We Ran Over 100 Miles to Find the 12 Best Running Jackets for Women

Best Overall

Athleta Run With It Jacket

View On Gap.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 00 to 26W | Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, zippered chest pocket, zippered back pocket | Care: Machine wash and dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for daily runs in cool to cold weather.

Why We Love It

Athleta’s Run With It Jacket is versatile, durable, and packed with cool features, making it our top overall pick. During testing, it kept us comfortable and protected during windy runs, long hikes, beach walks, and everyday errands. After a few runs, we were impressed by how well it kept its shape after multiple washes, with no pilling or fraying in sight. 

We also like how breathable this jacket is, preventing us from overheating. Depending on the weather, it can be worn on its own or with thin layers underneath. And when conditions start to heat up, it’s light enough to tie around your waist, so you can keep going.

We love the smart design, which features four zippered pockets, reflective details, thumbholes, and a high neckline that can be worn up or rolled down. The fabric is water-repellent, abrasion-resistant, and rated UPF 50+, meaning it blocks at least 98% of the sun’s rays. Plus, the Run With It jacket comes in a wide range of sizes and lengths, so finding the right fit is easy.

Potential Flaws

• In testing, we found that this jacket runs large. But this can be helpful if you like to layer up for your runs.
  

Best Budget

90 Degree By Reflex Running Track Jacket

View On Amazon $40

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  4.5/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 4 to 26 | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginners or for running in mild weather.

Why We Love It

With a flattering style and thoughtful details, 90 Degree By Reflex’s Running Track Jacket looks and performs like a high-end jacket at a budget-friendly price. We love the contoured fit and soft, stretchy material that moved with us as we ran. And even though it’s sleek, we found that it doesn’t ride up or cling to the wrong places. 

During testing, we liked that this jacket kept us warm, but was still breathable enough to prevent us from overheating. We recommend it for mild to moderate weather, since it’s not too thick and you can wear a thin layer underneath if needed. With zippered front pockets and thumbholes, this jacket’s features set it apart from others in the same price range—making it an even better value.

Potential Flaws

• We noticed in testing that this jacket may run small, so we recommend sizing up for the perfect slim fit.
• Although this jacket held up nicely in the wash, the material doesn’t feel as durable as some more expensive styles we tested. Still, we think this is a fair trade-off, considering this jacket’s price.
  

Best Investment

lululemon Another Mile Jacket

View On Lululemon $228

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.2/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 14 | Materials: Nylon, polyester, elastane | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, hidden phone sleeve | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who It’s For

Best for tall runners or anyone with a long torso. 

Why We Love It

lululemon products can be pricey, but we think they’re well worth the money for their top-tier quality and thoughtful design. If you’re looking to invest in a running jacket you’ll have for years to come, their Another Mile Jacket is our top pick. This waterproof, wind-resistant jacket is built to last and can handle plenty of blustery days. It’s lightweight, but the polyester insulation still kept us warm during testing.

Like some of our other top picks, this jacket also has thumbholes, zippered pockets, and reflective details. We also like the protection the removable hood offers in cold weather. With a stylish, streamlined silhouette, it quickly became a daily staple beyond our runs during testing. 

Potential Flaws

• We noticed that this jacket is fairly long. Although it didn’t restrict our movement, it may be too long for some petite runners.
  

Best for Winter

Brooks Shield Hybrid Jacket 2.0

View On Amazon View On Zappos $98 View On Brooksrunning.com $170

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  4/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 22 | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, two drop-in side pockets, zippered chest pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It’s For

Best for running during the day, especially if you live in a cold climate.

Why We Love It

Designed for running in cold weather, Brooks’ Shield Hybrid Jacket 2.0 is the best winterized jacket we tested. During testing, we noticed how cozy and protective the insulation feels during cold, windy runs. We love how it kept us warm without adding too much weight or bulk. If we did start to heat up, we noticed the fabric effectively wicked moisture away, keeping us dry and comfortable on the trail. 

We found that the stretchy, flexible material allows for a comfortable fit while providing good range of motion. With four exterior pockets and one interior pocket, this wind-resistant jacket also offers lots of convenient storage for your phone and other essentials. Plus, we found that it washes well, so you can wear it daily.

Potential Flaws

• We wish this jacket had some reflective details.
• We realized that the zipper has a tendency to stick.
  

Best With Pockets

BALEAF Windbreaker Jacket

View On Amazon $53 View On Walmart $53 View On Baleaf.com

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Design
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 22 | Materials: Polyester | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, two inner pockets, zippered back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginners or anyone who prioritizes pockets.

Why We Love It

Like Brooks’ Shield Hybrid Jacket 2.0, Baleaf’s DWR Hooded Windbreaker has five pockets. But what sets it apart is the added internal storage—we appreciated having so much space for our phone, keys, gloves, snacks, and gels. Other useful features include reflective elements for low-light visibility and an adjustable hood for protection from rain and wind. 

During testing, this jacket proved to be extremely functional and comfortable for both running and everyday wear. We also found that it’s not nearly as thin as most traditional windbreakers are, adding to its durability. With a variety of bright colors to choose from and a budget-friendly price tag, we won’t be surprised if you pick up more than one of these well-designed jackets.

Potential Flaws

• The hood provides great protection, but we wish it could be removed when we don’t need it.
  

Most Durable

lululemon Cross Chill RepelShell Jacket

View On Lululemon $198

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 20 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, elastane, Lycra elastane | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, hidden phone sleeve, zippered chest pocket, zippered back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for anyone who struggles with motivation—we think this jacket’s cozy interior will get you excited to set new goals.

Why We Love It

With a design that held up through many wears and washes and an easy-to-clean shell for those extra muddy runs, lululemon’s Cross Chill Jacket is the most durable option we tested. It delivered excellent protection from wind and moisture and was easy to move in, which isn’t always the case for waterproof jackets. We also love lululemon’s attention to detail: The cuffs are made from soft, silky material that made us excited to wear the jacket. 

The Cross Chill Jacket’s fleece lining feels soft and protective in cool temperatures, but remains breathable and lightweight. We also love that it has four zippered pockets, subtle reflective detailing, thumbholes, and a cinchable hood. Even better, there’s a hidden phone sleeve for protecting your tech. 

Potential Flaws

• While this jacket is pricier than some other options on our list are, we think its high quality, functional design, and durability are worth the additional investment.
• This jacket may run small—consider sizing up, especially if you want room for layering underneath.
  

Best With Hood

lululemon Down For It All Jacket

View On Lululemon $228

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 14 | Materials: Nylon, polyester, recycled polyester, elastane, Lycra elastane, goose down | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, hidden phone sleeve | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who run in very cold weather and like a removable hood.

Why We Love It

lululemon’s Down For It All Jacket has all the necessary features to keep you comfortable and warm in below-freezing temperatures. During testing, the jacket felt surprisingly lightweight and not at all bulky, despite its warm goose down filling. The high collar and hood kept cold, windy air out during our runs. We also love that the hood is removable, for a customizable silhouette. 

Windproof and water-resistant, with convenient thumbholes, this jacket checks a lot of boxes we look for in functional outerwear. The fleece fabric is brushed for additional warmth and has four-way stretch that moves with you. Added insulation in the shoulders, sleeves, and hood traps heat even when it gets wet, for a jacket that's easy to wear in all kinds of weather. 

Potential Flaws

• This jacket is more expensive than some of the competition, but we think it’s priced fairly considering its thoughtful, high-performance design.
• We noticed that this jacket has a very slim fit, even compared to the other lululemon jackets we tested. We recommend sizing up, especially if you have wider hips.
  

Best Windbreaker

lululemon Mist Over Windbreaker

View On Lululemon $128

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 20 | Materials: Polyester, recycled polyester, elastane | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, zippered back pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who tend to overheat. 

Why We Love It

For a reliable three-season jacket, lululemon’s Mist Over Windbreaker is our top pick. During testing, it impressed us by blocking harsh wind, despite its lightweight construction. It’s breathable and water-repellent but still feels soft and stretchy—a rare combination to find in a windbreaker. And when temperatures rose by 15 degrees on one of our runs, this jacket helped regulate our body heat to prevent us from sweating. 

The Mist Over Windbreaker really won us over with its smart design and flattering style. We love the thumbholes, three zippered pockets, and no-bounce loop that keeps the hood tucked away when it’s not needed. Plus, it feels very durable and high-quality: Even after we wore it multiple times in all weather conditions, we didn’t notice any pilling, rips, or wear and tear.

Potential Flaws

• This jacket runs small—we had to size up to find the perfect fit.
  

Best for Mild Weather

Patagonia Women's Houdini Jacket

View On REI $65 View On Dick's $109 View On Backcountry.com $109

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Design
  3.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 00 to 22 | Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon | Pockets: Zippered chest pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who travel a lot.

Why We Love It

Lightweight, windproof, and packable, Patagonia’s Houdini Jacket is our top pick for running on warmer days. We like that it can be worn on its own or over a base layer when the weather gets brisk. When we tested this jacket, we noticed that the fit was perfect, thanks to its barely-there feel, drawcord hem, and elastic wristbands. We also love that it folds up into the chest pocket for easy portability.

With a water-resistant finish, the Houdini is a great option for long runs in unpredictable weather, since you can easily tie it around your waist. The jacket also held up extremely well in the wash—the nylon ripstop fabric is very durable, so you don’t have to worry about snagging it on branches or bushes during trail runs.

Potential Flaws

• This jacket only has one zippered pocket in the front.

Most Lightweight

L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket

View On L.L.Bean $99

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 6 to 20 | Materials: Polyester | Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, zippered back pocket, two interior mesh pockets | Care: Machine wash and dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for running at dawn or dusk or for runners who also like to cycle. 

Why We Love It

More flexible than a raincoat but not as heavy-duty as winter outerwear, a lightweight running jacket can be worn in many seasons and conditions. During testing, L.L.Bean’s Bean Bright Multisport Jacket provided reliable protection during windy, cold, and wet weather. Plus, it’s very breathable, keeping you dry and comfortable without allowing sweat to build up underneath. 

With its bright colors and reflective details, this jacket has impressive visibility in low-light conditions. We also like that the sleeves are slightly longer than the typical running jacket for extra coverage. (This can be especially helpful if cycling is part of your cross-training plan.) Even better, this jacket has five pockets in the front and back that provide plenty of space to stash your phone, gloves, and other essentials.

Potential Flaws

• We found that this jacket runs large, which is ideal if you plan on wearing it with layers. If you want a closer fit, you may want to size down.
  

Best Breathable

On Running Weather Jacket

View On Zappos $204 View On REI $72 View On Dick's $115

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  4/5
• Design
  4.5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 0 to 22 | Materials: Polyester, elastane, polyamide | Pockets: Zippered chest pocket | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It’s For

Best for anyone with a larger budget who wants a jacket that’s truly all in one. 

Why We Love It

On’s Weather Jacket is a performance-tech running jacket that’s specifically designed for optimal breathability and ventilation in wet, windy conditions. When testing this jacket, we liked that the drawcord created a comfortable, secure fit. As we ran on the beach, we noticed that this ultra-lightweight layer still provided exceptional protection from the wind. We also appreciate the adjustable hood, which includes a visor to keep the rain out of your face. 

In addition to its weather-resistant finish, the Weather Jacket features an anti-odor treatment to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable. Other helpful features include a reflective logo and a slot to thread your earbuds through. The front zippered pocket is also water-resistant and can fit most phones. On the go? Fold the entire jacket up into the pocket, and you’re ready to travel. 

Potential Flaws

• We wish it had more than one pocket. 
• This jacket is pricier than our other picks, but we think it’s worth the additional cost for its handy features.