The comprehensive FAQ guide to high-visibility vests, protective clothing and workwear
Anyone buying high-visibility clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE) will sooner or later encounter terms such as EN ISO 20471, EN 343 or EN ISO 13688. At first glance these standards can seem complicated, but their purpose is simple: they ensure that protective clothing provides reliable protection and meets uniform quality standards.
Whether you are a construction company, municipal depot, logistics company, industrial business or public-sector buyer, the right protective clothing is a crucial part of workplace safety. But which standard applies to which clothing? Which visibility class is required? And what should you look for when buying?
In this comprehensive FAQ guide, we explain the most important EN and ISO standards in clear terms and show which Korntex products are suitable for the respective applications.
What does “EN” actually mean?
EN stands for European Standard.
These standards are developed by the European Committee for Standardization and ensure that products are tested according to uniform criteria throughout Europe.
For buyers, this means:
- tested quality
- uniform requirements
- greater safety
- better comparability
What does “ISO” mean?
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization.
If a standard carries both EN and ISO, it has been internationally harmonised and applies throughout Europe as well as in many other countries.
Example:
EN ISO 20471
Today, this standard is regarded almost worldwide as the benchmark for high-visibility clothing.
Why are EN and ISO standards so important?
High-visibility clothing must perform reliably in demanding conditions.
Standards therefore define, among other things:
- Material quality
- Visibility
- Reflectivity values
- Waterproofness
- Breathability
- Heat protection
- Cold protection
- Wearing comfort
- Marking
- Durability
This means employers and employees know exactly what level of protection they can expect.
FAQ – The most important standards at a glance
EN ISO 20471 – The key standard for high-visibility clothing
This is the best-known standard in this field.
It covers:
- fluorescent material
- Reflective strips
- Minimum areas
- Visibility
- Visibility classes
- Test procedures
It applies to:
- High-visibility vests
- High-visibility shirts
- Polo shirts
- Softshell jackets
- Rainwear
- High-visibility trousers
- Winter clothing
Typical applications
✔ Construction sites
✔ Municipal depots
✔ Municipalities
✔ Industry
✔ Logistics
✔ Airports
✔ Road maintenance
✔ Waste disposal companies
👉 Suitable products
High-visibility vests
https://korntex.ch/en/Warnwesten
High-visibility clothing
https://korntex.ch/en/Warnschutzbekleidung
Which visibility class do I need?
EN ISO 20471 distinguishes three protection classes.
Class 1
Suitable for:
- Warehouse
- Visitors
- Car parks
Class 2
Ideal for:
- Trades
- Logistics
- Construction companies
- Municipal depots
- Delivery services
Most classic high-visibility vests belong to this class.
Class 3
The highest level of visibility.
Recommended for:
- Motorways
- Emergency services
- Fire service
- Working in darkness
- High-risk areas
EN ISO 13688 – General requirements
This standard forms the basis of almost all protective clothing.
It covers:
- Sizes
- Ergonomics
- Marking
- Manufacturer information
- Wearing comfort
- Material properties
In short:
It ensures that protective clothing can be used as PPE.
EN 17353 – Enhanced visibility
This relatively new standard is intended for people who need to be clearly visible but do not work in traditional high-risk areas.
For example:
- Cyclists
- Joggers
- Dog owners
- Schoolchildren
- Leisure
- Club activities
👉 Discover children’s high-visibility vests
https://korntex.ch/en/Kinderwarnwesten
EN 343 – Protection against rain
Anyone working outdoors needs not only visibility but also reliable weather protection.
EN 343 assesses:
- Waterproofness
- Breathability
Suitable for:
- Road maintenance
- Municipal depots
- Construction
- Logistics
- Municipalities
👉 Rainwear
https://korntex.ch/en/Regenbekleidung
EN 342 – Protection against cold
This standard applies to winter clothing.
Ideal for:
- Winter service
- Cold stores
- Snow clearing
- Outdoor work
EN 14058 – Clothing for cool environments
Not every working day requires heavy winter clothing.
EN 14058 is suitable for:
- Autumn
- Spring
- Warehouse
- Cold rooms
EN ISO 11612 – Protection against heat
This standard protects against:
- Heat
- Flames
- Thermal radiation
Suitable for:
- Industry
- Welding work
- Metal processing
EN ISO 11611 – Welding protection
For all work involving:
- Welding
- Flying sparks
- Metalworking
EN 1149 – Antistatic protective clothing
Important for:
- Chemicals
- Paint shops
- Electronics
- explosion-risk areas
EN 13034 – Chemical protection
This standard protects against light chemical splashes.
Typical sectors:
- Cleaning
- Laboratory
- Chemical industry
IEC 61482 – Protection against electric arc
For:
- Electricians
- Energy suppliers
- Industry
EN 14404 – Knee protection
Ideal for:
- Floor layers
- Horticulture
- Trades
- Construction
EN ISO 20345 – Safety footwear
Covers:
- Protective toe cap
- Slip resistance
- Penetration resistance
- Energy absorption
EN ISO 20347 – Occupational footwear
For work areas where a protective toe cap is not required.
EN 388 – Protective gloves against mechanical risks
Protects against:
- Abrasion
- Cut injuries
- Tear propagation
- Puncture
EN 511 – Gloves against cold
Ideal for:
- Winter service
- Cold stores
- Outdoor work
EN 407 – Gloves against heat
Suitable for:
- Welders
- Foundries
- Industry
Frequently asked questions
Are all high-visibility vests certified to EN ISO 20471?
No.
Only appropriately tested models may carry this marking.
Can I have high-visibility vests printed?
Yes.
However, it is important that printing does not interfere with reflective strips or prescribed high-visibility areas.
👉 Discover printable high-visibility vests
https://korntex.ch/en/Warnwesten
Which high-visibility vest is suitable for municipalities?
Depending on the application, Class 2 or Class 3 models are recommended, for example for municipal depots, road maintenance or green-space work.
How can I recognise a high-quality high-visibility vest?
Look out for:
- EN ISO 20471
- high-quality reflective strips
- strong signal colours
- good fit
- durable material
Which EN or ISO standard do I need? – Quick finder
Not every activity requires the same protective clothing. The following overview helps you identify the right standard for your work area.
Conclusion
EN and ISO standards are much more than technical designations. They help you choose the right protective clothing for the relevant application and ensure that high-visibility clothing meets the demanding requirements of everyday professional use.
Whether you need high-visibility vests, high-visibility clothing, children’s high-visibility vests or weatherproof workwear, Korntex offers a wide range of certified products for construction, industry, logistics, municipalities, municipal depots and many other applications.