When it comes to buying clothing or shoes, the importance of fit and comfort cannot be overstated. On the other hand, reflectivity is something else you should consider. Because of advancements in technology, sportswear companies are including accents on their gear that are attractive and useful, allowing you to be noticed more easily when out running.
While it is something you may not be actively considering, here are some reasons why reflective clothing should be at the forefront of your mind, as well as the most critical areas to wear it.
When Should Reflective Gear Be Worn?
After the sun has set, it seems simple that you should be wearing clothing that alerts motorists and other pedestrians that you are in the vicinity. You may not be mindful that it is always preferable to wear some form of reflective clothing, regardless of the time of day. The good news is that many clothes companies incorporate reflective elements on their items, so you won’t have to go out of your way to make reflectivity a priority in your wardrobe.
According to Anoush Arakelian, a running coach based in Boston, bright clothing is always recommended if you’re jogging near vehicles or bikes. It is sometimes difficult for drivers to detect pedestrians. Even when I’m dressed entirely in black, I make it a point to have something reflecting on me at all times.
As well as incorporating reflective accents into your clothing or donning a reflective vest that helps reflect light to drivers, Sandra Gallagher-Mohler, coach at I Run Tons, says it is particularly beneficial when bad weather forces drivers to use their headlights having your light source is also essential.
Gallagher-Mohler points out that using accents on the front and rear of each article of clothing, including shoes and caps, is an excellent method to make oneself more apparent to drivers. In terms of vision, headlamps are quite useful for nighttime runs since they allow you to see more of the ground in front of you than without them.
In the case of headlamps and flashlights, they will not only assist you in seeing, but they will also assist you in being noticed. These materials may not be required during daylight hours, but if you are running any time before or during dawn, or during or after sunset, or even if the sun is halfway up, having your light source is a smart idea regardless of whether the sun is fully up.
Where Is It Most Important To Have Reflectivity?
Now that you understand why you need to wear reflective clothing, you should know the most critical areas to put it on. Each area of your body should have some degree of reflectivity, even if it is just a small amount of it. Concentrate your attention on the major areas of your body so that automobiles and pedestrians can notice you coming toward them.
Arakelian explains that when it’s pitch black, wearing bright clothing around your upper body is the most vital since it’s the largest and broadest area of your body and will be the most visible.
I prefer to get shoes with a patch of reflective material on the bottom not to have to worry about it. Most tights are also equipped with luminous material around the calf region, which I find very useful for late-night or early-morning runs. The last clothing that I generally wear is a headband or cap.
It is good to have a reflective vest to wear even if you are not wearing a shirt or are simply running in a sports bra when you are running during the summer or unexpectedly warm weather while you are jogging. Most vests are thin or made of mesh fabric, making them breathable (and there is less of an excuse not to wear them).
READ MORE: AIWOIT Reflective Running Gear Review: The Best Safety Vest For 2022
Considerations For Additional Safety
Because of the widespread use of brightly colored apparel, having reflective accents on your clothing isn’t the only technique to make you visible in the dark. Opting for complete accent items is a safe option if you don’t feel like wearing neon from head to toe.
Gallagher-Mohler emphasizes that although reflective clothing is beneficial for increased visibility, it is crucial to dress in bright colors. The use of bright colors, particularly on your upper body, whether as a shirt, jacket, or vest, provides you the highest chance of being spotted by a driver.
However, you cannot rely only on reflective clothing or bright colors to keep you safe on the road. Make certain that you follow all traffic restrictions, such as not running your back to the traffic. When driving, you want to place yourself in the best possible position to be noticed, and obeying all traffic signs and signals is an important component of doing so; never assume a driver will see you. To compensate, Arakelian runs with her phone in her pocket for long runs or when she is jogging in the dark, using clothing that has pockets on the outside.
Gallagher-Mohler adds that, in addition to searching for methods to be noticed, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings, which includes being aware of your surroundings. Running with earphones and losing track of time while disregarding this obligation greatly increases your chances of being involved in a car accident. The most important thing to remember while jogging on the road is to be prepared with bright clothing and awareness of your surroundings.
