Reflective jackets

Jackets capable of reflecting light are sought after by fans of running, cycling and street sports, so they now often appear in the collections of well-known clothing manufacturers, and they produce not only sports items, but also lines from lifestyle styles.

For the first time, reflective elements were created by the company ZM from the USA in 1939. It was a film that was stuck first on road signs, and then on cars.

A little later, the reflective film was decided to be used in the creation of sports equipment and clothing for motorcyclists. The company is still working today, producing reflective materials used in road markings and in sports clothing, for example, on Nike sneakers and windbreakers.

Details of light reflecting technology for different things, depending on their application, differ, but the principle of light return is similar and consists in using microscopic-sized glass spheres to create a reflective surface. When a beam of light falls on such spheres, it is refracted inside twice, which leads to its reflection in the opposite direction. Light can fall at any angle, but it will always return to its source and not scatter.

Most variants of jackets with reflective parts are made for people who work on the road, for example, repair it, and risk being overlooked in the dark, as well as for occupations involving work at night. Recently, however, ordinary pedestrians, as well as athletes (especially runners and cyclists) began to be interested in similar jackets, which led to the appearance of clothing capable of reflecting light from such famous brands as Nike, Supreme, The north face, Ice Cold, Rapha, Stone Island and others.

The company also offers products that are completely made of reflective fabric. Such jackets attract not only the glow at night, but also adjustable hoods, special warming cuffs and comfortable pockets with zippers.

Adidas offers windbreakers with reflective mesh, as well as models with reflective three stripes on the sleeves. In a set of such jackets produce windproof trousers with the same retroreflective details.

Also, it should be noted Stone Island brand, which has been producing reflective jackets since 1991. Nowadays, this manufacturer uses different light reflection technologies. It offers light jackets made of reflex mat material, which can reflect light even from very weak sources. The brand's advanced developments are also jackets made using liquid reflection technology (sputtering is used) and products from reflective yarn that can glow in the dark.

Most often, the reflective elements are on the sleeves, lower part or back of the jacket, making it visible at night. They are an affordable and inexpensive alternative to expensive branded reflective jackets, as they can make any jacket reflective.

Jackets can be trimmed with textile ribbons up to 5 cm wide, or with a band capable of reflecting light. Sew such strips by hand or on a sewing machine. In the daytime, they are almost invisible on the fabric of the jacket, especially since the tapes are of different colors, but at dusk and at night the owner of such a jacket will stand out in the dark, which can save his life.

If you are interested in a jacket of reflective fabric, study the proposals of brands engaged in the production of such clothing, comparing their cost. As a rule, the quality of such jackets is quite high, so first choose a manufacturer with an affordable price level, and then pay attention to the choice of style and color of the model. Also, decide if it is important for you to have pockets or a hood in the model.

Look closely at the elements - they should be smooth and smooth, with no surface defects. In addition, they should be of medium flexibility so as not to tear, but it is easy enough to bend.