---
type: "fabric"
name: "Reflective Fabric"
slug: "reflective-fabric"
fabric_family: "laminate_coated"
construction: "laminated"
subtype: "laminated"
typical_fibers:
  - "Polyester"
weight_gsm: "150–300 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/reflective-fabric"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:23:51.013397+00:00"
---

# Reflective Fabric

Reflective fabric is a laminated textile that features a reflective coating, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions, making it ideal for safety apparel and accessories.

- **Fabric Family**: Laminate Coated
- **Construction**: Laminated
- **Subtype**: laminated
- **Typical Fibers**: Polyester
- **Weight**: 150–300 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.3–0.6 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Reflective Fabric

Reflective fabric is typically constructed using a base layer of polyester, which is laminated with a reflective coating. This coating is often made from micro-glass beads or a similar reflective material that reflects light back to its source, enhancing visibility. The fabric is lightweight yet durable, making it suitable for various applications including safety vests, outdoor gear, and sportswear. Its laminated construction provides additional weather resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 80
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 60

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 5%
- **Weft Stretch**: 5%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 1000 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.2
- **UPF Rating**: 30

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Bright
- **Opacity**: Semi Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Reflective Properties
- Waterproof
- Windproof

## Common Finishes

- Water Repellent Coating
- Antimicrobial Treatment

## Common Applications

- Safety Vests
- Outdoor Apparel
- Cycling Gear
- Sportswear
- Emergency Services Uniforms

## Common Uses in Detail

### Safety & Workwear

Widely used in high-visibility safety vests and emergency services uniforms, the reflective coating dramatically increases a worker's visibility to drivers and operators in low-light or nighttime environments, reducing accident risk in construction zones and roadside settings.

### Cycling & Sportswear

Incorporated into jackets, shorts, and accessories for cyclists and runners, the laminated reflective surface catches headlights and streetlights at night, allowing athletes to train outdoors after dark while remaining clearly visible to passing motorists.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with mild detergent; do not use fabric softeners; tumble dry low; iron on low heat if necessary.

- Machine Wash At 30°C
- Do Not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low
- Iron Low Heat

## Additional Information

Reflective fabrics are essential in safety applications, providing visibility in low-light conditions. The reflective coating can wear off over time, so care should be taken to maintain the integrity of the reflective surface.

- **Regional Names**: hi-vis fabric, safety fabric
- **Sourcing Regions**: China, Bangladesh, Vietnam
- **Testing Standards**: AATCC 22 (Water Repellency), ISO 20471 (High Visibility Clothing), ASTM D5034 (Tensile Strength)

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Polyester](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Lining Taffeta](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/lining-taffeta.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Shade Cloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shade-cloth.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Bonded Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bonded-fabric.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Conveyor Base Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/conveyor-base-fabric.md) — Laminate Coated
- [Felt-Backed Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/felt-backed-fabric.md) — Laminate Coated

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/reflective-fabric) — HTML version of this page.*