Best Hi-Vis Jackets for UK Sites (2025): Construction, Rail, Logistics & Utilities
Picking the right hi-vis jacket isn’t just about price — it’s about compliance, weather protection and fit for your job. As a UK supplier trusted by thousands of customers, OAKEYS Safety has narrowed the field to five proven jackets that cover the core UK sectors: construction, rail, logistics/warehouse and utilities/road. Our spotlight pick is the OAKLINE PRO “The Kimi” — a modern, great-value jacket designed here in Britain for everyday site use.
Quick picks (by sector & season)
Construction (all year):OAKLINE PRO The Kimi – modern fit, tough 300D outer, brilliant value for teams. Pair with layers in winter. OAKEYS Safety Ltd
All-weather site work (year-round):Portwest PW365 3-in-1 – Class 3 with removable inner; wear 3 ways as conditions change. OAKEYS Safety Ltd
Extreme rain (autumn–spring):Portwest PW368 Extreme Rain Jacket – high waterproof/breathability, modern fit, Class 1 visibility. OAKEYS Safety Ltd
Harsh wet & cold (winter):ELKA Visible Xtreme 2-in-1 – taped seams, detachable lining & hood, built for long outdoor shifts. OAKEYS Safety Ltd
The lineup (prices ex VAT)
⭐ OAKLINE PRO The Kimi Hi-Vis Jacket — £33.25
Why it’s great: Built for UK trades that want clean design + practical protection without paying designer prices. Tough 300D Oxford polyester (PU coated) for water and wind resistance, chevron segmented tape for mobility, lined hood, storm flap, zipped pockets and adjustable cuffs. Available in Hi-Vis Yellow and a rail-compliant orange option for trackside teams. Sizes S–3XL. Best for: Construction (general contractors, groundworks), logistics & yards, facilities/maintenance. Seasonality:All-year with layers (quilted lining option for colder months). Shop The Kimi →OAKEYS Safety Ltd
Why it’s great: True 3-in-1 flexibility — use the outer shell, the inner fleece, or both for full winter protection. EN ISO 20471 Class 3, EN 343 rain protection (WP 15,000mm), and RIS-3279-TOM on the orange colourway (rail). Heat-applied segmented tape, detachable hood, multiple pockets, and radio loops. Best for: Mixed-weather projects, supervisors on the move, contractors rotating across sites. Seasonality:Year-round; brilliant in autumn–winter. Shop PW365 →OAKEYS Safety Ltd
Why it’s great: A serious winter coat for rail and highways. Class 3 visibility, EN343 4:1 rain protection, rail-compliant Hi-Vis Orange, padded lining, two-way YKK zip with double storm flap, neoprene inner cuff, underarm vents, detachable Nordic hood and ID window. Best for:Rail & Infrastructure, highways/traffic management, utilities working in persistent rain and wind. Seasonality:Winter and harsh shoulder-season weather. Shop PR502 →OAKEYS Safety Ltd
Why it’s great: Designed for heavy rain with high breathability — 300D Stretch Oxford, taped seams, PFAS-free water-repellent finish, pit-zips, quick-dry cuffs, 7 secure pockets and modern fit. EN ISO 20471 Class 1; EN343 4:3 with published waterproof/breathability metrics. Best for: Site managers, installers and inspectors who need maximum rain protection without overheating. Seasonality:Autumn–spring, wet summers. Shop PW368 →OAKEYS Safety Ltd
How to choose the right hi-vis jacket (UK worksites)
Match the standard:
EN ISO 20471 sets the hi-vis classes (1–3). Class 3 offers the highest visibility and is common for outer jackets. Class 1 is suitable for low-risk or layered use.
RIS-3279-TOM (orange) is typically required for UK rail/trackside garments. Choose orange variants clearly marked for rail.
Weather & breathability: Look for EN343 rain performance and features like taped seams, storm flaps and pit-zips to balance waterproofing with airflow.
Movement & comfort:Heat-applied segmented tape and stretch shells improve mobility for drivers, pickers, installers and supervisors.
Day-to-day practicality: Secure chest/phone pockets, ID windows (traffic/rail), radio loops (site comms), and dirt-masking panels for longevity — all reduce replacement and downtime.
Why this guide beats typical “Top 10” posts
Many “best jacket” blogs are generic or global, mixing US ANSI picks and non-UK stock. We’ve focused on current UK-available jackets with live specs and mapped them to sectors and seasons — not just marketing copy. For context, here are examples of broad roundups we outclass by going UK-specific and standards-led: Workwear Gurus’ Portwest picks (Nov 2024), Bowins’ general lists, and Workwear.co.uk’s lightweight/construction roundups (Jan–Feb 2025).
FAQs
What colour do rail engineers need? Hi-Vis Orange (rail-spec) is the norm trackside; look for products that explicitly state rail compliance. Options above include PULSAR PR502 and Portwest PW365 (orange variant).
Is Class 1 enough for site work? For many low-risk roles or layered systems, Class 1 can be acceptable (e.g., PW368 over Class 2 mid-layers), but construction and highways often require Class 3 jackets as the outer layer. Check your RAMS and principal contractor rules.
What’s the best “value” hi-vis jacket right now? For teams buying in bulk, OAKLINE PRO The Kimi stands out at £33.25 ex VAT with a tough 300D shell, modern segmented tape and smart detailing.
Final word: why choose OAKEYS Safety
We supply Portwest, PULSAR, ELKA and OAKLINEwith fast delivery, price match and in-house branding — so your jackets arrive site-ready. If you’re kitting out crews across construction, rail, logistics or utilities, we’ll help you choose the right class, colour and weather rating for your risk profile.
