Someone can undo a velcro strip, someone can undo a zip?

After the levity... Zips (when fastened) - do keep the garment more secure ensuring your 360 requirement but can also hinder removal in an emergency situation e.g. chemical (inc.fuel) contamination / first aid injury / fire Velcro - especially when fitted with a single short strip not fully secured by the wearer may open due to the employees natural movement, snagging on other items or even caught by the wind Polo shirts / sweat tops / fleeces are all alternative devices but the reflective bands applied do not wash well reducing the life span of the garment Is a true Class 3 / Class 2 / Class 1 actually required or can you get away with a simple "fluorescent" garment without the reflective bands? from what you describe this is a controlled environment rather than an open public highway

Thanks Hally for the observations And hopefully Ian Bell you are referring to Hally?!! To Roundtuit - some good points which are noted with thanks. As you say, fluorescent strips not essential but capture light well in low light areas. My question really relates to ease of use and practicality. Those with zips stay closed, whereas those with Velcro tend to open with movement, particularly if the waistcoat is not a generous fit. Perhaps some more thoughts tomorrow? Thanks

MPH The question is where its going to be used. I occasionally visit a heritage railway and do some work in close proximity of moving vehicles, here I recommend ALL panels to be Velcro so that if the vest / tabard is snagged you don't get pulled with the moving vehicle. Essentially do an assessment. Badger