What's your favorite time of the day to run? It's not a rhetorical question. Actually, your answer could have a big impact on the kind of gear you need. Maybe you prefer outdoor workouts, either at the crack of dawn or late into the evening. If so, you'll definitely want to invest in some gear to keep you cool, comfortable, and dry. Specifically, you’ll want a reflective jacket that makes you more visible to any oncoming traffic.
A reflective jacket can help maintain your safety during outdoor runs, walks, or bike rides. The question is, which reflective jacket is right for you? The ACTIVE Reviews Team has compiled a list of some of the very best options that are built for comfort and safety.
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The Best Reflective Jackets - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Reflective Jacket: Cocoon Reflective Down Jacket
- Best Quality: Baleaf Rain Jacket
- Best Reflectivity: Craft ADv Hydro Lumen Cycling Jacket
- Best Waterproof: UnderArmour OutRun The Storm Jacket
- Best Insulated: CREATMO Reflective Coat
- Best Vest: FREEMOVE Reflective Vest
- Best for Running: Noxgear Tracer360 Reflective Vest
- Best for Cycling: Mountain Warehouse 360 Reflective Cycling Jacket
- Best Budget: Fangfei Reflective Coat
- Best for Winter: Arctix Men's Performance Tundra Jacket
What to Look for When Shopping for a Reflective Jacket
As you shop for the best reflective jacket, there are a few considerations to keep top-of-mind.
- Fit: Just like with your running shoes, you'll want your jacket to fit comfortably. That may mean something slim-fitting, or it may mean something a bit looser that you can wear with multiple layers. It's really a matter of personal preference.
- Breathability: A good jacket will keep you warm, but you don’t necessarily want to overheat, especially when running in the spring or summer. Some built-in ventilation can be welcome.
- Waterproofing: What happens if you're caught in a sudden downpour? A good, waterproof jacket can save the day, keeping you warm and dry during unpredictable weather.
- Reflective Detailing: Whether you want something vibrant and fluorescent or just a small reflective logo, it’s important to look for detailing that enhances your visibility.
Best Overall Reflective Jacket - Cocoon Reflective Down Jacket
SPECS
- Material:Polyester, nylon
- Reflective elements:Reflective colors
- Pockets:2
- Hood:Yes
- Water resistant:N/A
- Key features:Relaxed fit, insulated with 700-fill down
- Sizes:XXS to XL
If you tend to spend a lot of time outside in really cold temperatures, the Cocoon Reflective Down Jacket will make for a high-quality addition to your outdoor wardrobe. Ideal for those walking or jogging in cooler weather, this jacket truly makes you feel as if you’re in a cocoon thanks to its soft inner lining. This knee-length, relaxed-fit coat fits loosely and comfortably, and comes with 700-fill down insulation to keep you toasty on the wintriest of days.
While this probably isn't the best bet for a breezy jog on a mid-temperature day, if you want something that can help you endure winter, this is a great pick. Choose from several colors, each of them reflective and visibility-enhancing. The one downside? If you’re training for a race or focused on speed, this jacket may weigh you down due to its length. It’s also much too warm to wear during hotter temps, so it's best for winter or those who live in cooler places.
PROS
- Great pick for colder temperatures
- Double-sided, two-color designs
- Big, roomy pockets
- Loose fit
CONS
- Too thick for warmer temperatures; better for winter and colder climates
- Not recommended if you prefer a slim fit
- More expensive
BUY: Cocoon Reflective Down Jacket
Best Quality Reflective Jacket - Baleaf Rain Jacket
SPECS
- Material: Polyester
- Reflective elements: Reflective stripes and logos
- Pockets: 6
- Hood: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Big hood design, easy to pack and fold
- Sizes: S to 3XL
For something that'll keep you warm and dry on a drizzly day, look no further than the Baleaf Rain Jacket. It's made with a system of reflective stripes designed to maximize your visibility, while the large, adjustable hood keeps water out of your eyes. We like how this jacket is available in a variety of colors, including a bright fluorescent yellow if safety is your top concern. For a better fit, use the adjustable drawstring hem which allows for a more slim fit.
Also note that the jacket can be folded into its own back pocket, making it incredibly easy to store or travel with. And, if you’re worried about overheating due to excess humidity, you’ll love the built-in ventilation system that promotes air flow and temperature moderation.
PROS
- Highly breathable
- Large hood keeps rain out of your eyes
- Great reflective flourishes
- Waterproof
- Very lightweight
- Easy to pack and store
- 6 large pockets
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Affordable
CONS
- Not recommended if you want a jacket that keeps you warm
- Those who prefer a really loose fit may not like this slimmer jacket
Best Reflectivity in a Reflective Jacket - Craft ADy Hydro Lumen Cycling Jacket
SPECS
- Material: Polyester
- Reflective elements: Reflective details
- Pockets: N/A
- Hood: No
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Waterproof, windproof, high-visibility
- Sizes: S to XXL
Not all reflective jackets are created equal. That's why we like the Craft ADy Hydro Lumen jacket. It really maximizes your visibility but also does an impressive job of holding up well over many wears and washes. Beyond the high-quality reflective details, this jacket also impresses with its lightweight, waterproof, and windproof materials.
It's easy to fold and store, and comes with overlapping ventilation systems to help you manage your body temperature. We think it's a great pick for any outdoor runner seeking a lightweight, rain-resistant jacket that they can also wear at night. However, keep in mind that this higher level of reflectivity comes at a cost—with a nearly $200 price tag, this jacket isn’t great for those on a budget.
PROS
- Highly breathable
- Great reflective flourishes
- Waterproof and windproof
- Very lightweight
- Easy to pack and store
CONS
- No hood or pockets
- Only comes in 1 color
- Higher price point
BUY: Craft ADy Hydro Lumen Cycling Jacket
Best Waterproof Reflective Jacket - Under Armour OutRun the Storm Jacket
SPECS
- Material: Polyester
- Reflective elements: Reflective details
- Pockets: 2
- Hood: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Secure zip pockets, bungee-adjust hood
- Sizes: S to 3XL
Looking for a reflective jacket that's truly made to endure the elements? Our recommendation is the Under Armour OutRun the Storm Jacket. Simply put, this is one of the most weather-proof running jackets we've come across, offering plenty of protection from wind and rain. It uses Under Armour's proprietary technology to repel water and maintain wind-resistant design.
Use the bungee-adjustment for the hood and the hem, which allows you to secure your jacket against adverse weather. And speaking of security, the zippered pockets are a nice touch. Plus, there are some well-placed reflective details to make this a good fit for low-visibility and nighttime conditions.
PROS
- Great reflective flourishes
- Water and windproof
- Very lightweight
- Secure pockets
- Easy to adjust the hood and hem
- 4-way stretch material for an outstanding fit
CONS
- Not recommended for colder temperatures
- Only comes in 1 color
BUY: Under Armour OutRun the Storm Jacket
Best Insulated Reflective Jacket - CREATMO Reflective Coat
SPECS
- Material: Polyester
- Reflective elements: Reflective strip
- Pockets: 5
- Hood: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Removable hood, fleece lining
- Sizes: S to XXL
Stay safe and warm with the CREATMO Reflective Coat. If you live in a cold climate, this jacket might be for you. This 100-percent polyester coat is lightweight and slim-fitting, but it comes with fleece lining to help keep outdoor temperatures at bay. It’s also durable, and made to withstand outdoor conditions.
Reflective strips provide some visibility, plus there are five pockets for keeping your phone, keys, ID cards, and other valuables. Another perk? This reflective jacket comes at a low price point.
PROS
- Fleece lining for extra warmth
- Lightweight
- Durable and breathable
- 5 pockets
- Removable hood
- Several colors to choose from
- Affordable
CONS
- Not built for warmer weather; too heavy
- If you prefer a looser fit, this jacket might feel too tight
Best Reflective Vest - FREEMOVE Reflective Vest
SPECS
- Material: Mesh
- Reflective elements: Reflective stripes and details
- Pockets: 1
- Hood: No
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Large, zippered pocket
- Sizes: XS to XXL
Prefer a simple safety vest to a full jacket? Look no further than the FREEMOVE Reflective Vest, which is incredibly easy to throw on over a t-shirt, jacket, or sweatshirt. It serves as a lightweight safety mechanism for your after-hours runs, neighborhood strolls, or dog walks. We especially like this vest for those who are training for a race or long-distance event since its barely-there, mesh design doesn’t add much weight to your running gear.
There are bright reflective details galore (several reflective stripes are included in the construction), and with a loose fit and zippered pocket, it offers plenty of comfort and convenience. Adjust the vest to better fit your waist by using the velcro closure tabs.
PROS
- Very lightweight
- Lots of reflective details
- Breathable
- Lower price point
- Great for warmer weather
- Waterproof
CONS
- Not recommended for cold weather unless thrown over a sweatshirt
- Limited color selection
- Not the most stylish or sleek
Best Reflective Vest for Running - Noxgear Tracer360 Reflective Vest
SPECS
- Material: N/A
- Reflective elements: Fiber-optic fluorescence
- Pockets: No
- Hood: No
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Battery-powered lighting
- Sizes: S to XL
Want something even more lightweight than the previous vest we mentioned? For a vest that powers you through your runs without adding extra weight, check out the Noxgear Tracer360 Reflective Vest. Battery-powered, fiber optic lighting lights up in a range of colors, adding plenty of visibility to your nighttime runs.
Ideal for those training for speed or distance, this vest hardly adds any weight to your running gear. It's also highly adjustable, meaning you can easily throw it on over your T-shirt or sweatshirt by using the adjustable clips on either side of the belt. And with an IP67 waterproof rating, this vest is able to withstand a range of weather conditions.
PROS
- Works well in all seasons
- Extremely visible and bright
- Weatherproof
- Very lightweight and comfortable
CONS
- No hood
- Not everyone will want to deal with the battery/electric power
BUY: Noxgear Tracer360 Reflective Vest
Best Reflective Jacket for Cycling - Mountain Warehouse 360 Reflective Cycling Jacket
SPECS
- Material: Polyester
- Reflective elements: Reflective fabric
- Pockets: 2
- Hood: No
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Breathable fabric
- Sizes: XXS to 4XL
The Mountain Warehouse 360 Reflective Cycling Jacket is a great pick for your next cycling expedition. Lightweight, breathable, and waterproof, it offers the full range of motion you need when you're on your bike. It's not too slim-fitting where you're limited in movement, but it's still fitted enough for maximum comfort when cycling (nothing's worse than your jacket dragging down to your pedals).
It comes in a handful of colors, each very reflective. Also take note of the generously sized front pockets, giving you ample room to store keys, phones, and other accessories when riding.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Durable
- Convenient front pockets
- Wide range of size options
- Modest price point
CONS
- No hood
- Only 3 colors to choose from
BUY: Mountain Warehouse 360 Reflective Cycling Jacket
Best Budget Reflective Jacket: Fangfei Reflective Coat
SPECS
- Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester
- Reflective elements: Reflective details
- Pockets: 3
- Hood: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Lightweight fabric, modest price point, zippered closure
- Sizes: S to 3XL
While reflective jackets can help you workout in a more safe, visible way, not everyone has room in the budget to drop a lot on a new jacket. For a reflective jacket that's inexpensive but still high-quality, we recommend checking out the Fangfei Reflective Coat. Made with a blend of comfortable, reflective materials, this is a great pick for anyone who wants something lightweight, breathable, and modestly priced.
We like that the fabric is highly reflective, helping you stand out during your nighttime workouts. It also includes almost everything you’d want from a reflective jacket: A large hood, conveniently placed pockets, and some decent weatherproofing.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Weatherproof
- Modest price point
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Ventilation holes for breathability
CONS
- Comes in 1 color
- Not recommended for colder temperatures
Best Reflective Jacket for Winter - Arctix Men's Performance Tundra Jacket
SPECS
- Material: Nylon, Polyester
- Reflective elements: Reflective webbing
- Pockets: 6 (4 on the outside and 2 on the inside)
- Hood: Yes
- Water resistant: Yes
- Key features: Quilted lining, big pockets
- Sizes: S to 6XL
Looking for a jacket that will help you put safety first during the coldest days of the year? The Arctix Men's Performance Tundra Jacket comes with quilted linen to keep you nice and toasty, along with pockets that are plenty spacious for your hands, phone, or valuables. And although it's lightweight and offers minimal bulkiness, this jacket is made to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -20 degrees.
It uses microfleece inside built with heat-trapping micro chambers—ideal for keeping you warm on cooler days. It also has a removable hood and a waterproof outer layer for extra protection. Finally, the reflective webbing ensures you're easy to spot no matter how dark it is outside.
PROS
- Lightweight and low bulk
- Comfortable, quilted lining
- Ideal for colder temperatures
- Reflective webbing enhances visibility
- Zippered closure
- Several colors to choose from
- Wide range of size options
CONS
- Might be too thick for running; better for walking or jogging
- Not recommended for mild weather
BUY: Arctix Men's Performance Tundra Jacket
FAQs About Reflective Jackets
What is a reflective jacket?
A reflective jacket is any jacket that includes high-visibility elements (stripes, reflective fabric, etc.), increasing visibility in low-light conditions.
Do high-visibility jackets work?
High-visibility clothing works best when it’s brand new. The more worn-out it becomes, the less effective it is. Generally, high-visibility clothing needs to be replaced every six months or so.
How do I wash reflective clothes?
Wash in cold water with like colors, using a mild detergent. Handwashing is also an option, but it's always best to read the care instructions for the specific item you have.