Sometimes getting out the door is the hardest part of running. And when the weather is less than ideal—cold, windy, rainy, snowy—that really tanks motivation. Thankfully, a good running jacket can make tackling the climate hurdles a little easier.
It’s worth considering your environment and the time of year you run before buying a new jacket. For spring, opt for water-resistant material, and during winter, consider extra coverage and wind-resistant features. We took 27 jackets out for weeks of test runs to find the 10 best running jackets, rating based on fit, comfort, design, durability, and value.
Credit: Lululemon
Why We Like It
Stretchy and breathable
Waterproof
Great for mild to warm climates
Has zippered pockets, thumbholes, and a hood
Sizes: 0-20
This is a great three-season jacket for most of the country—four if you live in mild to warm climates. As with many jackets, the fabric is the star of the show. It has an impressive amount of stretch for being a waterproof shell, if you’ve tried other windbreakers you know they are notorious for being stiff. This one moved with the body and made it super comfortable to run in. The lightweight and breathable fabric is meant for coverage from the elements, rather than warmth, and it does that job well. Beyond the material, the jacket has three zippered pockets, thumbholes, and a hood designed for zero bounce.
This stretchy, waterproof shell from lululemon is comfortable to run in because it moves with you.
Credit: ShapeThis Lululemon windbreaker is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric for warm-weather workouts.
Credit: Shape
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
Great quality for the price
Front seaming hugs your curves
Two side pockets
Stretchy material moves with you
Large color selection
Sizes: XS-3X
We won’t call it a dupe, because fabric and quality is different, but your eyes don’t deceive you if you think this jacket is a lookalike for another popular, and far pricier, style. It has the front seaming that hugs your curves, two side pockets, and a mock neck collar. This is definitely a contoured-fitting jacket but it sits nicely on the body and doesn’t ride up or cling as your run. The fabric is insanely stretchy, so it moves with you. We like it for running in moderate temperatures with no rain or snow, but it also makes a nice coverup jacket for walking to the gym or a yoga class. Our tester got great use out of this and even mentioned that she purchased a second one on her own after the test was finalized because she was so impressed by the fit and huge color selection—a repurchase is the best review of all.
This comfortable stretchy running jacket moves with you and comes in a huge color range.
Credit: ShapeThis running jacket offers front seaming to hug your curves and is great for moderate-weather runs.
Credit: Shape
Credit: On Running
Why We Like It
Ultra-lightweight and breathable
Quick-drying
Folds up for travel and storage
Hood cinches to stay put while you run
It’s Worth Noting
Website is difficult to navigate
Runs on the small side, so you may want to size up
Sizes: XS-XL
This is the jacket to buy if you want to live out your Nancy Meyers main character daydream—running on the windy, misty shores of Bar Harbour. The ultra-lightweight, breathable fabric is magical—it’s tissue-thin yet top-notch at keeping out the wind. The breathable fabric is also quick-drying and folds up into its own pocket—ideal for travel or storage. The hood also has some cinching along the sides that helps it conform to your head and stay put while you run.
Credit: Balef
Why We Like It
Fully adjustable hood and multiple pockets
Waterproof exterior
Ventilation keeps you cool
Folds into a pouch for easy packing
Sizes: S-XXL
If you’re looking for a classic windbreaker, this affordable running jacket is your best bet. With a fully adjustable hood, several large front, back, and interior pockets, and waterproof exterior, it has the elements you need for a utilitarian jacket. It also has ventilation in the back to keep you cool on your run. If you want to pack for a just-in-case scenario, it folds into itself into a neat little pouch that’s easy to stash. We do think that the fabric is stiffer than other picks on our list, but if you’re working with a smaller budget, it’s still a nice option.
Credit: lululemon
Why We Like It
Customizable features including a removable hood
Water-repellant and windproof
Great insulation
Reflective details for night runs
Sizes: 0-20
We won’t deny that this is more of an investment running jacket, but the quality and features are worth the money. The insulated fabric feels airy, yet plush, and is way warmer than you may initially think. This could even be a great winter jacket if you don’t live in the deep arctic chill. The insulation is specifically developed to be warm even if it gets wet, and the jacket is water-repellent and windproof. The jacket features two zip pockets, reflective details, and a dickie you can zip out to remove the hood, if you so choose. It’s also versatile: If we were going on an active vacation in cold weather (Iceland comes to mind) or hiking, this would be the jacket we would pack too.
Credit: Brooks
Sizes: XS-XXL
The early morning or late night running warriors will appreciate the reflective attributes of this jacket. There is reflective silver fabric stitched smartly around the coat as well as high contrast fabrics to help you remain visible in the dark. The jacket is also convertible into a vest via its built-in pack, so if your run gets unexpectedly steamy, you’re not stuck sweating it out. A water-repellant treatment also protects against the elements and this quickly became a go-to for wet weather runs. We docked a point, because while it is water-repellent, it is not moisture-wicking—without a long-sleeve layer underneath, this jacket sticks to the skin when you get sweaty.
Credit: Under Armour
Sizes: XS-XL
Runners fall into two camps when it comes to weather: those who love the rain and those who only want clear skies. If you sit in the former, then a solid rain jacket for running is imperative. This one from Under Armour is totally waterproof and actually repels the water, while still remaining breathable—so your sweaty skin doesn’t get stuck to the fabric. It is thin enough to be worn in most seasons, although you may need to bundle up in colder weather, and the two-layer bonded fabric makes it extra durable. It features a hood and two pockets and our runner noted that this style washed up really well—no musty sweat smell here.
This Under Armour jacket is breathable yet still totally waterproof, so it won’t stick to your skin.
Shape
Credit: L.L. Bean
Sizes: S-XL
This jacket is the ideal layering piece. We love that it acts as a shield against wind—the light as air fabric blocks air and rain without adding bulk. There is a back vent for breathability, a drawcord at the waist for adjustability, and mesh at the collar and sleeves that is soft against your skin. This option also has storage in spades—two exterior pockets on the front and one in the back to hold a running hat and other gear, plus two interior pockets, including a phone sleeve that Velcros closed. This is also a great jacket for early morning runs—both color options are neon with 14 points of visibility.
This lightweight L.L. Bean jacket blocks both air and rain and offers a back vent for breathability.
Shape
Credit: Brooks
Why We Like It
Warm without being bulky
True to size
Lots of flexibility
Sizes: XS-XXL
This jacket earned a perfect score in the fit and comfort category. It fits true to size with lots of flexibility in the sides to move and run—one runner even called it the best fit of a jacket she’s tried. It’s very comfortable with insulated material that isn’t too hefty, nor does it make you feel like a running marshmallow. There’s ample storage with five pockets of varying sizes for your gear. The big oversight on this jacket was the lack of reflectivity. With black being the main color option, we wish that had been included here, too.
This Brooks jacket offers insulated material for warmth and ample storage with five pockets.
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What to Know About Running Jackets
- Weather resistance: Often, jackets that can protect your skin from the wind and rain are key aspects. To ensure your jacket can do this, look for words like water-resistant or water-repellent, as well as windproof. Jackets with these features will also use technical fabrics to provide this benefit, versus cotton or other natural materials that absorb moisture.
- Material: Look for materials with technical abilities, like sweat-wicking, water-repellant, or windproof. This usually means a synthetic blend of nylon, polyester, or spandex. If you’re running in supremely cold climates, you may want to look for insulated. Don’t run in a cotton jacket, especially in winter, it can hold on to moisture and put you at risk for hypothermia and frostbite.
- Fit: Fit is largely based on preference, although form-fitting jackets are typically better for running, as they can keep the wind and rain out. You don’t want to feel constricted; however, you should still have a range of motion in your arms and torso, and not feel like it is hindering your ability to move.
- Reflectivity: If many of your runs are done outside of daylight hours, you need to consider reflectivity. It can be very difficult to spot runners, especially those in areas without sidewalks, and reflective details can keep you safe. While headlamps and clip-on lights are one option, your clothing can also have reflective details.
Why Trust Shape
Shannon Bauer is a senior editor for the Shape brand with seven years of experience writing, editing, and producing beauty and wellness content for the top print and digital publications. She is a runner herself with four half marathons and one marathon under her belt. She tested five of the jackets on this list, including all of the Lululemon options and 90 Degrees by Reflex.
