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Jul 04, 2023

9 Best Running Jackets of 2023

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Stay comfy while you chase

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Stay comfy while you chase that runner's high with these lightweight jackets and warm winter shells.

To get the most out of your cardio workouts, it's key to wear a running jacket that fits properly and won't weigh you down, cause you to overheat or irritate your skin. If you love to run, the right jacket is essential for helping to protect you from inclement weather, including wind, rain, sleet and snow. However, not all running jackets are created equal, and some can be expensive, so it's important to choose one that's made with high-quality materials and top-notch construction to make it worth the price.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Textiles Lab analysts put running gear to the test to determine picks in categories like the best running shoes, the best running shorts and the best running socks to improve your stride. Although we haven't formally tested all of our top running jackets, we have evaluated many in the Lab and with the help of our consumer testers, who provide us with real-user feedback. We chose some jackets from brands that have excelled in past Lab tests in related categories. We also included favorites of our GH analysts and editors who are avid runners, as well as picks from popular brands with rave online reviews.

Our top picks:

Keep reading to find out how we choose the best running jackets, then learn a few helpful shopping tips courtesy of our Textiles Lab experts. Interested in hearing about exercises that can help improve your running? Check out our guide to the best strength-training exercises for runners.

A Good Housekeeping 2023 Fitness Awards winner, this jacket from Houdini was a favorite of our testers and Lab analysts. Altogether, our testers wore this style for 30 workouts, and they were impressed by the lightweight ripstop polyester material (ripstop is a durable fabric type that's resistant to tearing), describing it as breathable, comfortable and moisture-wicking. The flattering jacket protected our testers from rainy weather and humidity without causing them to overheat. One raved, "I am obsessed with this jacket!" and shared that it's a new staple in her workout wardrobe. However, she did note that it's not quite warm enough to wear year-round and is best for warmer climates. The jacket is a little expensive, but the brand offers a generous 365-day return policy, so you can try it out to decide if it's worth the price. (We think it is!)

More than 4,800 Amazon buyers gave this running jacket 5-star reviews (out of 5), and it's a total steal for just over $30. Users highlight the flattering shape, thanks to the stretch-blend material and tapered cut, but some say the fit is a bit snug and recommend sizing up for a looser feel. Our analysts appreciate that the material features the brand's Duo Dry+ technology, which wicked away moisture instantly in our evaluations, meaning it's almost certain to stay dry and comfortable on your runs. The running jacket is designed with thumbholes in the sleeves to keep them in place during workouts, a slightly longer cut in the back for more coverage and two zippered pockets for secure storage.

Lululemon's products are loved by GH Institute analysts, and our testers have repeatedly given the brand rave reviews. One Textiles Lab pro says she "swears by" the Cross Chill jacket, which has a durable shell that helps repel water and protect against wind. Panels of stretch fabric line the sides and run along the underarms for added breathability and comfort, which one analyst says she loves because it prevents her from turning into a sweaty mess when she's working out. The fleece interior is cozy and plush, and reviewers say it's warm, so it isn't the best option if you live in a warmer climate. To keep your belongings safe while you run, there are two zippered side pockets and a hidden zippered phone sleeve in the back of the jacket.

For just $50, this jacket from Quince is loved by reviewers who rave that the quality is unbeatable for the low price point. One GH Institute analyst loves wearing this jacket both when she's exercising and when she's working in the office because it's so sleek and flattering. Since it's fitted, some reviewers say it runs small and suggest sizing up if you're between sizes. Another analyst who owns this jacket says she appreciates the thoughtful details of the jacket's construction, like thumbholes to prevent the sleeves from shifting around and an open flap in the back for ventilation to help cool you down on a run. The stretch-knit material has a smooth feel, and reviewers share that it's soft and comfy.

Weighing in at just 4.23 ounces for a women's medium, Nathan's Stealth jacket is an ultralight pick that won't drag you down on your runs. It was also a winner in our 2022 Fitness Awards — the jacket got amazing feedback from testers. Plus, it packs compactly into its own pocket and features a corner loop, so users love to attach it to their waistband for backup in case the weather turns rainy, and it's great for traveling. There are thumbholes to help the sleeves stay put, but reviewers note that the arms run long, so you may experience some bunching around the wrists. As the name "Stealth" suggests, the jacket is designed with quiet material, so you don't have to worry about it making a noticeable swishing sound when you move around. Our analysts are fans of Nathan's workout gear and recommend the brand's running shorts for coordinating lightweight bottoms.

If you're looking for a lightweight jacket with reflective features, try Brooks' Run Visible Convertible style. Brooks is a popular running brand whose products, especially its top-tested running shoes, continue to perform well in our Textiles Lab's evaluations and wow our testers. The clothing in the brand's Run Visible Collection is designed with reflective strips placed in high-movement areas, such as around the hemlines and sleeves, and its jackets feature attention-grabbing fluorescent yellow details to improve runners' visibility in the dark. If cool or wet weather subsides and you're still hoping to stay safe on your run, you can easily convert the jacket into a reflective vest, but some reviewers say the vest feels slightly bulky to wear. Our Lab experts appreciate that there are snaps that line the front opening to allow for ventilation and still keep the jacket secure when the zipper is undone.

Available in regular (up to 3X), petite and tall, Athleta's Run With It Jacket is a great option for someone looking for a running jacket with extended sizing. The lightweight stretch material that our analysts describe as buttery soft is derived from recycled plastic water bottles. It has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50-plus for defense against the sun's rays, and there's a water-repellent finish to help you stay dry in inclement weather too; one analyst who wore the jacket said it wicked away water instantly. The jacket even folds into its own back pocket, so it's easy to pack away when you're on the go. Reviews indicate that the sizing is a bit inconsistent, with some reviewers sharing that it runs large, while others say the sleeves can be tight. Be sure to look over the brand's size chart before purchasing, and if you do choose the incorrect size, Athleta offers 60-day returns by mail.

Running in the winter can be a drag if you're wearing tons of bulky layers to stay warm that end up weighing you down. Marmot's innovative WarmCube jacket is designed to help regulate your body temperature, circulating heat when you move and trapping heat while you're stationary for extra warmth. It's on the pricier side for activewear, but its quality construction wowed our Textiles Lab analysts, and it's stuffed with an impressive 700-fill-power down. The sleeves are made of thin nylon ripstop material and are designed with underarm gussets to inhibit movement while you work out. There are plenty of zippered pockets (two at the chest and two on the sides) to secure your belongings too.

Patagonia continues to raise the bar with its sustainable, high-performing activewear, including the popular Houdini Jacket, which weighs in at less than four ounces. Our analysts love that it's made with recycled ripstop nylon fabric, a durable material that can withstand wear and tear, and it's produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility, meaning the people who make the jackets receive fair wages for their work. A perfluorochemical-free water-repellent finish coats the jacket to help protect you from wet weather. Drawcords at the waist and in the hood and partial elastic around the cuffs create a snugger fit to keep drafty air out while you run. There's only one zippered chest pocket available to store your belongings, but you can stuff the jacket inside the pocket for compact carrying.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Textiles Lab analysts test all kinds of fitness and workout gear to determine which options are worth the cash, including the best sports bras and the best leggings for every activity. We evaluate products in the Lab using specialized equipment, and we share products with our consumer testers, who provide us with real-user feedback. Although not all of our picks have been formally tested or evaluated in the Lab by our analysts, many have been. These are just a few of the properties we consider during our analyses:

• Construction: Our Textiles Lab analysts evaluate the jackets to determine how well they've been put together, checking for features like high-quality materials, flat seams and functional, easy-to-use closures.

• Moisture management: To measure the moisture-wicking ability of materials, we use the Moisture Management Tester (pictured here), which calculates how quickly droplets of water are wicked away from a fabric's surface.

• Washability: We also repeatedly launder the jackets, washing and drying them according to the recommended care instructions to observe how well they'll hold up to regular washing. We note any significant changes in appearance, colorfastness and shrinkage.

When choosing a running jacket, keep an eye out for these features, which will help you pick the right jacket for you:

✔️ Fabric: Performance fabrics made with synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are the best materials for running jackets because they're so lightweight and durable. Plus, they're often designed to wick away sweat, which helps you stay dry during a workout. It's best to avoid jackets made with cotton fabrics, since they're prone to absorbing sweat and moisture, which can feel uncomfortable and even weigh you down.

✔️ Weatherproof design: For protection from the wind, rain and snow, look for details like flat, sealed seams that help prevent wet weather from seeping through. Check to see if the jacket is designed with elastic or drawstrings in the hem and sleeve cuffs for a better fit that blocks drafty outside air. Also think about whether you'd like a hood for added protection or if you'd prefer a jacket with a high-neck collar.

✔️ Pockets: It's important to have space to store your valuable belongings, such as your IDs, keys and phone, safely while you're out running. Most running jackets are equipped with several zippered pockets on the sides, chest or back for storage, and some even feature hidden slit pockets for added security. Also, many of our picks can be packed into their own pocket, making them easy to carry around or clip onto a belt when running. If you opt for a jacket without many pockets, consider wearing a phone holder for running instead.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She writes about and tests apparel and accessories of all kinds, including comfortable shoes for standing all day, warm winter coats and expert-reviewed running shorts. For this article, she used her categorical expertise and researched products from popular running brands, consulted with other analysts within the Good Housekeeping Institute for their favorite picks and examined previous testing data related to workout gear and apparel.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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