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The Best Reflective Running Gear to Keep You Safe and Seen on Your Route

We researched and tested bright jackets, vests, pants, and more

noxgear tracer360 illuminated reflective vest composite

Verywell Fit / Joy Kim

"Staying safe while running in the dark is about two things—being able to see and being seen,” says RRCA-certified running coach Heather Jergensen. “If we want to be seen, the brighter, the better." Wearing reflective gear that provides 360-degree visibility can help drivers, bikers, and pedestrians spot you on the roads or sidewalks. It’s especially important to focus on illuminating your head, chest, and arms since that’s what drivers will notice first, agree RRCA-certified running coach Ben Delaney and certified personal trainer Matt Scarfo, NASM-CPT

To find the best reflective running gear, we first turned to running coaches and other experts to learn which key features to look for. Next, we tested dozens of products in the real world, prioritizing jackets, vests, pants, and other pieces that are comfortable and well-made. All of our top picks, whether we tested them or not, have been selected for their superior performance, fit, design, durability, and overall value.

What to Know Before You Get Started

Reflective running gear can increase your visibility in different ways. 

  • Types of Gear: In addition to traditional running pants, tights, and jackets, many brands make reflective or high-visibility accessories (like socks, hats, and headbands). A reflective running vest is one of the most versatile pieces of gear because it can be worn over all types of clothing in various weather conditions.
  • Visibility vs. Reflectivity: High-visibility running clothes come in bright, neon colors, which may make you easier to spot at dawn, dusk, or in rainy conditions. But they won’t make you more visible in the dark. Reflective running gear has reflective panels, strips, or patches that reflect oncoming light from other people’s flashlights and headlights, so you can be seen at night.
  • Lights: Carrying or wearing lights at night, like vests, armbands, or headlamps, helps you stand out and avoid obstacles, Jergensen says. “Adding lights to parts of your body that are moving will help identify you as a moving object instead of an inanimate object,” she adds.

In general, the more reflective you are, the better, notes Scarfo—if it seems like you’re going overboard, then you’re headed in the right direction.

Safety Tips for Running at Night

Aside from wearing reflective gear, there are other steps you can take to stay safe while running at night:

  • Run in highly populated, well-lit areas.
  • Do your best to make sure oncoming cars can see you.
  • Stay alert at all times. 
  • Limit distractions by leaving your earbuds at home, recommends running coach Steve Stonehouse.

Reflective Jackets

Best Overall Jacket

Brooks Run Visible Convertible Jacket

Brooks Run Visible Convertible Jacket

Brooks

Pros
  • 360-degree visibility

  • Wind- and water-resistant

  • Converts into a vest

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Small zippers

Key Specs

Type: Jacket | Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Not listed | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for avid outdoor runners who don’t want to invest in a high-visibility jacket and a vest separately.

Why We Love It

With handy features and great protection from wind and rain, Brooks’ Run Visible Convertible Jacket is the best reflective jacket we’ve tested so far. Treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, it effectively keeps moisture out so you can focus on your miles. Even better, we love that the jacket can be packed up into itself and converted into a reflective vest in warmer weather. 

With bright yellow accents and reflective elements on the shoulders, upper arms, wrists, and waist, this jacket provides 360-degree visibility. This is key to ensure you can be seen from as many angles and directions as possible, Delaney says. Plus, it has zippered pockets to store your essentials securely. We also like that the hood offers more protection in wet weather but can be rolled and tucked away until needed.

Potential Flaws

  • This jacket is one of our pricier picks. However, we think its impressive visibility and convenient design make it worth the additional investment. 
  • We noticed during testing that the zippers are tiny and tend to break.

Most Valuable Insight

“The fit and overall comfort of this jacket is top-notch. It's lightweight, so you can easily layer it, and has a couple of pockets for larger items. This jacket holds up.” —Sara Michael, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Jacket for Chilly Weather

Sugoi Zap 2 Training Jacket

Sugoi Zap 2 Training Jacket

Sugoi

Pros
  • Highly reflective

  • Water- and wind-resistant

  • Sleek design

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Hood isn’t removable

Key Specs

Type: Jacket | Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Micro-glass lenses, elastic | Care: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who want a reflective jacket that also looks sleek and subtle during the day.

Why We Love It

For cold and dark runs, we recommend Sugoi’s Zap 2 Training Jacket. During testing, it delivered excellent protection from wind and moisture and was easy to move in. The jacket features the brand’s innovative Zap technology, which uses millions of micro-glass lenses for maximum visibility. When hit by a flashlight or headlights, the whole jacket is extremely bright and hard for others to miss. 

Beyond its illumination, the Zap 2 jacket is comfortable, breathable, wind-repellent, and water-repellent. A cinchable hood and stretchy elastic at the wrists and waist keep the elements out. We also love the roomy front pockets for stashing your phone and other essentials.

Potential Flaws

  • While this jacket is pricier than many other options on our list, we think it’s a good investment for its quality, technology, and functionality.
  • We wish the hood could be tucked away or removed when we don’t need it.

Most Valuable Insight

“This jacket is best for windy, chilly conditions because it retains heat. It looks cool, too.” —Christine DiGangi, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Budget Jacket

BALEAF Windbreaker Jacket

BALEAF Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket

Amazon

Pros
  • Comes in bright colors

  • 5 pockets

  • Windproof and water-resistant

Cons
  • Hood isn’t removable

Key Specs

Type: Jacket | Sizes: 0 to 22 | Materials: Polyester, elastic | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for beginners who don’t want to invest a lot in an effective reflective jacket upfront.

Why We Love It

While reflective running jackets can be pricey, we’ve found that Baleaf’s Waterproof Windbreaker has many of the same features at a more budget-friendly price. Available in a range of bright and fluorescent colors, it already stands out during the day—but reflective elements on the front and back enhance its visibility at night. 

During testing, this jacket proved very comfortable for running and everyday wear. Its windproof, water-resistant material, stand-up collar, and elastic cuffs provide plenty of protection. Meanwhile, a ventilation system in the back prevents you from overheating on long runs. Another bonus? It has five pockets for storing your phone, keys, gloves, snacks, and energy gels. 

Potential Flaws

  • We like that the hood is cinchable, but we wish it could be removed or tucked away when not needed.

Most Valuable Insight

“The price point makes it accessible for all running levels, and the fit makes it a jacket all levels will enjoy, whether for 1 mile or a rainy half marathon.” Lily Moe, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Overall Vest

Noxgear Tracer360 Illuminated, Reflective Vest

Noxgear Tracer360 Illuminated, Reflective Vest

Amazon

Pros
  • 360-degree visibility

  • Adjustable

  • Sweat- and water-resistant

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Tough to clean

Key Specs

Type: Vest | Sizes: Small to X-Large | Materials: Mesh, plastic, fiber optic cable | Care: Hand wash belt, spot clean battery pack | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who want a highly visible vest that can be layered over different running clothes.

Why We Love It

Noxgear’s Tracer2 Reflective Vest is our favorite reflective vest for its combination of 360-degree illumination, reflectivity, and fluorescence. Unlike other models, the Tracer360 is designed with flexible fiber optic cables that glow to alert drivers before their headlights find you. We love the vest’s multiple high-visibility color options and flashing modes, which change at the touch of a button. We were also impressed with the vest’s long battery life during testing—we wore it multiple days a week for six weeks and only had to charge it once.

With a slim, low-profile design, the Tracer2 vest is extremely breathable, water- and sweat-resistant, and allows for a full range of motion. Minimal fabric-to-body contact helps prevent overheating and uncomfortable chafing, while the quick-click buckle makes it easy to get on and off. We also like that the straps are adjustable, so the vest can fit over several layers or a thick jacket in cold weather.

Potential Flaws

  • Although the Tracer360 is pricier than other reflective vests, if safety is your priority, we think it’s well worth the added cost.
  • This vest needs to be hand-washed and spot-cleaned, making it a little time-intensive to clean.

Most Valuable Insight

“I like how this vest combines reflective strips with multicolor LED lighting (and there are so many fun color settings!). I almost never wear my regular old reflective vest these days because this one is so much easier to spot in the dark.” —Allison Vancura, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Budget Vest

GoxRunx Reflective Vest

Pros
  • 360-degree visibility

  • Budget-friendly

  • Comes with armbands

Cons
  • May not be as durable

Key Specs

Type: Vest | Sizes: Small to XX-Large | Materials: Polyester | Care: Hand wash | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who want an adjustable, minimalist vest for pairing with other reflective gear.

Why We Love It

With 360-degree visibility at distances of up to 800 feet, GoxRunx’s Reflective Vest offers excellent reflectivity at a budget-friendly price. It has a neon yellow exterior and reflective strips on the front, back, and sides, ensuring drivers see you. We also like that the vest is made from breathable polyester mesh for a barely-there feel on your runs.

During testing, we were impressed by this vest’s comfortable fit, which is easily adjustable using the hook-and-loop waistband. We wore it over a bulky winter coat and a tank top, making it versatile for all types of conditions. Since it's so thin and lightweight, it can be stashed in a small backpack or compact running belt during your run (so it’s there when you need it).

Potential Flaws

  • Some wearers have found that this vest isn’t the most durable since it’s pretty thin. 

Most Valuable Insight

“This running vest is lightweight, and it can pretty much fit over any jacket or clothing you might be wearing. The sides are adjustable, which makes it really easy to take on and off.” —Abby Mercer, Verywell Fit product tester

Reflective Pants

Best Overall Pants

Tracksmith Turnover Tights

Tracksmith Women's Turnover Tights

Tracksmith

Pros
  • Secure, high-rise waistband

  • Stretchy and breathable

  • Large back pocket

Cons
  • Seams may cause irritation

Key Specs

Type: Tights | Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best if you’re tired of pulling up your tights mid-run. 

Why We Love It

A high-rise waistband that never slips or sags makes Tracksmith’s Turnover Tights our favorite reflective running pants. We also love that they’re made from a stretchy, breathable blend of nylon and elastane that wicks sweat and moisture away quickly. 

The Turnover Tights are thick enough to be worn on their own, but can also double as a base layer when temperatures drop. A spacious, no-bounce pocket in the back and multiple color options make these bottoms just as stylish as they are functional. During testing, they proved to be an everyday staple we’d happily recommend to friends and family. 

Potential Flaws

  • Although we love how soft the fabric feels, we noticed some irritation from the seams between our thighs. 

Most Valuable Insight

“The inside of the tights were really soft and buttery but stretchy. And the reflective parts of the leggings are great if it’s early morning or after the sun goes down.” —Rachel Marek, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Tights for Cold Weather

Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tights

REI Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tights

REI

Pros
  • Windproof and water-resistant

  • Fabric is warm and anti-microbial

  • Breathable

Cons
  • Waistband may be too low-rise for some

  • Only one inseam length

Key Specs

Type: Tights | Sizes: 0 to 30 | Materials: Recycled polyester, Merino wool, recycled nylon, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry flat | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It’s For

Best for wearing alone or layering underneath pants in very cold weather. 

Why We Love It

With reflective strips on the front and back, Smartwool’s Active Fleece Wind Tights keep you visible and protected in cold temperatures. During testing, we noticed that the brushed lining felt super warm, while the durable, windproof, and water-resistant outer layer blocked the elements well. 

Made with Merino wool, these tights are soft and smooth. We love that they have natural insulation and antimicrobial properties. The material is also breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and comfortable. Two pockets offer plenty of room for your phone and other necessities, while ankle zippers make these tights easy to slip on and off.

Potential Flaws

  • While we like the mid-rise waistband, some runners prefer a higher rise for better coverage and a more secure fit.
  • These tights only come in one 28-inch inseam length, so they may be too short or too long for some runners. 

Most Valuable Insight

"My Smartwool tights are best used in really cold temperatures, as they are very insulating." —Kristin Cleveland, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Headband

Athleta Winthrop Reflective Headband

Athleta Winthrop Reflective Headband

Athleta

Pros
  • Soft and comfortable

  • Water-repellent

  • Secure fit

Cons
  • Shouldn’t be worn alone

Key Specs

Type: Headband | Sizes: One size | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Care: Machine wash, line dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for cold weather, especially if you’re looking for reflective gear you can also wear during the day. 

Why We Love It

Athleta’s Winthrop Reflective Headband is wide and warm, with small reflective details that don’t stand out in daylight. During testing, we loved how soft and comfortable it felt. We were also surprised by how well it stayed put as we ran—no slipping or sliding here. 

Although it’s made from breathable polyester, this headband covers your ears and provides plenty of warmth on cold, windy days. It also has a water-repellent finish, so you can run longer in sudden drizzles. Plus, we like that you can toss it in the washing machine with the rest of your gear after a run for easy cleaning. 

Potential Flaws

  • While this headband definitely improves your visibility, it’s not reflective enough to be worn without other reflective gear.

Most Valuable Insight

“The headband is super comfortable and doesn't slip or slide around. It's lightweight enough for more moderate weather but also cuts wind and cold too.” —Shannon Bauer, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Armband

BSeen LED Slap Armband

Amazon BSeen LED Slap Armband

Amazon

Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Easy to use

  • Sweatproof and water-resistant

Cons
  • May move around when running fast

Key Specs

Type: Armbands | Sizes: One size | Materials: Nylon, TBU light tube | Care: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who appreciate effective, budget-friendly, no-fuss gear.

Why We Love It

Easy to wear and budget-friendly, BSeen’s LED Armbands also performed well in our tests. These lightweight bands have powerful LED lights that provide 360-degree visibility. We like how simple they are to slip on and operate, with a button that lets you toggle between steady and flashing modes. 

Versatile and comfortable, these bands can be worn on your arms, ankles, or wrists without limiting your mobility. They’re also long enough to be worn over most clothes. Another plus: They’re sweatproof and water-resistant, for running in the rain

Potential Flaws

  • Although we like the simple and convenient slap bracelet design, we noticed during testing that these armbands can move around a bit, especially during sprints or other fast runs.

Most Valuable Insight

“They work well in all conditions, even in the rain where they won't get affected since the electronics aren’t exposed to the elements.” —Sara Michael, Verywell Fit product tester

Bonus Favorite

Although we didn’t test these pants ourselves, we still think they’re worth considering. They have similar features and price points to many of our tested favorites.

Best Pants for Cold Weather

Outdoor Voices FrostKnit 7/8 Legging

Outdoor Voices Women’s FrostKnit ⅞ Legging

Outdoor Voices

Pros
  • Soft, warm fabric

  • Breathable and moisture-wicking

  • Internal drawstring

Cons
  • May run small

Key Specs

Type: Pants | Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: Spandex, nylon, polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Who It’s For

Best for runners who prefer an adjustable waistband. 

Why We Love It

Designed to keep you warm, Outdoor Voices’ FrostKnit 7/8 Leggings are our go-to option for winter workouts. The fabric is brushed on the inside, for a soft, warm, and comfortable feel on the skin. Plus, they feature reflective piping on all sides—offering 360-degree visibility.

We like that the FrostKnit leggings are breathable and moisture-wicking, so they’ll dry quickly. The flat, mid-rise waistband can be adjusted using the internal drawstring and has a hidden pocket for stowing small items. We also love the two side pockets, to keep your phone close by. 

Potential Flaws

  • Some wearers have found that these leggings run small, so you may want to size up. 

Reflective Running Gear We Also Tested

We’ve tested 26 pieces of reflective running gears so far, but only a few have earned a spot on our final list of recommendations. Although these items impressed us in some categories, they ultimately didn’t make the cut: 

  • We like that New Balance’s Impact Run Luminous Packable Vest is lightweight and has two pockets, but we wish it was adjustable so we could tailor the fit.
  • Amphipod’s Xinglet Reflective Vest offers impressive 360-degree visibility. However, we found that the design is uncomfortable to wear. 
  • Although Nathan’s Streak Reflective Vest is budget-friendly, lightweight, and very reflective, the fit didn’t seem quite right during test runs.
  • The North Face’s Winter Warm Pro Tights offer great protection in cold weather, and we like that they have a decent amount of compression. But they’re a little short—we wish they came in multiple lengths.

What to Look for When Shopping for Reflective Running Gear

  • Visibility: As you shop, consider how dark it’ll be during your runs. If you typically run in the morning or at dusk, you’ll want bright-colored clothes and a vest with reflective elements. For running in the dark, you’ll need reflective apparel and lights, such as a light-up vest or armband.  
  • Materials: For running in mild-to-cool weather, look for reflective apparel made with lightweight, moisture-wicking materials like nylon and polyester. In colder, blustery conditions, you’ll need thicker clothes that are water- and wind-resistant. (Just make sure they also have some ventilation so you don’t overheat.) Avoid cotton, which absorbs sweat and can cause chafing. 
  • Fit: Your reflective gear shouldn’t be too tight or loose, and it should be easy to layer with the rest of your running clothes. Choose items that come in various sizes or offer some adjustability, so you can easily get the right fit. 
  • Comfort: If your gear isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it. Look for lightweight, streamlined pieces—heavy and bulky items may be uncomfortable or restrict your range of motion

How We Tested the Reflective Running Gear

To find the best reflective running gear, we’ve tested 26 products in the real world, wearing them during runs in low-light conditions. For the gear we select through research, we first consult experts to learn which features every piece should have. Then, we review key specs and customer feedback for dozens of products at different price points. As we continue to test and evaluate reflective running gear, we keep these criteria in mind:

  • Performance: How does the product perform? Is it highly visible in low-light conditions and reflective from all angles? Is it breathable, or does it cause us to overheat? We also evaluate any additional features, like water- or wind-resistant properties.
  • Fit: When we first try the product on, we assess how it fits. Is it comfortable and adjustable? During test runs, we pay close attention to whether the gear affects our running gait. Is it restrictive, or do we still have full range of motion? Does it bounce, slip, or shift as we run? 
  • Design: We prioritize practical, stylish reflective running gear. Are there any helpful design elements, like pockets or zippers? Do we notice any irritating seams or pressure points that could cause chafing?
  • Durability: We note how the product holds up in various weather conditions after repeated uses and washes. Does it show any signs of wear and tear by the end of the testing period? Has it stretched, pilled, or faded?
  • Overall Value: To accurately assess the product’s value, we don’t check the price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Considering its features and performance, do we think it’s priced fairly? Or would we only buy it if it went on sale? Products with a high value score are also pieces we would recommend to our friends and family. 

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Stonehouse, provided safety tips for running in low-light conditions. Others, like Jergensen, Delaney, and Scarfo, taught us why it’s important to wear reflective running gear and how it can help keep you safe.

  • Heather Jergensen, RRCA-certified running coach and founder of Runners Without Limits
  • Ben Delaney, RRCA-certified running coach and director of training programs and operations at New York Road Runners
  • Matt Scarfo, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and running coach
  • Steve Stonehouse, USATF certified running coach and director of education for STRIDE, an indoor running studio franchise

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort. She understands the importance of thoroughly researching products and only recommends best-in-class options. During her early morning and evening runs, Christine wears as much reflective and high-visibility gear as possible, including Nathan’s Streak Reflective Vest.