If you enjoy running at night or during low-light conditions, such as dusk or dawn, ensuring 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.
Best Reflective Running Clothing and Gear
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.
Many of you are not into neon, so you’ll find that 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!
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.
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.
Running Hat – Ciele GOCap ($65)
When you don’t need warmth, this is great with lots of reflective detailing. It’s super comfortable, lightweight and breathable. It’s a great hat that will keep you safe and visible at night on the trails and roads.
Reflective Running Jacket
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.
Most Visible Jacket – Proviz Reflect 360 Jacket (starting $75)
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 and Shorts
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!
Best for Fall Runs- Oiselle Firecracker 3/4 Tights ($128)
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!
Best for Winter – Brooks Run Visible Tight ($130)
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.
Shorts with a Liner – Ciele DLY Short 5′ Long Brief ($90)
The DLY Short 5” with the long brief liner will quickly become a go-to. The fit is comfortable, and the phone pocket is secure with no bouncing or chafing. The liner won’t ride up at all, which is always a win. Paired with the GOCap, it’s an easy, all-day setup.
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.
Great Between Seasons Layer – Ciele DLY Long Sleeve ($85)
The Ciele DLY Longsleeve NiteRite is the perfect transitional piece for cooler mornings that turn into warm days.
It’ll keep you warm when starting runs before sunrise, then will wick away sweat to keep you dry once the sun is up. The fabric feels soft and light, and you’ll never feel overheated on sprint intervals or long climbs. 
Other Reflective Gear and Accessories
Gear that Goes from Day to Night – Nathan Hypernight 3.0 Hydration Pack ($110)
If you’re heading out to run when the sun isn’t up, this hydration pack from Nathan is going to give you the extra bit of safety to still be seen from behind. We even noticed that the reflective design on the pack worked really well during the daylight hours too!
The pack has two pockets on the front right side (that overlap one on top of the other) and a zippered pocket on the front left.
The zippered pocket is tight in space – think ID, credit card and chapstick pocket. The overlapping pockets on the right, while spacious, only didn’t bounce forward and backward if they were fully packed with things.
The back large zippered pocket where the hydration bladder goes does have a division for where the bladder is and where you could store whatever else you’d like to take with you, and it’s very spacious.
It adjusts both in the front two clips and on the sides under the armpits.
The side adjustment straps are what connect the front and back of the pack – without any extra material – and after adjusting, you can tuck in the extra strap in a pocket in the lower front on either side, so it doesn’t swing while you run (these do come at a cost of side pockets, if you are used to those).
The front clips do not have any place to be strapped or tucked in, so if you are on the smaller end of the size range, they will swing and hit your hands depending on your running arm motion.
Reflective Arm Bands to Wear With Existing Clothing – GoxRun Reflective Band Set ($10)
Reflective bands from YOA are stretchable and visible from up to 700 feet away. Three horizontal stripes run through their design. They’re made from that slap bracelet design, so it automatically bends and tightens either on your arm, wrist, or ankle.
Available in three super bright and reflective colors.
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.
Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?
Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.
A few common requests for running accessories:
- Best Running Jackets
- Best running socks (lightweight to compression)
- Best compression tights for runners
- Suunto vs Garmin
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