Best Hi-Vis Brands for UK Trades (2026): An Honest Comparison
Last reviewed: 11 September 2026 · Written and reviewed by the Xcel Print & Promotions team
Published: 11 September 2026
For most UK trades, the best hi-vis brands are Portwest and Beeswift for all-round value, Yoko for vests and budget kit, and Regatta for warmer hi-vis outer layers. We decorate hi-vis from all of them every week, so this comparison comes from handling the garments, not reading spec sheets.
How we judge hi-vis
Three things matter on site: certification (EN ISO 20471 for the garment class you need), durability through industrial washing, and how well the garment takes a printed or embroidered logo without compromising its certification. Price matters too, but a vest that fails after five washes is not cheap.
Portwest: the safe all-rounder
The biggest technical range of the lot, from basic vests to Class 3 winter jackets, with consistent certification and reliable stock. Rarely the absolute cheapest, rarely expensive. If you are standardising a mixed fleet of hi-vis across a company, Portwest makes it easy. We covered the brand fully in our honest Portwest review.
Beeswift: the value specialist
Beeswift is a dedicated safety and PPE supplier, and it shows in the range depth: vests, two-tone jackets, waterproofs and boots at keen prices. The vests are the ones we use in our own printed hi-vis vest bundles because they are certified, consistent and print beautifully. Styling is purely functional, which is exactly what most crews want.
Yoko: vests and budget hi-vis
Yoko majors on high-visibility basics, and its vests and waistcoats are a staple across UK sites. Good colour options and child sizes too, which helps for events and schools. For heavier outerwear we would look elsewhere, but for vests and lightweight kit Yoko is solid.
Regatta: warmth and outer layers
Regatta’s strength is weatherproof and insulated garments, so its hi-vis jackets and fleeces suit anyone working outdoors through winter. Sizing runs slightly generous, which many find comfortable over layers.
Which should you buy?
For a crew that just needs certified, branded vests at the lowest sensible cost, a printed vest bundle settles it, from £2.19 per vest at 100 or £1.90 at 250, front and back logo included. For jackets, polos and trousers, browse the full custom hi-vis range and mix brands to suit the job. Every garment can be branded without affecting its certification.
FAQs
What is the best hi-vis brand in the UK?
For all-round choice and certification, Portwest and Beeswift lead for most UK trades. Yoko is strong for vests and budget kit, and Regatta for warm hi-vis outer layers. The right answer depends on whether you need vests, jackets or a full standardised range.
Which hi-vis brand is best value?
Beeswift and Yoko are typically the best value for certified vests and basics. Bought as a printed bundle, Beeswift vests work out from £1.90 each at 250 vests (£2.19 at 100), including a front and back logo.
Can hi-vis be branded without losing certification?
Yes. Printing or embroidering in the correct positions leaves EN ISO 20471 certification intact. We check placement on every order.
Do I need Class 2 or Class 3 hi-vis?
It depends on the risk environment. Vests are typically Class 2, while full jackets with sleeves reach Class 3 for higher-risk settings like highways. Check what your site or principal contractor specifies.
Written by Andy · Founder, Xcel Print & Promotions
Xcel Print & Promotions is a family-run UK workwear, branded-clothing and print company with over 20 years' experience. We embroider and print in-house from our base in Haverhill, Suffolk, with no minimum order, so this advice comes from kitting out real teams every working day, from single tradespeople to large sites and schools.
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