There was a time when putting on your hi-vis meant grabbing a grubby, over-sized fluorescent vest from a pile, and fastening it over whatever you were wearing at the time. Thankfully, that time has long since passed.
Modern hi-vis garments offer the wearer so much more in terms of comfort, fit and safety than they did in the past. They provide companies that purchase them with better value for money, lasting longer and being better for the environment.
Today’s innovative suppliers are pushing the boundaries, developing their offering far beyond the neon vest of the past. This includes our partners, Leo Workwear.
Innovation in hi-vis clothing
At iSB Group, we are an approved supplier for hi-vis clothing specialist Leo Workwear.
This means we can offer our customers the benefit of the company’s expertise and innovation in the field, gathered over more than 40 years in the business.
Innovation through choice
We all know the basics of hi vis clothing, right? Wearing hi vis vests and the like helps workers be seen more easily in low light, poor weather, and at night.
Manufacturers achieve this by combining fluorescent material to maximise visibility in daylight with strategically-placed retro-reflective strips to reflect artificial light (such as the light from vehicle headlights) at night.
Discover the science behind how hi vis works: Read our blog on biomotion indicators.
Given the strict requirements that govern what is considered conforming hi vis clothing – as well as how hi vis should be worn to ensure it remains effective at doing its job – it would be easy for manufacturers to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to compliance.
But Leo has chosen to go beyond what is simply good enough. The company is always actively innovating, improving its existing products so they perform even better while also developing new options to add to its already impressive range.
Innovation in inclusivity
Leo has one of the most comprehensive and inclusive ranges of hi vis products in the UK. It offers hi vis vests, t-shirts, trousers and jacket options designed to fit both men and women, specifically tailoring each garment as needed to suit the differences between the average female and average male body.
The company also sells modesty tunics and provides all its hi vis clothing in an optional maternity fit to cater for pregnant women.
Find out more about Leo’s journey to expand its women’s hi vis clothing range.
Innovation in comfort
This attention to fostering inclusivity, coupled with a commitment to using high quality materials and manufacturing processes, ensures Leo’s hi vis workwear and PPE is comfortable for all-day wear, even next to the skin.
Innovation in compliance
And this focus on comfort has also enabled the company to boost purchasing companies’ hi vis compliance.
The company has developed a moisture-wicking range of hi vis t-shirts and vests called Coolviz made from lightweight polyester mesh that is designed to help with temperature regulation, reducing the temptation for people to remove their hi vis clothing during the hot weather or when they get warm during the course of their work.
Meanwhile, its warm, comfortable and waterproof hi vis jackets provide outdoor workers with the perfect top layer, allowing them to be warm and stay seen.
Sustainable innovation
As well as innovating its products, Leo Workwear is constantly striving to improve its overall effectiveness as an organisation, and to lessen its impact on people and planet.
The company works across its entire supply chain, from raw materials sourcing through manufacturing processes and distribution, to ensure that its products are as sustainable as possible, both in their creation and in their wear.
You can find out more about that work on the company’s website, and read about the small part we at iSB Group play in our blog on the topic of reducing environmental impacts, one hi vis jacket at a time.
Beyond the neon vest
If you’re looking for the best modern hi vis clothing out there today then, in our opinion, you won’t do better than to choose from the Leo Workwear range.
If you need help to determine what classification of hi vis is best for your employees, or with adding your company branding to hi vis items, give us a call – we’ll be happy to help!
Posted 18 Sep 2025
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By Andrew Grinnell
