Tips on Choosing the Best Hi Vis Workwear for Utility Workers

The utility workers who maintain gas, electric, and water systems have some of the most demanding jobs around. A utility worker’s workwear needs to match the tough nature of their industry. When every day means being potentially exposed to hazardous environments and bad weather conditions, there’s no room for anything less than the best. 

HiVis Supply understands what our utility worker customers need, and we take pride in providing it. Below, we’ll talk about the things that utility workers should look for in their workwear and some awesome hi vis workwear options that are perfect for utility workers. 

What Utility Workers Need from Their Workwear

Although every utility worker’s job is different, here are some things that utility workers often need from their workwear: 

• High Visibility: Utility workwear will often need to meet ANSI 107 high-visibility standards. If necessary, your hi vis workwear should use ANSI standard high-visibility colors and high-performance reflective tape. Non-ANSI enhanced-visibility models might be appropriate as well. 
• Durable Construction: High-quality materials and built-to-last construction are important in utility workwear. Ripstop Oxford cloth fabrics, bound seams, and reinforced stitching are features that you should demand when choosing utility workwear. 
• Pockets: Pockets in utility workwear are important for holding essential tools and materials. Most utility workers will want, at a minimum, two front chest pockets, two pants pockets, and a side pocket for pens or pencils. Look for pockets with secure closures like hook and loop patches or zippers to keep your stuff secured safely. 
• Flame Resistance: Utility workwear may need to be made using flame-resistant (FR) material that prevents clothing from catching fire when exposed to sources of high heat. See our guide to dual-performance FR clothing for more info on how to choose workwear that meets both hi vis and FR standards. 
• Breathability: Utility workwear should include breathability features like mesh construction and vented areas to help you keep cool when working in the sun. Look for vents in high heat areas like under the arms and on the lower back for maximum cooling power. 
• Flexibility: The best utility workwear often includes built-in flexibility patches that provide extra movement ability at key points. Flexibility can also mean selecting workwear that’s good for layering or compatible with other items, such as workwear hoodies that stretch to accommodate a hard hat. 
• D-Ring: Utility workwear may need to include a D-ring attachment if you’re required to use a fall protection harness while on the job.  
• Moisture Wicking: Moisture-wicking features that help keep sweat off your skin while working can be massively important for utility workwear. A moisture-wicking base layer is a great choice for convenience and comfort. 
• Waterproofing: Waterproof workwear with features like polyurethane-coated fabric and storm flap closures helps keep utility workers dry while on the job. This can be particularly clutch for utility workers who work with water systems or are frequently expected to work in harsh weather conditions. 

The Best Hi Vis Workwear for Utility Workers

Utility workers trust HiVis Supply to provide the best hi vis workwear around. Our selection includes a huge range of hi vis workwear garments that are designed for maximum performance, including: 

• GSS Safety 7505/7506 Onyx Series Class 3 Hi Vis Performance Safety Wind Shirt: This rugged button-down is crafted to ANSI Class 3 standards and ready to go in hot or cool weather, with moisture-wicking fabric and built-in SPF 50+ protection for working in the sun. 
• Blaklader 1699 Class E Rip Stop Pant: The 1699 is designed to be the ultimate high-visibility pair of work pants, thanks to its ultra-durable ripstop fabric and built-in flexibility stretch panels at key movement points. 
• Radians ST21-3 Class 3 Hi Vis Long Sleeve Safety T-Shirt: Constructed from polyester birds-eye moisture-wicking mesh and featuring reflective strips attached via heat transfer for maximum comfort and flexibility, this safety t-shirt is a comfy and economical hi vis workwear solution. 
• ML Kishigo RWJ102/RWJ103 Storm Cover Class 3 Hi Vis Rain Jacket: When the weather gets nasty, this ANSI Class 3 waterproof jacket is here to block out the storm with tough polyurethane coated oxford fabric, storm flap closures, and a hidden retractable hood. 
• Work King S607 Enhanced Visibility Safety Work Pant: Another option for rugged workwear pants with non-ANSI enhanced-visibility reflective striping and a comfortable cotton twill material. 

GSS Safety 7505/7506 Onyx Series Class 3 HiVis Performance Safety Wind Shirt

We take safety seriously at HiVis Supply, and we know you do too. See our whole collection of utility workwear for awesome choices selected specifically for utility workers’ needs, or browse our selection of work jackets, work gloves, and more.