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As the weather turns colder, some runners move their workouts to a treadmill or turn to indoor cross-training. But if you prefer to keep your runs outside, it’s important to layer with a base layer, a mid layer, and a good running jacket so you can stay comfortable and safe in the cooler temps.

Your running jacket needs to do more than keep you warm, though—it should protect against water and wind while remaining flexible so you can pump your arms and lightweight so as not to slow you down. With these standards in mind, we’ve rounded up the best women’s running jackets on the market, all of which effortlessly combine performance, protection, comfort, and a sleek profile.

Looking for more apparel to take you through the colder months? Check out our picks for the best winter running gear, neck gaiters, and fleece-lined leggings.

Dsquared2 icon Basket Shoes | The Best Women’s Running Jackets

• Best Overall: Patagonia Houdini Air Women’s Running Windbreaker
• Best Value: C9 Champion Full Zip Cardio Women’s Running Jacket
• Best for Frigid Temps: Athleta Inlet Women’s Running Jacket
• MATRI Kiki leather sandals Pink: Lululemon Mist Over Women’s Running Windbreaker
• Best Lightweight: Arc'Teryx Norvan Windshell Women’s Running Windbreaker

What to Consider

Materials

A somewhat stretchy jacket is ideal so the fabric can move with you as you pump your arms, lift your legs up, and bend at the torso. Polyester is a good option because it’s flexible, especially when combined with elastane, and wicks moisture well. Nylon is another good moisture-wicking option. Moisture-wicking is especially important for cold-weather running because it allows your sweat to evaporate before it can freeze and cause a shiver-inducing chill.

Insulation

The amount of insulation you need depends on the conditions you’re running in and, to a certain extent, your personal preference and natural physiology (for instance, how hot you get when you run). Lots of runners prefer to use a running jacket as a windbreaker and waterproof layer, and then add merino wool base layers underneath to stay warm.

People with faster metabolisms generally run warmer and won’t need as much insulation. Even people who run colder will need less insulation on a 40-degree day during a high-output run than if they were walking around at a slower pace that same day.

When it comes to designs specifically for women, some companies employ body-mapped insulation or venting that varies between women’s and men’s styles based on where you’re more likely to feel hot.

Weatherproofing

If you don’t mind logging miles in the rain and snow, you should add a water-resistant or waterproof jacket to your arsenal, even though they usually aren’t as breathable as non-waterproof coats. Both water-resistant and waterproof constructions also block wind.

Water-resistance, often achieved with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, offers a moderate coming of protection that will keep you dry in light precipitation. A waterproof jacket, on the other hand, offers a higher coming of protection, thanks to a bonded membrane that seals out water at the seams. That’s great if you’re going to be out in heavy precipitation for a long run, but keep in mind membranes often limit breathability and slow down drying.

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The original author of this piece, Marissa Cruz Lemar, is an avid runner who especially prefers cold-weather running in the 30- to 40-degree range—as such, she’s had plenty of opportunity to test a variety of jackets. Because she runs outside year-round, Lemar used her expertise to recommend the best winter running jackets for women that’ll keep you warm and, when you need it, dry.

In addition to Lemar’s recommendations, we used our staff’s experience and researched the market to find the best running jackets for women. This guide includes a variety of styles—insulated, waterproof, pullover, and lightweight—so you’ll be covered no matter the weather or your preferences. We prioritized jackets made from materials that are stretchy and breathable, and we evaluated each model based on weather protection, value, comfort, and style.

For the jackets that made the cut, we included an estimated temperature range in Fahrenheit. For jackets we’ve run in, this temperature range is based on our personal experience; for models we haven’t tried, we made assessments based on product descriptions and customer reviews. Keep in mind that these temp ranges are estimations, and your own experience might vary—our “what to wear” tool Kids Shoes Fit & Measure Guide.