DeWalt Class 2 Contrasting Trim Economy Mesh Vest

I spend a lot of time moving between jobsites, warehouses, and roadside pulls, so I’m picky about safety vests. Over the past few weeks I’ve been wearing DeWalt’s mesh Class 2 vest on long, mixed-weather days to see where it shines and where it falls short. It’s positioned as a straightforward, economy-minded option, and that’s largely what it delivers: reliable visibility, a breathable build, and just enough features to cover the basics without creeping into tactical-vest territory.

Build and Materials

This is a 100% polyester mesh vest with a zipper front. The mesh is airy and open enough to keep heat from bottling up, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. DeWalt reinforces key stress points—the zipper base, mic tab attachment, and pocket corners—so the usual early-failure suspects hold up better than on bargain-bin vests. The zipper is a simple coil style with a medium-length pull that’s easy to grab with light gloves.

The contrasting black trim (approximately 3 inches wide) frames the vest and adds definition. Practically speaking, it also does a decent job of hiding grime along the edges. Stitching is even and consistent along the tape edges and seams. There are no frayed ends or loose threads out of the package, and after repeated use mine still looks tidy.

Visibility and Compliance

The vest meets ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2, which is the standard most roadside, utility, and construction tasks require when traffic speeds are roughly 25–50 mph. You get 2-inch sewn-on reflective tape in a familiar configuration: one horizontal band around the torso and two vertical stripes that run from the shoulders down the chest. The wraparound horizontal band provides 360-degree visibility, and the verticals help outline the human form so drivers and equipment operators identify you faster.

The background color is the bright, high-visibility green that pops in daylight and under headlights at night. Because the tape is sewn (not heat-applied), I expect less peeling over time. In drizzle and in low-light warehouse aisles, the tape remained highly reflective. I didn’t notice any hot spots or dim sections on mine.

Fit and Comfort

Sizing runs from M through 4X. The cut is slightly generous, which I prefer in a vest intended for layering. Over a flannel or hoodie, my usual size fit well without pulling at the zipper. Over a bulkier winter shell, I was still able to zip it without the tape distorting, which keeps reflectivity where it’s supposed to be. If you’re routinely layering over a heavy parka, consider one size up; otherwise, true to size worked for me.

The shoulder and neck seams are smooth against the skin; I didn’t get any chafing or scratchy edges. Mesh breathability is the standout here. On a warm afternoon run in and out of a box truck, it kept me cooler than solid-fabric or heavy-pocketed vests. There are no side adjusters, so fit is set by size. In windy conditions the vest doesn’t flap excessively, thanks to the zipper closure keeping the front locked down.

Storage and Features

This is a minimalist layout. You get:
- A single mic tab on the right shoulder.
- One left-side inner chest pocket.

The mic tab is robustly stitched and takes a clip-on mic without drooping. The inner chest pocket is large enough for a smartphone, slim notepad, or receipts. Because it’s inside, items stay put when you bend or kneel, and the zipper won’t snag on them. On the flip side, it’s less convenient with gloves, and accessing it requires unzipping or working around the front.

There are no exterior cargo pockets, no ID window, no pen slots, and no D-ring pass-through. If your workflow includes scanners, notebooks, pens, and radios all at once, you’ll miss those extras. For me, on days when I only needed a phone and a radio, the simplified approach kept the vest light and snag-free.

Durability

Economy vests often fail at seams and tape edges. After several weeks of wear, including a couple of gentle cold washes and air-dry cycles, the reflective tape remains flat and bright, and the trim shows no curling. The zipper still tracks cleanly without jumping teeth. The mic tab hasn’t loosened. The mesh does catch now and then on rough lumber or rebar, as any mesh will, but I haven’t torn a panel yet.

I appreciate the reinforced stitching at the zipper base; that spot tends to rip on cheaper vests when you yank it closed over layers. Here it feels secure. Long term, sewn-on tape usually outlasts heat-applied reflective in my experience, and this vest seems to be on that sturdy path.

In Use

• Roadside tire change at dusk: The horizontal band and vertical stripes were plenty visible to oncoming traffic under headlights. The zipper stayed closed in gusty conditions, which beat the constant re-securing I do with hook-and-loop closures.
• Warehouse and loading dock: Breathability kept me comfortable while unloading pallets. The lack of outer pockets meant less chance of snagging on stretch wrap.
• Site walkthrough with subs: The simple, clean look reads professional without the bulk of a multi-pocket surveyor vest.

What Could Be Better

• Limited storage: One inner pocket won’t cut it for users who need room for tape measures, markers, or small tools. At minimum, a pair of low-profile outer pockets and a pen slot would increase utility without adding bulk.
• Single mic tab: If you alternate shoulders or carry both a mic and a badge reel, two tabs would be helpful.
• No breakaway feature: This vest isn’t designed to release under snag load. If you work around conveyors, rotating equipment, or other entanglement hazards, a breakaway vest is the safer choice.
• No FR/Arc rating: Not a knock, just a note—this is standard polyester mesh, not flame-resistant or arc-rated. Electrical and hot-work tasks will require a different category of PPE.
• Fixed sizing with no side adjusters: For crews sharing vests, adjustable sides provide a more flexible fit. Here, you’ll want to buy by wearer.

Care and Maintenance

I ran it through cold wash on gentle and hung it to dry. That preserved both the mesh and the reflective tape. I’d avoid high heat in dryers, which can prematurely age reflective materials. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth handles most dirt on the black trim; the hi-vis fabric benefits from a full wash when it starts to dull from dust and grime.

Who It Suits

• Trades and tasks that require ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 visibility but minimal storage: general labor, road flagging, delivery, material handling, event staffing, and site visitors.
• Warm-weather or high-exertion work where breathability matters more than pockets.
• Crews looking for a durable zipper-closure vest that won’t peel apart after a few weeks.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone needing multiple exterior pockets, badge holders, or specialized features like dual mic tabs and D-rings.
- Environments with snag hazards requiring breakaway vests.
- Electrical or hot-work applications needing FR or arc-rated garments.
- Those mandated to wear Class 3 apparel.

The Bottom Line

The DeWalt mesh vest focuses on fundamentals: clear Class 2 visibility, a breathable build, a dependable zipper, and reinforcement where it counts. It doesn’t try to be a tool belt. In day-to-day use, that restraint pays off in comfort and reliability, especially in warm conditions or for users who don’t want to be weighed down.

Recommendation: I recommend this vest for workers who need a straightforward, breathable Class 2 option with durable construction and minimal bulk. It’s a reliable choice for general jobsite and roadside use, particularly if your carry needs are light. If your tasks demand lots of storage, breakaway safety, or specialized ratings, you’ll be better served by a feature-rich or purpose-built vest.