DeWalt Deluxe Zip Front Class 3 Hoodie

Why I reached for this hi-vis hoodie

Early starts on active jobsites usually mean juggling layers: something warm enough for pre-dawn temps, visible enough for traffic, and practical enough to stash a phone, gloves, and a few odds and ends. The DeWalt hi-vis hoodie has been my go-to layer for the last several weeks, worn over a base layer and under a shell when needed. It’s a straightforward piece that focuses on the right details—visibility, warmth, and usable storage—without trying to replace a dedicated rain or wind shell.

Build and first impressions

Out of the bag, the polyester fleece feels substantial without being bulky. The cut reads work-first: not fashion trim, not a boxy sack either. The black color-blocking at the cuffs and hem is smart; those are the first areas to get grubby, and the darker fabric keeps the hoodie looking cleaner day to day. Stitching is tidy, seams are flat enough not to rub under backpack straps or a harness, and the front zipper runs smoothly end to end. I didn’t experience any snagging around the reflective tape.

The reflective elements are segmented heat-transfer strips rather than sewn-on bands. That matters. Segmenting lets the fabric flex and breathe where you bend, and it avoids the rigid “plate” feeling some high-vis gear gets across the chest and upper back. In the field—and in headlights—the reflectivity pops as it should for a Class 3 garment.

Fit, coverage, and comfort

The fit is true to size in my experience. I took my normal size to accommodate a base layer and still had easy mobility at the shoulders. The tailored collar that sits higher in back than front sounds like a tiny detail, but it makes a difference when the wind is at your neck or you’re looking up on a ladder—the collar moves with you instead of digging into your jawline.

The shirt-tail hem is another practical touch. That extra drop in the back keeps you covered when you’re bending, tying off, or working low. On wet ground or a dusty floor, less exposure is better. The cuffs and hem hold their shape, and the fleece has enough loft to stay warm without turning swampy when you’re moving.

Hood: detachable and adjustable

The hood detaches via snaps and tightens with a drawcord and toggles. I like being able to remove it on days when it might snag, or when I’m wearing a bulkier shell hood over the top. With a ball cap, the hood adjusts well and doesn’t flop into my peripheral vision. Under a hard hat it’s snug; I mostly prefer to pop the hood off entirely in that scenario and rely on the higher back collar for warmth.

One note: snaps are quick, but if you routinely yank the hood on and off with a harness on, a zipper attachment would offer a more “locked-in” feel. That said, the snaps stayed secure for me—no accidental detachments while working.

Visibility and compliance

This is a bona fide Class 3 piece under ANSI/ISEA 107, with the high-vis body and reflective layout covering the torso and full sleeves. In early morning low light, it’s highly visible to vehicle traffic from a distance. The segmented tape strikes a nice balance—excellent retroreflectivity without creating stiff bands that feel clammy. On warmer days, that matters.

As always, check your site-specific PPE requirements. This hoodie is not flame-resistant, and fleece isn’t appropriate around sparks, open flames, or certain rotating machinery.

Pockets and day-to-day usability

Storage is well thought out. The chest pocket keeps a phone accessible and out of the way of your harness lanyards. Below, you get four kangaroo-style pockets; two are open hand-warmers for quick stow, and two have zippers for securing keys, a badge, or a small notepad. That mix of open and secure is genuinely useful. I could keep gloves handy without fiddling with zips, and still lock down critical small items.

Zippers on the lower pockets are easy to operate with gloves, and their tape doesn’t interfere with the front reflective segments. The pocket bags are deep enough that heavier items don’t fall out when you crouch.

Warmth, breathability, and weather performance

This is a fleece layer first and foremost. In the 35–50°F range, over a long-sleeve base layer, it kept me warm without cooking me on the move. In wind, you’ll feel some penetration—it’s not a windstopper—and in rain it wets out like any fleece. Pair it with a shell if you’re dealing with precipitation or gusty conditions.

Breathability is solid for a high-vis piece. The segmented tape helps, and the fleece moves moisture reasonably well. If your day alternates between activity and standing around, you’ll appreciate that it’s warm enough at idle and not stifling when you get back to work.

Durability and care

A few cycles in the wash (cold water, gentle, hang dry) left the fleece loft intact and the reflective tape well-adhered. With heat-transfer tape, I avoid the dryer; high heat can shorten the life of adhesives. After multiple site days—loading, kneeling, and brushing past formwork—the tape edges stayed put and the fabric didn’t pill excessively. The black panels absolutely help the hoodie look presentable between washes.

As with any fleece, expect it to pick up sawdust and fine debris more than a slick shell would. I keep a lint roller in the truck, and that takes care of it.

Small misses and wish list

• Hood attachment: The snap system works, but a zipper would feel more secure for frequent on/off use.
• Water resistance: A light DWR on the outer face would add versatility for mist and light drizzle without adding a separate shell.
• Warranty length: A 90-day limited warranty is serviceable, though a longer coverage window would inspire more confidence for a piece seeing daily site use.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re realistic trade-offs for a warm, compliant, fleece-based high-vis layer.

Who it serves best

• Roadside and utility crews needing Class 3 visibility during cooler months.
• Warehouse and yard work where you’re in and out of vehicles and need quick-on warmth plus reflectivity.
• General construction as a mid-layer under a high-vis shell when the wind picks up or the weather shifts.

If you’re standing in steady rain, working around sparks, or battling persistent wind, this hoodie isn’t the tool for the job on its own. It’s a core layer, not an all-weather solution.

The bottom line

The DeWalt hi-vis hoodie focuses on the essentials: real Class 3 visibility, practical pocketing, a detachable hood, and smart coverage with the higher-back collar and shirt-tail hem. It’s warm, comfortable, and work-ready, with durability that has held up well under typical jobsite conditions and laundering—provided you treat the reflective tape with a bit of care.

Recommendation: I recommend this hoodie for anyone who needs a reliable Class 3 mid-layer for cool, dry conditions. It excels as a daily driver you can throw on for early starts and keep wearing through the morning, with enough storage and adjustability to adapt to the task at hand. Pair it with a wind- or rain-shell when conditions worsen, and you’ve got a flexible, safe, and comfortable kit for most of the year.