Fluorescent Yellow-Green - According to ANSI standards, yellow-green clothing must have a luminance factor (brightness) of at least 70 percent, making it the brightest high-visibility color. You should choose fluorescent yellow-green clothing in the following situations:

1. Creating Contrast with Orange Barriers and Cones - When wearing high-visibility attire on roadways, it's essential to stand out to drivers, especially those who may be speeding. Yellow-green clothing is an excellent choice, as it provides optimal visibility while contrasting well with orange barriers and cones.

2. Creating Contrast in Urban Environments - It’s important to wear colors that stand out against the surroundings. For example, yellow-green may offer better visibility if you are on a dark road, but it might blend in if you are in a natural or green background.

Fluorescent Orange-Red - Orange-red is a very common color for high-visibility gear and is typically associated with danger and caution. However, the drawback of this color is that drivers often associate it with barriers, cones, and signs. Therefore, you want to avoid giving drivers the impression that you are a barrier when working on-site.

Fluorescent Red: Fluorescent red is a high-visibility color that has recently been added to the ANSI lineup. While it has been widely used in European and international markets for years, its popularity is now growing within the US workforce. Hi-Vis red offers workers an alternative when neither fluorescent yellow nor orange is suitable. This color is often preferred during dusk or in low-light conditions, as it can be easier for the eyes to perceive in lower ambient light levels. It is essential to ensure that red apparel includes sufficient retroreflective material for optimal visibility.

Black:Surprisingly, the use of black high-visibility apparel has significantly increased.Specific requirements dictate the amount of retroreflective and fluorescent material that must be combined with the black background. It is important to note that black high-visibility apparel is only acceptable for off-road use. However, it may be preferred by individuals seeking a more understated look, such as public safety officers or firefighters, who do not work in high-traffic environments.

Other Colors: While the ANSI standard highlights only a few select colors, the expansion of the US job market and the increasing acceptance of enhanced visibility in the workplace have led to the introduction of more Enhanced Visibility garments. Although these colors may not currently be recognized by the ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 standard, they are becoming more common in industries like logistics and manufacturing, which have fewer struck-by hazards and focus more on departmental identification.

When wearing high-visibility gear in low-light or dark environments, color may not be the most important factor. Instead, it is better to opt for items with reflective straps. These straps will reflect light from oncoming vehicles, significantly improving your visibility.