The 7 Best Reflective Vests for 2022

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

For cycling in style, comfort, and above all, security.

As the summer fades away and the cooler months approach, the need for higher visibility clothing becomes, well, clearer. As the leaves change, so do our riding conditions, and highly reflective gear will come in handy on those days that fog invades the mornings and a wintry haze takes over the night. If you’re looking for a piece of clothing to help you stay visible in low-light environments, consider wearing a reflective vest. Whether you’re looking for one that can provide additional warmth, or you simply just want a vest that alerts others to your presence, these reflective vests on Amazon will increase the safety of your next ride.

Reflective vests come in many shapes, styles, and varieties, but the most commonly seen ones are sold as workwear—those neon-colored pullovers construction workers often wear. While bright colors certainly help pedestrians and motorists alert others of the wearer's presence, keep in mind that those colors aren't the reflective element of the garment. Reflectors are accented strips of plastic placed on vests and clothing, and only work when light bounces off of them.

Vests with reflectors work best in tandem with other reflective gear, such as bands and tape. As Kurt Heggland, Trek producer designer points out: "A jacket has no movement, so a driver could see it as a road sign. When you put the reflective material in places that move, you become more recognizable." Wearing a reflective vest with reflective garments that move—like bands on your ankles or putting adhesive strips on your pedals—offers optimal rider visibility.

To find the best reflective vests on Amazon, we scoured the internet for a variety of top-rated and bestselling styles. We didn't want every vest on this list to look like crossing guard chic, so we considered cycling-specific vests with reflective materials, in addition to more barebones reflective vests. We also chose a few vests that could withstand some elements, as to create a well-rounded list of products that could be considered for any season. This list is a combination of top-rated and bestselling Amazon products, as well as pieces that have been well-reviewed by users and professional critics within the cycling space.

Looking for more gear to make your rides safer? Check out our picks for the best reflective bands, bike reflectors, and U-locks.

This reflective vest is highly visible day or night, thanks to its neon color options, and reflective accents across the chest and back. It's made with a lightweight polyester that's finished with some windstopping and water-resistance, making it great for protecting against the elements. And although it's synthetic, its mesh backing provides some ventilation and breathability when you’re on the move.

A zippered rear pocket will help you hold your goodies, while its sleeveless design makes it great for layering. If you’re not a fan of loud neon colors, you can also grab this one in black or the greenish hue pictured here. Note, however, that reviewers say to order two sizes up, so beware of wonky sizing.

The Nova 2 bike vest from Louis Garneau is highly ventilated and super stretchy, making it ideal for cool days when you’ll need to layer up.

The vest is made of a ripstop, water-repellent fabric, with a semiopaque mesh back for some moisture control, and a wind-breaking front for added warmth. Its neon color is sure to attract attention on the road, and its 360-degree reflective trim around the armholes will surely help at night.

Buy in Women's Sizes

If you’re looking for a reflective vest to wear purely for safety purposes, this one from Salzmann is one of the best you can do. Although it's not weatherproof, this vest features highly reflective material via 3M Scotchlite technology, which offers excellent visibility day or night. Mesh paneling on the back and sides help with breathability while exercising, and elasticated seams offer give and stretch while you’re in motion.

These do run large, but they’re comfortable enough to use as a protective layer over a sweater without feeling too snug on your body.

Packable, highly breathable, and attractive, the Barrier by Pearl Izumi is a classic cycling vest with some water-shedding performance. Made with a tear-resistant ripstop nylon and mesh backing, the Barrier provides some waterproofing from splashing and rain while on the road, along with some breathability to keep you cool and moisture-free.

Its reflective accents come from BioViz technology, which ensures 360-degree visibility along its piping, logo, and stitching. It also has an adjustable hem cord to cinch close to your body and help keep wind out.

Buy in Women's Sizes

If you prefer your cycling clothes to fit close to your body, consider the Castelli Quadra vest. Though highly stretchy, these vests are form-fitting for a slim feel while you’re on the road, and its tight knit will conform to your body for a perfect fit.

Reflective details are found throughout its body, with accents on the chest and zippered back pocket for low-light visibility. A high collar protects against wind, as does its tough ripstop nylon. And just in case you want even more low-light protection, these vests also come in a bright neon green.

If you need some practical safety reflection and style isn't a priority, reach for this one. You can toss this elasticated vest over your body, and buckle and cinch it into place around your waist. This reflective gear has several accents around the chest and back, and it even comes with two additional bands for added visibility on your arms or legs. It comes in one size, thanks to its extendable fit, though some reviewers say it's a bit short in length.

It's starting to get cooler out, which means you’re going to need to bundle up on your rides. Kill two birds with one stone with this convertible jacket.

Decorated in reflective accents and piping, this jacket has removable sleeves that let it double as a vest. You can toss this jacket on for some windproofing and remove the sleeves as you begin to warm up. It has a mesh back to prevent overheating and help breathability, and three zippered pockets to protect your goodies.

Kevin Cortez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, and Runner's World. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he's an expert in men's style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He was most recently the style editor for a leading product-recommendation site and previously covered music and podcasting at Mass Appeal, Genius, and The A.V. Club. His work can also be seen in WSJ, Leafly, Input, and Vulture. He enjoys reading graphic novels, birding, and taking long, meandering walks in his spare time.

All the Best Bikes, According to Ride Testing

Battle of the E-Cargo Bikes

The Best Father's Day Cycling Gifts

Fezzari's Veyo Balances Performance and Value

The Best Ways to Store Your Bike

The Best Bicycle Locks for Every Scenario

The Best Bike Is the One You Give Away

18 Best Electric Bikes for Every Rider

The 10 Best Bikepacking Bags for Every Adventure

The Best Cycling Gear From REI's Memorial Day Sale

The Best Memorial Day Sales for Cyclists

The Best Bike Is One That Takes You on an Adventur