A good waterproof hi-vis jacket does two jobs. It keeps you seen. And it keeps you dry. Two standards govern both: EN ISO 20471 controls visibility, and EN 343 controls waterproofing. Get both right and you're protected. Get one wrong and you're either invisible or soaked. Browse our full range of waterproof hi-vis jackets — or read on to find the right spec for your job.
Why your hi-vis jacket needs proper waterproofing
The UK averages around 148 rainy days a year. That's 40% of your working year. If your jacket can't handle rain, it fails half the time.
There's a big difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Water-repellent fabric beads water off in a light shower. It soaks through in sustained rain. Water-resistant clothing goes a step further — but still has no certified protection rating. Neither is tested to a PPE standard. Neither has a class on the label.
Certified waterproof means EN 343. The whole garment — fabric, seams, zips, and pockets — is tested under pressure. The class number on the label tells you exactly how much rain it can stop.
Taped seams matter too. A waterproof fabric on its own still leaks through every stitch hole. Fully taped seams seal them. If a jacket doesn't have taped seams, it won't hold its waterproof rating in heavy rain. Always check the spec.
Softshells offer some weather resistance for light drizzle. But they're not EN 343 certified. They're not a substitute for a proper waterproof jacket on a UK site in autumn.
EN ISO 20471 explained: the three visibility classes
EN ISO 20471 is the UK standard for high-visibility clothing. It replaced the old EN 471 in 2013. Any garment sold as compliant hi-vis must carry this certification. Old EN 471 garments are no longer compliant — check your stock.
The standard splits hi-vis into three classes. Each class sets a minimum amount of fluorescent fabric and reflective tape on the garment. More coverage means more visibility.
| Class | Min. fluorescent area | Min. reflective tape | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 0.14 m² | 0.10 m² | Low-risk areas, warehouses, slow-moving vehicles |
| Class 2 | 0.50 m² | 0.13 m² | Delivery yards, utilities, lower-speed roads |
| Class 3 | 0.80 m² | 0.20 m² | Motorways, highways, night work, rail |
Class 3 is the highest level. It's what most outdoor site workers need. The jacket covers enough of your body that drivers spot you early — even in poor light or bad weather. Browse our Class 3 hi-vis range for compliant options.
One thing to know about logo printing: any branding on the front or back covers fluorescent fabric. That area gets deducted from your garment's total. A heavily printed jacket can fall below its rated class. Check with your supplier before you print.
EN 343 explained: waterproof and breathability ratings
EN 343 is the European PPE standard for protective clothing against rain. It rates garments on two things. Waterproofness first. Breathability second. The label shows both as a pair: EN 343 X:Y.
The first number (X) is waterproofness. Rated 1 to 4. The higher the number, the more rain it stops — and the harder the test.
| Class | Water column (approx.) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | ≥0.8m | Tested new only. Light rain protection. |
| Class 2 | ≥0.8m after wear & wash | Holds up after real-world use. |
| Class 3 | ≥1.3m after wear & wash | Heavy rain. Good for most UK outdoor work. |
| Class 4 | ≥2.0m after wear & wash | Torrential rain for full shifts. The top level. |
Classes 2, 3, and 4 are tested after pre-treatments. That means abrasion, flexing, washing, and oil exposure. The fabric must still hold its rating after all of that. Class 1 is tested new only — it's the weakest rating in real-world use.
The second number (Y) is breathability. Also rated 1 to 4. It measures how well sweat vapour escapes through the fabric. The test gives an RET number — Resistance of Evaporation of a Textile. A lower RET means more breathable.
| Class | RET value | Wear time at 25°C (guidance only) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | RET >40 | ~60 minutes |
| Class 2 | RET 25–40 | ~105 minutes |
| Class 3 | RET 15–25 | ~205 minutes |
| Class 4 | RET <15 | No limit |
These wear times are guidance from EN 343 Annex I. They're based on a sedentary person in still conditions. Active workers will sweat more. Use them to compare jackets — not as hard safety limits.
For all-day outdoor work in the UK, aim for EN 343 Class 4:4. That's the highest waterproof rating and the highest breathability. You won't overheat, and the rain won't get in.
Note: EN ISO 24232 is being developed to replace EN 343 internationally. Products certified to EN 343 remain valid. Watch this space as the transition progresses in the UK market.
What is a Class 4 waterproof hi-vis jacket?
A Class 4 waterproof hi-vis jacket is certified to EN 343 Class 4 waterproofness. That means it withstands a 2-metre water column — equivalent to roughly 20,000mm hydrostatic head — after real-world wear and washing. Class 3 jackets are rated to 1.3 metres. Class 4 gives you 54% more water resistance after the same pre-treatments.
To earn Class 4, the whole jacket must hold up. That means:
- Fully taped seams — every stitch hole is sealed
- Storm flaps over zips — rain can't drive in through the zip teeth
- Adjustable cuffs — locks out water at the wrists
- Waterproof fabric rated to Class 4 after abrasion and washing
In practice, Class 4 means you can work a full shift in a UK downpour and stay dry. Class 3 is fine for showers. In sustained heavy rain over 8 hours, Class 3 starts to lose its edge.
The "Class 4" label refers only to EN 343 waterproofness. It's separate from EN ISO 20471 visibility class. A jacket can be EN ISO 20471 Class 3 (highest visibility) and EN 343 Class 4 (highest waterproof) at the same time. That's the combination to look for on a full outdoor shift.
Portwest S590 Hi Vis Class 4 Rain Jacket Waterproof Breathable Parka
Browse the full EN 343 Class 4 waterproof hi-vis range or view all hi-vis jackets and coats.
Types of waterproof hi-vis jacket
Not all waterproof hi-vis jackets are built the same. The right type depends on your job, the weather, and how much you move around.
Bomber jacket
Short, hip-length jacket. Light and easy to move in. Good for active work where a long coat gets in the way. Works well in moderate rain. Less protection for your legs and lower back in a downpour.
Parka / long coat
Mid-thigh or knee-length. More coverage in heavy rain. Better for workers who stand or walk on exposed sites. Bulkier to move in. Strong choice for highways, utilities, and rail work in winter.
3-in-1 jacket
Outer waterproof shell plus a removable inner fleece. Wear all three layers in winter. Use the shell alone in autumn. Wear the fleece alone indoors. One jacket handles most of the year. Good value for all-year outdoor workers.
Portwest PW3 Hi-Vis 3-in-1 Jacket Waterproof Class 3 Workwear
4-in-1 jacket
Same principle as 3-in-1 but the inner layer also detaches as a standalone body warmer. Four ways to wear it. Useful when conditions change mid-shift. Popular on rail and highways where workers move between exposed sites and site cabins.
Beeswift 4 in 1 Hi-Vis Jacket Orange Class 3 Waterproof Workwear
FR / multi-hazard jacket
Waterproof outer with flame-resistant and anti-static properties. Built for workers facing more than one hazard — gas, oil, rail, or electrical environments. Heavier than a standard waterproof jacket. Non-negotiable in the right environment.
Not sure whether you need a jacket or a longer coat? Read our guide: Waterproof Hi-Vis Coats vs Jackets: What's the Difference?
Which waterproof hi-vis jacket do you need for your job?
The right jacket depends on where you work and what speeds traffic is moving at. Here's a quick guide by sector.
Construction (general site)
- Visibility: EN ISO 20471 Class 2 minimum. Class 3 recommended for most sites.
- Waterproof: EN 343 Class 3 minimum. Class 4 for winter or exposed sites.
- Colour: Yellow or orange both acceptable.
- Note: Check with your site safety officer or CDM coordinator for site-specific requirements.
Highways and traffic management
- Visibility: EN ISO 20471 Class 3. Required for work on or near motorways and dual carriageways.
- Waterproof: EN 343 Class 3–4. Full-shift exposure demands Class 4.
- Colour: Yellow standard. Some contractors specify orange.
Rail and trackside
- Visibility: EN ISO 20471 Class 2 minimum under RIS-3279-TOM Issue 2. Class 3 for most lineside working.
- Waterproof: EN 343 Class 3–4 for exposed track environments.
- Colour: Orange only. Yellow hi-vis is not permitted on the UK rail network. Orange is the uniform colour across the network — it helps train drivers identify trackside workers instantly.
- Note: RIS-3279-TOM is the Rail Industry Standard. It supersedes the old GO/RT 3279. Check your garment carries RIS-3279-TOM certification. Browse our railway hi-vis range.
Portwest S774 Flame Resistant Hi-Vis Rain Jacket ARC3 Waterproof
Utilities (gas, electric, water)
- Visibility: EN ISO 20471 Class 2–3 depending on proximity to traffic.
- Waterproof: EN 343 Class 3–4. Utility workers often work in trenches and open ground. Class 4 is the safe choice.
- Colour: Yellow or orange. Some utilities specify orange for network workers.
- Extra: Consider anti-static or FR properties if working near gas or live infrastructure.
Logistics and warehousing
- Visibility: EN ISO 20471 Class 1–2 for internal yards. Class 3 for loading areas near public roads.
- Waterproof: EN 343 Class 2–3 for yard work. Class 4 for outdoor loading in all weathers.
- Colour: Yellow standard.
Can you combine garments to reach Class 3?
Yes — but only if you do it properly.
EN ISO 20471 allows two garments to be combined to reach a higher visibility class. A certified Class 1 jacket worn with certified Class 2 trousers can achieve Class 3 overall — because the total fluorescent and reflective material across both garments meets the Class 3 minimums.
There are two rules. Both garments must be independently EN ISO 20471 certified. And both must be worn together at the same time. You can't use a non-certified trouser to make up the difference. The certifications must be on the label.
If you'd rather not juggle two garments, a coverall is a simpler option. One garment, one certification, full coverage. Browse our hi-vis coveralls and overalls for certified full-body options.
How to keep your waterproof hi-vis compliant
A waterproof hi-vis jacket doesn't stay compliant forever. Both the EN ISO 20471 visibility performance and the EN 343 waterproof rating degrade with use and washing. Here's how to slow that down.
Washing
Follow the care label exactly. Most waterproof hi-vis jackets use a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish on the outer fabric. Hot washes and tumble dryers strip DWR faster. Use a cool wash. Avoid fabric softener — it blocks the membrane pores and kills breathability.
Restoring DWR
If water stops beading off the surface and starts soaking in, the DWR is exhausted. The membrane underneath may still be waterproof — but the saturated outer fabric feels cold and heavy. Tumble dry on low heat after washing. Or use a DWR re-treatment spray. It brings the beading back.
Reflective tape
Reflective tape loses retroreflective performance over time. Scratches, abrasion, and repeated washing all reduce it. Check the tape regularly. If it looks grey and dull rather than bright silver, it's degraded. EN ISO 20471 requires retroreflective performance to be maintained — a faded jacket is no longer compliant.
When to replace
There's no fixed rule. But if the fabric is delaminating, seams are peeling, tape is dull, or the jacket soaks through in light rain — it's time for a new one. Don't risk your team's safety on a jacket that's past it.
For more on staying safe in wet conditions, read: Wet Weather Work Gear: What PPE Do You Actually Need? And for cold-weather layering, see our Hi-Vis Winter Clothing Guide.
Our best waterproof hi-vis jackets
Here are four waterproof hi-vis jackets worth a look — covering the main job types and weather conditions on UK sites.
Portwest S590 Hi Vis Class 4 Rain Jacket Waterproof Breathable Parka
Portwest PW3 Hi-Vis 3-in-1 Jacket Waterproof Class 3 Workwear
Beeswift 4 in 1 Hi-Vis Jacket Orange Class 3 Waterproof Workwear
Portwest S774 Flame Resistant Hi-Vis Rain Jacket ARC3 Waterproof
Browse the full range: Waterproof Hi-Vis Clothing | Hi-Vis Jackets & Coats
Need something for winter? Explore our best hi-vis fleece jackets or the full hi-vis winter workwear guide. Looking for waterproof hi-vis for your whole team? Check out waterproof hi-vis vests too.