ANSI Hi-Vis Class 1, 2 & 3 Explained: Adding Your Logo Without Losing Compliance
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Putting your company logo on hi-vis gear is one of the most requested jobs we run for construction, road, utility and mining crews. It is also the one most likely to go wrong, because a logo in the wrong place can knock a garment out of ANSI compliance. This guide explains ANSI/ISEA 107 Types and Classes in plain English and shows how to brand safety apparel without losing the rating on the label.
The rule we follow on every hi-vis order: the reflective tape is off limits, and the logo has to fit inside the fabric you can spare. Get those two right and the garment stays compliant.
— Battle Born Clothing, Yerington, NV
What ANSI/ISEA 107 Actually Covers
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 is the American standard for high-visibility safety apparel. It sets the minimum amount of background material (the fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red or red fabric that makes you visible in daylight) and retroreflective material (the silver tape that lights up in headlights at night). It organizes garments by Type (where the garment is meant to be worn) and Class (how much visibility it provides).
Types: Where the Garment Is Used
- Type O (Off-road): workers not exposed to public road traffic, such as warehouses, parking lots, oil fields and many mine sites. Class 1 only.
- Type R (Roadway): workers exposed to traffic on public rights-of-way or to construction equipment. Class 2 or 3.
- Type P (Public safety): emergency responders and law enforcement, who may need breakaway features and room for equipment. Class 2 or 3.
Classes: How Much Visibility
| Type / Class | Min. Background Material | Min. Retroreflective Material | Min. Tape Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type O, Class 1 | 217 sq in | 155 sq in | 1 in |
| Type R, Class 2 | 775 sq in | 201 sq in | 1.38 in |
| Type R, Class 3 | 1,240 sq in | 310 sq in | 2 in |
| Type P, Class 2 | 450 sq in | 201 sq in | — |
| Type P, Class 3 | 775 sq in | 310 sq in | — |
Figures from ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 as summarized by 3M’s ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 guide. Class 3 garments also need sleeves (or pants) with retroreflective material so the wearer reads as a human shape from 360 degrees.
On federal-aid highways, the MUTCD requires workers on foot to wear Type R Class 2 or Class 3 apparel. Many contractors simply standardize on Class 2 tees and vests for daytime work and Class 3 jackets and sweatshirts for night work and cold months.
How to Add a Logo Without Losing Compliance
Every square inch you cover with a logo is subtracted from the background area the garment was certified with. Garment makers build in some extra fabric, but not much. Our rules:
- Never decorate over the retroreflective tape. Stitching or printing on tape blocks the reflection and can crack the tape. Covered material must not break a horizontal reflective band with a gap wider than 2 inches.
- Keep logos small and in the fabric panels. A left-chest logo around 3.5 inches wide, or a back logo placed above or between tape bands, is typical.
- Check the allowance. Some manufacturers publish how much background area is free for decoration on each style. If they do not, keep the logo modest and ask.
- Use retroreflective logos when you want a big back print. Under the 2020 standard, retroreflective logos can count toward the retroreflective area. A reflective transfer on the back keeps visibility up while your brand shows at night.
- Watch the heat. High press temperatures can dull fluorescent polyester and damage tape. We use low-temp transfers and embroidery settings built for safety fabric.
Embroidery vs. Heat-Applied on Hi-Vis
| Method | Pros | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | Premium look, lasts the life of the garment, no heat needed | Keep stitch count moderate on thin mesh vests; use backing that will not show |
| Low-temp DTF / heat transfer | Full color, thin, flexible, great for larger back logos | Needs a low-temp adhesive to protect fluorescent fabric |
| Retroreflective transfer | Adds night visibility, can count toward reflective area | Must be a certified reflective material to count |
| Screen print | Low cost for large tee runs | Ink covers background area; keep designs small |
For more on the embroidery side, see embroidery for workwear, Carhartt and hi-vis safety gear, and for buying in volume read the wholesale hi-vis safety apparel buyer’s guide.
Which Class Does Your Crew Need?
| Work Environment | Usual Choice |
|---|---|
| Warehouse, yard, parking lot, off-road site | Type O Class 1 (or Class 2 for extra margin) |
| Road construction, flaggers, utilities, surveyors (daytime) | Type R Class 2 |
| Night work, bad weather, high-speed traffic | Type R Class 3 |
| Mine sites | Per site and MSHA policy; often Class 2 plus reflective |
| Police, fire, EMS | Type P Class 2 or 3 |
Your safety officer, site owner or the contract spec has the final say. This guide is for planning, not legal or safety advice. Shop our safety apparel collection, see mining workwear, and add custom hard hat decals to finish the kit. Building a full program? Our company uniform program guide covers the rest.
Free quote · Ships nationwide
Quote Your Branded Hi-Vis
Tell us the class, garment and quantity you need. We will confirm logo placement that keeps you compliant.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 775-230-0211 or email sales@battlebornclothing.com.
ANSI Hi-Vis Logo FAQ
Can I put my company logo on an ANSI Class 2 or 3 shirt?
Yes, as long as the logo stays off the reflective tape and the remaining background material still meets the class minimum. Small left-chest and upper-back logos usually fit.
Does embroidery void hi-vis compliance?
Not by itself. It only becomes a problem if the logo is large enough to drop background area below the minimum or if it covers the tape.
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3?
Class 3 requires more background (1,240 vs. 775 sq in for Type R) and more reflective material (310 vs. 201 sq in), plus sleeves or pants with tape for full-body visibility.
Do reflective logos count toward the reflective requirement?
Under ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, retroreflective logos made from compliant material can count toward the retroreflective area.
Which class is required on highway work zones?
The MUTCD requires Type R Class 2 or Class 3 for workers on foot on federal-aid highways.
Do you ship embroidered hi-vis outside Nevada?
Yes. We embroider hi-vis shirts, vests, sweatshirts and jackets for crews nationwide and ship to your yard or job site.