High-Visibility Gear 101: How to Choose the Right ANSI Class for Your Chicago-Area Job Site

Chicago is renowned for having some of the worst traffic in the world. That can be frustrating for the average Chicagoan trying to get where they’re going, but it can also be dangerous for workers who must navigate traffic to do their jobs. That’s why ANSI Class high-visibility gear is so crucial. The more easily you are seen, the safer you can be!

With so much high-visibility equipment and clothing for sale, knowing what you need can be challenging. This helpful guide provides insight into the different ANSI classes and how to select what you need for your Chicago-area job site. 

What ANSI/ISEA 107 Classes Mean

You might assume that you can purchase any high-visibility clothing and comply with OSHA regulations and your workplace requirements, but that’s not entirely accurate. There are three ANSI/ISEA performance classes, and the clothing and equipment that fall under each can be suitable for different types of work.

ANSI Class 1: 

ANSI Class 1 apparel falls under the category of low risk. It’s clothing that has been designed for areas with minimal traffic, like warehouse work, or low-speed traffic under 25 mph. 

ANSI Class 1 apparel, such as vests, meets the minimum requirements for high-visibility clothing with 155 square inches of reflective material to enhance visibility. They also have a mostly fluorescent yellow or orange background for daytime visibility. 

ANSI Class 2: 

ANSI Class 2 apparel is designed to be worn in environments presenting a moderate risk of danger, such as construction zones and areas with moderate traffic traveling up to 50 mph. 

Class 2 vests feature bright fluorescent colors and reflective material of at least 201 square inches with reflective tape around the torso and shoulders. 

ANSI Class 3: 

If you’re working in a high-risk environment with poor weather, low lighting, and fast traffic, ANSI Class 3 high-visibility gear is a requirement. This is the typical uniform of emergency responders, heavy-equipment operators, and highway crews.

ANSI Class 3 apparel must have reflective striping on the arms and legs. Vests should have 310 square inches of reflective material on a high-visibility fluorescent background, like yellow or orange. Class 3 garments also typically consist of full-length trousers and long-sleeve top layers. 

How to Choose the Right High-Visibility Gear for Chicago Work Environments

Many factors can contribute to how you dress for your role within a Chicago-based business that requires ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility workwear, including:

• Weather conditions: You may need to layer up or down, depending on the conditions. In the colder months, wear thermal wear and rain gear underneath an ANSI-rated jacket to remain compliant. 
• Durability: A low price tag can be attractive, but it can reflect a garment’s quality. Invest in high-quality apparel that can withstand construction debris, road salt, slush, and other environmental factors for longer. 
• Comfort: You don’t need to sacrifice comfort for safety; you can achieve both. Insulated high-visibility garments can keep you warmer in winter, while breathable ones can keep you cooler in summer.  

Pro tip: Layer high-visibility pieces over Carhartt outerwear to improve warmth and comfort without hiding reflective tape. 

Examples of High-Visibility Apparel for Your Chicago Worksite 

If you’re unsure what you need to comply with your workplace’s requirements, here are some of the many great options: 

Carhartt High-Visibility Waterproof Class 3 Sherwood Jacket 

With an extreme warmth rating and compliance with ANSI Class 3, the Carhartt Sherwood Jacket is a great option for most Chicago working environments.

It meets ISEA 107-2015 standards and ANSI Class 3, Level 2 visibility standards. It’s also designed for comfort and practicality with water repellent features, a waterproof membrane, a 250-denier polyester shell, and a quilted brushed 100% polyester lining. 

Force High-Visibility Short-Sleeve Class 2 T-Shirt

Comfort is paramount when you’re outside working in the hot Chicago sun, but so is safety. Achieve both with the Force High-Visibility Short-Sleeve Class 2 T-shirt. It’s available in two fluorescent colors, brite orange and brite lime, and a range of sizes. 

It features reflective material, reflective trim, lightweight fabric that wicks sweat and repels stains, and it’s ANSI Class 2, Level 2 compliant. 

Carhartt High-Visibility Loose Fit Midweight Thermal-Lined Full-Zip Class 3 Sweatshirt

Stand out and stay comfortable in a Carhartt Class 3 sweatshirt that’s thermal-lined, midweight, and loose-fitting. This sweatshirt also meets ANSI/ISEA 107 and ANSI Class 3, Type R visibility standards.

It’s designed for year-round comfort and convenience with a thermal polyester lining, water repellent technology, a hidden media pocket, and two front handwarmer pockets with flaps. 

Stock Up ON ANSI Class Apparel in Chicago, IL with J.M.D. Sox Outlet 

Whether you work in traffic, construction, or a warehouse, you’ll find the most appropriate high-visibility apparel to suit your unique needs at J.M.D. Sox Outlet. We stock a variety of quality Carhartt apparel across all ANSI classes. Browse our selection online or in store, and we’ll see you at the checkout!