep it separate from heavily soiled items or rough fabrics like denim. Hi-vis material is tough, but it still wears down if it rubs against rougher pieces during the wash.
- Air dry where you can, and avoid direct sunlight for long periods. Intense UV can fade the fabric and weaken the stitching.
- Skip the tumble dryer if possible. The heat from dryers can break down taped areas and shrink materials.
If you’re someone who works long shifts or in high-mess environments, you might end up washing your gear more often. That’s fine, just keep an eye on how well the colours and reflective areas are holding up. Once they start looking dull or cracked, it’s time for a fresh set.
Proper Storage Practices
A bit of thought about where and how you store your gear can go a long way. Tossing your jacket on the floor of the van or crumpling it in your locker at the end of the day can slowly wear it down. Hi-vis clothing holds up much better when stored right between uses.
Keep your workwear in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Hanging jackets in a proper space with airflow is ideal. If reflective sections are touching other hard surfaces for hours, they can crack or peel over time. Here’s what helps:
- Hang jackets on wide hangers so they keep their shape.
- Keep your shirts and trousers folded neatly if there's no hanging space, and don’t stack other gear on top.
- Make sure the room or van isn’t damp – moisture can grow mildew and break down fabrics.
- Avoid leaving gear in sealed plastic bags unless it’s just been washed, as it needs airflow to stay fresh.
- Don’t leave items baking in hot cars or vans, especially near windows.
Good storage also saves you time. You’ll know where everything is when it’s time to head to work, and your gear will be dry, clean, and ready to throw on without any surprises. One example that catches people out is leaving gear under toolboxes or heavy loads in the back of a van. That kind of pressure can crease reflective tape permanently, splitting it and making it less effective.
Getting into the habit of storing your hi-vis right saves effort long term, keeps gear looking smarter, and helps make it last longer.
Handling Everyday Wear And Tear
Even with the best wash routine and proper storage, high visibility clothing gets put through its paces. Long days, rough tasks, and changing weather all take a toll. To get more life out of your gear, it's worth paying attention to how you use it day to day.
Start by checking over your clothing before and after your shift. Look for pulled seams, torn reflective strips or worn fabric. These signs usually show up first on sleeves, knees, or across the back where movement and contact are constant. If your jacket gets caught, scraped, or dragged through rough surfaces, chances are that area won’t last much longer.
As much as possible, try to avoid unnecessary damage on site. If you're carrying tools on a belt or over one shoulder, they can rub hard against your gear and wear out those spots quickly. Keep sharp items away from the fabric and try not to lean against rough walls or machinery for long periods.
And don’t forget the weather. Rain, wind and grime can soak into your hi-vis jacket. If you work outside, it helps to wear garments that offer water resistance so mud and moisture don’t linger. Change out of wet gear promptly and let it dry properly when you're done.
A lot of jobs can’t be done without getting dirty. That’s expected. But if your clothing constantly ends up caked in grease, repeatedly battered, or smells like chemicals, its materials might break down sooner than expected. Let your gear tell you when it’s had enough. There comes a point when no amount of washing or care will bring back the original look and function. When that time comes, it’s best to move on to a new set.
Benefits Of Replacing Worn-Out Workwear
It’s easy to become attached to a jacket or a pair of hi-vis trousers that have seen you through long months on site, especially once they’ve softened up and feel familiar. But worn-out workwear can be a problem. Not just for looks, but for safety, too.
Once your hi-vis gear starts looking dull, stained or split, it loses its main purpose: keeping you visible. Reflective strips that have peeled off, patches of faded fabric, and too many permanent stains mean other people may not spot you as quickly. That can be risky, especially around moving vehicles or noisy machinery.
It also ends up looking unprofessional. If you're on site alongside clients or contractors, your clothing says a lot about how you take your job. A jacket that’s torn at the sleeve or covered in grime can give the wrong impression, even if you’re doing top-quality work. Taking the time to freshen up your workwear gives you a more put-together look, every shift.
Here are some signs it’s time for replacements:
- Reflective tape is peeling, cracked, or missing in sections
- The fabric has faded or stained to the point you can’t restore its brightness
- Tears, stretched seams, or holes have appeared from everyday use
- Gear smells or feels damp even after cleaning
- The fit has changed or it feels uncomfortable to wear for long hours
Waiting too long to let go of a hi-vis item can cost you down the line. It’s better to have a few reliable pieces in rotation than hang onto one tired garment that’s past its best.
Keeping Your Hi-Vis Workwear Ready For The Job
Taking care of your high visibility workwear doesn’t require major effort, just a little consistency. The better you treat your gear, the better it performs. From washing it properly to storing it right and knowing when to walk away from a worn-out piece, every step helps extend its life.
Wearing hi-vis gear that works as well as it looks makes a difference. You're not just meeting safety requirements, you’re showing pride in your role. Keeping your clothing fresh and sharp can give you more confidence at work and help everyone around you stay safer.
Checking in on your gear regularly and following simple habits can help you avoid major issues. And when the time comes to replace your hi-vis, don’t hesitate. It’s worth it when you step on site clean, visible, and fully prepared.
Whether you’re replacing old gear or getting your team ready for the season ahead, it’s important to have kit that looks sharp and works well. Keep everyone safe and sharp on the job with smart choices that suit the tasks at hand. To explore options that match your needs, take a look at our high visibility clothing and see how Fluid Custom Clothing can help you stay ready for whatever’s next.