From Hi-Viz to High Fashion

The high visibility vest, once the preserve of rail workers and those engaged in emergency services, has become ubiquitous. In his book ‘Pies and Prejudice’, Stuart Maconie refers to the reflective tabard, along with Greggs' pasties, as a new emblem of the North. And he has a point – people from all walks of life can be found wearing the high visibility tabard for workplace duties, changing a tyre or simply walking their similarly attired dog. And this army of fluorescent vest wearers are united by one common bond – they all look equally unfashionable.

A class of design students is attempting to change the reputation attached to this sartorial salute to practicality over aesthetics. In an effort to raise awareness of roadside safety among young motorists, they are showing that a high visibility vest doesn’t have to be a fashion faux pas. Commissioned by car care company Comma, the 18 students at Oaklands College in St Albans have designed tabards cut with a little more panache than the typical roadworker’s uniform.

Sporting chic buttons, collars and even frills, the Oaklands students’ designs admittedly might not meet the British regulatory standards for safety garments, but those wearing them are guaranteed to be noticed. “If you break down at night and get out of your car, without hi-vis clothing, you’re effectively invisible,” reflected Comma’s Mike Bewsey. “The traditional hi-vis vest whilst functional, has been accused of being rather ‘unflattering’, which got us thinking about how it would look if there was a hi-vis vest that you weren’t ashamed to wear.”

Sarah Easterby, fashion lecturer at Oaklands College, added: “It is a fantastic opportunity to work with Comma on this safety campaign and for Oaklands fashion students to take part in a live project and gain hands-on experience. This brief pushes the boundaries slightly but, I hope it reinforces the message that, however it looks, you should wear a high-vis vest if you have to get out of your car at the side of the road. This project channels the students’ creative energy through a different avenue and will hopefully help to prepare them for the fashion industry.”

Those involved in roadside tyre maintenance or changing are encouraged to wear a high visibility vest, regardless of fashion sensibilities. Comma highlights Department for Transport statistics that report more than 180 people are killed or seriously injured each year by the side of the road. Furthermore, the department’s research shows young people to be most at risk, with people under 25 accounting for more than 40 percent of the fatalities and injuries in the last 12 months. The wearing of a high visibility tabard, according to an October 2007 article by Auto Express, can increase the distance at which drivers can spot a pedestrian by up to 400 per cent.