YGM Reflective Fabric Grades: Choosing the Right Balance of Brightness, Washability and Performance
Choosing the right reflective fabric is not simply about selecting the highest brightness available. For manufacturers of high-visibility clothing, workwear and safety apparel, the right reflective material needs to match the garment’s required visibility, washing frequency, fabric construction and working environment.
Different safety garments have different performance requirements. A reflective fabric used for occasional-use safety vests may not need the same wash durability as reflective material used for industrial uniforms that are repeatedly laundered.
At YGM, our reflective fabric range is developed to provide different combinations of reflectivity, washability and application performance. Based on performance requirements, our representative products can be divided into three practical grades:
Standard Reflective Fabric → High-Performance Reflective Fabric → Industrial Wash Reflective Fabric
This article introduces the low-, mid-, and high-end models in YGM’s reflective fabric product range and explains how manufacturers can select the appropriate grade for different safety clothing applications.
Three Grades of YGM Reflective Fabric
YGM reflective fabric is available in different performance levels to meet the needs of various safety clothing and workwear applications. Based on reflectivity and wash durability, the product range can be divided into three main grades: Standard, High Performance, and Industrial Wash.
| Grade | Representative models | Reflectivity | Washing performance |
| Standard | WA001M / WA001 / WA001-PS | >370 / >450 / >450 | 15–25 home washes; WA001-PS: 10 hand washes |
| High performance | A001-1 (25) / A001-1 (50) / A001-1 (75) | >500 | 50–100 home washes; 25–75 european standard washes |
| Industrial wash | A001-GS (50) / A002-GS (50) / A002-GS-C08 | >360 / >500 | Up to 75 home washes and 50 industrial washes |
*The specifications above are based on YGM product data. Please contact YGM for detailed technical specifications and applicable test methods.
1. Standard Reflective Fabric — WA001 Series
The WA001 series is designed for general safety clothing and workwear applications, offering a practical balance between reflective performance and washability.
WA001M
With >370 reflectivity, 15 home washes, T/C backing and a thickness of 220 ± 10 μm, WA001M is suitable for standard safety vests, workwear and general high-visibility clothing.
WA001
WA001 provides higher reflectivity of >450 and supports 25 home washes. With T/C backing and 230 ± 10 μm thickness, it is suitable for manufacturers looking for a higher-brightness reflective fabric for workwear.
WA001-PS
WA001-PS also provides >450 reflectivity, with 25 home washes and 10 hand washes. It is an option for safety garments that may be exposed to different washing methods.
Recommended for: safety vests, general workwear, construction clothing, logistics uniforms and outdoor safety apparel.
2. High-Performance Reflective Fabric — A001-1 Series
For professional high-visibility workwear, stronger reflectivity and longer wash durability are often required. YGM’s A001-1 series provides >500 reflectivity across three wash-performance levels.
A001-1 (25)
- Reflectivity: >500
- Home wash: 50 cycles
- European standard wash: 25 cycles
A001-1 (50)
- Reflectivity: >500
- Home wash: 75 cycles
- European standard wash: 50 cycles
A001-1 (75)
- Reflectivity: >500
- Home wash: 100 cycles
- European standard wash: 75 cycles
The three models create a clear performance progression. Manufacturers can select the appropriate washable reflective fabric according to the expected washing frequency of the finished garment.
Recommended for: high-visibility workwear, construction clothing, transportation uniforms, road safety apparel and professional protective clothing.
3. Industrial Wash Reflective Fabric — A001-GS & A002-GS Series
For workwear subjected to frequent industrial laundering, industrial wash reflective fabric can provide a more suitable solution.
A001-GS (50)
With >500 reflectivity, A001-GS (50) supports 75 home washes, 50 European standard washes and 50 industrial washes. It is suitable for demanding workwear and frequently laundered safety garments.
A002-GS (50)
A002-GS (50) also provides >500 reflectivity, with 75 home washes, 50 European standard washes and 50 industrial washes. It offers another option for professional industrial workwear manufacturers.
A002-GS-C08
A002-GS-C08 provides >360 reflectivity with 50 home washes, 25 European standard washes and 25 industrial washes. Its high-bright black appearance makes it suitable for customers looking for a combination of reflective visibility and a more distinctive garment design.
Recommended for: industrial workwear, rental uniforms, transportation clothing, professional protective apparel and frequently laundered safety garments.
How to Choose the Right Reflective Fabric?
The best reflective fabric is not necessarily the model with the highest specification. Manufacturers should consider the actual requirements of the finished garment.
- For general safety clothing:WA001M, WA001 or WA001-PS offer practical reflective performance.
- For higher brightness and repeated washing:the A001-1 series provides >500 reflectivity with different washability levels.
- For industrial laundering:A001-GS (50) and A002-GS (50) provide 50 industrial wash cycles according to YGM specifications.
- For a darker, modern appearance:A002-GS-C08 offers high-bright black reflective performance.
By matching reflectivity, wash durability and application requirements, manufacturers can select a more suitable reflective material without over-specifying the product.
YGM Reflective Fabric for Different Workwear Requirements
From standard safety vests to demanding industrial workwear, YGM provides multiple reflective fabric solutions for different applications.
WA001 Series — Practical and cost-effective
A001-1 Series — Higher brightness and enhanced washability
A001-GS / A002-GS Series — Designed for industrial wash applications
A002-GS-C08 — High-bright black reflective fabric for distinctive apparel designs
With more than 20 years of reflective material manufacturing experience, YGM supports safety apparel manufacturers with a wide range of high visibility reflective fabric solutions.
Looking for the right reflective fabric for your workwear or safety clothing? Contact YGM to discuss your application, washing requirements and target market.
——Eva
