Bisley class 2 short sleeve t-shirt Getting caught on a jobsite in non-compliant gear risks a safety citation and, worse, real injury near moving traffic or equipment. Standard work shirts offer zero visibility protection once the sun goes down or weather turns hazy. The Bisley Class 2 short sleeve t-shirt solves that problem with ANSI-rated reflective tape and breathable fabric built for long shifts, and this guide covers everything you need to know before you buy.
What Is the Bisley Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt?
The Bisley Class 2 short sleeve t-shirt is a high-visibility work shirt built to meet ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 safety standards. It combines a fluorescent yellow or orange background with reflective silver tape, giving workers visibility both in daylight and under vehicle headlights at night.
Bisley constructs this shirt from a lightweight, moisture-wicking performance fabric with a cotton backing, which keeps workers cooler than heavier hi-vis jackets during warm-weather shifts. The shirt also includes Bisley’s Fresche antimicrobial treatment, which helps resist bacteria and odor buildup during repeated wear.
Construction crews, utility workers, and municipal staff commonly choose this shirt when their job requires visibility compliance without the bulk of a full jacket or vest.
Full Specification Table: Bisley Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Here’s a complete breakdown of what this shirt offers, gathered from Bisley’s own product documentation and authorized retailer listings.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Safety standard | ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2, Type R |
| Fabric | Lightweight performance wicking fabric with cotton backing |
| Reflective tape | 2-inch silver reflective tape, heat-sealed |
| Antimicrobial treatment | Bisley Fresche, resists bacteria, mold, and odor |
| UV protection | UPF 50+ |
| Sleeve style | Short sleeve |
| Available colors | Hi-vis yellow, hi-vis orange |
| Sizing range | S to 5XL (availability varies by style) |
| Fit options | Men’s standard fit, women’s contoured fit |
| Neckline options | Crew neck or V-neck, varies by model |
| Chest pocket on select styles | |
| Best suited for | Traffic speeds under 25 mph, complex work backgrounds |
Keep this table handy when comparing listings, since color, neckline, and pocket details vary slightly across specific Bisley shirt models.
Understanding ANSI Class 2 Safety Ratings
ANSI Class 2 visibility ratings exist for a reason, and understanding them helps you choose the right gear for your actual job site. The Bisley Class 2 short sleeve t-shirt meets this standard through a specific combination of background fluorescent material and reflective tape coverage.
Class 2 apparel is designed for workers exposed to traffic moving faster than 25 mph or working against visually complex backgrounds, such as active construction zones or equipment-heavy job sites. This sits above Class 1, which suits lower-risk environments like parking lots, but below Class 3, which adds sleeve coverage for higher-risk roadway work.
Choosing the correct class matters for both safety and compliance, since wearing under-rated gear on a job requiring Class 2 or higher can result in a safety violation.
Fabric and Comfort Features Explained
Comfort matters just as much as compliance when you’re wearing a shirt through an eight or ten-hour shift. The moisture-wicking fabric on the Bisley Class 2 short sleeve t-shirt pulls sweat away from your skin, which helps regulate body temperature during hot, physically demanding work.
The cotton backing adds a layer of natural comfort against the skin, avoiding the clammy feel some fully synthetic hi-vis shirts produce after hours of wear. Built-in UPF 50+ protection blocks a significant portion of UV rays, which matters for outdoor workers spending full shifts under direct sun.
Bisley’s Fresche antimicrobial treatment rounds out the comfort features by actively resisting the bacteria buildup that causes odor in heavily worn workwear.
Men’s vs Women’s Fit: Which Should You Choose?
Bisley offers this shirt in both a standard men’s fit and a contoured women’s fit, and picking the right one affects both comfort and range of motion on the job. The table below breaks down the key differences.
| Fit Type | Cut Style | Neckline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s fit | Standard, straight cut | Crew neck | General workwear, all body types |
| Women’s fit | Contoured, tailored cut | V-neck | Women seeking a closer, more fitted silhouette |
Neither fit sacrifices the ANSI Class 2 rating or reflective tape placement, so the choice comes down to personal comfort and how the shirt moves with your body during physical work.
Sizing Guide for the Bisley Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Getting the right size matters for both comfort and how well the reflective tape sits against your body. Bisley offers this shirt across a wide range, typically from Small through 5XL depending on the specific style and color selected.
- Small to Medium: Fits most workers in the 5’4″ to 5’9″ height range with a slimmer build
- Large to XL: Fits average to broader builds in the 5’8″ to 6’2″ range
- 2XL to 3XL: Fits larger builds needing extra room through the chest and shoulders
- 4XL to 5XL: Fits the largest sizes Bisley offers in this style, ensuring compliance gear fits properly regardless of body type
Check the specific size chart on your retailer’s listing before ordering, since fit can vary slightly between the men’s and women’s cuts.
Where the Bisley Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Fits Best
This shirt earns its place across a specific range of job types where visibility and breathability both matter. Matching the shirt to your actual work environment gets you the most value from the purchase.
- Road construction crews: Working near passing traffic where Class 2 visibility is often required by site policy
- Municipal and utility workers: Roadside maintenance, meter reading, and inspection work
- Shipyard and warehouse staff: Complex backgrounds with moving equipment and vehicles
- Landscaping and grounds crews: Outdoor work requiring both visibility and UV protection
- Delivery and fleet workers: Roadside stops and loading zones near vehicle traffic
Workers facing higher-speed traffic or more complex hazard zones should check whether their job actually requires Class 3 gear instead, which adds sleeve-length reflective coverage.
Bisley Class 2 vs Class 3: Knowing the Difference
Choosing between Class 2 and Class 3 hi-vis gear depends entirely on your specific work conditions. The comparison below clarifies where each rating applies.
| Rating | Traffic Speed | Coverage Level | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 2 | Under 25 mph, complex backgrounds | Torso coverage with reflective tape | General construction, municipal work |
| Class 3 | Over 25 mph, high-risk roadway | Torso plus sleeve reflective coverage | Highway work, emergency response |
If your jobsite policy or local regulation calls for Class 3, a short sleeve Class 2 shirt won’t meet that requirement, since Class 3 specifically requires sleeve coverage that a short sleeve style cannot provide.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Proper care keeps the reflective tape and fluorescent color performing at full visibility for longer. A few simple habits protect your investment in compliance gear.
- Wash in cold water and avoid bleach, since bleach breaks down fluorescent dye over repeated washes
- Turn the shirt inside out before washing to protect the reflective tape from abrasion
- Avoid high-heat drying, which can weaken the adhesive bond on heat-sealed reflective tape over time
- Inspect reflective tape periodically for cracking or peeling, and replace the shirt if visibility is compromised
- Air dry when possible to extend the lifespan of both the fabric and the antimicrobial treatment
Following these steps keeps Class 2 short sleeve t-shirt compliant and visible well beyond a typical workwear lifespan.
Is the Bisley Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Worth Buying?
For workers who need ANSI-compliant visibility without the bulk of a full jacket or vest, this shirt delivers real value. The combination of moisture-wicking fabric, UPF 50+ protection, and antimicrobial treatment addresses comfort concerns that basic hi-vis apparel often ignores, while the 2-inch reflective tape keeps you compliant with Class 2 requirements.
The main consideration is matching the class rating to your actual job requirements, since some roadway or high-speed environments call for Class 3 coverage instead. For general construction, municipal, and warehouse work under 25 mph traffic exposure, this shirt checks every box.
Compare your job’s safety requirements against the class ratings above, then order the fit and size that matches your body type and daily work conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ANSI class is the Bisley short sleeve t-shirt rated for?
Short answer: It’s rated ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2, Type R, designed for workers exposed to traffic under 25 mph or complex work backgrounds.
This rating sits above Class 1, used for lower-risk environments, and below Class 3, which requires additional sleeve-length reflective coverage. Always confirm your specific jobsite’s required class rating before purchasing, since requirements vary by employer and local regulation.
Does the Bisley Class 2 t-shirt come in different colors?
Short answer: Yes, it’s available in hi-vis yellow and hi-vis orange, both meeting the same ANSI Class 2 visibility standard.
Color choice typically comes down to personal preference or company dress code policy, since both colors provide equivalent visibility compliance. Some employers standardize on one color across their crew for consistency and easier identification on site.
Is the Bisley Class 2 t-shirt available in women’s sizing?
Short answer: Yes, Bisley offers this shirt in a women’s contoured fit with a V-neck, alongside the standard men’s crew neck fit.
Both fits maintain the same ANSI Class 2 rating and reflective tape placement. The women’s version is tailored for a closer fit through the body, which some workers find more comfortable during physical tasks.
How should I wash a Bisley Class 2 short sleeve t-shirt?
Short answer: Wash in cold water, avoid bleach, and skip high-heat drying to protect both the reflective tape and fluorescent color.
Bleach and excessive heat both degrade the visibility performance of hi-vis apparel over time. Turning the shirt inside out before washing also helps protect the heat-sealed reflective tape from abrasion in the wash cycle.
What sizes does the Bisley Class 2 short sleeve t-shirt come in?
Short answer: Sizing typically ranges from Small through 5XL, though exact availability depends on the specific color and fit style selected.
Checking the retailer’s specific size chart before ordering is important, since fit can vary slightly between the men’s standard cut and women’s contoured cut. Workers between sizes should size up for better range of motion during physical work.
Is Class 2 enough, or do I need Class 3 hi-vis apparel?
Short answer: Class 2 covers most general construction and municipal work under 25 mph traffic exposure, while Class 3 is required for higher-speed roadway or emergency response work.
The key difference is sleeve coverage, since Class 3 requires reflective material extending down the sleeves, which a short sleeve shirt cannot provide. Check your specific jobsite policy or local regulation to confirm which class your role requires.
About This Guide
This guide was compiled using Bisley’s official product specifications, verified authorized safety equipment retailer listings, and ANSI/ISEA 107 standard documentation, cross-checked for accuracy before publication. It reflects specifications current as of 2026.
Sources referenced:
- Bisley Workwear, Official Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Product Specifications
- Hi-Viz.com, Bisley ANSI Type R Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Listings
- Global Industrial, Bisley Class 2 T-Shirt Product Details
- Y-pers Inc., Bisley Class 2 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Pricing and Specifications
Ready to gear up for compliance and comfort? Check the sizing chart above against your measurements, then order the fit and color that matches your daily jobsite requirements.
