Orange County California Traffic Schools

Fluorescent Orange Shirts Place Wellbeing First

The decade of the 1960s was nearly half a century ago but the eye-popping colors that emerged from those psychedelic years endured far beyond the fashions that made them seem attractive. As with most popular trends, the underground culture of the time was quickly co-opted by the fashion and entertainment industries. Bright colors previously unseen in apparel became widespread, and one of the more enduring and practical applications was in fluorescent orange t shirts.

The Science

There is a real difference, however, in true fluorescence and the garish colors we label with that name. Throughout nature, the phenomenon is found in many creatures and substances that are able to create their own light by absorbing photons and then emitting them as visible light. The actual production of this light, fluorescence, is named after the mineral fluorite, known for its glow.

Natural fluorescence is quite different, however, from that found in factory-made clothing. T shirts today benefit from improved clothing dyes which make the colors not only brighter, but even reflective. Brighteners and other additives designed to amplify light particles not only make these clothing items into fun fashion items but they also make them highly visible day and night.

In The Safety Industry

While this was not the original intent of apparel designers, it was a very happy day for those concerned with industrial safety. With such enhanced visibility, many workers were saved from injuries caused by low light or poor visibility related to bad weather conditions. Bright orange has proven the most popular for this purpose, but lime green, hot pink, and yellow have also been used in safety applications.

Greater Awareness

The emergence of these specialized dyes prompted their use not only in pop clothing items but also in the creation of unique safety clothing worn by some heavy equipment operators and others exposed to outdoor hazards. They create amplified visual presence, which automatically grabs the attention of those nearby. Literally thousands of accidents have been avoided, and many lives saved.

Usefull Elsewhere As Well

Workers in construction or manufacturing are not the only people benefiting from the development of highly visible fluorescent dyes and other materials. While shirts of all types have been given this treatment, some manufacturers combine sturdy space-age fabrics for outdoor recreational use with the same bright colors, creating an extra measure of visibility for hikers, hunters, and other sports enthusiasts.

Fleeces, sweatshirts and even trousers can now be found with the same flashy bright orange colors as t-shirts. But clothing, however, is not the only area where these neon-bright colors are used. From laptop carriers to shopping bags, the same kinds of dyes are used to make these items harder to misplace or even steal. The colors have gone mainstream, and can often be found on company logos.

Basic fluorescent orange tshirt sold for safety must meet certain standards and the sleeveless look is usually not allowed. The safety tee shirts must be made of durable cotton, which is easily worn in all kinds of weather. Some makers add reflective bands for enhanced visibility at night. From their humble beginnings as psychedelic icons, they have finally become not only useful but also respectable.

orange county california traffic schools

orange county california traffic schools