Best reflective cycling jackets for 2024, tested for men and women | The Independent

When you don’t have time to mess around, you go to the source of the technology, and in the case of windproof and waterproof shells, that’s Gore. The brand is well-known for its technical fabrics, and also has a penchant for keeping things highly visible and reflective, which is handy for this round-up.

We loved this softshell jacket with its subtle but effective reflective details on the sides of the lower back (ie, they’re not going to get covered by a backpack) and on the cuffs (which we thought felt very expensive and soft). It’s also mainly high-visibility yellow, which is always a plus. The C5 is designed to keep you warm in the deepest of winter conditions, but we found it’s exceptional breathability also made it perfect during milder weather with just a T-shirt underneath.

This jacket is not waterproof – the seams aren’t taped and Gore doesn’t guarantee it will keep you dry – but it is remarkably windproof, breathable and water resistant, so you won’t get soaked through if you’re caught in a freak downpour on your way to the tea room. It also feels much nicer to wear than a hardshell. There’s a good argument that this sort of jacket, supplemented with a cheaper shell for when the rain arrives, is a better buy for the British winter than a classic commuter coat. Ultimately, it will come down to the size of your existing cycling wardrobe and your budget. If this ticks your boxes, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

Our only qualm? There’s no women’s version of this design. We did, however, like another model from the brand that does come with a larger waist-to-hip ratio…