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.
Hi-vis garment classes at a glance (AS/NZS 4602.1):
| Class | When it works | Fabric and tape | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | Daytime only | Fluorescent fabric; no retroreflective tape | Outdoor work in daylight |
| N | Night only | Retroreflective strips in a specified pattern around the torso; not necessarily fluorescent | Low-light and night work |
| D/N | Day and night | Fluorescent fabric plus retroreflective tape | A shift that crosses from daylight into evening or early morning, or a site with mixed lighting |
What is Class D hi-vis? 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.
What is Class N hi-vis? 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.
What is Class D/N hi-vis? Day and night
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 does the hi-vis class matter 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a Class D shirt at night?
No. Class D garments have no retroreflective tape, so they are not visible in headlights. For night work you need Class N or Class D/N.
Are taped navy work pants Class N?
Usually, yes — manufacturers typically rate taped navy or khaki pants as Night (Class N). Pair them with a Day/Night top for full coverage. See our Sydney hi-vis guide.
Is Class F a hi-vis garment class?
No. Class F is a classification of the fluorescent fabric under AS/NZS 1906.4. Garment classes under AS/NZS 4602.1 are D, N and D/N.
Does hi-vis wear out?
Yes. Fluorescent fabric fades and reflective tape wears or cracks over time. Replace garments that are faded or have damaged tape, and follow the wash limits on the care label.