- SANS 1137 / EN ISO 20471 high-visibility
- Class 2 and Class 3 options
- Lime-yellow or orange with silver tape
- Mesh, solid or flame-retardant fabric
- Sizes S to 5XL, printing available
A reflective vest makes a worker visible to drivers, plant operators and forklift traffic. Sites, roadworks, warehouses and events all rely on them. PPESuppliers.co.za is a free quote-request service for South Africa. Tell us the type, quantity and branding you need, and we pass your request to independent PPE suppliers, wholesalers and branding shops, who quote you directly. We do not sell vests ourselves. There is no charge and no obligation to accept a quote, so you can compare several offers.
How reflective vests work
A reflective vest combines two things. A fluorescent background, usually lime-yellow or orange, makes the wearer stand out in daylight. Silver retroreflective bands bounce headlight beams back to the driver at night and in poor light.
The standard to ask for is SANS 1137 or EN ISO 20471. It sets minimum areas of fluorescent and reflective material and defines three classes. Class 2 vests suit most sites. Class 3 gives the most visible area and suits road workers and traffic near fast vehicles.
Types and materials
- Mesh vests: light, cool and cheap, suited to short-term visitors and warm days.
- Solid polyester vests: tougher fabric and longer life for daily site use.
- Vests with pockets: pockets for pens, radios and cards, plus a zip or Velcro front.
- Breakaway vests: release under strain, useful near moving machinery.
- Flame-retardant vests: for energy and petrochemical sites.
Choose a colour that contrasts with the surroundings. Lime-yellow works against red earth and most sites. Orange stands out against green vegetation. Velcro or zip fronts are easier to put on over thick clothes than elastic bands. Ask for a size run that fits over a winter jacket, since a tight vest rides up and hides the reflective bands.
Care, replacement and branding
Reflective tape wears out. Washing, abrasion and dirt reduce brightness, and fluorescent colours fade in the sun. Check vests regularly and replace any that are faded, torn, or have cracked or peeling tape. Follow the wash label, since hot washes shorten the life of the tape.
Many buyers have vests printed or embroidered with a company name, contractor number or role, such as "Visitor", "Supervisor" or "First Aid". Printing on the back panel keeps the reflective bands clear. Visitor vests are often bought in bulk and kept at the gate or reception. Contractors who work on several sites usually issue each person their own vest, so it fits properly and is not shared. Keep a few spare sizes in the store for replacements.
What affects the quote
We do not quote prices. Suppliers price on quantity, fabric, class, number of pockets, closure type, size range and any printing or embroidery. Tell them how many vests you need, whether the order is once-off or repeat, and the colour split between lime-yellow and orange. Say whether you want certification documents. Include your delivery address and date. If you want branding, attach the logo and say where it goes. Mention if some wearers need larger sizes, so the supplier can plan the size run properly.
Comparing reflective vests quotes
PPE prices move with fabric, leather and rubber costs, the exchange rate and stock levels. When quotes arrive, check:
- Exact item and standard: the product, the standard or rating it is certified to, and an NRCS letter of authority where one is required.
- Sizes and quantities: price per unit or per pack, size runs available and any minimum order.
- Stock or lead time: ex stock, or imported or made to order, and how long that takes.
- Delivery and VAT: delivery to site, branding costs, whether VAT is included and how long the price holds.
What to include in your request
- State the quantity and whether it is a once-off or repeat order.
- Say which class and colour you need.
- Choose mesh, solid or flame-retardant fabric.
- Attach your logo and note where it should be printed.
- Give the size split and the delivery address.
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell reflective vests?
Which class of reflective vest do I need?
Can vests be printed with our company name?
How often should reflective vests be replaced?
Reflective Vests by province
- Reflective Vests Gauteng
- Reflective Vests Mpumalanga
- Reflective Vests North West
- Reflective Vests Limpopo
- Reflective Vests Northern Cape
- Reflective Vests Free State
- Reflective Vests KwaZulu-Natal
- Reflective Vests Eastern Cape
- Reflective Vests Western Cape
Reflective Vests by city and town
- Reflective Vests in Johannesburg
- Reflective Vests in Pretoria
- Reflective Vests in Centurion
- Reflective Vests in Midrand
- Reflective Vests in Sandton
- Reflective Vests in Randburg
- Reflective Vests in Roodepoort
- Reflective Vests in Krugersdorp
- Reflective Vests in Randfontein
- Reflective Vests in Germiston
- Reflective Vests in Boksburg
- Reflective Vests in Benoni
- Reflective Vests in Kempton Park
- Reflective Vests in Alberton
- Reflective Vests in Vanderbijlpark
- Reflective Vests in Vereeniging
- Reflective Vests in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Reflective Vests in Middelburg
- Reflective Vests in Secunda
- Reflective Vests in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Reflective Vests in Rustenburg
- Reflective Vests in Brits
- Reflective Vests in Klerksdorp
- Reflective Vests in Potchefstroom
- Reflective Vests in Polokwane
- Reflective Vests in Tzaneen
- Reflective Vests in Lephalale
- Reflective Vests in Kimberley
- Reflective Vests in Kathu
- Reflective Vests in Upington
- Reflective Vests in Bloemfontein
- Reflective Vests in Welkom
- Reflective Vests in Sasolburg
- Reflective Vests in Durban
- Reflective Vests in Pinetown
- Reflective Vests in Pietermaritzburg
- Reflective Vests in Richards Bay
- Reflective Vests in Newcastle
- Reflective Vests in Ladysmith
- Reflective Vests in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Reflective Vests in East London
- Reflective Vests in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Reflective Vests in Cape Town
- Reflective Vests in Bellville
- Reflective Vests in Paarl
- Reflective Vests in Stellenbosch
- Reflective Vests in George
- Reflective Vests in Worcester
