For On running wear: the Weather Vest on a cold morning, the Performance Jacket Waterproof on a rainy day. Of the 8 pieces on the Japan official site, only the Waterproof is labeled "waterproof."
The Shoe Nerd's top pick
Choose On wear by the "condition" label, not by the product name. The official site tags each piece "warm weather" or "cold weather." So I narrow the season with the tag, then settle on one piece by the number and position of pockets.
Key points
- Only the Performance Jacket Waterproof is waterproof with taped seams. The Weather Jacket and Core Jacket are water repellent
- The Performance-T and Long-T have exactly the same fabric blend. The difference is the sleeves and the tag
- The 8 pieces compared by fabric, water and wind, pockets and fit
On jackets split into "water repellent" and "waterproof"
Having "Weather" in the name does not mean it is rain gear. On On's Japan official site, the Weather Jacket and Core Jacket are labeled "water repellent." "Waterproof" is only the one Performance Jacket Waterproof.
Water repellent is a finish that sheds water on the fabric's surface. Waterproof is a build where a membrane keeps water out. For a 10km in light rain, water repellent is enough; for an hour of running in rain, you need waterproof.
This article compares the 8 men's pieces sold on the Japan official site by the materials and functions they list. If you do not have shoes yet, deciding first with the article sorting On running shoes by role makes the clothing's role easier to decide too.
The conditions I used to choose the 8 pieces of On running wear
There are 3 conditions. It was listed under the official "Men's Running Apparel" on Oct 14, 2026, with fabric and fit on the product page. And the outer and inner pieces do not overlap in role.
I compare 5 things: water and wind, breathability, reflectives, pockets and fit. I do not rank by weight.
The shortcut is the "condition" label. On writes "warm weather" or "cold weather" for each piece. Only the Core Jacket and Waterproof have a waterproofing field instead of a label.
4 outer pieces: water repellent or waterproof, packable or not
Scroll the table sideways →
| Product | Official price | Water and wind | Fit | Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather Jacket | JPY 29,700 | Water repellent, windproof | Tight | Zippers on both sides, 1 inside the chest |
| Weather Vest | JPY 19,800 | Insulated (On ThermaTec) | Tight | 2 at the sides, 1 zippered at the chest |
| Core Jacket | JPY 26,400 | Water repellent, windproof (knit) | Regular | Front pocket (the garment stows in it) |
| Performance Jacket Waterproof | JPY 36,300 | Waterproof, windproof, taped seams | Tight | 2 waterproof zippers at the sides, inner pocket |
Weather Jacket. A packable, water-repellent piece for daily autumn-winter training. Laser-cut vents and a mesh lining keep the inside dry. When you warm up, stow the garment in the right pocket and run with it on your wrist by the strap.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
On Weather Jacket
Lowest price on Rakuten Ichiba: JPY 29,700 (as of 10/14). Some shops ask up to JPY 65,540. Prices change daily. For apparel, compare the maker's size chart (height, chest, waist) with your own measurements. If in doubt, check the shop's return and exchange terms.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaIts weakness is rain. It is not waterproof, and there is no waterproof rating. The description lists no reflectives, so if you run in the dark, choose the Weather Jacket Lumos with reflectives.
Weather Vest. A sleeveless, insulated vest. The insulation is On ThermaTec, using Primaloft Silver. It has 3 pockets, and the garment packs into the chest pocket.
Reflectives are on both front and back. The job of stopping rain and wind is left to the water-repellent, windproof Weather Jacket or the waterproof Waterproof.
Core Jacket. A jacket combining water-repellent fabric with a light knit that stops wind but breathes. The hood and hem cinch with cords, and the elbows are sewn so the arm bends easily.
Where the other 3 are tight, this one is "regular." There is room between it and your body, so people who dislike flapping clothes should check in a fitting.
Performance Jacket Waterproof. For running in rain, it is the only one of the 8 you can choose. A 3-layer membrane, On GuardTec, stops water, and the seams are taped. The 2 side pockets have waterproof zippers, so keys and fuel do not get wet.
The hood follows the head with a stretch band and is hard to shift even when running fast. Its weakness is that it costs the most of the 4. If you want to confirm mandatory gear for mountain races in numbers, the article comparing 12 outer layers by waterproof rating is better.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
On Performance Jacket Waterproof
Lowest price on Rakuten Ichiba: JPY 36,300 (as of 10/14). Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten Ichiba4 inner pieces: short and long sleeves in the same fabric, and a bottom with 3 pockets
Scroll the table sideways →
| Product | Official price | Fabric (main) | Label | Reflectives and pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance-T | JPY 10,450 | Front: 90% polyester, 10% elastane / back: 77%, 23% | Warm weather | Reflective, no pockets |
| Performance Long-T | JPY 11,000 | Front: 90% polyester, 10% elastane / back: 77%, 23% | Cold weather | Logo and print are reflective; no pockets |
| Performance Tights | JPY 15,400 | 62% polyamide, 38% elastane | Cold weather | 2 at the sides, 1 zippered at the back of the waist |
| 7" Core Shorts | JPY 6,600 | 100% polyester (inner is 12% elastane) | Warm weather | 2 at the sides, 1 zippered at the back |
Performance-T and Performance Long-T. The contents are the same. The fabric blend is the same front and back, using On DryTec, which moves sweat to the fabric's outer face. The seams are tape-bonded, and the side seams are shifted forward from where the arms swing.
The only differences are sleeve length and the label. Both are tight, so they do not suit people who want a loose fit. A comparison for wearing them at HYROX is in the HYROX clothing article.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
On Performance Long-T
Lowest price on Rakuten Ichiba: JPY 11,000 (as of 10/14). Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaPerformance Tights. Tights with 3 pockets, for people who want to carry things while running. The 2 side ones take a smartphone or gels, and the zippered one at the back of the waist takes keys. The stretch yarn is 38%, the highest share of the 8.
If you run at night, pair it with a top that has reflectives.
7" Core Shorts. Lined, with 3 pockets: 2 at the sides and 1 at the back. Side slits do not hinder moving the leg forward. The shell has no stretch yarn, so people who want a body-hugging shape choose tights.
Price gaps for On running wear, and the totals for a full outfit
What is easy to agonize over is jacket or vest, and what the top and bottom cost. I put it in a table with the formulas.
| Comparison | Formula | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Gap between the Weather Jacket and Weather Vest | 29,700 − 19,800 | JPY 9,900 |
| Gap between the Waterproof and Weather Jacket | 36,300 − 29,700 | JPY 6,600 |
| Gap between the Long-T and Performance-T | 11,000 − 10,450 | JPY 550 |
| Outfit for a cold morning (Long-T, Tights, Vest) | 11,000 + 15,400 + 19,800 | JPY 46,200 |
| Outfit for a rainy day (Long-T, Tights, Waterproof) | 11,000 + 15,400 + 36,300 | JPY 62,700 |
| Outfit for a race (Performance-T, Core Shorts) | 10,450 + 6,600 | JPY 17,050 |
The vest costs two thirds of the jacket (19,800 ÷ 29,700 = 0.67). In place of sleeves, it has insulation and reflectives front and back. If your chest gets colder than your arms, the vest is enough.
The gap between long and short sleeves is small, and what you pay for is just the sleeve fabric. If you run all year, buying the long sleeve first wastes nothing.
By scene: what I would pick from On running wear
At 500km a month, I go out whether it rains or is cold. So I choose a piece with a clear role over one that does everything.
| Scene | My pick | Deciding factor |
|---|---|---|
| Cold morning | Weather Vest + Performance Long-T | Covers the chest with insulation; arms move in long sleeves |
| Rainy day | Performance Jacket Waterproof | The only one of the 8 labeled waterproof |
| Racing | Performance-T + 7" Core Shorts | Seams treated with tape. Fuel goes in the shorts' side pocket |
| Daily training (autumn-winter) | Weather Jacket + Performance Tights | When you warm up, stow the jacket in the right pocket |
Cold morning: Weather Vest and Long-T. If it is cold only at the start, where the layer goes after you take it off matters. The vest packs into the chest pocket, so you do not carry it. On a rainy morning, the Waterproof fits.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
On Weather Vest
Lowest price on Rakuten Ichiba: JPY 19,800 (as of 10/18). Prices change daily. For apparel, compare the maker's size chart (height, chest, waist) with your own measurements. If in doubt, check the shop's return and exchange terms.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaRainy day: Performance Jacket Waterproof. No hesitation. For people who decide not to run on rainy days, it has almost no time to shine.
Race: Performance-T and Core Shorts. What matters over a long distance is not rubbing the skin and where fuel goes. People who carry many gels add tights with more pockets, or a pouch.
Daily training: Weather Jacket and Tights. The combination for days that are cold at the start and hot after 20 minutes. If you only run at night, take the Lumos with reflectives.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
On Weather Jacket
Lowest price on Rakuten Ichiba: JPY 29,700 (as of 10/14). Some shops ask up to JPY 65,540. Prices change daily. For apparel, compare the maker's size chart (height, chest, waist) with your own measurements. If in doubt, check the shop's return and exchange terms.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaWho is it for?
If you choose by weight numbers, reading the article comparing inner layers by weight will settle it faster.
If you already own a water-repellent wind jacket, what to add is the waterproof Waterproof, which has a different role, or the insulated Vest.
FAQ
Does On running wear run big or small?
By the official labels, all 8 are "true to size." The Weather Jacket, Weather Vest, Waterproof, Performance-T and Long-T are "tight," while the Core Jacket and Core Shorts are "regular." All 8 have a size table of XS–XXL, and the model who wears an M Weather Jacket is 185cm tall.
What should I choose from On running wear to run in winter?
The pieces labeled "cold weather" are 4: the Weather Jacket, Weather Vest, Performance Long-T and Performance Tights. Vest to warm the chest, Weather Jacket to stop wind, Tights for the legs.
Can I wear the Weather Jacket on a rainy day?
Light rain only. The official label says "water repellent," with no waterproof rating. For long runs in the rain, choose the Performance Jacket Waterproof.
Can I return clothing bought from On's official site?
Yes. The product pages say unused items can be returned within 30 days of purchase, with free shipping. For tight-fitting items where you are unsure of size, buying from the official site lets you try again.
Gear in this article
Ads and images: Rakuten IchibaSources
- On Japan official: Men's Running Apparel
- On Japan official: Weather Jacket (men's)
- On Japan official: Weather Vest (men's)
- On Japan official: Core Jacket (men's)
- On Japan official: Performance Jacket Waterproof (men's)
- On Japan official: Performance-T (men's)
- On Japan official: Performance Long-T (men's)
- On Japan official: Performance Tights (men's)
- On Japan official: 7" Core Shorts (men's)
