Reflective jackets, commonly known as high-visibility or "hi-vis" clothing, are primarily made from durable synthetic materials designed for visibility and practicality.
Primary Material: Polyester
Based on common manufacturing practices for high-visibility clothing, including jackets, the core material is often polyester or a polyester blend. This choice is strategic for several reasons related to the demands of work and safety environments.
Manufacturers frequently select polyester or a blend due to its inherent qualities that enhance the performance and longevity of hi-vis garments.
Why Polyester for Reflective Jackets?
Polyester offers key benefits that make it suitable for safety wear:
- Durability: The strong fibers of polyester resist stretching and prevent the formation of tiny fuzzballs, known as pilling, which can degrade other textiles over time. This ensures the jacket maintains its structure and appearance.
- Moisture Resistance: Polyester resists soaking up moisture. This property is particularly useful for keeping workers dry when exposed to water or damp conditions.
- Sweat Wicking: On hot days, polyester helps wick away sweat, contributing to wearer comfort by drawing moisture away from the skin.
These characteristics make polyester a robust and functional fabric base for applying the reflective and fluorescent elements that give these jackets their visibility.
In summary, the foundation of most reflective jackets is a polyester or polyester blend fabric, chosen for its strength, resistance to wear, and moisture management properties.
