When looking for a safety vest, you're going to notice that you've got some color options. After you've determined the vest type, the vest class, and of course, your size, you get to pick a color. But, unfortunately, there are wrong answers to the question, which color is right for me?

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Learn the differences in safety vest classes

When working in an official capacity on a roadway, construction site, or any work overseen by OSHA, you are required to wear an ANSI-approved vest. There are only three ANSI-approved colors for safety vests, yellow-green, orange-red, and red.

But, you can buy and use a non-ANSI vest in work conditions that OSHA doesn't require an approved vest. Non-ANSI vests can come in any color, but commonly you'll see colors like blue and green. And not all yellow, orange, and red vests are ANSI approved. We'll get into all of that later.

ANSI - Yellow Safety Vests 

The first of the three ANSI-approved safety colors is yellow-green, which is often referred to as "Safety Yellow" or just "Yellow."

Yellow safety vests are also commonly used in recreational activities, such as biking or hiking. When worn in these settings, they can help keep the wearer visible to others, preventing accidents or collisions. Additionally, safety yellow is popular in other industries, such as parking attendants, crossing guards, emergency services, and more.

Again, yellow is one of the most common color options for safety vests, and you can easily find a yellow vest in any class and type combination.

Orange Safety Vests 

The second of the three ANSI-approved safety colors is orange-red, often called "Safety Orange" or just "Orange."

The road construction industry is a big fan of "Safety Orange." You see it on the road signs, the cones, the waterfilled barriers, traffic barrels, and even the machinery is often painted orange. Safety vests are no exception. You'll notice a lot of orange vests amongst highway and roadway crews.

Additionally, orange safety vests are commonly worn by surveyors and airport personnel. They are designed to provide maximum visibility and contrast with workers' surroundings, even in low light or foggy conditions.

Outside of work zones uses, orange safety vests are also commonly used by hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. Wearing an orange vest can help prevent accidental shootings by making the wearer more visible to others in the area.

Red Safety Vests

The third and final ANSI-approved safety vest color is red, sometimes called "Safety Red."

Red safety vests are used to indicate workers and responders who are in potentially hazardous situations, such as firefighters or emergency responders.

Red safety vests are commonly worn by firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency responders. They are designed to provide maximum visibility while also indicating a worker's role and level of authority. The bright red color of the vest can be easily recognized, even in smoke or other hazardous conditions, which helps workers and visitors identify the person responsible for ensuring their safety.

In addition to their use in emergency response, red safety vests are also sometimes used in industries such as manufacturing or construction. The bright red color of the vest can be used to indicate workers who are working with or near potentially hazardous materials, where safety is of the utmost importance.

Green Safety Vests

You don't often see a lot of vests in "safety green," not to be confused with "safety yellow," which is a neon yellow that can sometimes be confused with a light green. Actual green vests are a darker shade of green, and they are not ANSI approved. These vests can be used in situations where an ANSI-approved vest is not required, but additional safety and visibility are encouraged.

Green safety vests are sometimes used by safety personnel, such as first aid providers, safety officers, and security guards.

Green safety vests are popular in situations where different groups of people need to be easily and quickly identified. In a large-scale emergency response situation, specific response teams will wear a green vest, while others wear blue, and so forth

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In addition to their use in the workplace, green safety vests are also commonly used in outdoor activities, such as hiking. Wearing a green vest can indicate that a person is an outdoors guide, park ranger, or other types of outdoor safety personnel.

Blue Safety Vests

Similar to green safety vests, you aren't going to see these used in an official capacity. Blue safety vests are not approved by ANSI but can be used in a situation where an approved vest is not required.

Blue safety vests are sometimes worn by beach lifeguards and pool attendants and generally indicate an official position near water. In this capacity, the vest is not serving to create better visibility of the wearer to keep the wearer safe, but rather better visibility to allow individuals who need help to identify the vest wearer as a person of authority. The bright blue color of the vest can be easily recognized, even from a distance, which helps workers and visitors identify the person responsible for ensuring their safety.

In addition to their use in water-related industries, blue safety vests are also sometimes used in auxiliary positions in industries such as aerospace or aviation. The bright blue color of the vest can be used to indicate workers who are working with or near non-moving aircraft.

Again, similar to green vests, blue vests are used as an identification option when many different color vests are being used to differentiate response teams. Such as in a mass emergency response situation.

What makes a vest ANSI-approved?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established specific requirements for safety vests to ensure they provide the necessary level of protection and visibility. These requirements are outlined in the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard , which sets guidelines for high-visibility safety apparel.

As previously mentioned, the vest material needs to be a bright, fluorescent color. Specifically yellow-green (safety yellow), orange-red (safety orange), or red. The color must be visible in daylight and low-light conditions.

But that's not all; the material that the vest is made out of needs to meet some photometric minimums. Commonly vests are made of polyester, mesh, modacrylic, or similar materials. And the design of the vest need to meet minimum specification on how much high visibility material is used and how many reflective strips are used.

It's important to note that the ANSI requirements for safety vests vary depending on the level of risk in the work environment. For example, Class 1 vests are designed for low-risk environments, while Class 3 vests are designed for high-risk environments. Employers should evaluate the level of risk in their work environment and provide appropriate safety vests to their employees.

What are the OSHA requirements?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific requirements for safety vests under their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards. In that standard, OSHA requires workers to wear the ANSI-approved vest we detailed earlier.

OSHA requires that employers assess their workplace hazards to determine if workers need to wear high-visibility safety vests and, if so, to provide the appropriate vest for the job. Road workers on active highways require class III safety vests, while workers on local streets may only require class II safety vests.

OSHA requires employers to assess what PPE is needed and to provide the appropriate PPE, including safety vests, to their workers at no cost to the employee. OSHA also requires that employees wear the PPE provided by their employer and maintain it in a clean and functional condition.

Additionally, OSHA requires that employers train their workers on the proper use, care, and maintenance of their PPE, including safety vests.

How Can PowerPak Help?

Here at PowerPak, our specialty is on ANSI-approved vests, specifically safety yellow and safety orange. We have a wide selection of safety vests in those two colors in both class II and class III.

Understanding Safety Vest Color Lime vs. Orange, and Beyond

   

Safety Vests: Understanding Lime, Orange, and Beyond

High-visibility safety vests are essential in preventing accidents and improving visibility in hazardous work environments. Most people recognize these vests by their vibrant lime or orange colors, but there’s more to the story. This article explores the history of safety vests, why certain colors dominate, how enhanced visibility vests fit into the picture, and where you can find them at the Traffic Safety Store.

A Brief History of High-Visibility Clothing

Modern safety vests trace their roots to advancements in fluorescent dyes and reflective technology in the 20th century. In the s, Bob and Joe Switzer famously created “Day-Glo” paints through experimentation with fluorescent pigments. By the s, railway workers in the UK were sporting bright orange jackets for track maintenance, and North American road crews soon followed suit. These early efforts helped shape modern safety regulations and awareness. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in , laying the groundwork for workplace safety rules. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) introduced its first high-visibility safety apparel standard (ANSI/ISEA 107) in , standardizing requirements for color, reflectivity, and vest design. Today, many industries—construction, highway maintenance, emergency services, aviation, and more—require ANSI-rated vests to protect workers.

ANSI Safety Vests and Their Purpose

An ANSI safety vest is engineered to improve a wearer’s visibility in high-risk or low-visibility environments. These garments commonly feature fluorescent fabric in lime (yellow-green) or orange, along with reflective striping that catches vehicle headlights or other light sources. By increasing contrast against most backgrounds, ANSI safety vests help drivers and machine operators see workers faster. If you need to purchase ANSI-rated vests for your team, check out the Traffic Safety Store’s Safety Vests collection.

Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3

ANSI categorizes high-visibility apparel into different classes based on coverage and reflective tape:

• Class 1: Minimal coverage; best for low-risk tasks away from busy roadways or moving vehicles.
• Class 2: Increased coverage, commonly used by road crews, construction workers, and surveyors where traffic exceeds 25 mph. View our Class 2 Safety Vests for the most commonly required standard.
• Class 3: Maximum coverage; worn in high-risk areas like highway construction or emergency response on busy roads.

Why Lime and Orange Colors Dominate

Bright lime (yellow-green) and orange are the standard ANSI-approved hues due to the way our eyes perceive color. Research shows these shades appear significantly brighter and more conspicuous in daylight conditions.

Lime (Yellow-Green)

• Peak Visual Sensitivity: The human eye is particularly sensitive to the yellow-green spectrum in daylight.
• High Contrast: Lime vests stand out in both urban and natural settings (forests, fields, cityscapes).

Orange

• Traditional Warning Color: Orange has long been associated with hazard signage (e.g., traffic cones, warning lights).
• Visibility: Contrasts sharply against green foliage, gray pavement, and many common backgrounds.

Both colors are ANSI-compliant if they meet the required fluorescent intensity and reflective striping. The choice often depends on local regulations, environment, or company preference.  

Beyond Orange and Lime: Enhanced Visibility Vests

Not all work environments mandate strict ANSI high-visibility requirements. In such cases, enhanced visibility vests—available in alternative base colors (like black, navy, or red) with reflective accents—may be sufficient. They can be particularly useful for branding, event staff, or settings where full ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 compliance isn’t required. Explore the Enhanced Visibility Vests section at the Traffic Safety Store to find options that blend reflective materials with non-traditional colors. Note that enhanced visibility generally lacks the full fluorescent coverage demanded by ANSI standards. Always verify whether your job site requires ANSI-rated garments before selecting an enhanced visibility vest.

ANSI Red Safety Vests

While lime (yellow-green) and orange are the most familiar ANSI-compliant colors, fluorescent red is also allowed under the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard—so long as it meets the brightness and reflective requirements. ANSI Red is not just a regular “stop-sign” red; it must be sufficiently fluorescent to be highly visible in daylight and low-light conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Compliance: To carry an ANSI label, the vest’s red hue must fall within the prescribed chromaticity and luminance ranges (i.e., it must be bright and reflective enough).
• Applications: Some organizations use red safety vests to differentiate roles or departments—for example, supervisors vs. crew members—or to create a distinct visual identity.
• Environmental Contrast: In certain settings, a vivid orange-red or fluorescent red can provide better contrast than standard orange or lime.
• Class Ratings: As with any ANSI vest, red vests can be Class 2 or Class 3 if they have enough background fabric and the required width/placement of reflective striping.
• Less Common, Still Effective: Although fluorescent red vests are less commonly seen than lime or orange, they remain a valid option for jobs that require ANSI-compliant high-visibility apparel.

Whether you choose lime, orange, or red, it’s essential to verify that the vest is truly ANSI/ISEA 107–compliant. Look for labeling that specifies the vest’s class rating and ensure the vendor meets all ANSI specifications.

Key Takeaways

Summary Points

• Historical Roots: High-visibility clothing evolved from s “Day-Glo” discoveries and gained traction in the s.
• ANSI Standards: Set design, color, and reflectivity guidelines for safety vests. Class 2 is the most commonly required.
• Lime vs. Orange: Both are ANSI-approved fluorescent colors. Selection often depends on visibility needs and work setting.
• Enhanced Visibility: Vests in alternative colors (e.g., black or red) with reflective trim may suffice in lower-risk scenarios or indoor environments.

Learn More

For detailed regulations and guidelines on high-visibility apparel, consult OSHA’s official site . To explore a wide range of safety vests and accessories—from ANSI Class 2 vests to enhanced visibility options—visit TrafficSafetyStore.com. High-visibility safety vests—whether in classic lime, orange, or enhanced visibility options—are essential for protecting workers in high-risk and low-visibility environments. Understanding ANSI standards, the reasons behind lime/orange dominance, and the availability of alternate colors ensures you can choose the right vest to meet your unique safety requirements.  

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Our customer service representatives are here to help you answer questions and walk through every step of your order.  Upgrade your teams Safety Vests with Custom Text, Logos, or Graphics!  Call us at 800-429-.

Premium Black Surveyors Vest

Premium Black Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:

• Professional Class 2 Surveyors Safety Vest - Lime or Orange
• Eight sizes to choose from: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL
• Add custom black text, custom reflective text or logos to both back and/or front

$76.60 $65.70

Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest

Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:

• Professional Class 2 Surveyors Safety Vest - Lime or Orange
• Eight sizes to choose from: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL
• Add custom black text, custom reflective text or logos to both back and/or front

$76.60 $65.70

Women's Heavy Duty Surveyors Vest

Women's Heavy Duty Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:

• ANSI/ISEA 107- & 107- Type R | Class 2 Women's Safety Vest
• Tailored for Women – Designed for a better fit, enhanced comfort, and a professional appearance.
• High-Visibility & Durable – Made from heavy-duty polyester with ANSI-compliant reflective strips for maximum safety.
• Functional & Comfortable – Includes multiple pockets, mic tab, sunglasses loop, waist adjusters, and a padded neck band.
• Customizable – Add custom black text, reflective text, or logos to the front and/or back.

$76.75 $65.80

High Performance Surveyors Vest (Orange)

High Performance Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:

• Ultra-Cool™ 100% polyester mesh.
• 2" wide high performance reflective material with 3" contrasting black.
• Reinforced Zipper front closure.

$36.50 $31.25