When a company logo is added to a hi-vis jacket, you are looking after two things at once: the garment’s visibility performance and the personalised design.
That does not necessarily mean Personalised Hi Vis Jackets require a complicated cleaning routine. It does mean you should pay closer attention to the manufacturer’s care instructions, particularly when garments are worn and washed frequently.
Here is what businesses and workers need to know.
Start With the Care Label, not a General Washing Rule
Fabric construction, reflective material, waterproof coatings and decoration methods vary between products. The garment manufacturer’s instructions should therefore take priority over general washing advice.
This is particularly important when the jacket is PPE. HSE guidance says employers must maintain PPE properly, while high-visibility clothing should be kept clean and in good working order.
Does Printing Change How You Should Wash a Hi-Vis Jacket?
Print can deteriorate through repeated washing and unsuitable care. Depending on the printing method, you may eventually notice cracking, lifting, fading or peeling.
For custom printed hi vis jackets, follow the garment and decoration supplier’s instructions regarding:
- Maximum washing temperature
- Suitable detergents
- Drying method
- Whether tumble drying is permitted
- Whether the garment can be ironed
- Any stated maximum number of wash cycles
Avoid assuming that a washing method suitable for an ordinary work T-shirt will also be suitable for a printed hi-vis jacket.
For more detail about how cleaning affects the garment itself, see How Washing Affects Hi-Vis Performance Over Time.
Is Embroidered Hi-Vis Easier to Maintain?
The thread may continue looking good while the fluorescent material or reflective tape deteriorates. You therefore need to inspect the complete jacket rather than judging its condition by the embroidered logo.
Businesses deciding between the two decoration methods can read Embroidery or Printing: Which Is Better for Personalised Workwear? before ordering.
The right Printing or Embroidery Service should also consider whether the chosen decoration is suitable for the particular garment.
Be Careful with Heat
Do not automatically tumble dry a jacket at a high temperature or place an iron directly over a printed logo or reflective tape. Check what the manufacturer permits first.
The same principle applies to commercial laundering. If your personalised workwear jackets are professionally cleaned, make sure the cleaning process is compatible with the garment and its decoration.
HSE guidance emphasises cleaning protective clothing correctly because inappropriate cleaning can reduce the protection it provides.
Don't Let Protecting the Logo Distract You From the PPE
Regularly inspect custom high visibility jackets for:
- Faded fluorescent material
- Damaged or dirty reflective tape
- Tears and loose seams
- Broken fastenings
- Peeling or cracked decoration
- Areas where branding interferes with visibility
HSE guidance specifically recommends inspecting high-visibility clothing for wear and tear and using the correct cleaning materials, noting that poor cleanliness can significantly reduce visibility.
What If the Print Starts Peeling?
First establish whether the problem is limited to the decoration or whether the underlying garment has also deteriorated. If reflective tape, fluorescent material or the jacket’s protective properties are affected, the issue becomes more important.
Avoid attempting DIY fixes that cover reflective areas or substantially alter a certified garment.
Our article When Should Hi-Vis Be Taken Out of Use Completely? explains the warning signs that suggest replacement may be more appropriate.
Can Better Care Make Personalisation Last Longer?
A sensible routine can reduce unnecessary wear:
- Before washing: Check pockets, fasten zips and inspect the garment for damage.
- During washing: Follow the specified cycle, temperature and detergent instructions.
- After washing: Dry the garment according to its care label and check that the print, embroidery and reflective material remain in good condition.
- Before reissuing: Make sure the jacket is clean, functional and suitable for its intended workplace.
If print durability is your main concern, How Long Does Custom Printing Last on Personalised Hi-Vis Clothing? looks at the factors that influence how quickly branding deteriorates.
Does UK Law Require a Special Washing Method?
Instead, employers are responsible for ensuring required PPE is properly assessed, maintained, stored and used correctly. HSE also states that PPE should only be used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
That distinction matters. The appropriate care method comes from the specifications of the actual garment, not from a blanket rule applying to every hi-vis product.
Conclusion
Following the correct care instructions helps preserve the branding, while regular inspection helps ensure the fluorescent material, reflective elements and overall jacket remain suitable for work.
Want your team’s branding to look professional without compromising practical workwear performance? Contact Brook Hi Vis can help you choose Personalised Hi Vis Jackets, custom printed hi vis jackets and other branded workwear with decoration options suited to how your team actually works and cares for its clothing.
