9 best running jackets for women that'll get you motivated to keep moving
Ready to hit the pavement? Whether you’re a track sprinter, marathon runner, or just in it for the occasional (reluctant) jog, investing in one of the best running jackets is a crucial for chilly mornings and wet weather. Seriously, no one wants to be caught in a downpour looking like a soggy mess, so a running jacket should be selected with the same levels of care as a durable pair of running trainers and a supportive sports bra.
We all know the great British weather is wildly unpredictable (even in the middle of summer) and it can be difficult to get yourself out of bed and get outdoors, so a running jacket that withstands the elements is likely the difference between a night on the wine and a fun, mood-boosting jog. Particularly when it's drizzling.
But don't worry, we're not talking about some run-of-the-mill, generic jacket that makes you look a little bit like a lost hiker. Oh no, we're talking about running jackets that are as chic as they are functional, with all the bells and whistles you need for your running game.
Luckily, there are hundreds of choices out there for every style, budget and weather condition. The only difficult bit? Whittling it down to the best. With that in mind, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve found the best in breathable running jackets, packable running jackets, water-resistant jackets and more - so you can get to the fun bit faster.
The best running jackets for women in 2023, at a glance:
- Best overall: Lululemon Define Jacket Luon, £98, Lululemon
- Best new season: Adidas Fast Running Iteration Jacket, £90, adidas
- Best lightweight: Sweaty Betty Fast Lane Running Jacket, £84, Sweaty Betty
- Best packable: New Balance Impact Run Packable Jacket, £75, New Balance
- Best for trail runners: Nike Repel Women's Trail-Running Jacket, £99.95, Nike
How we tested
Over the past five years we’ve been putting new running gear – designed for the new-to-Parkrun runner, the everyday runner, the trail runner, the upcoming athlete and beyond – to the test. We’ve tested running shoes over every kind of terrain, high impact sports bras, running leggings with pockets, and more.
We tested each of these rain jackets over a period of a couple of months, during gentle plods along the river, on freezing early morning tempo runs, low light evening speed sessions at the track and during torrential downpours. To curate a round up of our all-time favourites, jackets were scored on versatility (did they keep us warm during cold weather winter running but remain breathable when the sun came out?), the efficacy of the waterproof fabric (did it withstand light showers and heavy rain?) and features like elasticated cuffs, zipped pockets, chest pockets, side pockets and reflective elements.
Ready to take the plunge? Here are the best 9 running jackets for women in 2023.
Lululemon Define Jacket Luon, £98, Lululemon
Why we love it: Super comfy, this zipped cottony-soft, tight-fitting jacket from Lululemon is uber flattering and equally fab for throwing on for a chilly 5K run first thing in the morning as it is for wearing over your yoga kit. We love that it has thumbholes for keeping your hands warm (and holding the sleeves in place) and the zipped front pockets are big (and secure) enough to hold a phone.
Colourways: 13 different colours – from black and white to pale blue, sunny coral and Maldives green.
Sizes: US0-20.
Waterproof: No.Sweaty Betty Fast Lane Running Jacket, £84, Sweaty Betty
Why we love it: Cinching you in at the waist, this lightweight, wind-proof running jacket from Sweaty Betty looks and feels great. Featuring reflective details, a vent layer at the back (to help wick away sweat) and thumbholes there’s a lot to like about this jacket. The black colour means it’s timeless and versatile, and that it can easily match any workout outfit.
Colourways: Black and pale blue.
Sizes: XXS-XXL.
Waterproof: Water resistant.New Balance Impact Run Packable Jacket, £75, New Balance
Why we love it: Even if the sun isn’t sunshine, it’s hard to feel down wearing this sunny yellow lightweight running jacket from New Balance. Their Impact Run jacket is one of their most popular running jackets (and has been around for a while). Featuring a zip up front and wind and water resistance materials, this is completely packable for easy storage on the go.
Colourways: Yellow and black.
Sizes: XS-2XL.
Waterproof: Water resistant.Nike Repel Women's Trail-Running Jacket, £99.95, Nike
Why we love it: Featuring this cool, stylish tie-dye effect, Nike’s Repel Women’s Trail-Running jacket is made from at least 75% recycled nylon fibres and is perfect for standing out and making a statement on the trails. Super lightweight and breathable, it uses Nike Dri-FIT Technology to help move sweat away from your skin (and keep you feeling dry). Plus, it packs down into one of it’s pockets – a game changer for trail runners.
Colourways: Pink and fuchsia, black and white, blue and gold, coral and pink, grey and blue.
Sizes: XS-XL.
Waterproof: Water repellent.
Adidas Fast Running Iteration Jacket, £90, adidas
Why we love it: Made with durable and lightweight materials (WIND.RDY tech to protect you when the gusts kick up), this slim-fit adidas jacket provides excellent protection against wind. In a pretty white, pale blue and pale pink pattern, this jacket folds down into its own pocket for easy packing. Our favourite part? There’s a designated window on each wrist for your watch to pop through (so you can actually see your splits).
Colourways: White / Aluminium.
Sizes: 2XS-XL.
Waterproof: Water resistant.The North Face Women's Higher Run Jacket, £180, The North Face
Why we love it: The North Face Women's Higher Run Jacket is aimed at serious trail runners who demand reliable waterproof (not just water resistant) protection. Made from a waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed DryVent 2.5L shell with a non-PFC DWR finish for added water repellency, this is the jacket you need if you’re spending lots of time on wet trails. The jacket also features a zip-up front, adjustable hood, integrated thumbholes and reflective detailing.
Colourways: Black, blue and a lime print.
Sizes: XS-XXL.
Waterproof: Yes.On Running Weather Jacket, £190, On Running
Why we love it: The black and navy colour combination of this running jacket from Swiss brand, On Running, give it a really modern and chic look. But that’s not all there is to like about it. Featuring ultralight, breathable materials, this weather-proof jacket helps to keep you protected from the elements – and when things warm up, it can be packed quickly into its own pocket.
Colourways: Black and navy.
Sizes: XS-XL.
Waterproof: Water repellent.66°North Straumnes jacket, £280, 66°North
Why we love it: For those looking to splash the cash on a running jacket that will perform time and time again, we recommend checking out Icelandic brand 66°North. In Iceland, they have a phrase where they say “waiting for a nice day” often means “not training” – which means they need kit that actually keeps you warm and dry. The Straumes jacket is made from stretchy GORE-TEX Infinium technology, so it’s tight-fitting but also weather proof. A go-to when the weather is really miserable.
Colourways: Pelican beige, flame orange, black, blue, grey and red.
Sizes: XS-2XL.
Waterproof: Water resistant.
Tracksmith Session Jacket, £128, Tracksmith
Why we love it: For serious runners looking to take their training to the next level (and who are regulars at ‘Track Tuesday’) then this streamlined, stretch-knit running jacket from US-based run brand Tracksmith is the one you want to be seen in. Perfect for warm-ups, cool-downs and everything in between, this lightweight jacket has mesh side panels for breathability and features zipper pockets with room for keys, credit cards, or your iPhone.
Colourways: Black, wine, charcoal and navy.
Sizes: XS-XL.
Waterproof: No.
