There are many clothing choices that we runners make that involve practicality over style – and the high visibility jacket is one of them. Let’s face it, fluorescent yellow is never going to flatter anyone – but being runover is never a good look either.
As we’ve passed the Summer Solstice and are heading back towards winter, my high-vis jacket will be seeing a few more outings than it has of late. Having said that, just last week I wore mine for a 9-mile run home in the rain. Yes, it’s also waterproof so why bother with a summer and a winter jacket when you can dazzle fellow road-users with dayglo shades of waterproofing in summer rain too.
So for keeping me dry-ish (it does tend to keep the rain out but trap the sweat in) and possibly saving my life on countless occasions – my high-visibility running jacket is lucky number seven.
Although prices of running jackets can be pretty high, I have the Karrimor one in the picture and it set me back all of £15. I’ve had it for about two years and have chucked it in the washing machine several times yet it’s still in good nick.
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You got a very nice jacket! I’d like to own one as winter has been drastically cold. My friend just gave me a ansi class 2 safety vests, for me to wear when I go jogging in the morning or late in the evening. So far, I think hi-vis apparels are indeed stylish and safe.
Hey, as you in live in London, this may not be a big problem for you unless you’re running through leafier districts and parks, but I’ve noticed, when in the comfy seats of the car instead of running, that the YELLOW hi-vis jackets can be actually fairly good camo in spring-time, especially when the sun is at a low angle through the leaves (esp. early morning) or if the yellow has started fading to a greener shade. While the leaves of summer are a rich green, spring greens look surprisingly yellow – I live out in the country, and it’s many a time I’ve seen a horse & rider only because the brown horse stood out against the green rather than the rider in hi-vis. Yellow is really good in autumn & winter, but neon PINK & ORANGE are actually more visible in spring & summer. YELLOW does stand out rather well against greys of concrete though.
I’d never really thought of that – any excuse to buy new kit though. Thanks for the tip!
Laura (aka lazy girl)
It WAS delicious, I got to share some of it!!
High Vis Clothing