Who Invented High-Visibility Workwear? The History Behind Hi-Vis Clothing
Today, high-visibility workwear is an essential part of workplace safety across the UK. Whether it’s construction workers, railway engineers, road maintenance crews, warehouse operatives or emergency services, millions of people rely on hi-vis clothing every day to help them stay safe.
But where did it all begin? Who invented high-visibility workwear, and why has it become one of the most important developments in occupational safety?
The Need for Better Visibility
Before high-visibility clothing existed, workers often wore dark, heavy clothing that provided little protection against being struck by moving vehicles or machinery. As industrialisation accelerated during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of workplace accidents increased dramatically.
Railway workers were particularly vulnerable. Steam trains travelled at increasing speeds, often through poor weather and low-light conditions, making it difficult for drivers to spot workers on or near the tracks.
It became clear that a simple but effective solution was needed.
The Early Days of High-Visibility Clothing
The earliest versions of high-visibility clothing appeared in the railway industry during the 1930s and 1940s. Workers were encouraged to wear lighter-coloured garments to make themselves more noticeable.
However, these early garments were basic and lacked the fluorescent materials we recognise today. They relied purely on contrast with the surrounding environment.
The real breakthrough came several decades later.
The Birth of Modern Hi-Vis
Modern high-visibility clothing began to emerge during the 1960s when fluorescent synthetic fabrics became commercially available.
One of the pioneers was the British company Leo Workwear, founded in Cumbria. In 1964, Leo developed one of the world’s first fluorescent orange safety garments specifically for railway workers.
British Rail quickly recognised the benefits and adopted fluorescent orange clothing for staff working on or near railway lines. The highly visible garments dramatically improved worker visibility during daylight hours and significantly reduced the risk of accidents.
Because of this innovation, Leo Workwear is widely credited with creating the first commercially successful high-visibility workwear designed specifically for occupational safety.
The Addition of Reflective Tape
Fluorescent colours solved visibility during the day, but workers also needed protection during darkness.
Reflective tape became the next major innovation.
Using microscopic glass beads and later prismatic technology, reflective strips bounced vehicle headlights back towards drivers, making workers visible from much greater distances at night.
The combination of fluorescent fabric for daylight and reflective tape for low-light conditions created the hi-vis garments we know today.
Why Fluorescent Colours Work
Unlike ordinary colours, fluorescent materials absorb ultraviolet light from the sun and re-emit it as visible light.
This makes the fabric appear brighter than standard materials, helping wearers stand out against natural backgrounds.
The three most common fluorescent colours are:
Fluorescent Yellow
- Fluorescent Orange
- Fluorescent Red-Orange
Each colour is carefully chosen because the human eye detects them quickly, even at long distances.
The Introduction of Safety Standards
As hi-vis clothing became more widely used, governments and safety organisations developed standards to ensure garments provided consistent protection.
Today, high-visibility clothing sold in the UK typically complies with:
• EN ISO 20471 – International standard for high-visibility clothing.
• RIS-3279-TOM – UK rail industry specification for orange high-visibility garments.
These standards specify:
- Minimum fluorescent material coverage
- Placement and width of reflective tape
- Colour performance
- Durability after repeated washing
- Overall garment design
Employers can therefore be confident that certified garments provide an appropriate level of visibility.
Industries That Depend on High-Visibility Clothing
High-visibility workwear is now used across almost every industry where workers are exposed to moving vehicles, machinery or poor visibility.
Common sectors include:
- Construction
- Road maintenance
- Railways
- Warehousing and logistics
- Airports
- Utilities
- Waste management
- Agriculture
- Ports and docks
- Emergency services
- Security
- Event management
In many workplaces, wearing certified hi-vis clothing is mandatory under health and safety regulations.
How High-Visibility Clothing Continues to Evolve
Today’s high-visibility garments are far more advanced than the original fluorescent jackets of the 1960s.
Modern workwear offers:
Manufacturers continue to improve durability and comfort without compromising visibility or safety.
Choosing the Right Hi-Vis Workwear
When selecting high-visibility clothing, it’s important to consider both the working environment and the level of risk involved.
Factors to consider include:
- The required visibility class under EN ISO 20471
- Daytime and night-time working conditions
- Weather protection
- Comfort during long shifts
- Durability for demanding environments
- Additional safety features such as flame resistance or waterproofing
Providing employees with the correct workwear not only helps meet legal requirements but also demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety.
A Bright Idea That Saved Countless Lives
Although many individuals contributed to the development of high-visibility clothing over the years, the introduction of fluorescent safety garments by Leo Workwear in the 1960s marked a turning point in workplace safety.
From its origins protecting railway workers to becoming standard equipment across countless industries, hi-vis workwear has prevented countless accidents and continues to evolve with new materials and technologies.
What began as a simple idea—to make workers easier to see—has become one of the most effective safety innovations ever introduced, helping protect millions of people every single day.