How to Choose Hi-Vis Apparel That Works in Hot Conditions

When the heat index climbs, everything gets harder, thinking clearly, staying hydrated, working safely. Now imagine doing that in a fluorescent vest that traps body heat like a sauna. It’s a reality many workers face every summer. Heat stress doesn’t just make work miserable. It sends thousands to the hospital each year.

Workplace safety professionals know visibility saves lives, but when the hi-vis apparel itself becomes a hazard, it’s time to rethink what we’re asking people to wear. This article breaks down how the right high-visibility workwear helps reduce heat risks, without compromising safety or compliance. 

Who’s at Risk?

Heat stress can affect anyone, but outdoor crews face the highest risk. Road workers, utility techs, sanitation teams, flaggers, and equipment operators often work in direct sunlight on surfaces like asphalt and concrete, materials that soak up heat and send it right back.

And it’s not just a summer issue. In many urban areas, heat lingers well into spring and fall. These heat islands offer little shade, and the humidity makes it harder for workers to cool down. Without proper airflow, hydration, or breaks, job sites can become dangerous fast.

OSHA makes it clear that employers are responsible for protecting workers from known hazards. Heat is one of them. That responsibility goes beyond providing water and rest areas, it includes outfitting workers with the right apparel for the conditions.

Hi-vis workwear plays a major role in that protection. But not all options are built for heat. Older or low-cost designs often use heavy, non-breathable fabric that traps body heat. Poor fit, bulky cuts, and dark linings only add to the problem. When body heat can’t escape, the risk of heat illness rises fast.

Meeting ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards ensures visibility, but visibility alone isn’t enough in high temperatures. That’s why choosing high-vis workwear made with performance fabrics, designed to handle the heat, is crucial to protect your crew when the temperature climbs. Let’s look at what sets heat-ready high-vis workwear apart.

What Makes Hi-Vis Apparel Heat-Ready?

Modern high-visibility workwear is doing more than keeping workers seen, it’s helping them stay safe in the heat. The best designs now take thermal comfort seriously, with features built specifically to reduce body heat and improve wearability in high-temperature conditions.

Lightweight Construction

Heavier materials trap more heat. That’s a problem when workers already deal with rising temperatures from above and below. Lightweight fabrics not only help reduce the body’s heat load, but they also make movement easier. This is especially important for jobs that involve constant lifting, climbing, or walking.

Crews working on bridges, rooftops, or highways benefit the most. These are tasks where body movement is continuous and the environment offers little relief. When the clothing is light, the body works less to stay cool and mobile.

Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Sweat is the body’s natural cooling method, but only if it can evaporate. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the skin and spread it across the surface of the fabric. This allows it to dry faster and take excess heat with it.

This feature becomes critical in humid climates, where sweat tends to sit on the skin. Workers in the Southeast or Gulf Coast regions often face conditions that combine extreme heat and high humidity. Wicking fabric gives their body a fighting chance to cool down.

A Note on Water-Activated Cooling Gear

Some workers turn to evaporative cooling products that require soaking in water before use. These can offer quick relief, especially in dry heat, and they’re simple to use, just wet, wring, and wear. They’re lightweight, reusable, and don’t require batteries or tech to work.

But there are trade-offs. The cooling effect often wears off within an hour, especially in high humidity. Some workers find the damp feeling uncomfortable or distracting. In some cases, excess moisture can drip or leave marks on uniforms and gear underneath. If not cleaned and stored properly, these products can also develop odors or become a breeding ground for bacteria.

While they can be helpful in certain conditions, they require consistent maintenance and may not suit every job site or personal preference. For those who prefer to stay dry, moisture-wicking fabrics offer a more comfortable and low-maintenance way to manage heat without added wetness.

Mesh Venting

Hot air needs a way out. Mesh panels placed strategically, in high-sweat areas like the underarms, shoulders, and lower back, create passive airflow. These vents help release trapped heat and prevent overheating during long hours in the sun.

Jobs with heavy PPE, like those in electrical utilities or flagging operations, can lead to sweat pooling under layers. Mesh inserts help regulate body temperature by allowing air to move freely between the layers and the skin.

UV Protection

UV-rated fabrics add another layer of protection. Prolonged sun exposure isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. UV-blocking workwear reduces the risk of skin damage and long-term health issues without requiring extra coverage or weight. This is especially helpful for workers who can’t always reapply sunscreen or take shelter from the sun, like those managing traffic or setting up utility lines in wide-open spaces.

These features matter on the job, but they don’t come together by chance. Getting them right takes a partner who knows what workers face day in and day out.

Kishigo’s Approach to Heat Mitigation on the Jobsite

Kishigo has been focused on high-visibility workwear for more than 50 years, and we know how heat changes everything on the job. That’s why we designed our Cool Touch products with one thing in mind: helping crews stay seen and stay cool.

Our Cool Touch line features lightweight fabrics that don’t weigh workers down, moisture-wicking performance that helps manage sweat, and breathable mesh panels that keep air moving. In lab testing, Cool Touch fabric showed a 15% advantage in cooling efficiency and dried 8% faster than comparable materials, giving workers a real edge in hot, demanding conditions. Every piece is made to meet ANSI standards while also giving workers a better fit, more airflow, and longer-lasting comfort.

We don’t just talk about durability, we build it in. High-stress areas like zippers and pockets are reinforced to extend the life of the garment. Our pocket designs are ergonomic and functional, not just sewn on for show. And our finishing touches, like padded collars, hand-finished hems, and a tagless design that reduces irritation all add up to more comfort during long, hot shifts in the sun.

With over 1,300 SKUs and distribution centers in California and Tennessee, we’re equipped to serve teams across construction, utilities, public safety, transportation, and beyond. We listen to worker feedback, refine our designs, and stay ahead of the curve, so you can be confident your team is wearing workwear that works with them, not against them.

If heat’s a challenge on your site, we’re ready to help. See Cool Touch in action, then connect with our team to get your crew into high-vis workwear built to beat the heat.