Waterproof, lightweight and windproof running jackets

Pace yourself. Before you click buy, get clear on what you actually need protection from, because UK weather isn't loyal to one mood, and the wrong jacket can ruin a good run in about thirty seconds.

• If proper rain is on the cards (and let's be honest, in this country it usually is), a waterproof running jacket women's style does the heavy lifting. Fully sealed seams, taped construction, the works. 
• Water-resistant is a different beast: brilliant for light showers, hopeless in a downpour. Think of it as your everyday rain insurance rather than your winter armour. 
• A windproof running jacket is the unsung hero of British running, cutting the kind of cold air that bites through your kit on exposed park loops or coastal stretches without adding bulk. 
• And a lightweight running jacket women's style? That's your year-round MVP, packing down small, breathing properly, and saving you from regretting your kit choice the second you start to warm up.

Brands matter here too, and our edit pulls in different strengths from each. Sweaty Betty leads on style, with clever details and water-resistant fabrics that don't compromise on cut. Nike covers the high-performance technical end, with proven Therma-FIT and Swift fabrics that earn their keep through any weather. adidas goes lightweight and economic, ideal if you want a jacket that performs without too much of an investment. 

How to choose the right women's running jacket

The honest answer to "which ladies running jacket should I buy?" is: it depends. But here's how we'd narrow it down. Start with where and how often you run:

• If you're outdoor most days, including the dark ones, lead with waterproofing and reflective detail
• If your running is more weekend miles than daily grind, a packable lightweight style won't feel like overkill on milder days, and it'll earn its place in your kit bag for years.

Fit comes next. Close-cut wins, but not so tight that you can't slot a long-sleeve underneath when temperatures drop.

Then the small stuff, which matters more than people give it credit for. These details are what separate a jacket you reach for to one that lives at the back of the wardrobe:

• Zip pockets that actually hold a key without it bouncing the whole way home
• Vents under the arms that release heat when you push the pace
• Reflective trims for early starts and dark winter evenings. 

For milder conditions, a lightweight jacket with our women's running shorts is the easiest combination going. When the temperature really drops, layer over long sleeve running tops with a base layer underneath, for the kind of warmth that doesn't tip into overheating the moment you find your pace.