Breakaway Safety Vests

What Is a Breakaway Safety Vest?

A Breakaway Safety Vest is a high-visibility vest engineered with tear-away features at multiple points. These safety garments are designed to detach from the body when snagged or pulled with force, preventing workers from being dragged or caught by vehicles, equipment, or moving parts.

Typically made from lightweight mesh or polyester, breakaway reflective safety vests include Velcro-style fasteners at the shoulders, sides, and front. 

This 5-point breakaway system allows the vest to separate from the body when needed, minimizing injury risk while offering ANSI-compliant visibility.

You’ll often see these worn by:

• 1. Traffic flaggers and controllers
• 2. Roadside assistance crews
• 3. Utility maintenance teams
• 4. Law enforcement and first responders
• 5. Surveyors and construction workers near high-traffic zones

Why Choose a Breakaway Vest Over a Standard Safety Vest?

The answer lies in job-site hazards. In environments where there’s a risk of a vest getting caught on machinery or if you’re exposed to speeding vehicles, a standard vest could become a liability. A breakaway vest, on the other hand, is designed to tear away before it can cause serious injury.

Key benefits

• 1. Snag-Resistant Design- Great for confined spaces or around rotating equipment.
• 2. Quick Release During Emergency- Allows workers to react swiftly.
• 3. Compliance- Most are certified by ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 or Class 3.
• 4. Improved Safety- Reduces drag risk and enhances visibility in day and night conditions.

Hi Vis Breakaway Vests- Better Visibility in All Conditions

Every hi vis breakaway vest in our collection features fluorescent colors like lime yellow or blaze orange and high-intensity reflective striping for visibility during low light, poor weather, or nighttime operations.

Whether working on a roadside project or in a dimly lit warehouse, these vests ensure you're seen by equipment operators, drivers, and coworkers.

Popular hi vis color options include-

• 1. Fluorescent Yellow-Green
• 2. Fluorescent Orange-Red
• 3. Two-Tone Reflective Trim for 360-degree visibility

Breakaway Safety Vest with Pockets- Utility Meets Protection

Many workers not only need visibility and breakaway protection, but they also need storage. That’s why we offer breakaway safety vests with pockets, ideal for storing radios, pens, tools, and even tablets.

Common pocket features

• 1. Chest ID Holders for easy identification
• 2. Large lower pockets for tools or gloves
• 3. Mic tabs for radio communication
• 4. Interior compartments for documents or mobile devices

This makes them perfect for field engineers, utility repair crews, and construction supervisors who require tools on the go without compromising safety.

ANSI Compliant Breakaway Vests You Can Trust

All our Breakaway Safety Vests are crafted to meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards for visibility and construction. Based on your work environment, you can select between the following types of vests.

• 1. Class 2 Breakaway Vests- Ideal for workers near roadways under 50 mph.
• 2. Class 3 Breakaway Vests- Required for high-speed traffic areas or complex work zones where visibility is critical.

Our selection includes zippered or Velcro fronts, hook-and-loop closures, customizable sizes, and big and tall breakaway vests for full-coverage comfort.

Built for Real-World Conditions

At Hi Vis Kings, we know that not all jobs are created equal. That’s why we offer vests made with different materials and designs to suit your working conditions-

• 1. Mesh Breakaway Vest- Lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot climates and long hours.
• 2. Solid Fabric Vests- Better for cooler conditions or layering over jackets.
• 3. Two-Tone Styles- For added contrast and nighttime visibility.
• 4. Black-Trimmed Options- Helps reduce visible stains from daily wear and tear.

Need high-durability options? Look for our Kishigo, GSS Safety, and Global Glove branded vests trusted by industry professionals.

Shop Breakaway Safety Vests at Hi Vis Kings

We stock a curated selection of breakaway safety vests for men and women in sizes ranging from S to 5XL, including big & tall sizes for optimal fit. Whether you need a single vest or bulk PPE for your entire crew, we offer-

• 1. Fast U.S. shipping
• 2. Volume discounts on bulk orders
• 3. Top brands like Kishigo, GSS, and more
• 4. Easy returns and dedicated customer service

Make Hi Vis Kings your go-to source for ANSI-compliant PPE, trusted by safety managers, field supervisors, and public works departments nationwide.

FAQs- Breakaway Safety Vests

1. What does "breakaway" mean in a safety vest?

A breakaway safety vest is designed with Velcro closures at the shoulders, sides, and front. If the vest gets snagged or pulled, it will tear away from the worker to help prevent dragging or entanglement injuries.

2. Who should wear a breakaway reflective safety vest?

Anyone working in high-traffic zones, around moving machinery, or near entrapment hazards should wear a breakaway reflective safety vest. This includes road crews, emergency responders, utility workers, and traffic flaggers.

3. Are breakaway vests ANSI compliant?

Yes, many of our vests are ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 compliant, meeting ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 safety standards for high-visibility workwear.

4. Can I get a breakaway safety vest with pockets?

Absolutely. Our collection includes breakaway safety vests with pockets, ideal for field personnel and crew leaders, that provide essential storage for tools, radios, and IDs.

5. What is the difference between Class 2 and 3 breakaway vests?

• Class 2- For workers in lower-speed traffic areas or basic construction zones.
• Class 3- Offers more coverage and visibility, required for high-speed or complex work zones.

Stay Visible. Stay Protected. Choose Hi Vis Kings.

When visibility and personal safety are critical, trust Hi Vis Kings to deliver Breakaway Safety Vests that meet your job’s demands. Shop confidently knowing you're getting the best protective apparel, PPE compliance, and rugged field-ready performance.

Browse our full selection of breakaway safety vests and gear up for safer workdays.