If we can help it, running in the dark wouldn’t be our first choice, but getting the miles in around our schedules during the changing seasons leaves no other option than to hit the sidewalks at night. Saying that, if you live somewhere with a warm temperature, you might like to beat the daytime heat and take to the roads in the evening when it’s slightly cooler to run. Either way, running in the dark can pose some safety risks, but you can increase your visibility and make your twilight runs safer by wearing reflective running gear.
Luckily for all you night owls, we’re in a run club boom, and with that comes a growing cohort of reflective running gear up for grabs. Running vests are the thing of the moment, as are neon-colored running socks, and reflective running gear dare we say it… is legitimately cool now?
Hi-vis worksite vests are one thing, and a torch on your head might feel a little too extreme for your casual weekly 5k, so reflective running gear is your best bet for staying safe, and looking good when running in the dark. From 1/4 zip jackets to running leggings, our running gear is finished with reflective details to make you visible to oncoming vehicles and cyclists, take a look at our top picks.
Reflective or Hi Vis Clothing?
One thing to consider when on the hunt for the right night running gear is the difference between reflective and high-vis clothing. High visibility running clothes (hi-vis for short) is an umbrella term for brightly colored clothing that is easily discernible in any background, but it’s not necessarily going to help too much at night. Sometimes hi-vis clothing will have reflective details but the term itself doesn't refer to reflective running gear.
Reflective running gear, on the other hand, makes staying seen in the dark its primary job. Clothing in this category will feature panels or patterns made from retro-reflective fabrics in areas you move the most to reflect light back to its source and keep you visible in low-light conditions.
The Best Reflective Running Gear For Your Dark Runs
Ditch the treadmill and brave the pavements with our reflective running gear that keeps you safe and visible, without compromising on style… and especially not on comfort.
Reflective Running Gilet
Speed Gilet
Our brand new gilet just dropped, and we know you’ve all been patiently waiting for it. This is the newest rendition of our Speed Gilet, part of our running collection that fuses functionality and style. Designed to stand out, the Speed Gilet features reflective details on the front and back to keep you seen as the sun goes down.
Why We Love It:
We love the city print across the back of the Gilet that adds something unique to the garment and is also printed in reflective fabric to keep you seen. Another great feature is the round-neck design that lets your high-neck running tops peep through, and the stretchy side panels that allow you to move with ease.
Reflective Running Leggings
Running Leggings
Not only do the Running Leggings come in a stylish selection of colors, muted earthy tones, and soft purples, but they’re also jam-packed with features you wouldn’t want to be without on your nighttime runs. They fit like a second skin with an impressively stretchy material providing comfortable wear and feature a reflective logo for increased visibility. Also, we can’t forget to mention the Running Leggings feature a back pocket for hands-free storage of your keys and phone while running.
Why We Love It:
The super high-waisted design is not budging a wink. Sitting comfortably above the belly button, with an adjustable drawstring to keep them in place, the Running Leggings are the dictionary definition of high-waisted. Stride with ease and peace knowing your leggings aren’t moving anywhere, and you’re visible to traffic on the road.
Reflective Running 1/4 Zip
Speed 1/4 Zip
When it comes to reflective running gear or running gear in general, the ultimate cold-weather running piece is a 1/4 zip pullover. Long-sleeved, covering some of the neck, and often fleece-lined, they’re insulating enough to wear alone for your cold-weather runs, or as a base layer for your sub-zero runs. For staying seen, the Speed 1/4 Zip has a reflective Gymshark logo on the front and city print on the back to shine your stride at passing vehicles.
Why We Love It:
It’s all in the details with this one. We love the zip guard on the neckline that protects the puller and provides some extra comfort while running. Not only does it look nice and neat, but it prevents the zip from rubbing against your neck as you run.
Reflective Running Shorts
Speed Shorts
If you’re still prioritizing running despite the weather; rain, shine, sleet, or snow, then chances are you’ve got your layering game on lock. That means shorts over leggings, gilets over long sleeves, and reflective running gear, of course. Our Speed Shorts can be transitioned from the warmth to winter as a layering piece to wear over your leggings. Lightweight and brightly colored, and with a reflective logo to keep you seen, they’re a perfect addition to your running wardrobe.
Why We Love It:
The length! Typically running shorts have a shorter inseam, but the new Speed Shorts sit at a comfortable length with a 7” inseam that provides a bit more coverage for your strides. They still feature the side slit for some extra stretch as you run, but the longer length means you can wear them more casually, for your everyday outfits.
Running 2-in-1 Shorts
It’s a running joke that guys will go out jogging in shorts all year round, but it can be true for women too. If you have legs and steel and can brave the cold temps of the dark winter days, or you’re blessed to live somewhere that doesn’t get cold, even when the sun goes down, then you’ll love our Running 2-in-1 Shorts for staying seen as you run. They feature a stay-put double-layered design with an adjustable waistband and reflective logo at the front for a safe and comfortable run.
Why We Love It:
If you’re anything like us, then color coordination is a non-negotiable when creating your workout fits. That’s why we love these shorts, as the inner short coordinates with the outer layer to create a color match made in heaven. Choose from a dark purple and lilac combo, or olive and bright green plus a few more bright color combos to inject some vibrancy into your running looks.
Reflective Running T-Shirt
Speed T-Shirt
Night running gear doesn’t necessarily need to be insulating. The benefit of having a reflective running t-shirt is that you can wear it for your summer evening runs or as a layering piece when the temperature drops. This T-shirt is lightweight and breathable for an easy breezy run and will illuminate you as you run with reflective details to the back and front.
Why We Love It:
The new Speed collection pays special attention to the finer details in the designs to create a premium feel for your running gear. We love the seamless neckline on the Speed T-shirt, which blends into a ribbed collar that curves around the back of the neck for a vintage soccer tee look.
Check out the Fluo Green colorway for some serious high-visibility!
Reflective Running Tanks
Running Tank/Speed Tank
It might be cold where you are now, but if you have a vacay planned somewhere tropical, and still want to keep up your running routine, a reflective running tank should be on your shopping list. Running (not dancing) in the moonlight may be beautiful, but you can become invisible pretty quickly, so our Running Tank and Speed Tank are designed with reflective logos to make you noticeable to oncoming cars or cyclists.
Why We Love It:
We love the racerback design that features in both of these running tops. It’s a classic athletic silhouette that’s made for movement by freeing the back of your shoulders up so they can move easily. Not only this, but this shape is extremely flattering, showing off your upper body gains and accentuating your physique in all the right places.
Reflective Running Jackets
Sport Windbreaker
Our hooded Sport Windbreaker is our go-to jacket for nighttime running. It’s a brilliant outer layer with windproof and water-repellent properties to keep you protected from the elements. Aesthetically pleasing, this stylish little number features a reflective logo on the front, and a branded Gymshark wordmark in reflective fabric angled down the sleeves for a sporty look.
Why We Love It:
We think we’ve aced the task of making a windbreaker look fashionable. Here we’ve implemented a subtle geometric print that weaves between bright green and black to create a camo effect. The contrasting green zip creates a boldness to the jacket that makes it stand out amongst the crowd… literally.
Bright Coloured Accessories For Running
Crew Socks
If you’re looking for more brightly colored accessories to add to your running wardrobe, then a good place to start is with what’s on your feet. Our fan faves, the Crew Socks are available in a pack of brightly pastel green, purple, and pink. We also have the Whitney Socks in a vivid can’t-be-missed shade of yellow. While they’re not reflective running gear, these colorful socks certainly bring some vibrancy to your running outfit.
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Your running clothes can get pretty sweaty (and smelly) just as fast as you run. Moisture-wicking t-shirts are the solution to this, designed to wick away excess moisture, and constructed with odor-eliminating and cooling properties, our moisture-wicking t-shirts are 100% worth it.
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