Looking for broader cold-weather hi-vis advice? Our Hi-Vis Winter Clothing Guide covers the full layering system.
What makes a good hi-vis fleece jacket?
Fleece is brushed polyester. The brushing creates tiny air pockets in the fabric. Those air pockets trap your body heat. That's where the warmth comes from — not the fabric itself.
It breathes well too. As you move, moisture wicks away from your skin and escapes through the fabric. You stay warm without overheating. Fleece also keeps roughly 70–80% of its warmth even when damp. That matters on a UK site.
There's one thing fleece won't do. It's not windproof or waterproof. Wind goes straight through the open weave. Light rain soaks in fast. On a still, dry day it works as your outer layer. On a wet or windy day, you need something over the top. More on that below.
EN ISO 20471 explained: Class 2 vs Class 3
EN ISO 20471 is the UK standard for hi-vis clothing. It sets minimum amounts of fluorescent fabric and reflective tape that a garment must have. The higher the class, the more material — and the more visible you are.
Here's what each class requires:
- Class 2: at least 0.50 m² of fluorescent fabric and 0.13 m² of reflective tape. Suits moderate-risk work — delivery yards, utilities, site visitors.
- Class 3: at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent fabric and 0.20 m² of reflective tape. Required for highways, rail, roadworks, and night work. The garment must also cover the torso and include full-length sleeves.
Most hi-vis fleece jackets are Class 3. Check the label before you buy. A Class 3 fleece worn on a Class 2 site is fine. A Class 2 fleece worn on a Class 3 site is not.
You can also reach Class 3 through combined certification. A Class 2 jacket worn with certified hi-vis trousers may achieve Class 3 together — but only if both garments carry matching combination letters on their labels. Always check both labels before assuming it works.
Browse our full Class 3 Hi Vis range if your site requires maximum visibility.
How to pick the right fleece weight (GSM guide)
GSM means grams per square metre. It tells you how thick the fleece fabric is. Heavier GSM means more warmth — but also more bulk and less breathability when you're working hard.
Here's how to choose:
- Under 200gsm: Mild autumn days or indoor/outdoor roles. Light and breathable. Not warm enough for standing still in January.
- 260–280gsm: The best weight for most outdoor winter work in the UK. Good warmth at 0–10°C. Still breathable during active work. This is what most people need.
- 300gsm+: Extreme cold or static roles where you're not moving much. Maximum warmth. Less breathable. Good for security, marshalling, or early-morning starts. Pair with a hi-vis thermal layer underneath for the coldest days.
Yellow or orange? Getting the colour right
For most UK sites, yellow is the right choice. Yellow hi-vis meets EN ISO 20471 and covers construction, highways, industrial, and logistics work.
Orange is different. It's the colour required by RIS-3279-TOM — the Network Rail infrastructure standard. If you work on or near Network Rail track, you need orange. Yellow won't pass a Network Rail site inspection, even if it's Class 3.
Don't mix them up. Check your site rules before ordering. Our Railway Clothing range covers orange RIS-3279-TOM certified options.
Can you wear a hi-vis fleece under a waterproof jacket?
Yes — but only if the outer jacket is also EN ISO 20471 certified.
Here's the rule: the outermost layer is the one that counts. If you put a non-certified waterproof over your hi-vis fleece, the fleece is hidden. You're no longer compliant, even though you're wearing it.
Two compliant options:
- Wear a certified waterproof hi-vis jacket as your outer layer, with the fleece underneath for warmth.
- Buy a fleece-lined hi-vis jacket. This combines both layers in one garment. No compliance issue.
For a full rundown on waterproof hi-vis options, see our Complete Guide to Waterproof Hi-Vis Jackets. And if rain is your main concern, our Wet Weather Work Gear guide breaks down what PPE you actually need.
Fleece vs softshell: which should you choose?
Fleece and softshell solve different problems. Here's the short version:
- Fleece: warmer, more breathable, best for active work on dry days. Works as a mid-layer under a waterproof shell. Not wind or rain resistant.
- Softshell: blocks wind and handles light showers. Less warm than fleece. Works as a standalone outer layer in mixed conditions. Not fully waterproof in heavy rain.
If your site is exposed and windy, a softshell outer will serve you better on most days. If warmth is the priority and you're layering under a waterproof, fleece wins. Many workers use both — fleece in dry cold, softshell in wind and light rain.
Browse our Hi Vis Softshell Jackets if a wind-resistant outer is what you need.
The best hi-vis fleece jackets from GNS
We stock six hi-vis fleece jackets. Here are the four that cover the most common UK buying scenarios.
Portwest Class 3 Railspec Fleece — best all-rounder
Portwest F250 Hi Vis Fleece Class 3 Railway Compliant Orange
This is the go-to choice for most outdoor workers. It's rated EN ISO 20471 Class 3 and certified to RIS-3279-TOM. That means it works on general construction sites and Network Rail sites. Available in orange. Full-length sleeves and circumferential reflective tape give you 360° visibility. A solid, no-compromise pick for highways, rail, and site work.
Leo Workwear Interactive Anti-Pill Fleece — best for layering
Leo Workwear EcoViz Hartland Hi Vis Fleece Class 3 Railway Certified
The interactive zip system lets this fleece attach directly to a compatible Leo Workwear waterproof outer. One clip and the two garments become a single certified unit. No compliance headaches in wet weather. The anti-pill finish keeps the fabric looking sharp through heavy industrial washing. Rated Class 3 and certified to RIS-3279-TOM. Available in yellow and orange. Best for workers who regularly layer up and down through the day.
BSeen Carnoustie — best yellow/orange versatility
Beeswift Carnoustie Hi-Vis Fleece Jacket Saturn Yellow Class 3
The Carnoustie is a Class 3 interactive fleece available in both yellow and orange. If your team works across sites with different colour requirements, this is a practical option to standardise on. The interactive zip system works with compatible BSeen waterproof shells for compliant layering. Reflective tape runs across the chest, back, and sleeves for full visibility.
Portwest FR Fleece — best for FR environments
Portwest FR31 Modaflame Arc Hi Vis Fleece Flame Resistant Anti-Static Work Jacket
If you work in utilities, oil and gas, or petrochemicals, a standard polyester fleece is a risk. Synthetic fabrics melt in a flash. This Portwest fleece is built for those environments. It's rated to EN ISO 11612 (flame resistance), EN 1149 (anti-static), and IEC 61482 (arc flash). It also meets EN ISO 20471 for visibility. You don't give up warmth for protection. Browse our full Fire Retardant Hi Vis range for other FR options.
How to keep your hi-vis fleece EN ISO 20471 compliant
EN ISO 20471 doesn't set a wash limit. There's no magic number of washes after which your fleece fails. What matters is the condition of the garment — not the wash count.
Follow these care rules:
- No fabric softener. It coats the fibres and kills breathability.
- Low heat tumble dry, or air dry. High heat damages reflective tape and shrinks fleece.
- Check the tape after every few washes. Look for cracking, peeling, or loss of reflectivity.
- Replace when the tape is damaged. A fleece with cracked tape is no longer compliant, regardless of how good the fabric looks.
- Anti-pill treatment helps the fabric hold its structure through 100+ industrial washes. Look for it on the product label if longevity matters.
A worn-out fleece that once met EN ISO 20471 doesn't still meet it. Check your PPE regularly and replace when needed. The PPE at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain hi-vis clothing in good working order.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hi-vis fleece Class 2 or Class 3?
It depends on the garment. Most hi-vis fleece jackets are Class 3 — they have full-length sleeves and enough fluorescent and reflective material to meet the highest EN ISO 20471 class. Some lighter or sleeveless options may be Class 2. Always check the label. The class must be printed on the EN ISO 20471 certification label inside the garment.
Can I wear a hi-vis fleece under a waterproof jacket and stay compliant?
Yes, but only if the waterproof jacket is also EN ISO 20471 certified. The outermost layer is the one that counts. If you put a non-certified waterproof over your hi-vis fleece, the fleece doesn't count towards your compliance. The certified layer must be visible at all times. Opt for a certified waterproof hi-vis outer, or a fleece-lined combined jacket that carries a single certification for both layers.
What is the difference between fleece and softshell hi-vis?
Fleece is warmer and more breathable but offers no wind or rain protection. It works best as a mid-layer or on dry, cold days. Softshell blocks wind and handles light showers, making it a better standalone outer layer in mixed UK weather. Softshell is less warm than fleece but more weather resistant. Many workers use both — fleece for dry cold days, softshell when wind or light rain is likely. See our Hi Vis Softshell Jackets range for comparison.
What does RIS-3279-TOM mean on a hi-vis fleece?
RIS-3279-TOM (formerly GO/RT 3279) is the Network Rail infrastructure standard for hi-vis clothing. It requires orange garments on Network Rail sites. If you work on or near Network Rail track — as a contractor, engineer, or operative — your hi-vis must be orange and carry the RIS-3279-TOM certification. Yellow EN ISO 20471 garments, even Class 3, are not accepted on Network Rail sites. Check your site rules before ordering.
How do I know when to replace my hi-vis fleece?
Replace your fleece when the reflective tape shows significant cracking, peeling, or loss of reflectivity. That's the main compliance trigger. Also replace it if the fluorescent fabric has faded badly — hold it against a new garment to compare. EN ISO 20471 doesn't set a fixed wash limit, but condition is everything. A damaged garment is non-compliant regardless of age. The PPE at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to inspect and replace PPE that is no longer fit for purpose.
Want to see the full range? Browse all hi-vis fleece jackets we stock. If you need something with more warmth, our Hi Vis Hoodies range is worth a look. For the coldest conditions, check out our Hi-Vis Winter Workwear guide for layering advice that covers base layers, fleeces, and waterproof outers together.
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