I've had this shirt for about a year and a half. During the Summer I'll wear it over a T shirt if it is warm outside. The mesh is not pastic like some vests so this vest is actually comfortable to wear during the Summer. During the Fall and Winter I will make this vest my top layer during darker rides. The high-Vis yellow realy "pops" during low light (but not dark) conditions. The wide 3M tape is extreamly reflective. My wife has followed me home before in her car and tells me that I glow very brightly.

As far as cleaning goes. I've read that you should not wash them more than 12 times. I wash mine about once every 6 months. Being that the shirt is a top layer it doesn't get dirt that fast. So far after 2 washes the shirt looks about the same as when I got it. I see no reason I can't get an other year or 2 out of it before I will consider replacing it.

As a comparison, I was driving home from my parent's house the other day and I through I could see something ahead a little on a dark street. As I got to within about 40 yards out I finally noticed a small barely reflective strip of yellow tape on their backs. When I passed them I noticed they WERE wearing "safety" vests. The quality of these clearly non-ANSI vests was so poor I still almost didn't see them till I was right on top of them. I bet they still paid at least $5 to $7 for one these useless vests. A poor quality vest = false sense of security. Why not spend $11 and get one that REALY works.

I also have added 3M SOLAS tape to my handlebar bag on the sides (the front came with good 3M tape), and also added it to my rear fender and other strategic spots on the frame. So far the tape is holding up well after 12 months of year round commuting (I experience plently of rain and snow during that year).

Happy riding,
André