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If you like running at night, or during low-light conditions like dusk or dawn, making sure you’re visible with reflective running clothes is something you might be overlooking. Of course, headlamps and lights are great, but these added features make a difference!
Honestly, who hasn’t seen the sun rise on a run and thought, yup super worth starting in the dark?!
While I admit to enjoying the initial cool down of fall mornings for a run, I don’t love the increasing darkness. Beyond a headlamp to help me see, a big factor in becomes reflective running gear.
I know you love your black workout clothes, so we’re going to find some pieces that aren’t neon, but still reflective!
Let’s talk about reflective running gear you can use for 360-degree visibility.
10 Best Reflective Running Clothing Pieces
Let’s go from head to toe with reflective clothing! While many pieces have small bits of reflective stripes, we’re going for a little more full on vision here!
Of course consider a good headlamp for runners and great running lights, so that you can see as well as be seen. I’ll provide options like running vests there.
Many of you are not in to neon, so you’ll find the majority of reflective running apparel options here are about the reflection that happens when hit by light, rather than the always visible neon yellow. Though you’ll find some of that too!
Look for ✅ to find things that I’ve loved or have gotten great recommendations on from other runners.
Have tried to list most recent prices, if you see a sale GRAB IT! Good running gear ain’t cheap.
Reflective Headwear for Runners
Morning runners know that a beanie becomes a standard part of the attire for a good portion of the year. I figure if it’s something I know I’ll be wearing then I could make it do double duty.
#1 Cold Weather Beanie-Â Trailheads Ponytail beanie ($26)
This ponytail hat has a reflective logo and cover stitching to complement the solid black fabric. During dark winter runs, these accents improve your visibility on the road.
#2 Cold Weather Beanie – Nathan Sports Hypernight beanie ($31)
This beanie features reflective graphic detailing for visibility in low-light conditions. It’s lightweight and warm offering 360-degree reflectivity and is the reason why I wear this during winters.
#3 Running Hat – Trailheads Craft Lumen Cap ($24)
When you don’t need warmth, this is great with lots of reflective piping along the edges. It features a moisture-wicking fabric with silver reflective printing that is intricately designed. It’s a great hat that will keep you safe and visible at night on the trails and roads.
Reflective Running Jackets
Reflective running jackets can run from those that are full on YOU WILL SEE ME to many using high end fabrics to create jackets that look stunning in the daytime and brilliantly bright at night. Thanks to the different things they weave in to the fabric which make it light up when hit by headlights.
Since moving to Colorado I’ve become obsessed with finding great running jackets, they just make life so much easier. Most of these are lighter weight, so you can wear them starting in the fall. Onward with our reflective running clothes.
âś…#4 Best Lightweight Jacket- Nathan Hypernight Stealth Jacket ($120)
I had this jacket in white and found myself wearing it a ton, so it only made sense to snag a reflective version for all of my Fall and Spring running. The great thing about it for most of you is that it’s just going to look like a super light black running jacket.
But when headlights hit you then, tada you’re visible!
The loose fit also means that as the temps drop you can layer under it to stay warm and stay visible, so you’ll get a lot of miles out of this. I’ve worn this on a ton of runs because of the weight, it feels really versatile.
Available from an XS to an XL. It’s a looser fit, so you can still layer clothing under this jacket.
#5 Most Visible Jacket – Proviz Reflect 360 Jacket ($140)
This is 100% full stop, you can’t miss me. So when you want to leave NOTHING to chance this is your go to jacket.
I’ve previously mentioned another brand that offers something similar, but the jacket is just so thick I never found it breathable to actually run in. Instead with Proviz you’re getting that 360 visibility in a jacket that remains lightweight and will fit better for running.
This company is dedicated to creating reflective gear for sports (you’ll also find pants, shirts, gloves), so the quality is top notch and the gear is high quality to last.
Reflective Running Tights
Reflective leggings tend to have a small piece around the ankle, maybe something along the calf most of the time. I like that these pieces have more reflective hits and yet if you’re simply wearing them around you won’t even realize it’s there!
#6 Best for Fall Runs- Oiselle Firecracker 3/4 Tights ($108)
Oiselle fans rejoice they have a fun bird print that mostly looks like a very low key design until the light hits in and then boom…reflective.
While it doesn’t have any side pockets for your phone, there are pockets around the waist band to hold keys, gels and small items like a room key. With the shorter length and moisture wicking fabric these are going to be good for those cool, but not really cold days…which of course is when we are starting to need to be seen!!
Linked above to Title Nine which is a great women focused brand, but I notice only showing up to size 12. Directly on Oiselle you’ll find up to size 24/26 and additional colorways!
#7 Best for Winter – Brooks Run Visible Tight ($150)
Right out of the package, the quality of these cold weather running tights is evident. The material feels durable yet soft, offering that perfect balance of support and comfort. These are a thermal pant, so absolutely going to be a nice warm running tight!
They also have a thinner version for your Fall mornings.
I like that these these have more reflective hits and yet if you’re simply wearing them around you won’t even realize it’s there! Truly winter runs generally mean time in the dark and this is an easy way to keep yourself warm and safe.
âś…#8 Full Length Best for Cool Days Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Legging ($128)
Bum sculpting and a phone pocket, BOOM! I truly am a big fan of SB gear because it does fit so well and flatters the body.
If you don’t need a thick tight, but just something comfortable to run in and remain visible these are a winner. I love that in the light they just look like solid black pants. They actually won an award from Women’s Running Magazine this year as well!
Reflective Running Shirts
Let’s be honest, after a LOT of scouring there were very few shirts that didn’t call the little logo on the front enough to make it reflective.
Oiselle at times has a Firecracker sports bra or tank, but right now they are not listed as available.
You can also dig deeper in to the Brooks Run Visible line listed above for shirt options to match those tights.
#9 Wildspark Men’s Reflective Running Shirt ($49)
Available in three colors this looks like any other short sleeve men’s running shirt until the light hits it! This is the kind of thing that I can easily convince my husband to wear and ensure that he isn’t forgetting about safety.
Lightweight, wicking and available from small to 3XL it’s going to work for so many.
#10 Safety Skin Stick ($18)
Ok I know this isn’t reflective running clothing, but it 100% counts as reflective running gear!!
Since most shirts just have the small piping, consider this Safety Skin stick!! Yup, you just swipe it on like you would your glide, but it’s going to make you reflective. You can see it in the photo at the top of this article!
Super cool and I love that this is going to be a viable option for all those running in the heat.
BONUS – Reflective Arm Bands to Wear With Existing Clothing – Vanor Reflective Band Set ($13)
Reflective bands from YOA are stretchable and visible from up to 700 feet away. Three horizontal stripes run through their design. Two are luminous yellow, one is reflective silver, and all promote visibility.
Because these bands are made of elastic material, they are adaptable to all runners and can be worn on the wrists or ankles.
Reflective Running Shoes
One area that can be super fun to add a little reflective flare is your shoes! Now I know a lot of them say they’re reflective, but again we’re in this for a bigger and better scenario!
One that really stood out this year was the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Gore-tex. Now I know not everyone needs a waterproof trail shoe…or do you???
Because when people ask me about running in the snow, you know what I tell them they need? 
Well I probably gave away the ending, but this is a pretty darn good option. Technically it’s listed as a hiking shoe, but I find that a lot of trail shoes can cross back and forth. So here we’re mostly looking at how does it feel and do you feel like it will keep you stead.
I like the padding here and have always trusted Merrell for great grip!
So there you have it a big round up of reflective running gear. Sorry I didn’t post more photos of us specifically in the gear, it’s hard to take reflective photos!!
Is It Safe to Run At Night?
Running at night can be safe as long as you take some precautions. And in fact, it’s necessary for those doing ultra runs or even practicing for night legs of a Ragnar relay.
Run in lit areas if possible and ALWAYS RUN TOWARDS traffic. You need to see them, so you can move if necessary.
In fact, it’s the law for you to run against traffic if using the road.
One of the most common recommendations is that you should run in well-lit areas with lots of people. But as noted for trail runners that may not always possible or you might live outside the city.
SO then we need to focus on doing your best to make sure cars coming the other way can see you.
Even if you are wearing reflective gear when you run at night or in low light, just assume that no one can see you and be aware at all times.
Also, make sure you don’t listen to music that’s so loud that you lose situational awareness. It’s simply too important to be aware of what’s going on around you.
All right, now that you have the options, NO EXCUSES!
Wear your reflective running gear.
Be visible.
Be safe.
Don’t let the dark hold you back from enjoying your runs.
Why Wear Reflective Running Gear?
If you happen to love running early in the morning, or running late in the evenings, then you’re running during a time when visibility is low.
This makes it absolutely essential to be seen by oncoming traffic so that you’re safe when running.
- Drivers are distracted, so you have to do more to be seen.
- Street lights aren’t always working or available to this improves your visibility.
- Most of this gear looks good and is comfortable anyways, so it’s already serving you well.
Practicing running safety becomes paramount in such situations, and that’s why I always recommend runners look into reflective running gear to ensure safety.
In this article I’ll give you my favorite reflective running clothing from jackets to pants to shirts and more! We’ll also talk about what to look for to help you decide if other gear is worth the investment.
These early morning views get me out of bed. And makes it worth spending a couple minutes to find some gear that helps me be visible when a runner or mountain biker might be headed my way on the trails, not just on the roads.
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