ANSI-Compliant Hi-Vis Apparel

You don’t need a thermometer this time of year to tell if it’s hot outside. Open a door or roll down the window, and you’ll find out pretty quickly. If you have to work outside this summer, the staff at Zip’s Outfitters wants to remind you to stay hydrated and find shade whenever you can to avoid heat stress and thermal overload.

We know the scorching afternoon sun can be unbearable. The heat radiating off the hot asphalt surface doesn’t help either. For crews working in those unenviable roadside conditions, Zip’s Outfitters can help you find additional relief by offering lightweight safety apparel, including sleeveless mesh vests, moisture-wicking shirts and breathable shorts.

Our safety apparel experts can help guide you through the process to make sure you stay cool and compliant. We know ANSI requirements typically mandate what you wear in high-traffic areas. Sometimes, state regulations and OSHA requirements also come into play, but here are a few pointers to consider for your summer selection.

Making the case: Pants vs. shorts

We often get asked if ANSI and OSHA standards allow shorts on road construction projects, accident scenes and utility work sites. The short answer–pun intended–is yes, but for those professionals and decision-makers looking for more detailed information, here’s a deeper dive into the rules and regulations regarding shorts and vests.

The number one takeaway here is that ANSI does not regulate shorts nor pants. This widely-accepted standard only concerns itself with the high-visibility characteristics of garments. It specifies the amount of fluorescent background material, the amount of reflective material and the garment design. ANSI does not require long pants nor does it prohibit shorts.

For vests, ANSI allows sleeveless safety vests in the Class 2 perfomance class. However, to meet Class 3 requirements, garments need to have reflective tape around the arms and therefore cannot be sleeveless.

For detailed information regarding ANSI standards, be sure to visit our related blog here. For a quick recap, Class 1 garments are limited to off-road environments with traffic traveling below 25 mph. Class 2 is designed for crews working near roadway traffic traveling 25 to 50 mph, and finally, Class 3 is for crews working around highway speeds of 50 mph or more.

ANSI standards are voluntary, and state laws and company rules may supersede them. OSHA and state-specific regulations may impose additional clothing requirements based on the hazards associated with the work being performed. While shorts may be permissible under ANSI, they may not be appropriate—or even allowed—for every job or jurisdiction.

Our cool and compliant recommendations

Staying cool during the summer doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety or ANSI compliance. With a few simple adjustments, workers can stay more comfortable while continuing to meet jobsite safety requirements. Here is what we recommend at Zip’s Outfitters.

One of the best ways to beat the heat is by wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts or base layers underneath required high-visibility apparel. Unlike cotton, which absorbs sweat and holds in heat, moisture-wicking fabrics pull moisture away from the skin to help keep you cooler and drier throughout the day.

When available, choose breathable mesh-style ANSI-compliant high-visibility garments. These options allow for better airflow while still providing the visibility needed to meet safety standards. It’s also a good idea to keep a change of clothes on hand for times when ANSI high-visibility apparel or other job site requirements are no longer necessary.

For example, if state law requires long pants while working on a specific job site, keep a pair of shorts in your vehicle to change into for the drive back to the shop. Simple habits like these can make working in hot weather more comfortable while helping reduce the risk of heat-related illness without compromising workplace safety.

Follow-up questions

Check out our selection of hi-vis shorts and vests here. Before you place your order, here are some follow-up questions to consider when making your final purchase decisions at Zip’s Outfitters.

What are the best ways roadside workers can stay cool during the summer while still meeting ANSI and jobsite safety requirements?

Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts or base layers, choose breathable mesh-style ANSI-compliant high-visibility garments when available, stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade and keep a change of clothes for when high-visibility apparel or other jobsite requirements are no longer needed.

Do ANSI standards allow workers to wear shorts and sleeveless safety vests?

Yes. ANSI does not regulate whether workers wear shorts or long pants, and it allows sleeveless safety vests and sleeveless Class 2 garments. However, OSHA regulations, state laws or company policies may require additional protective clothing depending on the job and hazards.

What does ANSI focus on when setting requirements for high-visibility apparel?

ANSI focuses on the visibility characteristics of garments, including the amount of fluorescent background color, reflective material and overall garment design needed to meet the appropriate performance class. It does not dictate whether workers wear shorts or pants.

Why are moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics recommended for outdoor workers during the summer?

Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the skin to help keep workers cooler and drier than cotton, while breathable mesh garments improve airflow. Together, they help increase comfort and reduce the risk of heat-related illness while maintaining safety compliance.