No runner’s wardrobe is complete without a reliable reflective jacket.
Not only does it offer visibility for those night-time and early morning runs – something that is crucial for those living it London – but it provides an integral extra layer of protection and warmth. Again, given Britain’s unreliable climate, these are essential components to running in the most efficient, comfortable and safe way possible.
But where to start? As the workout market continues to boom, and an increasing number of high street brands launch their own activewear lines, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start with choosing any item of kit. Reflective running jackets, while rather specific, are no different.
There are many things you need to consider before choosing the right one for you. Firstly, there’s colour. For some, running in highlighter yellow will be a major plus – there’s no way anyone is going to miss you on the roads. But for others, particularly those who take take their sartorial sensisbilites rather seriously, the prospect of running in anything fluorescent might just be too garish.
Then there’s the matter of fit and comfort. Some running jackets offer room for breath and movement, coming in a loose fit, while others are snug and more likely to protect you from the wind. Whichever one you prefer ultimately comes down to personal choice.
There is also the issue of practicality. Does your jacket offer pockets that will fit your house keys? And if it does, are they small enough so as not to cause too much jingling while you run?
And just how reflective is it? Some jackets will only offer a small reflective strip while others will employ high-vis materials all over, increasing your visibility.
Here are the eight best reflective running jackets to shop now.
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Proviz Classic Women’s Waterproof Running Jacket
This highlighter yellow option might make you feel like you’re about to speak to air traffic control, but it’s an excellent choice for runners.
With a loose fit that comes in tight at the waist and the sleeves, it is surprisingly flattering while offering maximum visibility. Its waterproof fabric and four-way stretch material makes it both practical and comfortable, while an integrated hood adds extra benefits for those keen to run in the rain.
There are two large zip pockets on either side that will comfortably store any lightweight belongings. It’s also incredibly breathable, making it great for warmer runs in the summer months.
Buy now £84.99, Proviz
lululemon Cross Chill Jacket
This vibrant yellow jacket is a great choice when it comes to visibility. With a sleek slim fit, it’s flattering, too, which is a rare added bonus when it comes to this category of clothing.
The cinchable hood fits closely to the head thanks to a high zip, offering maximum protection from wet weather. There are zipped pockets on the exterior that are good for storing small keys but the real bonus is the hidden phone sleeve that will keep most smartphones in place while you run.
Thumbholes add extra warmth while its waterproof four-way stretch fabric with fleece backing results in a comfortable, practical product. It’s not cheap, but Lululemon’s items are known for their durability, so this should be a worthwhile investment.
Buy now £139.00, lululemon
Sweaty Betty Pack Away Jacket
This jacket definitely wins for those keen to look the part. With a deep navy shade and subtle reflective strips on the sleeves (at the front and the back), it’s a sleek and sophisticated jacket when it comes to its aesthetics.
But it has a lot of positives on the practicality front, too, including a water-resistant coating and breathable mesh under the back. It also features a packaway hood that can be zipped into the collar for dry runs, or easily brought out for rainy ones. It’s incredibly lightweight, too, so could easily be tied around your waist if you get a bit too hot on a run and want to remove a layer.
Other plus points include a drawstring around the collar to protect you from the wind on colder runs and two pockets on either side that are definitely big enough to fit keys and even a phone, though it might move around quite a bit when you run.
Buy now £125.00, Sweaty Betty
Designed by Sport Orange be Safe, Be Seen Reflective Jacket
This jacket comes in a tighter fit for those looking for something a little more flattering than some of the other options listed here. With its bright fluoro shade, this jacket ensures you will be instantly seen on even the darkest of evenings. Plus, it comes complete with speckles of reflective material across both sleeves and the hood.
There are two pockets on either side of the jacket but it also features an extra pocket on the back, which is great for storing a smartphone. Because the pocket is fairly small and the fit of the jacket is snug, it can also be good for stashing keys that won’t jingle around too much while you move.
The sleeves feature thumbholes, too, which adds a bit of extra warmth, and the fabric is quick drying and sweat wicking.
Buy now £58.99, Designed by Sport
Ronhill Women’s Core Running Jacket
Running in this jacket is a bit like running in a highlighter. It is so eye-poppingly bright that it almost hurts to look at. But that is brilliant when it comes to visibility. As if its shade wasn’t enough, it also comes with several reflective details, including stripes on the sleeve and on the back. Waterproof, lightweight, and wind resistant, it’s the ultimate practical choice for runners.
However, its hi vis yellow shade could be off-putting to some, particularly given that it’s hardly a flattering fit: it’s too loose to be tight but too tight to be oversized. Nonetheless, this is a suitable choice that will serve any runner well, logistically speaking.
Buy now £40.00, Blacks
Kalenji Women’s running hooded jacket warm night
With its fleece lining and hood, this feels more like a sturdy hoodie than a jacket. However, it will undoubtedly suit those who are particularly concerned with getting cold on their run as one of its main selling points is that it will maintain your body temperature while you move. Thanks to its air vents embedded into the material under the arms, it’s also breathable. The high neck and hood will also add thermal insulation.
Despite being black, the jacket features reflective speckles all over, meaning it will offer good visibility on dark outdoor runs. It features two zip pockets on the front that will comfortably fit any keys and necessary bits. It will just about fit a phone. Coming in a slim fit, the jacket ensures your belongings shouldn’t move around too much while you run.
Buy now £24.99, Decathlon
Adidas Own The Run Hooded Running Windbreaker
Another stylish choice, this Adidas jacket comes in a pleasing shade of lilac. Made with entirely recycled materials, it’s also a good option for those looking to be sustainable when it comes to their workout gear. It’s very lightweight and will protect you from the wind (as the name suggests) thanks to its draw cord but won’t offer much warmth, making it suitable for spring or summer runs rather than winter ones.
It comes in a regular fit, not too loose or too tight, and features zip pockets that are good for storing any lightweight items but not anything heavy as this will probably weigh you down when you run.
Buy now £50.40, Adidas
Evadict Women’s trail running long-sleeved waterproof jacket
This jacket comes in a more user-friendly honey shade of yellow than some of the fluorescent options listed here. But with reflective stripes on the front and back, it’s still a good option for visibility. With waterproof fabric and an elastic waist, hood and sleeves, it’s great for outdoor running, particularly on windy days, and even comes with its own compact bag, meaning it’s easily packed for trips away.
There are two side pockets that will fit any essentials. It comes in a relaxed fit, though, so be careful not to stash anything too heavy in the pockets as it will probably weigh you down. Given how easy it is to pack and how breathable and lightweight it is, this jacket is a good choice for those who like to run on holiday.
Buy now £69.99, Decathlon
Verdict
It’s a tough call but overall the Proviz jacket has to be the winner given that it literally couldn’t offer more visibility if it tried. It’s also high quality, comfortable and suitable for most weather conditions. Every runner should have one in their wardrobe.
