It may be humble work-safe staple, but the hi vis vest is certainly not a wallflower. In fact, you could say it is the exact opposite. Designed to stand out, the hi vis vest plays a vital role in keeping people visible and safe in a wide range of situations, whether on the worksite, on the roadside, or even on the school run.
Chances are, you have had to wear a hi vis vest at some point in your life. Maybe it was on a construction site, helping out with school road patrol, marshalling at an event, or cycling during your early morning commute. What was once just a safety staple for heavy industry has now found its way into everyday life. And for good reason—being seen can be a matter of safety, and sometimes even life and death.
So today, we are paying tribute to the hi vis vest, a lightweight and versatile essential that helps people stay visible, protected, and on brand.
Not All Hi Vis Vests Are Created Equal
While most people think of the classic fluorescent vest with reflective stripes, there is actually a wide variety of hi vis vest options available. Each is designed with specific features to suit different jobs, conditions, and preferences.
At Brandistry, we supply hi vis vests for industries ranging from construction and roadworks to education, warehousing, and events. But we also know there is no one size fits all. That is why we offer a range of options that tick the boxes for safety, comfort, visibility, and branding.
Below, we have rounded up some of our favourite hi vis vests, along with a few insider tips on how to customise them with your logo using different decoration methods.
Our Favourite Hi Vis Vests
1. Sofshell Hi Vis Vest
This one is ideal for those cooler or unpredictable weather days. Our unisex softshell hi vis vest is shower proof, wind resistant and lined with warm fleece to keep you comfortable on the job. It is great for outdoor work during winter or for anyone who needs to stay warm while staying visible.
Available in both day only orange and yellow, and in a full size range from XXS to 7XL, it is a practical and popular choice across many industries.
Shop the softshell hi vis vest.
2. Pink Hi Vis Vest
Who says safety gear has to blend in with the rest? Our pink hi vis vest is a bold and fun alternative to the standard orange or yellow. It is especially popular for event staff, charity events, school groups, or just anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd while still meeting visibility requirements. These ones even come with a pocket for your phone! Available in sizes XS to 5XL.
This vest is often used as a giveaway, promotional item, or simply to add a bit of personality to your team uniform.
Check out the pink hi vis vest.
3. The Classic Zip Vest
You really cannot go wrong with a classic. This is one of our best selling hi vis vests, largely thanks to its affordability and versatility. Featuring a simple zip closure and lightweight design, it is one of the most cost effective options in our range.
Perfect to keep in the car to ensure you always comply with any worksites standards, it is a favourite among schools, clubs, volunteer organisations, and small businesses. It also pairs well with budget friendly branding options like sublimation printing, which we explain below.
View the classic zip hi vis vest.
How to Brand Your Hi Vis Vest
Adding your logo, messaging or design to a hi vis vest is one of the easiest ways to create a consistent and professional look for your team. Whether it is for staff on a construction site, event crew, or school group, branded vests help build trust and reinforce your organisation’s identity.
We offer several different decoration options depending on your budget, logo design, and how the vest will be used.
Sublimation Printing
This is one of our most popular methods for branding hi vis vests. Sublimation printing involves transferring the image into the fabric itself, rather than sitting on top of it. The result is a soft, smooth finish that will not peel or crack over time.
We typically use sublimation for black logos or single colour designs, especially on day only vests that do not include reflective tape. It is the most cost effective option, which makes it a go to for cost conscious customers like schools, community groups, and small businesses. Many of our larger clients choose sublimation too, particularly when ordering large quantities of the same design.
- Long lasting
- Smooth to touch
- Budget friendly
- Best for black logos on lighter vests
Screen Printing
For full colour logos, screen printing is an excellent option. This technique involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric. It allows for vibrant, high contrast designs and works well for larger logos or messaging across the back of the vest.
Screen printing is slightly more expensive than sublimation, but it is the best choice if you want multiple colours, detailed artwork, or a bold statement that stands out.
- Great for full colour logos
- Durable and vibrant
- Works well on both front and back
Embroidery
If you are looking for a small but high quality branding option, embroidery is ideal. We typically recommend this for logos on the front chest area of the vest. It adds a tactile, stitched finish that gives a more refined appearance.
While embroidery is not suitable for large designs or fine details, it is perfect for small logos or names, and works well when paired with sublimation or screen printing on the back.
- Professional finish
- Great for front logos
- Long lasting and wear resistant
What to Consider When Choosing a Hi Vis Vest
Here are a few quick tips to help you choose the right hi vis vest for your needs:
- Compliance: Make sure the vest meets NZ visibility standards if it is being used on a worksite
- Colour: Orange and yellow are the most common for high visibility, but pink and other colours may be suitable for non regulated environments
- Reflective tape: Choose between day only or day and night rated vests, depending on your working conditions
- Weather conditions: A lightweight vest might be perfect in summer, while a softshell option provides more comfort in winter
- Branding space: Consider where you want your logo—front, back, or both—and choose a vest style that works with your design.
Final Word
The hi vis vest might be humble, but it is one of the most versatile and valuable pieces of safety gear out there. Whether you need it for your work crew, school, event team, or club, there is a hi vis vest that fits the job and fits your brand too.
At Brandistry, we supply a wide range of hi vis vests and offer decoration services to help you customise them to suit your needs. From budget friendly sublimation to bold screen prints and crisp embroidery, we can help your team stay visible and look good doing it.
Explore our full range of hi vis vests.