'These are the 13 running jackets that got me through marathon training in two winters'
A free seven-day gym pass, half price activewear, two-for-one cocktails – there’s nothing quite like the delicious buzz of a bargain.
Take running – it doesn’t call for a spenny gym membership or any awkward equipment and you can do it pretty much anywhere. It’s hardly surprising, then, that more of us are pounding the pavement than ever before. What’s more, running can do wonders for the mind and body, from stoking your metabolism and boosting aerobic capacity to relieving stress and improving sleep.
The only issue? The dodgy British weather, of course. Let’s face it, pounding the pavement is not the one when it’s cold and blustery outside, and training on the treadmill can be monotonous and boring. That’s where the best running jackets come in.
Not only do they keep you cosy and comfortable in gloomy conditions, but these must-have bits of kit can also keep the wind at bay, help you stay safe with reflective detailing, provide handy pockets for stashing your valuables and even enhance your motivation levels.
Whether you’re gunning for a PB or hitting up your local park run, the Women's Health team set about finding the best running jackets that will help you stay on track, whatever the weather.
What makes a good running jacket for women?
As always, personal preference will come into play when finding the right running jacket for you. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t point you in the right direction. Look out for the following features in any worthy running jacket.
Weatherproofing: If you plan on running in the rain regularly, it's wise to opt for a jacket with a water-resistant coating to keep you protected. The best running jackets will also shield you from chilly winds, preventing your body temp from plummeting.
Breathability: You may start your run with chattering teeth and frostbitten fingers, but once you start pounding the pavement, you’re sure to heat up. When this happens, you need a running jacket that will allow sweat and excess heat to escape so you don’t feel like you’re inside a tent at a mid-summer music festival.
Packability: Many of the jackets we tried came with small, handy bags they could be packed into. This is great if you need to shed layers on the go, whether halfway into a 10K or out on a hike, so you won’t need to lug a cumbersome coat around the rest of your route.
Fit: If you run half-marathons for fun and leave people slack-jawed with your 5K time, you’ll want a slim-fitting jacket that doesn’t flap about or distract you as you stride. The more casual runners among you may opt for a slightly looser fit that you can chuck on over a jumper, but you still don’t want anything so baggy it gets in the way.
Freedom of movement: You should be able to twist your torso and pump your arms comfortably, without feeling the cut of the jacket or material is restricting your movement.
The best running jackets for women in 2025
How we tested these running jackets
We set our in-house testers the challenge of finding a collection of jackets that will be comfortable for the duration of your run.
Our team of regular runners tested several jackets each, wearing them for at least three outdoor runs that varied in pace and distance. We then asked them to give their honest feedback on how each design performed, paying particular attention to whether they were at all restrictive, how they felt on sweatier runs and if they kept the rain out successfully. Brownie points were also awarded for innovative features including cleverly concealed pockets and toggles to adjust the fit.
Finally (hey, we’re nothing if not thorough!), we washed each jacket a couple of times to make sure they held their shape and didn't fall apart after a whirl in the washing machine.
Under Armour Out Run The Storm Jacket
Another top choice for wet, windy runs. According to Under Armour, this jacket ‘isn’t just water-resistant, it’s super water-resistant,’ and after testing it, we’d have to agree. Our tester confirmed it successfully shielded them from the elements, telling us, ‘It kept me super dry on wet runs,’ and another saying: ‘I couldn’t fault its performance.’
If pockets are a priority, you’ll be pleased to know it has two side zipped pockets along with an internal one for your phone. The material felt soft, flexible and didn’t restrict movement, and the understated but chic design proved popular too – a number of testers said they loved the way it cinched them in at the waist.
The lightweight fabric it a great shout for speedier runs and there are reflective elements if you tend to exercise in the early mornings or after dark. The hood did need rearranging from time to time, but we liked that there’s a loop at the back should you wish to tuck it away. Breathable, weatherproof and comfortable, this is an excellent all-rounder whatever type of runner you are.
QUEENIEKE Women's Slim Fit Running Jackets
Our Ecommerce Editor has been wearing this particular running jacket for almost five years now. Despite having access to luxe brands like Lululemon, TALA, and Under Armour, this jacket has remained in her regular activewear rotation since she bought it in 2020.
While the fabric composition is nothing to write home about and it will almost certainly leave you feeling sweaty after a run, it is extremely flattering and perfect for shorter runs.
She would advise against wearing this one if there's even the slightest chance of rain, as the fabric isn't at all water-resistant and starts to feel heavy if there's even a slight drizzle.
TALA SkinLuxe Zip Through Full Length Running Top
Many of the WH editors consider themselves fairly huge fans of British-born activewear brand TALA. We've come to trust the brand to provide flattering, high-quality activewear fits that are the perfect combination of fashion-forward and functional.
While this one isn't waterproof so wouldn't be ideal for a rainy run, the lightweight fabric is perfect for those days when you need an extra layer but don't want to overheat.
The hip-skimming hemline and waist-snatching seam detailing make it a highly flattering piece of apparel that enhances an hourglass shape.
Women's UA Crinkle Woven Jacket
One of the most confusing parts of running in the UK is it can even be drizzly when it's not that cold. For runs where it looks like it might start raining but it's still relatively warm out, we recommend this jacket from Under Armour.
It's lightweight enough to not feel stuffy, but is powerfully water-resistant - keeping our tester bone dry when it was bucketing down outside.
We're also big fans of the adjustable, waist-cinching design as it's a lot more flattering than most of the other waterproof running jackets we tried.
Spanx Full Zip Jacket
When you think of Spanx you may think purely of shapewear, but the brand has made an effort to diversify its product offering over the past few years and now offers a super popular activewear range.
The Spanx Full Zip Jacket takes what the brand knows about compressive materials and repurposes it to make a piece that flatters the silhouette while still being lightweight and buttery soft.
Lululemon Hooded Define Jacket Nulu
As our Ecommerce Editor was training for her last couple of marathons in winter, she had to leave the house for hours at a time in potentially inclement weather, so she needed to be ready for everything.
She found this Hooded Define Jacket from Lululemon was perfect for days when she wasn't sure what the conditions would be like: it's cool enough to wear if it's a bit warm, and is perfect for layering when the weather is bitterly cold.
Although it isn't waterproof, the hood and miraculously quick-drying fabric kept her comfortable if there was a short burst of rain.
OMM Women’s Halo Jacket
You’ll want to have the Halo Jacket handy when the heavens open – it kept everyone nice and dry and scored top marks when we measured its waterproofing capabilities in the lab.
Our panel found it a cinch to slip in and out of thanks to the smooth front zipper, and also commented on how flattering the fit was for a running jacket.
The lack of pockets means you’ll have to find somewhere else to stash your phone and keys on longer runs, but it more than made up for this by moving with runners' bodies without feeling restrictive. It also has reflective detailing, helping us feel safer when running at night.
The feather-light material gave our tester a great range of motion around their shoulders while offering faultless waterproofing (and a bit of warmth to boot). It fits slim but true-to-size, helping prevent any pesky riding up, making it a big hit.
Lovall Empower Jacket
While many of the jackets we tried as part of this review were very flattering, there's something about this jacket from Lovall that was on another level.
Our tester said it was like the material moulded to her body, enhancing her curves without feeling at all restrictive. It quickly became one of her most worn pieces of clothing, whether she had a run planned or not.
On Running Women’s Zero Jacket
At just 52g, this featherweight ON jacket is a winner for all you hardcore runners out there. It was so lightweight, in fact, that some of our testers forgot they had an extra layer on at all! They lavished praise on the silky-smooth material and said it offered brilliant protection from wind and light rain.
The roomy design didn’t feel restrictive and thankfully no rustling or billowing was reported. It packs away into the tiniest of pockets (great for travel) and the ON logo is reflective to keep you visible when running in low light.
The absence of pockets means you’ll have to leave your keys and phone at home, but for keen runners with speed and performance in mind, it’s a stellar choice. Size up for maximum comfort.
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Women's Jacket
The Bonatti’s stylish design didn’t go unnoticed by our tester, who also liked the inclusion of a toggle for adjusting the fit around the waist. When running, the material proved light and comfortable.
The slim cut means it runs very small, so we would recommend sizing up. The pockets are on the larger side too, so phones bounced around when we upped the pace. But, if you fancy a jacket for moderately paced runs (and make sure to pick the right fit) then this is a great buy.
Innovative, elegant and rainproof, this is a top choice for those who run as part of a wider workout routine, rather than racers trying to shave milliseconds off their 10K time. Just make sure (and we’ll say it again for the people at the back) you order a size up.
Highlander Stow & Go Pack Away Rain Jacket
With running jackets, it’s often the case that you get what you pay for. But this jacket bucks that particular trend, passing all our tests while setting you back less than 30 quid.
The full-length zip makes it easy to put on if you’re caught in a sudden shower. And, when the clouds finally part, you can pack it away into a compact ‘stuff sack’ so you don’t have to lug it around with you for the rest of your walk or run. Some of our panel grew a bit hot and sticky during sweaty sessions, and they found the toggles a tad annoying as they bounced around while they ran. But, overall, this is a great value product ideal for casual runners looking to stay dry.
Waterproof, comfortable and practical, this is a steal for the price. The lack of breathability put us off wearing it for harder runs, but it’s a great fit for less intense walks and jogs.
Lululemon Define Jacket Nulu
Not everyone can have a different jacket for running, pilates, yoga and strength training. If you're looking for a jacket that would be perfect for all different kinds of fitness, look no further than the Lululemon Define Jacket.
There's a reason this jacket goes viral on social media so often (and has 'inspired' so many other brands...) and that's because it's great.
It's lightweight yet compressive, snatching our tester in at the waist without being uncomfortable. The waist-enhancing stitching helps to emphasise an hourglass silhouette from the front and the back, and the four-way stretch makes it perfect for a wide array of activities on top of running.
Evadict Women’s Trail Running Waterproof Rain Jacket
This Evadict jacket does the basics well. It formed a flawless barrier to water during test, offered our arms and torso ample freedom of movement while running, and has a well thought-out hood with a semi-rigid visor to stop rain running into your eyes. There are also two zipped pockets and a separate waterproof compartment, so you won’t need to splash out on a new phone post-run (phew!)
Our tester said this was a top option in the cold, offering warmth as well as an effective protective layer against the wind and rain. It didn’t feel particularly breathable, so isn’t one for sweatier running sessions, and shorter testers said the back of the jacket was cut uncomfortably low on the bum. Taller runners, on the other hand, had no such problems.
Clever additions like the peaked hood and waterproof pocket for valuables earned this jacket some extra points. It lost marks for its longer fit and lack of breathability, but for taller runners looking to combat the cold it’s a fine choice.
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