Why is reflective gear from Wowow safer than dark sportswear?

By Tom Bogaert · Reviewed on

Because reflective material bounces headlight beams back to the driver, while dark clothing absorbs that light. Wowow sums it up as "being seen is not an option" — and the whole brand turns on that one difference.

Retroreflection works differently from a plain light colour: the material sends the incoming light back towards its source. A driver with headlights on sees your reflective pieces light up at a distance where dark clothing still disappears completely into the night. For this Wowow uses 3M Scotchlite reflective material among others, and designs for 360-degree visibility.

Important and honest: reflection makes you more visible, it is not a guarantee. The effect depends on light, angle and surroundings. So in your content, stick to what Wowow itself claims — certified visibility to the European standard — without building your own safety promises on top.

Sources

  1. WOWOW Reflective Wear — About

Also searched for

  • why is reflective clothing safer
  • reflective vs dark clothing
  • how does retroreflection work
  • visibility cyclist runner dark
  • wowow visibility

Related questions

What kind of content can I make for Wowow as a sportfluencer?

Anything that fits how you train, as long as your Wowow gear is visibly in shot in the dark. Minimum: one Reel or feed post plus one Story tagged #WowowSundaySquad, @wowowreflectivewear.eu and @sundaysquad1. Strong formats: dark-hours training, seen vs unseen or a POV from the road.See the five content formats that work for Wowow →

What is Wowow and where is it made?

Wowow Reflective Wear is a Belgian brand from Aalst that has made reflective clothing and accessories for cyclists, runners and pedestrians since 2004. The core is visibility: retroreflective materials that stand out in the dark, from vests and jackets to shoe covers and LED.Read what Wowow is and where it comes from →

Are Wowow products certified?

Yes. Wowow states that every product meets the European standard for visibility clothing and uses certified materials such as 3M Scotchlite; the reflective accessories are certified to EN 13356. In your content, stick to what Wowow itself states, without inventing standard numbers.Read why Wowow gear is certified →

How did Wowow start?

Wowow started in 2004 out of two cycling accidents. Founder Peter Lievens heard “I didn't see you” both times and made it a mission: making people visible on the road. From Aalst it grew into a European player, twenty years around road safety through visibility.Read how Wowow began with "I didn't see you" →

Which Wowow gear suits my sport: running or cycling?

You compose your own mix up to a shop value of max 90 euro, in your size of choice. Mostly running? Look at lightweight vests, belts and LED accessories. Mostly cycling? At jackets, vests and shoe covers. Both? Combine across the two collections.See how to pick your Wowow mix for running or cycling →
← Back to FAQ