Using garments with reflective material increases worker safety under low-light level conditions. Fluorescent materials are suitable for daytime conditions but ineffective at night and less visible than white fabrics. Under low-level conditions, reflective materials are also needed. Almost all surfaces are reflective. This is the ability of a material to bounce light off of its surface so that it can be seen.
Retroreflective materials are only one type of reflective materials.
Diffuse reflection is the most common type of reflectivity. It occurs when light strikes a rough surface, such as pavement, foliage, clothing, and vehicles. These surfaces cause the light to scatter in all directions. The scatter light can be seen by our eyes. Mirror reflection occurs when light strikes surfaces that are smooth or glossy.