Quick Summary
The Portwest S424 Hi-Vis Classic Softshell is a hi-vis softshell jacket with waterproof zips and a water-resistant finish. It has a micro polar fleece lining bonded with the shell, reflective tape, and a bio motion tape pattern to improve recognition of the human shape at distance.
The jacket also includes 4 pockets, an internal phone pocket, an internal pocket, hook and loop cuffs, and a radio loop. It is certified to EN ISO 20471 after 50 washes, complies with RIS 3279-TOM for rail industry use in orange only, and is CE certified.
Key Details
| Detail | Verified information and buyer relevance |
|---|---|
| Brand | Portwest, a recognised workwear brand. |
| Model | S424, which helps confirm the exact jacket variant. |
| Product type | Hi-vis softshell jacket with waterproof zips and a water-resistant finish. |
| Lining | Micro polar fleece lined and bonded with shell for the stated construction. |
| Pockets | 4 pockets, plus an internal phone pocket and an internal pocket. |
| Cuffs | Hook and loop cuffs for a secure wrist fit. |
| Visibility features | Reflective tape and bio motion tape pattern. |
| Certification | EN ISO 20471 after 50 washes, RIS 3279-TOM for rail industry in orange only, and CE certified. |
| UV rating | 40+ UPF rated fabric. |
| Fabric | 94% polyester, 6% elastane shell, laminated to 100% polyester micro polar fleece. |
| Care | Wash at 30°C on a very mild process and follow the stated care limits. |
What to Compare Before Buying
- Colour and compliance: Orange only is stated for RIS 3279-TOM rail industry compliance, so compare the colour carefully if that matters to your use.
- Visibility requirements: The jacket uses reflective tape and bio motion tape, but the right choice still depends on whether the intended workplace requires a specific hi-vis specification.
- Storage needs: Check whether the 4 pockets and internal pockets suit the items you want to carry.
- Care limits: The wash instructions and maximum 50 washes are important if you need a garment that will be cleaned regularly.
- Fit at the cuffs: Hook and loop cuffs give adjustable wrist closure, which is worth checking if you prefer a tighter or looser finish.
Care, Cleaning and Storage
Follow the stated care instructions to keep the jacket within its intended cleaning limits. Wash at a maximum of 30°C on a very mild process, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, drip line dry, do not iron and do not dry clean. The garment is certified after 50 washes, so the wash count is a key ownership detail.
Before You Decide
Confirm the S424 model, the colour you need, and whether the RIS 3279-TOM rail requirement matters for your application. Also check the care limits and the stated 50 wash certification point against how often you expect to launder the jacket.
Water Resistance and Weather Protection
The stated water-resistant finish is distinct from a waterproof garment: waterproof zips describe the zips, not necessarily the jacket as a whole. If you need protection to a particular waterproof specification, check that requirement against the exact garment specification rather than relying on the zip description.
