Safety Shirts
Hi-Vis & ANSI-Compliant Work Shirts for Construction, Warehouse & Industrial
When workers operate near traffic, moving equipment, or low-light conditions, being seen is not optional — it is a legal requirement. Safety shirts provide the high-visibility coverage required by ANSI/ISEA 107 standards while offering the comfort and breathability that vests and jackets cannot always deliver.
Part of our complete Hi-Vis & ANSI Apparel range, safety shirts are the most practical hi-vis solution for warm-weather job sites and indoor facilities where visibility compliance is required without added bulk.
Understanding ANSI Safety Shirt Classifications
Not all hi-vis shirts meet the same standard. ANSI/ISEA 107 classifies high-visibility apparel by the amount of background material and retroreflective tape, matched to worker exposure level:
Class 2 Safety Shirts Required for workers near traffic moving between 25–50 mph or in environments with moderate equipment hazards. Minimum background material of 775 square inches and 201 square inches of reflective tape. Standard compliance for most road, construction, and warehouse applications.
Class 3 Safety Shirts Required for workers near high-speed traffic above 50 mph or in complex backgrounds where full-body visibility is critical. Must provide 1,240 square inches of background material and 310 square inches of reflective tape. Common for highway workers, emergency responders, and utility crews.
Compliance note: Always verify your jurisdiction's specific ANSI class requirement before purchasing. OSHA and state DOT agencies may specify minimum class levels by job type and proximity to traffic.
Why Choose a Safety Shirt Over a Safety Vest?
Safety vests are the most recognizable hi-vis garment — but they have limitations. In warm weather, layering a vest over a base shirt adds heat and discomfort that affects worker performance and compliance. A safety shirt eliminates that extra layer entirely, providing the same reflective coverage in a single breathable garment.
Key advantages of safety shirts:
Full torso coverage with background fabric that vests cannot provide
Moisture-wicking and breathable construction suited for outdoor summer work
Pocket and storage options not available on standard mesh vests
Standalone ANSI compliance in Class 2 and Class 3 ratings without additional layering
For colder months or environments requiring maximum visibility, pair with Hi-Vis Safety Jackets as an outer layer worn directly over the shirt.
Types of Safety Shirts at ASA Supplies
Short-Sleeve Safety Shirts The most widely used option for warm-weather outdoor work. Available in Class 2 and Class 3 ratings with moisture-wicking fabric and segmented reflective tape placement.
Long-Sleeve Safety Shirts Provides forearm coverage and sun protection alongside ANSI compliance. Preferred for utility, road construction, and survey crews working in direct sun exposure for extended shifts.
Safety Polo Shirts A more professional presentation with a collar — used in supervisory roles, traffic control, and customer-facing environments that require visible compliance without a construction aesthetic.
FR Safety Shirts Flame-resistant fabric with ANSI hi-vis compliance. Required in oil & gas, utilities, and electrical work where arc flash or flash fire risk exists alongside traffic or equipment hazards.
Build a Complete Hi-Vis Compliance Outfit
A safety shirt is the foundation of a compliant hi-vis outfit. Pair it correctly for full site compliance:
ANSI Type R Class 2 Safety Vests — worn over the shirt when additional reflective area or pockets are required
ANSI Safety Pants — hi-vis lower body coverage for full Class 3 E compliant outfits
Hard Hats & Head Protection — mandatory head protection for the same construction and road work environments
Hi-Vis Accessories — gloves, sleeves, and add-ons that complete the high-visibility outfit
For workers who prefer a traditional vest over a shirt, see our full range of Reflective Safety Vests. For gender-specific fit options, our Women's PPE & Work Clothing hub includes women's safety shirts sized and cut for a proper fit.
Industry Applications
Construction Hi-vis shirts are mandatory PPE on the vast majority of construction sites under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 and MUTCD requirements. As a standalone garment, they are particularly valued on warm-weather pours, grading, and utility trenching operations where vest-over-shirt combinations become impractical. See our full Construction PPE Solutions to build a site-compliant PPE kit.
Warehouse & Logistics Facilities operating forklifts and powered industrial trucks are required under OSHA 1910.178 to ensure pedestrian visibility in traffic zones. Safety shirts worn as a uniform item eliminate the need for vest distribution and management. Browse our Warehouse & Logistics PPE Solutions for a full facility safety kit.
Shop Safety Shirts at ASA Supplies
ASA Supplies stocks ANSI Class 2 and Class 3 safety shirts across a range of styles, sleeve lengths, and sizes including extended sizing. Bulk and contract pricing is available for safety managers, general contractors, and procurement teams. All orders ship fast.
