Understanding Safety Vest Color Lime vs. Orange, and Beyond

   

Safety Vests: Understanding Lime, Orange, and Beyond

High-visibility safety vests are essential in preventing accidents and improving visibility in hazardous work environments. Most people recognize these vests by their vibrant lime or orange colors, but there’s more to the story. This article explores the history of safety vests, why certain colors dominate, how enhanced visibility vests fit into the picture, and where you can find them at the Traffic Safety Store.
Lime and orange vests

A Brief History of High-Visibility Clothing

Modern safety vests trace their roots to advancements in fluorescent dyes and reflective technology in the 20th century. In the 1930s, Bob and Joe Switzer famously created “Day-Glo” paints through experimentation with fluorescent pigments. By the 1960s, railway workers in the UK were sporting bright orange jackets for track maintenance, and North American road crews soon followed suit. These early efforts helped shape modern safety regulations and awareness. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established in 1971, laying the groundwork for workplace safety rules. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) introduced its first high-visibility safety apparel standard (ANSI/ISEA 107) in 1999, standardizing requirements for color, reflectivity, and vest design. Today, many industries—construction, highway maintenance, emergency services, aviation, and more—require ANSI-rated vests to protect workers.

ANSI Safety Vests and Their Purpose

An ANSI safety vest is engineered to improve a wearer’s visibility in high-risk or low-visibility environments. These garments commonly feature fluorescent fabric in lime (yellow-green) or orange, along with reflective striping that catches vehicle headlights or other light sources. By increasing contrast against most backgrounds, ANSI safety vests help drivers and machine operators see workers faster. If you need to purchase ANSI-rated vests for your team, check out the Traffic Safety Store’s Safety Vests collection.

Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3

ANSI categorizes high-visibility apparel into different classes based on coverage and reflective tape:
  • Class 1: Minimal coverage; best for low-risk tasks away from busy roadways or moving vehicles.
  • Class 2: Increased coverage, commonly used by road crews, construction workers, and surveyors where traffic exceeds 25 mph. View our Class 2 Safety Vests for the most commonly required standard.
  • Class 3: Maximum coverage; worn in high-risk areas like highway construction or emergency response on busy roads.

Why Lime and Orange Colors Dominate

Bright lime (yellow-green) and orange are the standard ANSI-approved hues due to the way our eyes perceive color. Research shows these shades appear significantly brighter and more conspicuous in daylight conditions.

Lime (Yellow-Green)

  • Peak Visual Sensitivity: The human eye is particularly sensitive to the yellow-green spectrum in daylight.
  • High Contrast: Lime vests stand out in both urban and natural settings (forests, fields, cityscapes).

lime safety vest

Orange

  • Traditional Warning Color: Orange has long been associated with hazard signage (e.g., traffic cones, warning lights).
  • Visibility: Contrasts sharply against green foliage, gray pavement, and many common backgrounds.
Both colors are ANSI-compliant if they meet the required fluorescent intensity and reflective striping. The choice often depends on local regulations, environment, or company preference.
  orange safety vest

Beyond Orange and Lime: Enhanced Visibility Vests

Not all work environments mandate strict ANSI high-visibility requirements. In such cases, enhanced visibility vests—available in alternative base colors (like black, navy, or red) with reflective accents—may be sufficient. They can be particularly useful for branding, event staff, or settings where full ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 compliance isn’t required. Explore the Enhanced Visibility Vests section at the Traffic Safety Store to find options that blend reflective materials with non-traditional colors. Note that enhanced visibility generally lacks the full fluorescent coverage demanded by ANSI standards. Always verify whether your job site requires ANSI-rated garments before selecting an enhanced visibility vest.
enhanced visibility colored vests

ANSI Red Safety Vests

While lime (yellow-green) and orange are the most familiar ANSI-compliant colors, fluorescent red is also allowed under the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard—so long as it meets the brightness and reflective requirements. ANSI Red is not just a regular “stop-sign” red; it must be sufficiently fluorescent to be highly visible in daylight and low-light conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
  • Compliance: To carry an ANSI label, the vest’s red hue must fall within the prescribed chromaticity and luminance ranges (i.e., it must be bright and reflective enough).
  • Applications: Some organizations use red safety vests to differentiate roles or departments—for example, supervisors vs. crew members—or to create a distinct visual identity.
  • Environmental Contrast: In certain settings, a vivid orange-red or fluorescent red can provide better contrast than standard orange or lime.
  • Class Ratings: As with any ANSI vest, red vests can be Class 2 or Class 3 if they have enough background fabric and the required width/placement of reflective striping.
  • Less Common, Still Effective: Although fluorescent red vests are less commonly seen than lime or orange, they remain a valid option for jobs that require ANSI-compliant high-visibility apparel.
Whether you choose lime, orange, or red, it’s essential to verify that the vest is truly ANSI/ISEA 107–compliant. Look for labeling that specifies the vest’s class rating and ensure the vendor meets all ANSI specifications.
ANSI Red Safety Vest

Key Takeaways

Summary Points

  • Historical Roots: High-visibility clothing evolved from 1930s “Day-Glo” discoveries and gained traction in the 1960s.
  • ANSI Standards: Set design, color, and reflectivity guidelines for safety vests. Class 2 is the most commonly required.
  • Lime vs. Orange: Both are ANSI-approved fluorescent colors. Selection often depends on visibility needs and work setting.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Vests in alternative colors (e.g., black or red) with reflective trim may suffice in lower-risk scenarios or indoor environments.

Learn More

For detailed regulations and guidelines on high-visibility apparel, consult OSHA’s official site . To explore a wide range of safety vests and accessories—from ANSI Class 2 vests to enhanced visibility options—visit TrafficSafetyStore.com.
High-visibility safety vests—whether in classic lime, orange, or enhanced visibility options—are essential for protecting workers in high-risk and low-visibility environments. Understanding ANSI standards, the reasons behind lime/orange dominance, and the availability of alternate colors ensures you can choose the right vest to meet your unique safety requirements.
 

Let Traffic Safety Store help you with your selection of new Safety Vests- Call us at 800-429-9030.

Our customer service representatives are here to help you answer questions and walk through every step of your order.  Upgrade your teams Safety Vests with Custom Text, Logos, or Graphics!  Call us at 800-429-9030.  

Premium Black Surveyors Vest

Premium Black Surveyors Vest

Premium Black Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:
  • Professional Class 2 Surveyors Safety Vest - Lime or Orange
  • Eight sizes to choose from: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL
  • Add custom black text, custom reflective text or logos to both back and/or front

$72.75
$62.25

Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest

Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest

Premium Black Series Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:
  • Professional Class 2 Surveyors Safety Vest - Lime or Orange
  • Eight sizes to choose from: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL
  • Add custom black text, custom reflective text or logos to both back and/or front

$72.75
$62.25

Women's Heavy Duty Surveyors Vest

Women's Heavy Duty Surveyors Vest

Women's Heavy Duty Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:
  • Class: ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 / ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Type R | Class 2
  • Tailored Fit for Women: Specifically designed for women, offering superior comfort, mobility, and a professional look.
  • Durable & High-Visibility: Made from heavy-duty polyester with ANSI/ISEA-compliant reflective strips for maximum safety in all conditions.
  • Ample Storage & Comfort: Features multiple pockets, microphone tab & sunglasses 'loop', side waist adjusters, and padded neck band for all-day functionality and ease.
  • Add custom black text, custom reflective text or logos to both back and/or front

$79.95
$67.25

Professional Class 2 Surveyors Vest (Lime)

Professional Class 2 Surveyors Vest (Lime)

Professional Class 2 Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:
  • Professional Class 2 Surveyors Safety Vest - Lime or Orange
  • Eight sizes to choose from: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL
  • Add custom black text, custom reflective text or logos to both back and/or front

$65.75
$56.50

High Performance Surveyors Vest (Orange)

High Performance Surveyors Vest (Orange)

High Performance Surveyors Vest

Quick Facts:
  • Ultra-Cool™ 100% polyester mesh.
  • 2" wide high performance reflective material with 3" contrasting black.
  • Reinforced Zipper front closure.
$34.25
$29.50

FLUORESCENT ANSI RED Brilliant Series Heavy Duty Mesh Vest

FLUORESCENT ANSI RED Brilliant Series Heavy Duty Mesh Vest

Features:

  • Maximum visibility -- High Visibility Fluorescent Red, Class 2 with added reflective silhouette trimming
  • Large, Velcro-secured pockets: Two (2) exterior lower and two (2) interior lower
  • Mic tab
  • Front zipper
  • Four (4) grommets for survey tape
  • Cellphone/radio carrier
  • Notebook holder with sewn-in pen holder

 

This is a practical option for surveyors, inspectors and other multitasking jobs. The Brilliant Class 2 vest is designed with maximum pocket storage, conveniently placed grommets, and highly reflective trimming for added visibility at night or in fog/overcast conditions.

All vests can be ordered with black or reflective and/or full-color logos. Bulk purchasing optional. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL

Independently tested: ANSI/ISEA 107-2010, Class 2 for MUTCD

Quick Facts:
  • Premium Brilliant Series™ Heavy Duty Vest
  • Our most popular Class 2 Safety Vest!
  • Eight sizes to choose from: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL & 5XL
  • Add custom black text, custom reflective text or logos to both back and/or front

$23.00
$19.75