The journey of safety vests began with the simple goal of making individuals more visible in their surroundings, particularly in high-risk environments. Traditionally, occupations that posed visibility hazards relied on rudimentary methods such as using brightly colored clothing or adorning uniforms with reflective strips.

However, it became evident that a more standardized and specific solution was necessary to ensure a consistent level of visibility and safety. This led to the inception of the safety vest, purposefully designed and manufactured with high visibility colors and reflective materials.

The first safety vests were simple, brightly colored cloth garments. But as time went on, they evolved, integrating features such as reflective stripes and bands. These enhancements were made possible by advancements in materials science and a deeper understanding of visibility in various light conditions.

The 1970s marked a significant period in the evolution of safety vests, with the introduction of retro-reflective materials. These materials could reflect light back to its source, making the wearer visible even under vehicle headlights at night.