Every hi-vis garment carries a class rating — D, N, or D/N — and it's not a minor detail. It determines when the garment is actually doing its job.
Class D: Daytime Only
Class D garments use fluorescent fabric that stands out under natural daylight. Fluorescent material works by reflecting visible light brightly — it has nothing to reflect back after dark, which is why Class D garments should never be relied on for visibility at night. A bright fluoro shirt that looks unmissable at midday can be almost invisible under headlights after sunset.
Class N: Night Only
Class N garments work the opposite way: retroreflective strips arranged in a specified pattern around the torso, designed to bounce light from vehicle headlights or site lighting straight back to its source. Class N garments aren't necessarily fluorescent, so they don't stand out the same way in daylight — their job is purely low-light and night visibility.
Class D/N: Both
Class D/N garments combine fluorescent fabric with retroreflective tape, meeting both sets of requirements in a single garment. If your team's shift crosses from daylight into evening or early morning — or works on a site with mixed lighting — D/N is the rating that actually covers the whole shift.
Why This Matters When You're Buying
"Hi-vis" on its own isn't a rating — it's just a description. The class letter is what tells you which conditions the garment has actually been tested and certified for, under AS/NZS 4602.1. Check the label before assuming a daytime shirt has you covered on an early-morning start.
Browse our Hi-Vis Workwear range and check the class rating listed on each product.
1st Safety is based in Auburn, NSW, and supplies AS/NZS-compliant PPE to trades, construction, and industrial businesses across Australia.