Hi Vis Bodywarmers & Gilets

Understanding Bodywarmer vs Gilet Terminology

Hi vis bodywarmers and hi viz gilets are British terms for the same garment: a sleeveless padded or fleece-lined work body warmer that covers your torso whilst leaving arms free. "Bodywarmer" is workwear industry standard, whilst "gilet" comes from French fashion terminology but is now widely used in UK retail. Both describe sleeveless high visibility gilets designed for manual work in cold conditions where arm mobility matters – essential for site body warmer applications on building sites, highways, and industrial environments.

EN ISO 20471 Class 2 Certification Requirements

Class 2 bodywarmers in this collection include EN ISO 20471:2013 certified options requiring 0.50m² fluorescent background material and 0.13m² reflective tape positioned for 360-degree visibility; check each product listing for exact certification details. Because bodywarmers are sleeveless and cover only the torso, they're typically Class 2 rather than Class 3. However, you can achieve Class 3 full-body certification by combining a Class 2 bodywarmer with Class 1 hi vis trousers – giving maximum visibility with better flexibility than a single Class 3 jacket.

Orange vs yellow: orange hi vis body warmers meet Network Rail's RIS-3279-TOM railway specification for trackside work (mandatory on UK rail infrastructure), whilst yellow warmer options remain standard for highways, building sites, and general industrial use. Verify which colour your site or industry requires before ordering.

Reversible, Fleece-Lined, and Waterproof Options

Reversible bodywarmers feature fluorescent hi-vis fabric on one side and plain fabric (navy, black, or grey) on the reverse, connected by a two-way zip. Wear the hi-vis side out for site compliance, then reverse it for a professional plain appearance when visiting offices or travelling. The plain side still includes padding and warmth but without fluorescent visibility. Check your workplace requires only the hi-vis side during working hours to maintain certification compliance.

Fleece-lined gilet work options use 280-300gsm brushed polyester fleece against your skin, trapping warm air whilst remaining breathable during physical exertion. Quilted padded hi vis bodywarmers feature synthetic fibre fill (80-180gsm depending on model) that provides superior warmth without excessive bulk. Waterproof models combine PU-coated Oxford polyester outer shells with taped seams – typical ratings are 3,000-5,000mm hydrostatic head for moderate rain protection.

Care and Replacement Guidance

Wash bodywarmers at 40°C maximum. Avoid fabric softener – it degrades reflective properties over time. Replace after 25-50 industrial washes or when reflective tape shows cracking and fluorescent colour fades noticeably. Most models include multiple pockets: two external zip pockets at hip level, one chest pocket for phones, and two internal pockets. D-rings and loops let you attach keys, ID badges, and small equipment whilst maintaining certified visibility areas.