Workwear and safety wear manufacturer for UK and Irish distributors, contractors and brands
UK and Irish workwear buyers need EN-standard hi-vis, the right conformity marking on each side of the Irish Sea, and garments that survive industrial laundering. Here is how we supply them.
Published 27 October 2026 · Blackthorn World
In short
Blackthorn World makes workwear and safety wear for UK and Irish distributors, contractors and brands: hi-vis vests, jackets, polos and sweatshirts to EN ISO 20471, softshells, fleeces, coveralls, work trousers and impact gloves. Hi-vis certification is arranged per design; minimums are 50–100 pieces per style and prices start from about $3 per vest and $13 per softshell or coverall FOB.
UKCA or CE? Marking after Brexit
High-visibility clothing is PPE. In Great Britain it can be placed on the market with the UKCA mark, and the UK government currently also recognises the CE mark; Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland follow EU rules with CE marking. Rules change, so confirm the current position with your compliance adviser. For both, the garment design is tested to EN ISO 20471 and certified by an approved or notified body — we develop to the standard and arrange the testing per design.
The core UK and Irish workwear range
| Item | Typical spec | From (FOB) |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-vis vests | Class 1–2, zip or hook-and-loop, ID pocket | ~$3 |
| Hi-vis polos and sweatshirts | Birdseye or fleece, two-tone, segmented tape | ~$5 / ~$11 |
| Hi-vis softshell and rain jackets | Class 2–3, EN 343 rain protection | ~$15–17 |
| Work softshells and fleeces | Contrast panels, logo areas, zip pockets | ~$13 |
| Coveralls and work trousers | Poly-cotton, knee-pad pockets, reflective options | ~$13 |
| Impact and work gloves | TPR back, EN 388 rated designs | ~$4 / pair |
What UK and Irish distributors look for
- Two-tone yellow/navy and orange/navy designs (dirt-hiding lower body).
- Industrial-wash durability — polyester fluorescent fabrics and heat-transfer segmented tape.
- Rail and road orange to buyer specification, and Class 3 combinations of jacket and trousers.
- Private label: your neck labels, care labels and packaging.
Lead time, MOQ and duty
Minimums are 100 pieces per style for vests and polos and 50 for most other garments; samples take 15–20 working days and bulk 2–3 weeks after approval. UK importers may qualify for reduced duty under DCTS and Irish importers under EU GSP+ — confirm with your broker. See workwear, hi-vis vests, hi-vis jackets and tops, EN ISO 20471 vs ANSI 107, hi-vis coveralls and our pages for the UK and Ireland.
FAQ
Do UK hi-vis garments need UKCA or CE marking?
In Great Britain UKCA is used and CE is currently also recognised; Northern Ireland and Ireland use CE. Confirm the current rules with your compliance adviser.
Which standard applies to hi-vis workwear in the UK and Ireland?
EN ISO 20471, with EN 343 for rain protection on waterproof jackets.
What is the MOQ for private-label workwear?
100 pieces per style for vests and polos, 50 for most other garments.
How much do hi-vis vests cost?
From about $3 per vest FOB; softshells and coveralls from about $13.
Can you supply under our own brand?
Yes, with your labels, care labels and packaging.