ANSI Class 2 Safety T-Shirts
About ANSI Class 2 Safety T-Shirts
SafetySign.com's ANSI Class 2 hi-vis safety t-shirts are engineered for workers who need to be seen in moderate-risk environments, including road construction zones, utility maintenance sites, and areas with vehicle traffic exceeding 25 mph. Fully compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107, these garments meet the minimum background material and retroreflective tape requirements mandated by OSHA and the MUTCD for Class 2 performance-level workwear.
Each Class 2 safety t-shirt is crafted from moisture-wicking birdseye polyester mesh, a breathable, open-weave fabric that keeps workers comfortable during physical labor in warm or humid conditions. The 2-inch retroreflective tape is sewn in horizontal and vertical patterns across the torso, meeting ANSI/ISEA 107's minimum requirement of 201 square inches of retroreflective material for Class 2 garments.
Our Class 2 collection features a variety of styles to fit different workplace environments and dress codes: short-sleeve crew neck shirts, polo-collar styles, two-tone lime-and-orange designs, and multi-color options for increased situational visibility. All are available in ANSI-approved high-visibility lime/yellow and fluorescent orange.
Ideal for construction workers, flaggers, surveyors, utility crews, warehouse staff, and event safety personnel, these Class 2 t-shirts deliver durability, comfort, and ANSI certification in every wash. Machine washable and rated for repeated field use, they are a practical, cost-effective solution for any job site safety program requiring ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 compliance.
ANSI Class 2 Safety T-Shirts FAQs
What does ANSI Class 2 mean for a safety t-shirt?
ANSI Class 2 is a performance classification under ANSI/ISEA 107. A Class 2 shirt must contain a minimum of 775 square inches of high-visibility background material (fluorescent lime or orange) and at least 201 square inches of retroreflective tape. This level is required for workers exposed to traffic above 25 mph but below 50 mph, or in environments with complex backgrounds that reduce worker visibility to vehicle operators.
Is Class 2 hi-vis sufficient for highway construction work?
It depends on site-specific conditions. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.201 and the MUTCD require Class 2 minimum for most highway work zone personnel. However, workers near high-speed traffic at 50 mph or above, or in complex roadway environments, typically require Class 3. Always consult your Site Safety and Health Officer and the project safety plan to confirm the required class for your specific role and location on the job site.
How is retroreflective tape applied on Class 2 shirts?
ANSI Class 2 shirts feature retroreflective tape sewn in horizontal bands around the torso, typically at least one stripe across the chest and one across the back. Some designs also include diagonal or X-pattern configurations. The tape must meet ANSI/ISEA 107 retroreflectivity thresholds (Engineer Grade or High Intensity grades). Minimum required coverage is 201 square inches across the entire garment.
What is the difference between lime and orange Class 2 safety shirts?
Both fluorescent lime/yellow and fluorescent orange are ANSI-approved background colors for Class 2 apparel. Lime typically offers greater daytime photopic contrast, making it the preferred choice for most construction and utility environments. Orange is dominant in emergency response, traffic control, and some utility sectors. Some jurisdictions mandate a specific color, so always check your local traffic safety regulations or employer policy before selecting a color for your crew.
Can I wear a Class 2 shirt in cold weather?
Yes, with layering. ANSI/ISEA 107 requires the hi-vis garment to be the outermost layer, so thermal underlayers may be worn beneath the Class 2 shirt. Many workers pair a Class 2 t-shirt with a thermal base layer in cooler weather. If you need long-sleeve coverage for warmth without layering, our Class 2 long-sleeve shirts and Class 3 long-sleeve options are ideal alternatives.
How many washes can a Class 2 shirt endure before replacement?
ANSI/ISEA 107 certified Class 2 shirts are tested to maintain retroreflective performance for a minimum of 25 wash cycles, with many commercial garments exceeding this. Key replacement indicators include visible tape degradation (cracking, peeling, or loss of reflectivity), significant fluorescent fading, or physical damage. Inspect your shirt regularly and replace it as soon as it no longer meets visual performance standards.
Are Class 2 t-shirts appropriate for warehouse and logistics environments?
Yes. Class 2 is widely adopted in indoor environments where forklifts, pallet jacks, or other powered industrial equipment operate. Hi-vis Class 2 shirts help workers remain clearly visible to equipment operators, significantly reducing struck-by incidents. Many warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities require Class 2 as the minimum hi-vis standard for all floor personnel.
Do Class 2 polo-style shirts meet ANSI requirements?
Yes, provided the polo meets the background material and retroreflective tape minimums specified in ANSI/ISEA 107 for Class 2. Our Class 2 polo shirts are designed and tested to comply with the standard. The polo-collar style is popular in environments where workers interact with the public, offering a more professional appearance while maintaining full ANSI Class 2 certification.
How should I store a Class 2 safety shirt when not in use?
Store your Class 2 shirt in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, which can fade the fluorescent background material over time. Hang the shirt rather than folding it to avoid creasing the retroreflective tape. Keep it away from solvents, chemicals, and petroleum products, which can damage both the polyester fabric and the tape adhesive.
What two-tone style options are available in Class 2?
Our Class 2 two-tone shirts combine panels of fluorescent lime/yellow and fluorescent orange on a single garment. These configurations meet ANSI/ISEA 107 requirements as long as each color section and the overall retroreflective tape coverage satisfy Class 2 minimums. Two-tone shirts are popular for role differentiation on job sites or where high contrast is needed against varying visual backgrounds.
How does birdseye polyester mesh handle moisture and sweat?
Birdseye polyester mesh is an open-weave performance fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin and promotes rapid evaporation, keeping workers dry and cool during physically demanding tasks. This is especially important in warm climates or high-exertion roles. The polyester construction also resists odor-causing bacteria better than cotton when properly maintained.
Are multi-color Class 2 shirts ANSI compliant?
Yes. Multi-color Class 2 shirts can be ANSI/ISEA 107 compliant provided the total fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape coverage still meet Class 2 minimums. Not all colors on the garment need to be high-visibility; only the fluorescent portions count toward the background material total. Our multi-color Class 2 shirts are tested to confirm all ANSI thresholds are met.






