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Just when you think you’ve seen it all, along comes a lace safety vest. Complete with reflective stripes, presented by a woman wearing a safety helmet. Images of the Lace Safety Vest have sparked quite a debate online. Is it a fun fashion statement or an insult to women in construction, who have been fighting for proper workwear for years?
Lace safety vest sparks debate
This morning, I first came across the vest in a video by technically.a.tech on Instagram. This account focuses on women in construction and STEM professions (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In the short video, the creator states that women want properly fitting workwear and respect in the workplace. In the description, she expresses her frustration that this is being marketed as a safety vest.
A lively discussion has since emerged in the comments. Some viewers also find it ridiculous, while others argue that it’s nothing more than a fashionable piece of clothing. After all, this HiVis vest does not meet (international) safety standards for workplace visibility.
And that is precisely the issue. While this vest cannot officially replace a standard safety vest, it does create that illusion. It features a model wearing a safety helmet and hashtags like #safetygear and #bluecollarwomen. The irony is that while it targets women, the website states that the vest has the same fit as a standard HiVis vest. And that’s unisex—meaning it’s designed for a male body.
For those interested in purchasing the vest, there is a disclaimer stating that the fabric does not meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2/3 requirements. ANSI is a U.S. organization responsible for national safety standards. According to Lace Safety Vest, the lace is not durable enough to comply. However, the reflective stripes on the vest are said to meet ANSI Class 2 standards.
Admirable or offensive?
Looking at it, I see it mainly as an interesting piece of clothing. It grabs attention, which I believe is exactly the point. And while it doesn’t meet the required safety standards, that is part of the company’s intention.
Although I understand the frustration of women in construction, I also find it creative. The HiVis workwear industry leaves little room for innovation, precisely because of strict regulations. The fact that a company is challenging these norms is something I find intriguing. Will they ever manage to get a lace vest certified? I doubt it. But if not, it can still be worn for running, cycling, or walking your dog. For those who like it, at least. You won’t see me wearing one.
What do you think of this lace HiVis vest?
Best regards,
Aileen