In short: In daylight a reflective hoodie looks like a normal black hoodie – the print is grey or silvery and understated. As soon as headlights, a streetlight or a phone flash hit it, the print bounces the light straight back to its source and lights up brightly. That makes you visible on the bike, in the car park and in night photos, but it does not replace a certified hi-vis vest. CLOVIE has three reflective pieces: the Born to Ride Oversized Hoodie with 3M reflective print (€74.95), the Phantom Reflective Oversized Hoodie (€79.95) and the Reflective Flame Oversized Zip Hoodie (€59.95). (As of September 2026)
How does a reflective print work?
A normal print scatters light in all directions – that is why you only see it when there is enough ambient light. A retroreflective print works differently: tiny glass beads or micro-prisms in the print layer send the light straight back to where it came from. Anyone driving towards you with headlights on sees the print light up. Anyone standing off to the side sees just a grey print.
It is exactly the effect you know from flash photos: the camera sits right next to the light source, so almost all the light comes straight back into the lens – the hoodie glows in the picture even though it was unremarkable in the room.
"3M reflective print" means the reflective print layer is made from 3M reflective material – the manufacturer known for the reflective stripes on workwear and motorcycle gear. The advantage over cheap reflective foils: the reflection survives many washes if you care for the print properly.
What does it do on the bike and at meets?
Most supermoto and bike-life rides end in the dark – in the car park, at the petrol station, on the way home. A black hoodie is practically invisible there. With a reflective print you are noticed in a car's headlights from a much greater distance than in a plain black hoodie – especially the large back print, which points straight into the headlights of whoever is riding behind you.
To be honest about it: a reflective hoodie is streetwear, not certified high-visibility clothing to EN ISO 20471. It noticeably improves visibility, but it does not replace an armoured jacket or a hi-vis vest where one is required. On the bike, protective gear goes over or under it – the hoodie is the piece for before and after the ride.
The second reason reflective pieces are so popular in the scene: photos. At meets people shoot with flash, and a reflective back print is the brightest element in those pictures – a hoodie that stands out in Instagram photos without you having to walk around in neon colours during the day.
CLOVIE's three reflective pieces compared
| Piece | Fit & sizes | Material | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born to Ride – Oversized Hoodie | 3M Reflective | Reflective wings with red "Born to Ride" lettering on the back, small logo on the front, details on the sleeves | Oversized, black, S–3XL | 440 g/m² premium fleece | €74.95 |
| Phantom Reflective – Oversized Hoodie | All-over reflective flame design on the front, back and sleeves | Oversized, black, S–2XL | Oversized hoodie, black | €79.95 |
| Reflective Flame – Oversized Zip Hoodie | Reflective flame design with zipper, front print and sleeve details | Oversized, black, S–2XL | Oversized zip hoodie, black | €59.95 (was €79.95) |
Which one is for you? If you want the bike-life statement, take the Born to Ride – the lettering on the back is red and readable in daylight, the wings only light up under light. If you want it completely clean by day and the biggest effect at night, take the Phantom: the flame design covers the front, back and sleeves, and it has been our best-selling hoodie of the past months. The Reflective Flame Zip is the one to wear open – over a tee in autumn, zipped up in winter.
Sizing: oversized on purpose
All three pieces run oversized. If you want the loose look, stick to your usual size; if you prefer it slimmer, go one size down. Measurements of the Born to Ride Oversized Hoodie:
| Size | Chest (cm) | Length (cm) | Sleeve (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 54 | 68 | 63 |
| M | 58 | 70 | 65 |
| L | 63 | 72 | 68 |
| XL | 67 | 74 | 69 |
| XXL | 70 | 76 | 70 |
| 3XL | 74 | 78 | 71 |
More in the size guide for oversized hoodies & tees.
Care: how the print stays reflective
Reflective prints are tougher than many people think – but heat is their enemy. Three rules are enough:
Wash inside out, 30 °C, gentle cycle. That way the print does not rub against the drum or other garments. No fabric softener – it settles as a film on the reflective layer and weakens the effect.
No tumble dryer, no ironing. High heat can deform the print layer and loosen the reflective particles. Hang to dry, done.
Do not crease or fold the print on an edge. Store large reflective areas flat or on a hanger. The full guide with a washing checklist is in the article how to care for your hoodie & print.
Outfit idea: reflective hoodie at night
The trick with reflective pieces: keep the rest quiet. Black cargos or joggers, white sneakers, a plain tee underneath – so the print stays the only element that lights up. For everyday wear, basics from the same brand underneath: organic cotton boxer shorts and Highperformance Socks from the BASICS collection. More bike-life pieces in the BKLF collection, all oversized hoodies in one place.
Matching pieces from the shop
More to browse: Bestsellers · BKLF Bike Life · TUNING 4 LIFE · Hero Car Pieces
Frequently asked questions
Does a reflective hoodie glow on its own?
No. The print only reflects light that hits it – headlights, streetlights, flash. Without a light source it is a grey print on black fabric.
How long does the reflective effect last?
With proper care (30 °C, inside out, no tumble dryer, no fabric softener) the reflection survives many washes. Heat and fabric softener are the most common reasons reflective prints fade.
Is a reflective hoodie protective motorcycle clothing?
No. It improves visibility, but it is not certified hi-vis clothing and no substitute for armour. Protective gear is part of every ride – the hoodie is for meets, the petrol station and the way home afterwards.
How do the reflective hoodies fit?
Oversized, deliberately loose. For a slimmer look choose one size smaller. The size chart is above in the article.
What does shipping cost, and can I return it?
Shipping to Austria and Germany is €4.95, free from €89 order value. Returns within 14 days, unworn and with tags. All pieces are designs from Austria, production 2–5 working days after the order.
