DNC 3718 cotton back hi-vis long sleeve polo with tape
The DNC 3718 is a cotton back hi-vis long sleeve polo in 185gsm poly-cotton, made in Australia and listed to AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N for day and night visibility. It carries 50mm reflective tape on the torso and sleeves, a knit polo collar with a button placket and a left chest pocket, in sizes S to 6XL.
Key takeaways
- The DNC 3718 is a long sleeve hi-vis polo in 185gsm poly-cotton, with a polyester face for durability and a cotton back against the skin.
- DNC lists the 3718 against AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N, so it is rated for both daytime and night-time visibility.
- 50mm reflective tape runs across the torso and the sleeves, which is why the sleeves should never be rolled above the arm tape on night work.
- The polo is made in Australia in Yellow/Navy and Orange/Navy, sized S to 6XL, with a knit polo collar and a left chest pocket.
| Spec | DNC 3718 | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | 185gsm poly-cotton, polyester face, cotton back | Check the blend suits your climate and laundry |
| Visibility class | AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N | Confirm your site needs day and night |
| Reflective tape | 50mm generic tape on torso and sleeves | Ask whether the site specifies 3M tape |
| Sizes and colours | S to 6XL, Yellow/Navy or Orange/Navy | Confirm the size and colour on the listing |
| Made in | Australia, DNC Workwear | Check the listing still states Australian made |
| Care | Machine wash warm, tumble dry low, no bleach | Never use softeners or brightening agents |
What is the DNC 3718 cotton back hi-vis long sleeve polo?
DNC's 3718 is a long sleeve hi-vis work polo built from 185gsm poly-cotton, with a polyester face for durability and a cotton-rich back against the skin. DNC lists it to AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N, with 50mm reflective tape on the torso and sleeves, and makes it in Australia.
The DNC Cotton Back Hi Vis Long Sleeve Polo with Tape (3718) is built for workers who need daytime and night-time visibility on a tight budget, and DNC makes it in Australia to AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N. The fabric is a 185gsm poly-cotton blend, cotton-rich on the inside for comfort and polyester on the face for durability, which suits general industrial, construction and trades work where cost-effective hi-vis PPE is essential. The long sleeves with reflective tape cover more skin against sun exposure, abrasions and workplace hazards, and the polo collar keeps the look tidy enough for customer-facing roles and site supervision.
Against a short sleeve polo, the long sleeves add coverage: protection from UV radiation during outdoor work, thermal protection from minor flash and spatter hazards, a physical barrier against abrasions and minor impacts, and reflective tape on the arms that lifts night-time visibility from more angles. The cotton back sits comfortably against skin and absorbs some moisture, which is more comfortable than pure polyester worn against bare skin or over an undershirt, while the polyester face resists fading and stands up to repeated industrial laundering. The mixed-material build balances comfort with longevity.
What the 3718 sets out to do is put AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N compliance within reach of budget-conscious businesses and individual workers, manufactured in Australia. The reflective tape is generic rather than premium 3M, which meets the AS/NZS requirement while costing less than shirts that specify branded tape, and the plain design without extra features or premium treatments keeps the manufacturing cost down. For a crew being kitted out, or a worker buying their own PPE, the 3718 is legitimate safety compliance rather than a cheaper non-compliant substitute.
Key features
- AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N certified : Day and night visibility with reflective tape on torso and arms
- Australian made : Locally manufactured with DNC quality standards
- 185GSM poly-cotton blend : Durable polyester face with comfortable cotton backing
- Long sleeve coverage : Extended skin protection from sun, abrasions, and workplace hazards
- Polo collar design : Professional appearance for customer-facing and supervisory roles
- Reflective tape : 50mm tape on torso and sleeves for night-time visibility
- Chest pocket : Secure storage for pens, small items, and essentials
- Extended size range : S through 6XL accommodating diverse body types
Where it fits
- General industrial work : Manufacturing, warehousing, and facility operations requiring visibility
- Warehouse operations : Logistics, distribution, and materials handling with forklift traffic
- Site supervision : Professional polo appearance for supervisory and management roles
DNC 3718 cotton back hi-vis long sleeve polo with tape specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | DNC Workwear |
| Product Code | 3718 |
| Material Composition | 185GSM Poly-Cotton (polyester face, cotton back) |
| Fabric Weight | 185GSM |
| Safety Standards | AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N |
| Reflective Tape | 50mm reflective tape on torso and sleeves |
| Available Colours | Yellow/Navy, Orange/Navy |
| Size Range | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL |
| Closure Type | Button placket front closure |
| Collar Style | Knit polo collar with button placket |
| Pocket Configuration | Left chest pocket |
| Sleeve Style | Long sleeves with reflective tape on arms |
| Cuff Style | Ribbed knit cuffs |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash warm, tumble dry low, do not bleach |
| Country of Manufacture | Australia |
| Category | HI VIS Workwear / T-shirts/Polos |
| Product type | hi-vis t-shirt or polo |
| Standards listed | AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 Class D/N |
| Where to buy | Done Right Safety, donerightsafety.com.au |
How do you size, wear and wash the DNC 3718 polo?
Size the 3718 so it sits close through the shoulders and chest without pulling, because the poly-cotton blend has little stretch, and check the sleeves reach your wrists with your arms extended. Keep the placket buttoned and the sleeves down so the fluorescent fabric and the 50mm tape stay visible.
Selecting size and ensuring fit
Step 1: choose a size that works with long sleeves. Select your size from the DNC sizing chart, remembering that a long sleeve polo should sit comfortably through the shoulders and chest without the tightness that restricts arm movement. The poly-cotton blend has minimal stretch, so getting the initial size right matters. Verify the sleeve length reaches your wrists when your arms are extended, because too-short sleeves defeat the sun protection and coverage that justify choosing long sleeves in the first place. The polo should fit closely enough to look professional without being so tight it causes discomfort during physical work. Unlike a t-shirt that can be sized loosely, a polo holds its appearance better when properly fitted rather than oversized.
Step 2: keep the visibility compliant. Keep the polo buttoned far enough to maintain the required fluorescent material visibility, because a completely unbuttoned polo may not present enough visible fluorescent area for AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 compliance. Keep the sleeves extended and never rolled above the reflective tape on the arms, which removes the night-time visibility that arm movement provides. When you wear a harness, tool belt or vest, check that it does not obscure substantial portions of the reflective tape. If equipment covers a lot of tape, wear an additional Class D/N vest over your gear to keep the intended coverage. The tape on the arms and torso gives all-angle visibility only when it is unobscured.
Daily wear and care
Step 3: inspect before wear. Before each use, check that the reflective tape on the chest, back and sleeves is still firmly adhered, with no lifting edges or significant wear. Verify the fluorescent fabric still holds a vibrant colour, because faded yellow or orange indicates the garment is approaching non-compliance. Check the button placket for secure buttons and intact buttonholes. Inspect the chest pocket for tears or loose stitching. Ensure the ribbed cuffs still have elasticity without excessive stretching. Any damage or significant fading means the garment comes out of service and is assessed for replacement. Non-compliant hi-vis PPE provides false security while exposing you to the genuine hazards the garment is meant to prevent.
Step 4: launder to maintain the properties. Wash inside out in warm water (maximum 40°C) using standard laundry detergent. Never use bleach, fabric softeners or brightening agents, which destroy fluorescent dyes and damage reflective materials. Wash separately from garments with Velcro or rough zippers that could abrade the tape or snag the poly-cotton fabric. Use a normal wash cycle. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry in the shade, and avoid high heat, which accelerates fluorescent colour fading and can damage the reflective tape adhesive. The poly-cotton blend holds its properties through repeated laundering when washed correctly, though fluorescent dyes have a finite life whatever the washing method.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Rolling sleeves above the reflective tape: removes the arm visibility that night compliance depends on
- Wearing the polo completely unbuttoned: may compromise the fluorescent coverage compliance requires
- Using hot water or high heat: accelerates fluorescent colour fading
- Continuing to wear a faded polo: a non-compliant polo exposes you to hazards
- Ignoring damaged reflective tape: compromised tape reduces night-time visibility
Frequently asked questions
Why choose the long sleeve DNC 3718 over a short sleeve polo?
Long sleeves add extended skin protection from UV radiation, thermal protection from minor flash and spatter, a physical barrier against abrasions and minor impacts, and reflective tape on the arms that lifts night-time visibility from more angles. Short sleeves cool better in extreme heat, so long sleeves suit outdoor workers with significant sun exposure.
Is the DNC 3718 polo smart enough for customer-facing work?
Yes. The polo collar looks more professional than a standard work shirt or t-shirt, which suits site supervision, customer-facing trades such as service calls, deliveries and client visits, and any role that has to balance visibility compliance with presentation. Polo styling is widely accepted as professional workwear while still meeting safety requirements.
How does the 3718 poly-cotton compare with 100% cotton or polyester?
Poly-cotton balances the comfort and breathability of cotton with the durability and colour retention of polyester. The 3718 puts the cotton back against skin while the polyester face resists fading better than pure cotton. Against 100% cotton, which breathes best but fades faster, and 100% polyester, which lasts longest but feels less comfortable, poly-cotton is the practical middle ground.
Is the reflective tape on the DNC 3718 as good as 3M tape?
Generic reflective tape meets the AS/NZS minimum requirement but does not usually match the retroreflection or laundering durability of premium 3M tape. Where AS/NZS compliance is enough, generic tape performs adequately. For safety-critical work such as highway roadwork or high-risk traffic environments, 3M tape performs measurably better. DNC uses generic tape on the 3718 to keep pricing accessible.
Can you wear the DNC 3718 polo for roadwork and traffic control?
Yes. The Class D/N certification to AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 meets the requirement for roadwork and traffic control. Check your project's own PPE specification first, because some contracts call for bio-motion tape configurations or premium reflective materials. For typical roadwork, the 3718 gives legitimate Class D/N compliance.
Will the DNC 3718 polo shrink in the wash?
Poly-cotton blends usually shrink only 2-3%, much less than 100% cotton, especially when washed warm rather than hot and tumble dried on low heat. DNC sizing already allows for normal shrinkage, and following the care instructions keeps it minimal. Anyone who has had workwear shrink before can size up for extra tolerance.
How long does the DNC 3718 polo last before replacement?
Expect roughly 10-15 months of service in typical industrial use. Fluorescent colour retention usually decides the replacement date rather than wear, because the poly-cotton structure often remains sound while the faded fluorescent colour forces a compliance-driven replacement. Careful laundering extends the life, but fluorescent dyes fade eventually, so budget for regular replacement as an operating expense.
Is the Australian made DNC 3718 worth more than an imported polo?
Australian manufacturing generally brings better construction quality, more consistent sizing and a design suited to local conditions. DNC keeps its pricing competitive, so the step up from the cheapest imports is modest. The choice comes down to priorities: absolute lowest cost points to imported budget options, while quality and local manufacturing point to the Australian made 3718.
Does the DNC 3718 long sleeve polo provide sun protection?
Long sleeves put a physical barrier between UV radiation and your arms, which beats short sleeves or bare skin. The 3718 carries no specific UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) certification, so for a quantified rating choose a garment tested to AS/NZS 4399:2017. Workers in strong sun should still use sunscreen on hands, neck and face.
Can you embroider a company logo on the DNC 3718 polo?
Yes, polos take embroidery well. Keep the placement off the fluorescent panels, though, because covering too much fluorescent area can push the polo below the AS/NZS minimum visible area. The chest pocket area or the navy upper sleeve sections are the usual spots. Use an embroiderer who works with hi-vis garments and understands the compliance rules.
Done Right Safety Team
Safety, PPE & Workwear Specialists
Written from the product real specifications, its listed AS/NZS ratings and manufacturer supplied detail. Where a listing does not state a rating, the guide says so. Read the editorial standards.
Sources
- DNC product listing on donerightsafety.com.au
- AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 (Standards Australia)