Hi-vis is meant to protect lives, keep teams compliant, and help crews stand out in dangerous environments. But when we asked 500 construction workers across the UK to rate their current hi-vis out of 10, the results were shocking.
The average score was just 3/10.
That means most workers feel their hi-vis is failing them — whether it’s comfort, fit, durability, or just how it looks.
What Workers Said About Their Hi-Vis
Here’s the kind of feedback we heard when we asked 500 site workers to rate their kit:
“Never fits right. One size’s hanging off me, the next size I can’t lift my arms.”
“The tape’s rubbish. Comes off in strips after a few washes.”
“Summer shifts? Feels like I’m wrapped in cling film.”
“After a week it stinks so bad I don’t even want to put it on.”
“Looks cheap. Whole gang ends up looking like we’ve borrowed gear.”
“‘Waterproof’? Nah mate. First bit of rain and I’m soaked right through.”
“My jacket lasted about two months before the zip gave out.”
It’s clear: workers don’t just dislike their hi-vis. They feel let down by it.
Why the Average is Stuck at 3/10
Most big-name brands sell hi-vis that ticks compliance boxes but cuts corners on design and quality. The result?
- Poor fit that frustrates workers across every size
- Cheap fabrics that fade, stink, and tear far too quickly
- Reflective tape that cracks or peels within weeks
- Zero style, leaving teams looking unprofessional on site
This isn’t just inconvenient. Poor quality hi-vis damages morale, shortens replacement cycles, and costs companies more in the long run.
What Workers Actually Want
When we asked what would make the perfect hi-vis, the answers were simple but consistent:
- Fit that works across all sizes
- Durability that survives months of graft
- Waterproofing that’s actually waterproof
- Breathability in summer
- A professional look that makes the crew proud
- Consistency across the whole site
How OAKLINE Turns 3/10 into 10/10
This is where OAKLINE® steps in. We built our range from scratch to fix every complaint workers threw at us.
- The Kimi Jacket – water-resistant 300D Oxford fabric, fleece lining, detachable hood, and proper Class 3 compliance.
- The Tod Bodywarmer – lightweight insulation that layers without bulk.
- The Blake Vest – a full-zip executive vest with cargo pockets, ID holder, and contrast panels that sharpen your look.
- The Robin T-Shirt – breathable, lightweight, and designed for summer shifts.
All available in rail-compliant orange and construction-ready yellow.
Designed in the UK. Built for real sites. Trusted by workers who are tired of 3/10 hi-vis.
The Results When Workers Tried OAKLINE
When we put OAKLINE in the hands of the same pool of workers:
- 92% said they’d prefer to wear OAKLINE over their current kit
- 89% said OAKLINE looks cooler and sharper on site
- 86% said they’d switch to OAKLINE right now if given the choice
One worker summed it up perfectly:
“OAKLINE feels like workwear built for us, not just for a catalogue.”
The Bottom Line
The truth is out: UK workers are stuck with hi-vis that averages 3/10. Poor fit, weak tape, sweaty fabrics, and short lifespans have become the norm.
OAKLINE is here to change that.
We’ve built hi-vis that lasts longer, fits better, looks sharper, and keeps teams compliant without compromise. Because workwear should never feel like a 3.
It should feel like a 10.
