Running is so popular and such a big business that there is no end to the types of apparel you can buy to assist you once you’ve planned your route and laced up your shoes. Once you’ve got the basics of a running top and a pair of running shorts out the way, you’ll want to start thinking about investing in a running jacket.
Ideal for use in the colder months or those fresh summer mornings, a running jacket will help to keep your body warm and your blood pumping, allowing you to keep pushing yourself for longer. They’re not simply a winter accessory though – far from it – you never know when you might be caught out in a rain shower and a running jacket can once again be your saviour, as more often than not they’re made with water resistant material.
Of course, sifting the genuinely useful and high-performance jackets from the imposters isn’t always easy, so we’ve taken the challenge upon ourselves to bring you a definitive guide to the very best running jackets available right now. Expect big-name brands, up-and-coming independents, and a few others that you may have heard of, but would never have expected to produce running gear.
Men’s Running Jacket FAQs
The best running jackets are extremely lightweight, ergonomic, and allow for maximum freedom of movement. They also protect your body from the elements without hindering your running performance. It should be big enough to fasten at the front and loose enough to be breathable, giving you enough flexibility of movement as you run. Your running jacket should be comfortable to train in. Yes. Wearing a jacket while running increases your body temperature and circulation. As your heart rate increases, you burn more calories. However, it is always not a good idea to wear a running jacket, particularly if the weather is hot. We suggest only wearing running jackets in cold weather or when it’s raining or extremely windy.What makes a good running jacket?
How tight should a running jacket fit?
Does wearing a jacket while running burn more calories?
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If you’re wanting to stay protected during runs in wild weather, or want to improve your running technique in the upcoming winter months, a running jacket is imperative; we’ve rounded up the best running jackets that are high-performance as well as stylish.
Under Armour
1/15Under Armour is a heavyweight within the sporting world, delivering a wide range of athletic apparel that make use of some proprietary technologies. All of Under Armour’s running jackets feature lightweight construction, water resistant properties, four way stretch, and are extremely breathable so they’ll keep you warm but won’t overheat you when you’re running.
Gymshark
2/15Social media influencer-approved training brand Gymshark isn’t just one you have to wear into the gym. The company also has a dedicated running collection, comprising ultralight pieces that will keep you covered without even knowing you’re wearing anything.
The Speed Running Jacket is the only jacket in Gymshark’s running range but it does come in various colours, and is made from an incredibly lightweight, water-repellent, and breathable material. It also features a hood to keep your head dry during showers and a couple of pockets give you somewhere to store your phone.
Lululemon
3/15Not just the brand of choice for yoga-going females, Lululemon is just as much about providing for guys too. Lululemon has a fantastic range of running jackets all with impressive high-performance technologies. If we had to single one out though, we’d recommend Luluemon’s Fast and Free jacket, that promises to make you just that; thanks to a lightweight makeup of nylon and polyester (it even makes use of recycled materials, so you’ll be giving back as well). Plenty of pockets will store your essentials to keep your hands-free and the DWR-treated fabric will keep your body dry.
New Balance
4/15New Balance certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to running gear, having been founded on the very principle of producing footwear to support athletes and amateur runners alike. Since those early days the company has expanded into apparel specifically designed for different types of sports.
New Balance’s range of running jackets feature sporty, classic, and athletic looks, and these water-resistant, lightweight outerwear options make the perfect layering attire for an outdoor run – rain, shine, or snow. New Balance’s collection features several options constructed with their NB HEAT fabric, optimally designed to wick away moisture and ensure cool, comfortable, and dry support time and time again.
Brooks Running
5/15Brooks Running is a brand loved by serious runners for their technologically-advanced shoes. However, the company also has a comprehensive selection of running apparel designed to complement the performance offered by their footwear.
This includes, of course, a comprehensive range of running jackets that all have seriously impressive features. While all of Brooks Running’s jackets are high-quality, we have to single out the Canopy Jacket that offers complete wind and water protection thanks to a breathable DriLayer Seal fabric, which also happens to let heat out from your body to prevent you from boiling over when pounding the pavement. When you’re not using it, the jacket will stow away inside an integrated bag and a few zipped pockets will keep your valuables close to you.
Vuori
6/15Vuori makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, surf, sport, and art. Breaking down the boundaries of traditional activewear, Vuori’s performance apparel is built to move in but styled for life.
Vuori has a huge range of men’s jackets that have been specifically designed for running. Whether you run on the road or a trail, Vuori’s running jackets are breathable, moisture wicking, and will keep you comfortable while you run.
Nike
7/15Obviously Nike had to feature on this list. With a huge collection, Nike’s running jackets are all made from an ultra-lightweight fabric that is high-quality and will keep you protected when Mother Nature decides she doesn’t like you. Nike has been considerate with factors such as seam placements, to provide their jackets with a fit that has dropped shoulders for promoted air flow. Most Nike running jackets can also pack up into the right pocket and have water resistant properties.
Patagonia
8/15Patagonia should be a brand that immediately comes to mind when you think of outdoor clothing, and since most people tend to run outdoors, the American company obliges with some specific running gear.
Patagonia has a great running jackets collection which includes the Houdini Packable Jacket. As its name implies, the jacket has a disappearing act whereby it packs up into the chest pocket. It’s a star performer when in use too, thanks to its nylon-ripstop construction which protects you from water and wind, and itself from ripping.
Arc'teryx
9/15Canadian retailer Arc’teryx was virtually raised in the great outdoors and thrives on producing some of the most high-performance clothing around. Not just one to tailor your next ski trip, the company also produces fine running gear, including running jackets.
Arc’teryx running jackets are all completely windproof, lightweight, and highly breathable, while some also offer waterproof and quick-drying technologies. Available in different styles and colours, Arc’teryx running jackets are slightly more expensive than other brands featured but that’s because Arc’teryx seriously make some of the best running jackets available.
On Running
10/15On Running makes it its mission to provide running gear that gives you all the features you could need and none of the ones you don’t. Their small but impressive range of Swiss-engineered men’s running jackets will provide you with an ultralight shield against the elements when your run gets wild.
If we had to single one out, it’d have to be the Weather jacket which features a cap-design hood for better face protection and waterproof zipped pockets (so no chance of your phone getting soaked). The Weather jacket will keep you dry too, thanks to a DWR (durable water repellent) coating and you’ll barely know you’re wearing it due to a lightweight construction from Japanese fabrics. Plus, it’s available in some fetching colour options.
2XU
11/15Simple, functional, and stylish is the only way to describe 2XU, so if you’re after a minimalist running jacket that offers substance to boot, this is the brand for you. With a great range of running jackets, 2XU offers four-way stretch, lightweight construction, ventilation panels, waterproof fabric, and much more with its running collection.
Adidas
12/15Sportswear giant Adidas has been in the game for decades and in that time learned the ropes to provide you, the end user, with some seriously capable garments. Casual yet iconic, the original Adidas men’s track jacket debuted in 1979 and Adidas have been producing high-quality running and track jackets ever since.
Adidas’ current range of running jackets still features the classic 3-Stripes (from the og track jacket) on the sleeves and come in a wide range of colours and sizes. With reversible down jackets with a full front zip and ample insulation for cold weather, and windbreakers with Rain.RDY technology that blocks the wind and rain for unpredictable running conditions, Adidas have running jackets perfect for everyone.
Vuori
13/15Vuori, founded in 2013, makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle. Vuori has a great range of running jackets in different styles to suit different needs. With track, performance, and windbreakers, whether you’re after a jacket that’ll just keep you warm or completely give you protection from the elements, Vuori will have exactly what you’re looking for.
Myles Apparel
14/15Myles Apparel combines cutting-edge fabrics with timeless styles to create activewear worthy of being a wardrobe staple. With a few running jackets on offer, our favourite is the Myles’ Elements Jacket, which is durably built with the world’s most breathable waterproof fabric technology. Available in multiple colours, this impressive jacket features a premium Polartec® NeoShell® fabric, inherent four way stretch, and packs easily into its own chest pocket. Plus, it’s completely waterproof & windproof with 100% taped seams and highly breathable with optimal moisture & temperature regulation.
The North Face
15/15The North Face’s fundamental mission has remained unchanged since its inception in 1966 to provide the best gear for athletes and the modern day explorer, support the preservation of the outdoors, and inspire a global movement of exploration. The North Face has a small range of jackets designed specifically for running, and they are all lightweight, breathable, and feature either waterproof or water resistant technologies.