Portwest T164 Hi-Vis Mesh Panel Work Jacket | Stretch & Breathable

The Portwest T164 Hi-Vis Mesh Panel Work Jacket combines outstanding visibility with superior breathability, making it the ideal choice for workers who need certified hi-vis protection without overheating. Designed for warm weather conditions and active work environments, this lightweight jacket features strategically positioned mesh panels that promote exceptional airflow while maintaining full EN ISO 20471 Class 3 certification.

Crafted from innovative 2-way twill stretch fabric, the T164 delivers unrestricted movement and all-day comfort. The stretch properties allow the jacket to move naturally with your body, eliminating the binding and restriction common with traditional hi-vis workwear. Whether you're bending, reaching, or working overhead, this jacket adapts to your movements rather than fighting against them.

The contemporary two-tone design pairs high-visibility fluorescent fabric with contrasting navy panels at key wear points. This thoughtful colour-blocking serves dual purposes: the dark panels effectively mask dirt and stains during demanding work, while the bright hi-vis areas maximise your visibility to traffic, machinery operators, and colleagues.

Reflective tape bands on the body and sleeves ensure 360-degree visibility in low-light conditions, meeting stringent European safety standards. The jacket's multiple pockets provide convenient storage for tools, phone, and personal items, while the secure front zip closure with storm flap offers protection against wind.

Perfect for construction sites, road maintenance, logistics operations, and any outdoor work during warmer months, the T164 bridges the gap between heavy-duty hi-vis jackets and simple vests. When conditions are too warm for insulated jackets but too exposed for vests alone, the Mesh Panel Work Jacket delivers the perfect balance of protection, visibility, and climate comfort.

The Portwest T164 Hi-Vis Mesh Panel Work Jacket delivers certified Class 3 visibility with exceptional breathability for warm weather work. Featuring 2-way twill stretch fabric for unrestricted movement and strategically placed mesh panels for enhanced airflow, this lightweight jacket keeps you cool and visible on demanding job sites. Contrasting navy panels resist showing dirt while maximising the hi-vis impact of the fluorescent fabric. Complete with reflective tape for 360-degree visibility and multiple pockets for practical storage, the T164 is the smart choice for workers who refuse to compromise between safety and comfort.

Feature List (for product pages)

• 2-way twill stretch fabric for ease of movement and enhanced comfort throughout the working day
• Mesh panel construction provides superior breathability and airflow in warm conditions
• EN ISO 20471 Class 3 certified for maximum high-visibility protection on work sites
• Lightweight design ideal for warmer weather and high-activity work environments
• Contemporary two-tone styling with contrasting navy panels to mask dirt and stains
• HiVisTex Pro reflective tape for excellent 360-degree visibility in low-light conditions
• Multiple pockets for convenient storage of tools and personal items
• Secure front zip closure with protective storm flap against wind
• Pre-shaped sleeves for ergonomic fit and unrestricted arm movement
• Extended size range from S to 6XL ensuring fit for all workers
• Modern contemporary fit that looks professional on and off site
• Easy care fabric that maintains appearance after repeated washing
• CE certified and UKCA marked confirming compliance with safety regulations
• Ideal layering piece works over t-shirts or under heavier outerwear

Q1: What makes the T164 suitable for warm weather work?

A: The T164 features strategically positioned mesh panels that promote exceptional airflow, combined with lightweight 2-way twill stretch fabric that doesn't trap heat. Unlike heavy waterproof hi-vis jackets, the mesh construction allows body heat to escape while maintaining full EN ISO 20471 Class 3 certification, making it ideal for summer construction work, road maintenance in warm conditions, and high-activity roles where overheating is a concern.

Q2: What hi-vis certification does the T164 meet?

A: The Portwest T164 meets EN ISO 20471 Class 3 certification, which is the highest level of high-visibility protection for torso garments. This certification requires specific minimum areas of fluorescent and reflective material, ensuring maximum visibility in both daylight and low-light conditions. The jacket is CE certified and UKCA marked for compliance with UK and European safety regulations.

Q3: What is the advantage of 2-way twill stretch fabric?

A: The 2-way twill stretch fabric in the T164 provides bi-directional stretch that moves with your body, offering significantly improved comfort and freedom of movement compared to rigid traditional hi-vis materials. This is particularly beneficial for workers performing physical tasks like bending, reaching, climbing, and overhead work, as the fabric accommodates movement without riding up or binding.

Q4: Can the T164 be worn year-round or just in summer?

A: While the T164 is specifically designed for warm weather work with its mesh ventilation panels, it also serves as an excellent layering piece in cooler months. Wear it over thermal base layers or under heavier jackets for year-round versatility. The stretch fabric accommodates layering without becoming restrictive.

Q5: Why does the jacket have navy contrast panels?

A: The contrasting navy panels serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Positioned at high-wear and high-contact areas, the dark panels effectively mask dirt, grease, and stains that would be highly visible on fluorescent fabric. This keeps the jacket looking professional longer while reducing washing frequency. The contrast design also creates a modern, contemporary appearance.

Q6: What industries is the T164 best suited for?

A: The T164 is ideal for construction, civil engineering, road maintenance, highways work, rail (check specific RIS requirements), logistics and warehousing, utilities, groundworks, and landscaping. It's particularly suited to roles requiring certified hi-vis protection in warm conditions or during physically demanding work where overheating is a concern.

Q7: How should I care for the T164 to maintain its hi-vis properties?

A: Machine wash at 40°C using a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can degrade fluorescent dyes and reflective tape. Do not tumble dry; instead, drip dry away from direct heat. Do not iron directly on reflective tape. Following these care instructions ensures the jacket maintains its certified visibility performance.

Q8: What size range is available and how does it fit?

A: The T164 is available in sizes from S to 6XL, ensuring fit for virtually all workers. The jacket features a regular contemporary fit that is neither too loose nor restrictively tight. The 2-way stretch fabric provides additional accommodation, meaning the jacket moves with you rather than restricting movement. Consult the Portwest size guide for precise measurements.

About PW3 High Visibility Workwear

The Portwest PW3 collection represents the pinnacle of modern high-visibility workwear, blending contemporary styling with cutting-edge safety technology. PW3 garments are engineered for workers who demand both certified protection and genuine comfort, featuring premium fabrics, ergonomic designs, and innovative details that set them apart from basic hi-vis workwear.

Every PW3 garment incorporates HiVisTex Pro reflective tape—Portwest's advanced segmented reflective technology. Unlike traditional rigid reflective strips, HiVisTex Pro tape is heat-applied in flexible segments that move naturally with the fabric. This innovation maintains 360-degree visibility while allowing unrestricted movement, addressing a common complaint with conventional hi-vis workwear.

The PW3 range features contemporary fits that look professional both on-site and in public settings. Two-tone colour blocking with contrast panels is a signature design element, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical dirt-masking at high-wear areas. This modern approach to hi-vis design acknowledges that workers want to look good while staying safe.

Breathable Hi-Vis Technology

The T164's mesh panel construction represents Portwest's commitment to solving real workplace challenges. Traditional hi-vis jackets often trap body heat, leading workers to remove protective clothing in warm conditions—a dangerous compromise of safety for comfort.

By integrating breathable mesh panels at strategic locations, the T164 creates airflow channels that allow excess body heat and moisture to escape. The mesh panels are positioned to maximise ventilation without compromising the fluorescent surface area required for EN ISO 20471 Class 3 certification.

Combined with the lightweight 2-way stretch shell fabric, this breathable construction creates a microclimate inside the jacket that stays noticeably cooler than solid-construction alternatives. Workers remain comfortable and, crucially, remain protected because they're not tempted to remove the jacket when temperatures rise.

T164 vs Other Portwest Hi-Vis Jackets

When to Choose the T164

Choose the T164 when:

• Working in warm or hot conditions where overheating is a concern
• Performing physically demanding work that generates body heat
• Needing Class 3 visibility without the weight of winter jackets
• Looking for a breathable alternative to hi-vis vests that offers more coverage
• Wanting stretch fabric for improved comfort and movement

Consider alternatives when:

• Working in cold, wet conditions (choose T400 or PW365)
• Needing waterproof protection (choose waterproof-rated jackets)
• Requiring insulation for winter work (choose insulated options)