Reflective jackets make people visible in places and situations where there may be a risk to their safety. They can be worn at any time of the day or night and are typically used by people working on roads, rails, port facilities (including airports and wharfs), building construction sites, emergency services, fire services, search and rescue teams, utility workers, cyclists, motor cyclists and traffic police officers. High visibility clothing is also used by people who are exposed to hazardous substances.

The bright fluorescent and reflective materials of these jackets help to increase the wearer’s visibility in low-light conditions, or even when there is no natural light. These materials are designed to stand out against a dark background and are often used in combination with bright colours to achieve maximum effect in a range of different lighting conditions, from daylight to dullness to dark.

Some reflective clothing is regulated under occupational health and safety laws, which require employers to supply their employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). These requirements set out levels of retroreflective performance, the colour and luminosity of background materials, and how much body area must be covered by the garments in order to meet the standard. Some garments are required to be flame resistant as well, although this is generally only for specific occupational activities such as welding or cutting.

When you’re running in the dark, it’s important to be visible to other runners and vehicles, especially if you’re going to cross the road. The reflective elements of this running vest from Brooks help to illuminate your movements, which will alert drivers to your presence and avoid collisions. The reflective material is located in targeted motion zones, and it’s designed to be visible at distances of up to 600 feet.

If you’re looking for a reflective running vest that is a little less expensive, this one from Baleaf is a good choice. Its reflective elements are embedded in the fabric, rather than being printed on, which increases the effectiveness of the reflectivity. The vest is also windproof, breathable and has pockets for storage.

Another way to add visibility to your outfit is by using reflective tape. This simple, cost-effective option is easy to apply and can be cut to the length you need. It can be stuck to any surface, including clothes and footwear, and will reflect back the light from headlamps and car lights to improve your visibility in low-light conditions. It’s also washable, sticks to almost any surface and won’t peel off over time. You can purchase it in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find the right reflective gear to suit your style. It also comes in a convenient package with four bands and a reusable mesh bag for storage. You can also use this reflective tape to add reflectivity to your existing gear, such as a running hat. It’s a great idea to combine it with reflective shoes, socks and a running belt, so you can create a fully reflective outfit.