English weather calls for layers, and lots of them - because on a typical day you’re bound to encounter rain, sun, wind and maybe even hail or sleet (if you’re lucky). So when you head out for a run, whether it is a 5K or marathon training it’s essential to have a running jacket to hand.
A good running jacket will be stylish enough to go from run to brunch, but also packed with enough technology to keep you warm as you step out for your weekly 10K. No one wants to add an extra layer that will slow them down, especially if you’re on track to beat your PB, so the more lightweight the better, while ventilation and sweat wicking material are also a must.
Hoods, thumbholes and secret pockets are features that help a running jacket go that extra mile - keeping you snug as you pound the pavements, but also making sure your valuables stay safe.
Just like when you invest in the best running shoes, you don’t have to pay a fortune for a good running jacket, but the more high-tech fabrics and features the larger the price tag. Starting from around £20 for a basic running jacket, expect to pay upwards of £250 for a high-tech one.
Here’s our pick of the best women’s running jackets, so all you have to worry about is achieving that runner’s high, rather than what the weather is doing.
Adidas Run Icons 3-Stripes Hooded Windbreaker
If you’re one for early morning runs, whatever the weather, this windbreaker jacket, with a full zip, high neck and hood, will keep you warm as you rack up those miles. Dark early mornings or evenings also call for reflective elements, so we love Adidas’ distinctive three stripes on each arm, which will glow up in low light. Lightweight enough to pack away when the sun makes an appearance, the jacket, which comes in an array of colours, also has zipped pockets for a phone, keys or other running essentials.
Also avaliable at Adidas and Very.
Buy now £75.00, Adidas
73 Zero running jacket
Ever worried about your clothes ending up in a landfill? This jacket never will as it’s made from 100% recyclable polyester. A unique design, with blocked colours (we love the blue and white version), half zip and even a back pocket, it’s trendy but sustainable. Lightweight enough so it doesn’t affect your PB it protects you from the wind with its funnel neck collar and has a mesh fabric lining to stop you from overheating as you build up your miles. If you like a tight fit it also has an adjustable cord and toggle, meaning you can draw it into the waist for a perfect fit.
Buy now £95.00, Bamboo Clothing
Lululemon Down for it all jacket
You won’t feel the cold in this thicker running jacket from Lululemon, made with PrimaLoft® insulation - it’s designed for those who love to run in bitingly cold temperatures. The jacket is also filled with goose down, making it soft enough against your body as you run, or just for pulling as you walk to the gym. The outside of the jacket is made from Glyde fabric, making it water and windproof, while its hood and thumbholes give you extra protection from the unpredicatable weather as you pound the pavements.
Buy now £139.00, Lululemon
Under Armour Outrun The Rain
If you always seem to step out for a run just before the heavens open then this super-water-resistant jacket will not only keep you dry but will last through the years.
With its UA Storm technology, it’s able to repel water, while allowing for breathability. The jacket, which comes in blue and black, is light and comfortable to wear but tough enough to keep you dry during an English storm. The 3-piece hood gives you extra protection, while its mesh back vent looks stylish, while also keeping you cool as you work up a sweat.
Buy now £65.00, Under Armour
Castore Active Flyweight Jacket
This streamlined half zip overhead jacket won’t weigh you down as you’re getting your lunchtime run in. Lightweight and water-resistant, its high stretch fabric means it won’t restrict you as you run. On those colder mornings its features, such as mock cuffs with thumbholes, and half zip, which runs all the way up to the top of the neck, will keep you cozy. Another highlight is its kangaroo pocket on the front of the jacket - keeping your valuables safe and always in sight. Available in dark blue and cream it’s an investment but could be worth it if you’re a regular runner.
Buy now £165.00, Castore
Proviz Classic Women’s Waterproof Running Jacket
High visibility is this waterproof running jackets’ game - whether you just want to be spotted on a busy road, or you have a preference for late-night running. Highly waterproof at 20,000mm you won’t feel a drop as you jog or sprint through a shower or storm. The hooded full zip jacket gives you extra protection from the rain and wind, while it also has a breathability rating of 20,000+gm. Lightweight and stretchy it won’t weigh you down, while comfort is also its priority.
Buy now £84.99, Proviz Sports
The North Face Lightriser Futurelight jacket
North Face is the place to go when you want a quality piece of outdoor gear that will weather the storm - literally. This jacket, made for trail running athletes, is just that, made with technology to keep you dry. A minimalist and low weight design the jacket includes an adjustable hood, and a full-length centre front zip. The jacket seam is sealed with FUTURELIGHT™ 3L shell making it not just waterproof but breathable too. If you’re a keen night runner, especially on the trails, its reflective logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder will give you enhanced visibility. The one thing we found handy was its internal mesh back pocket - a secret storage unit to keep everything dry and safe.
Buy now £290.00, The North Face
Rab Kinetic Ultra waterproof jacket
Designed for mountain runners, or anyone who wants to stay dry in unpredictable weather, this women’s running jacket is made with Proflex™ fabric. The highly breathable, waterproof fabric acts as a hard shell on the outside, protecting you from rain and wind, but has the comfort of a soft shell inside the jacket. Some other quirky add ons are its close-fitting cap style hood and the jacket’s easy reach arm zip, allowing you to store food or your phone. We love the red and orange version, which is sure to get you noticed out in the mountains, and its ventilation system also means you’ll stay dry and sweat-free.
Buy now £180.00, Cotswolds Outdoor
Pour Moi Energy React Long Sleeved Zip Through Running Jacket
Looking for something a little warmer, and fashionable for your next 5K run? This silver zip tape and foil printed design will keep you snug in all weathers. With soft fabric inside it won’t chafe as your body moves, while its funnel neck collar will make sure the wind doesn’t whip you as you run. There’s also no need for carrying things with this jacket as you can place your keys or phone in the zip-up pockets. We think this would also be great to slip on and off before and after a gym class.
Buy now £38.00, Pour Moi
Decathlon Kiprun light women’s running sleeveless jacket
A perfect running jacket for spring - this sleeveless option from Decathlon will give you an extra layer on the body and somewhere to put your valuables. Lightweight enough to barely feel it as you rack up those miles, the jacket, which comes in white, pink and blue, can even be folded away into one of its pockets when you’re done. One of the cheaper versions on our list, you still get value for money with its windproof design and ventilation throughout the jacket
Buy now £17.99, Decathlon
Verdict
Anything that keeps us warm and highly visible is a winner in our books. Adidas’ Run Icons 3-stripes hooded windbreaker is lightweight and stylish, but will also keep the wind at bay. Whether you’re a sprinter or a regular half marathon runner this women’s running jacket, with its reflective stripes, will keep you visible in all seasons, while its mesh inserts, under the arms, will allow you to stay cool as you start to work up a sweat.
