Chris0516

I usually wear a yellow reflective thin jacket, even in the summer. But, they keep fading.

Is this just a case of bad material and/or sun exposure?

Does anyone else have this problem?

Gresp15C

Just wondering, how often do you launder it?

Chris0516

In the late Spring, to early Fall. After every ride. Mid-to-Late Fall(when the roads are clear) to Late Spring, once a week.

BobbyG

After two years my orange hi viz jersey is faded on the outside, but not the inside, so in my case it is probably fading from the Sun ( I'm at 6500 feet).

Viich

I buy my high visibility shirts, hoodies, etc at the same stores that sell to construction workers. Much cheaper, last quite well

berner

I always wear some sort of high Vis shirt. On longer rides it's a standard cut cycling jersey. For casual rides around town I have several high Vis tees from Wallmart that were cheap.

Chris0516

Ok, I am near sea level. Still have sun exposure.
I have a bunch of short-sleeve hi-vis jerseys. My hi-vis windbreaker, helped. In keeping my jerseys from fading, and protecting my arms from the sun.

Where would I find attire specific to construction workers.
I have a number of hi-vis cycling jerseys. But I wear a hi-vis windbreaker on top of that.

noisebeam

Safety shirts, safety clothing, safety vests , reflective shirts, safety jackets, Traffic Safety Gloves

I use their h-vis T-shirts which don't fade (or fade so little it can only be noticed after years of use comparing to a new one)

Chris0516

Thanks heaps!!!!!

noisebeam

I learned about alertshirt here on BF over 14 years ago
https://www.bikeforums.net/519900-post63.html

Bmach

Chris0516

Agreed. But I sweat a lot on rides.

Bmach

noisebeam

For my commute I primarily wear PI hi-vis socks, PI shorts w/hi-vis green patch and a ANSI lime alertshirt T-shirt.
The hi vis socks and shorts are new in the last 6mo. Prior and still alternating I use black shorts or black with white cuffs and white socks.

noisebeam

The hi vis yellow or lime fades in some material and not for others. Also likely depends on dyes used and if surface coated or colored materials
The hi vis faded very quickly on PI gloves with hi-vis patch.

lkoyanagi

Die doesnt adhere well some synthetics in the first place. It fades more when you wash it in warm-hot water. It weakens more if dried in a dryer or subjected to wash and dryer chemicals.

White is high visibility, not just the neons. White is great at dusk and night. They make white t-shirts and high vis neon.

Try a cotton or cotton-polyester blend neon jacket. Color may last longer, if washed in Cold water and damp dried on Low or line dried. Do everything you can to preserve color of neon. White is more flexible. I would hand wash all neons in light soapy cold water.

Chris0516

I do have a bunch of hi-vis cycling jerseys. I have been concerned about them, also fading. Which, in addition to shielding my arms from the sun. Is why I wear a windbreaker on top of them.
Are they from the same link you gave me?
This is another concern. Because, While my windbreaker didn't make me hot, it is the one that faded. A family member gave me a reflective coat. That while potentially good in rain, and doesn't look like it will fade. The coat is definitely not a windbreaker. It is also bulky. I only kept it because of how much the family member spent on it. But it is not a good cardio workout on the bike.

I will make note of that.

Viich

Just want to mention, white is NOT high visibility if snow is falling or even just covering. I mainly just use high-vis in the winter when I'm riding to and from work in the dark.

lkoyanagi

I said ,"white not just neons." Be guided by common sense or lack thereof, seasonally.

rumrunn6

why wash a jacket? don't the layer/s under it collect your sweat, etc?

1nterceptor

Are you talking about the whole garment's color fading or the reflective elements(usually 3M);
or both? Illuminite jacket over 5 years old; no fading on any part:

TEMP, 22F or -5C by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

Chris0516

Whole jacket.

stilltheoptimis

Reflective tape jackets have become pretty popular around me.

Hoopdriver

I buy from Alert Shirts too. Good stuff at an excellent price. And when I wear it while cycling, the white vans with ladders atop think I am a fellow construction worker and give me a lot of space.

KraneXL

I hate construction site vests. They all fade with time. There is cycling specific apparel with 3M piping but its expensive.