- 1. Best Free People running jacket
- 2. Best Alo Yoga running jacket
- 3. Best ON running jacket
- 4. Best New Balance running jacket
- 6. Best Oner Active running jacket
- 7. Best lululemon running jacket
- 8. Best PE Nation running jacket
- 9. Best Puma running jacket
- 10. Best Nike running jacket
- 11. Best Tracksmith running jacket
- 13. Best reflective running jacket
- 14. Best running vest
When it comes to the best gym wear, a running jacket is an essential for the colder months. It's arguably the most crucial element of any running outfit - forget it, and you'll be freezing cold for your miles, and opt for a non-breathable layer instead, and you'll be roasting come kilometre one. Enter: our tried and tested edit of the best running jackets.
While we're all about practical kit that's actually functional here at Marie Claire UK, we also like workout gear that looks stylish. We're talking fit to wear to brunch with friends over your matching gym set, or styles that double up as day wear, too.
As October rolls around and the seasons shift, we've been testing the best running jackets to buy now, keeping in mind price point, breathability, fit, style, design, sweat-wicking ability, and water resistance.
When it comes to testing, we always make sure to put our fit kit through its paces (read how we test products, here). For this article, we enlisted the help of our Senior Health Editor and 9x marathon runner Ally Head, Fashion Writer and wellness enthusiast Sofia Piza, wellness writer Grace Lindsay, and finally, run coach, personal trainer, and founder of Passa, a female-focused run coaching community, Lillie Bleasdale. If you hadn't already guessed, Ally is an avid runner, so she's tested her fair share of running jackets over the years. Sofia runs regularly and loves finding multifaceted, hardworking activewear designs that she can wear for workouts and to work. Although Grace isn't much of a runner herself, she loves going to a sweaty spin class or Pilates session, and she also tests products for a living, so is clued up on exactly what to look out for when it comes to good quality clothing. Lillie is a sub-3-hour marathoner who documents her training and journey through stage two endometriosis and adenomyosis online, so again, she knows a good jacket when she tests one.
Keep on scrolling for our current top picks from FP Movement, lululemon, Nike and more. And for more fit kit inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to the best activewear brands, best oversized gym t-shirts, best running shorts, best cycling shorts and even the best tennis skirts.
What did we look for when testing the best running jackets?
- Breathability - does it keep you cool yet warm when you're out banking miles?
- Water repellency - does it keep you dry if it's raining?
- Wind blocking ability - does it keep you warm from the wind?
- Sweat wicking ability - does it dry fast?
- Reflective detail for added visibility - will it keep you safe and easy to spot in the dark?
- Cut, design and fit - does it look good and flatter you for both banking miles and brunch?
Keen to invest in one of the best running jackets for women? Enter, our 14 top picks
1. Best Free People running jacket
"One of my favourite running jackets, this layer from FP Movement is super stylish, lightweight, and breathable, keeping you warm and dry for your miles. With a wind- and water-resistant finish, sweat-wicking mesh lining and adjustable ventilation, it keeps you cool while also being quite cosy - exactly what you want from a running layer. It's feminine, but functional: fashionable, but effective. I've worn mine for long runs and hikes and can't fault it." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
2. Best Alo Yoga running jacket
"I've been seriously impressed by this jacket from American-based brand Alo Yoga. They opened their first store in the UK last year and I've been lucky enough to test a fair bit of their kit since, but this jacket remains one of my top picks. It's cosy but sweat-wicking, really hugs your waist and has a stylish curved cut at the front. The functional performance features are impressive, too - buttery soft fabric, thumbholes to keep your hands warm, and spacious zipped pockets on either side of the torso. Plus, no sweat patches in grey gets a big yes from me." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Grace agrees, adding: "This is by far the most flattering piece of gym kit I own. I love the colour, and the lightweight, ribbed material fits like a second skin. Although I'm not much of a runner, I wore this while hiking around the Lake District, and it kept me warm when things got a little windy. The zip was super handy when the sun did start to come out, as I could let a little air in whenever I needed. Do note that it's not water or windproof, so not ideal for wet or windy runs, but great for the gym or Pilates." - Grace Lindsay, Wellness Writer
3. Best ON running jacket
"One of my friends and go-to fashion influencers Polly Sayer has an iteration of this On jacket, and I'd had my eye on it since I saw her wear it last year. I love the cinched waist for a slightly more elevated workout look and think the overlapped design is chic. On really delivers on the technical side of things, too - made from their trademarked ThermaTec™ material, this jacket basically feels like a second skin to run in. It's lightweight but offers toasty thermal insulation, and has an impressively durable water repellent coating, ventilation, and reflective heat-transfer details, as well as two pockets and thumbholes for warmth. All of this to say - it looks great, but performs really well, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
4. Best New Balance running jacket
"I've been training in New Balance kit since I first started running ten years ago, and their designs have never let me down. And their Better Run jacket is no exception - waterproof, warm, and eye-catching for those of you who prefer a statement look. I've worn mine for a couple of long runs in blustery wind and rain and felt both cosy and supported. It also has zippered pockets for your essentials and reflective logo branding, making it a great layer for running at night." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
"Not only is the jacket a great waterproof option, but it also really helps when it comes to layering up in the colder winter months." - Lillie Bleasdale, running coach and personal trainer
6. Best Oner Active running jacket
"Comfortable, stylish, and highly practical, this jacket has seen me through every scenario. It's perfectly sweat-wicking for those looking for extra layers when doing outdoor autumn runs, while also having back vents for breathability. I've run in it a handful of times, but from a fashion/daywear POV, I also love the polished design, which perfectly replicates the technical bomber jacket trend seen all over fashion month. I'm all for kit that works for both day and workout wardrobes and investing in athletic gear that can be seamlessly integrated into your everyday wardrobe." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
7. Best lululemon running jacket
"lululemon's cult-favourite Define jacket would be one of my desert island kit fit picks, without a doubt. It's the perfect workout jacket - soft but supportive, breathable, fashionable, and functional. I love the zippered pockets for your essentials, soft but structured lining that ensures you feel held in for your mileage, and thumbholes for keeping hands cosy. Fun fact: the zipper pull even doubles as an emergency hairband, if you forget one. They also have a range of different lengths available on their website and in store, so you can choose the fit that flatters your body type best." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
8. Best PE Nation running jacket
"No word of a lie - I don't think I've ever had as many complements on a running jacket as this leopard print PE Nation design. And their Shield jacket doesn't just look great, but performs well, too. It's surprisingly warm, water-resistant, and has a handy hidden chest pocket for your keys and phone. I love the slightly cropped design, how warm it keeps you during runs, and that you can layer it for work or hikes, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
9. Best Puma running jacket
"This is a great affordable option for all year round - it's light enough and UV protected for use during colder summer months, but also water repellent for winter running, too. I was impressed by how well it sweat wicked, and liked that it has reflective elements for evening runs and spacious pockets with zips to keep your valuables. Do note - while it keeps the rain out adequately, it is on the lighter side, so will often need a warmer layer underneath, if you feel the cold." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
10. Best Nike running jacket
"After a running jacket with a hood to keep your head warm during windy runs? Enter, this Nike Tempo design. It's lightweight, won't make you sweaty, and will help regulate your temperature during long runs. It's a great autumn option for when it's not cold enough to haul out your thicker winter options. Case in point: I wore mine for my 16.5 mile long run this weekend." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
11. Best Tracksmith running jacket
"If you haven't heard of independent running brand Tracksmith, let me educate you: not only are they an absolutely wicked brand right at the heart of running culture and community, but they're the brand that Harry Styles wore to ran Berlin Marathon in. Yup. One of my favourite designs from the brand is this Overland jacket, and when I say it's a dream to run in, I mean it's a dream to run in. It's a higher price point because it's made from Merino wool, but is the perfect hybrid of warm yet lightweight, keeping you both cosy yet cool. The design - as always with Tracksmith kit - is super flattering, and you could definitely wear it for everything, from running, to hiking, to tennis to brunch. After an investment piece that'll stand the test of time? This is your best bet." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
13. Best reflective running jacket
"This is a great windbreaker for blustery, chilly conditions, promising to keep you warm, cool and dry in even the most torrential of runs. I've worn mine loads now - similarly to the Tracksmith jacket above, it's really high quality, if a little lighter. It doesn't bunch or crinkle and sits well just above the waist. My favourite design feature of this jacket? The elastic drawcord at the waist, meaning you can tailor the fit to your torso and opt for whatever shape suits you best." - Ally Head, Health Editor
14. Best running vest
"Last but by no means least, sure, not a running jacket, but a running gilet that I wear at least once a week. This lightweight yet insulated design from lululemon is a dream - I've had mine for years and it still feels good as new after 100's of washes. It's slim fitting, holds you in and supports you, as well as keeping your torso warm even in frost and snow. As you can tell, I'm a fan - this piece is definitely worth the investment, IMO." - Ally Head, Health Editor
What type of jacket is best for running?
Good question. When looking for a running jacket, you want to think about when you tend to go on a run. For example, if you are someone who runs in the evening, you might want a jacket with reflective details for added visibility. The second thing to think about is where you like to run. If you run outside, you'll probably want to opt for a jacket that is windproof and waterproof. These features are definitely essential for any winter runner.
However, if you run at the gym, a zip-up jacket would be best so that you can take it off easily. Lastly, think about how much you want to spend. If you're an avid runner, you might want to invest in a high-quality jacket that you know will last the long run (no pun intended).
