Hi Vis Gilets

What Are Hi-Vis Gilets? 

Hi-vis gilets are sleeveless high visibility outer layers designed to improve wearer visibility while providing extra warmth around the torso without restricting arm movement. Many are padded or insulated, making them a useful alternative to a full jacket in cooler working conditions.

The terms gilet and bodywarmer are often used interchangeably, although individual products can differ considerably in construction, insulation, weather protection, pockets and certification. Depending on the garment, features may include fluorescent fabric, reflective tape, fleece lining, padded panels or water-resistant outer fabrics.

As with any PPE or high visibility clothing, always check the individual product specification against your employer's requirements and site rules. If you're building a wider uniform, browse our full range of custom hi-vis workwear.

How to Choose the Right Hi-Vis Gilet or Bodywarmer 

A bodywarmer can be a practical choice when staff need some extra warmth but don't want the bulk or restriction of full sleeves. Before ordering, consider:

• Working environment: Will it be worn indoors, outside, on site or around moving vehicles?
• Required standard or class: Check the product specification against your employer's risk assessment and site requirements
• Warmth: Look at the level and type of insulation rather than assuming every bodywarmer provides the same protection
• Weather resistance: Consider whether you need a lightweight outer layer or a genuinely waterproof product
• Fit: Allow enough room for the clothing employees are likely to wear underneath
• Movement: Softshell and hybrid styles can work well for active roles where freedom of movement matters
• Storage: Check the number and fastening of pockets if workers regularly carry small tools or other essentials
• Colour: Choose yellow, orange or a contrast style according to workplace requirements
• Sizing: Mixed-size orders can help make sure everyone gets the right fit
• Branding: Check whether your preferred logo position and decoration method suit the garment

The correct PPE depends on the workplace and risks involved. If you need a specific standard or combination of sizes, speak to The Funky Peach and we'll help you compare suitable options.

Hi-Vis Gilet and Bodywarmer Types Compared 

Different hi-vis work gilets offer different levels of warmth, weather protection and flexibility. 

Some garments combine several of these features. For example, hybrid designs can pair insulated panels with softshell sections to balance warmth and movement.

Not every gilet will be suitable for every workplace, and branding can affect a certified high visibility garment if it covers required fluorescent or reflective areas. Always check product suitability before ordering.

Hi-Vis Gilet vs Hi-Vis Vest: What’s the Difference? 

A hi-vis vest or waistcoat is generally a lightweight visibility layer, while a hi-vis gilet or bodywarmer tends to be more substantial and may include insulation or weather-resistant fabrics.

A vest is often the practical choice when the main requirement is lightweight visibility, particularly in warmer conditions or when it needs to be worn over other clothing. A bodywarmer makes more sense when employees also need extra core warmth or useful storage without moving to a full jacket.

The garment type itself does not determine whether it meets your workplace requirements. Always check the individual standard and product specification.

Yellow vs Orange Hi-Vis Gilets 

Yellow and orange are both widely used fluorescent colours for high visibility workwear. Neither is automatically the right choice for every workplace, so follow your employer's PPE requirements, site rules and any industry-specific standards.

Yellow hi-vis gilets are widely used across construction, logistics, warehousing, utilities and general site work. Orange hi-vis gilets are also used across several sectors and may be required in specific working environments.

For rail work, choosing an orange garment alone is not enough. Look for products that specifically state compliance with RIS-3279-TOM where that standard is required. Some of our orange bodywarmers carry this certification.

Two-tone and contrast styles are also available, including garments with navy or darker panels. These can give branded workwear a more practical appearance, although the individual product specification should always guide any safety or compliance decision.

Personalised Hi-Vis Gilets With Your Company Logo 

Suitable personalised hi-vis gilets and branded hi-vis bodywarmers can be customised with your company logo or text.

Chest and back areas are common places to consider for branding, but the exact position depends on the garment. Reflective tape, fluorescent areas, seams, zips, insulation and pockets all need to be taken into account before decoration is applied.

Both print and embroidery are available on suitable products. Embroidery can give a heavier bodywarmer a smart, durable finish, while printing may be more appropriate for particular fabrics, detailed designs or certain logo positions. The best option depends on the individual garment and artwork.

Ordering is straightforward:

1. Choose your gilet or bodywarmer and required sizes
2. Upload or send your logo or artwork
3. Confirm the decoration method and position
4. Receive and approve your artwork proof
5. Your garments are decorated, checked and dispatched

Orders start from one item, which is useful when replacing a lost or worn garment. Mixed-size orders and larger workforce rollouts are also available.

Hi-Vis Gilets From Trusted Workwear Brands 

Recognised workwear brands make it easier to compare features, sizing, insulation and product standards, particularly when you're buying for a team or expect to place replacement orders later.

Portwest workwear includes hi-vis bodywarmers and specialist gilets for different working environments. The current range includes hybrid baffle designs that combine insulation with freedom of movement, as well as specialist protective options.

Regatta High Visibility offers insulated and weather-resistant bodywarmers, including styles with practical zipped pockets and contrast detailing. Selected products are waterproof and available with rail-specific certification in the appropriate orange version.

YOKO workwear includes reversible fleece bodywarmers that provide a warmer option for site and outdoor work. The reversible construction gives wearers two different outer surfaces while retaining practical pocket space.

Which Industries Use High Visibility Gilets? 

High visibility gilets and reflective bodywarmers are used across a wide range of workplaces where employees need visibility alongside an extra layer of warmth.

Common sectors include:

• Construction
• Logistics
• Warehousing
• Transport
• Highways
• Utilities
• Rail
• Engineering
• Facilities management
• Outdoor site work

The features that matter will vary by job. An insulated bodywarmer can be useful for staff working in cooler yards or warehouses, while a lightweight softshell may suit roles involving more movement. Multiple pockets can help with everyday storage, while reversible garments offer added flexibility.

For rail, highways or other controlled environments, check the relevant product standard rather than assuming a particular colour or style is approved for the role.

Complete Your Custom Hi-Vis Workwear Order

Hi-vis bodywarmers work well as part of a layered uniform. They can be worn over polos, sweatshirts or fleeces, then combined with a jacket when conditions call for additional weather protection.

Browse the complete range of custom hi-vis workwear, including jackets, vests and other site clothing. You can also coordinate your gilets with hi-vis trousers for a consistent site uniform.

For a wider choice beyond safetywear, explore our personalised gilets and bodywarmers or combine everyday uniform essentials through our workwear bundles.

Why Order Hi-Vis Gilets From The Funky Peach? 

Buying workwear online doesn't mean you should be left to work out product specifications, sizing and branding on your own. The Funky Peach combines competitive internet pricing with the support you'd expect from a high-street workwear supplier.

Our team can help you choose suitable garments and sizes, with decoration completed in-house. Orders start from just one item, while decoration pricing becomes increasingly competitive at larger quantities. We can also support repeat orders when you need to replace garments or add new starters.

We supply businesses nationwide and can help whether you're ordering one personalised bodywarmer or coordinating custom hi-vis gilets across a larger workforce.

Shop our huge range of hi-vis gilets online or contact our team for help with a bulk workwear order.

FAQs: Hi-Vis Gilets 

Is a Hi-Vis Gilet the Same as a Hi-Vis Bodywarmer? 

The terms are often used interchangeably for sleeveless outer layers. In practice, individual garments vary in fabric, insulation, pockets, weather protection and safety certification.

Always compare the product specification rather than relying on the name alone.

Do Hi-Vis Gilets Meet EN ISO 20471 Standards? 

Some do, but standards and classes vary by product. Check the individual garment specification to confirm whether it meets EN ISO 20471 and which classification applies.

If you need a particular standard, The Funky Peach can help you identify suitable options.

What Is the Difference Between a Hi-Vis Gilet and a Hi-Vis Vest? 

A hi-vis vest or waistcoat is usually a lightweight visibility layer. A gilet or bodywarmer is generally more substantial and may include insulation, fleece lining, pockets or weather-resistant fabrics.

Whichever style you choose, check the product's individual standard and your workplace requirements.

Should I Choose a Yellow or Orange Hi-Vis Gilet? 

Choose according to your work environment, employer requirements and site rules. Both yellow and orange are common high visibility colours.

Where rail-specific clothing is required, check that the orange garment explicitly states compliance with RIS-3279-TOM rather than relying on colour alone.

Can You Add My Company Logo to a Hi-Vis Gilet? 

Yes, our range of gilets and bodywarmers can be personalised with a logo or text.

Chest and back positions may be possible, but exact placement depends on reflective tape, fluorescent areas, seams, zips, pockets and the construction of the garment. We can advise on suitability before production.

Can I Order One Personalised Hi-Vis Gilet? 

Yes. The minimum order is one garment, making it easy to order an individual replacement or try a new style before placing a larger order.

Pricing becomes more competitive as quantities increase.

H3 - Can I Order Hi-Vis Bodywarmers in Bulk for a Workforce? 

Yes. Bulk and mixed-size orders are available for site teams and larger uniform rollouts.

You can also combine bodywarmers with other custom hi-vis workwear or workwear bundles, then place repeat orders as your team changes.

Are Waterproof Hi-Vis Gilets Available? 

Some products in the range are waterproof or weather-resistant, but performance varies between garments. Others are designed primarily for insulation rather than wet-weather protection.

Check the individual waterproofing and breathability specification if weather protection is important for the job.

How Long Do Personalised Hi-Vis Gilets Take to Arrive? 

The standard lead time for decorated garments is around 10 working days. Stock availability, order quantity, artwork approval and decoration method can affect timing.

If you have a fixed deadline, speak to the team before placing your order. We also have an express delivery option.

Which Industries Commonly Use Hi-Vis Gilets and Bodywarmers? 

Hi-vis gilets and bodywarmers are commonly used across construction, logistics, warehousing, transport, highways, utilities, rail, engineering and other outdoor site roles.

The PPE required ultimately depends on the employer's risk assessment, workplace conditions and any site or industry rules that apply.