Mens Softshell Jackets | Windproof Layers

Q: Who makes the best soft shell jackets?

Brands like The North Face , Patagonia , and Rab are highly regarded for their quality softshell jackets, offering a balance of durability, comfort, and performance.

Q: Are soft-shell jackets waterproof?

In most cases: no , they are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They handle light rain or snow but are not designed for sustained heavy downpours.

Q: How warm are softshell jackets?

They provide moderate warmth—warmer than a light shell but typically less than a puffy/insulated jacket. Warmth depends on lining, thickness and layering strategy.

READ: Waterproof Buying Guide / Layering System Guide

If most of your “bad weather” is wind, drizzle, and that constant UK damp in the air, a mens softshell jacket often makes more sense than a full waterproof. A good softshell blocks a chunk of wind, breathes better than a hardshell when you are moving, and stretches when you reach for poles, pull a lead, or scramble over a stile. A softshell jacket also feels less crinkly than many waterproof shells, so the layer stays on more of the day instead of coming on and off.

Choosing the right softshell starts with the fabric type. A stretch-woven softshell prioritises airflow and freedom of movement, and the water-repellent finish is there to shrug off short showers rather than fight a full day of rain. A membrane softshell gives more weather protection, but breathability usually drops compared with stretch-woven options. Softshell jackets also slot into a tidy layering system. A softshell can be the outer layer on cool, breezy days, then sit under a waterproof shell when the rain gets heavier. Keep the water repellency working by washing the jacket and reactivating or refreshing the DWR when beading fades.

Shop mens softshell jackets and pick the layer that matches your pace and your forecast.

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A soft-shell jacket is a versatile outer layer made from woven synthetic materials (often polyester, nylon, elastane) with a water-repellent outer and a fleece or brushed inner surface. It offers a balance of breathability, wind resistance and moderate warmth.

Brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Rab are highly regarded for their quality softshell jackets, offering a balance of durability, comfort, and performance.

A hardshell is built to be fully waterproof and windproof, while a softshell usually breathes better and feels more flexible for movement.

In most cases: no, they are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They handle light rain or snow but are not designed for sustained heavy downpours.

A softshell jacket should fit snugly but allow for full mobility. It should not be too tight, as this can restrict movement, nor too loose, which can compromise wind protection.

They’re ideal for active, outdoor pursuits (hiking, climbing, skiing descent, cycling) in cool to cold weather where breathability, movement and wind/ light-rain protection matter. Less ideal in heavy rain or very cold static conditions.

Yes — but with caveats. For active use and layering they work well in cold conditions; for static use in extreme cold or heavy wet weather, you may need additional insulation or a waterproof shell over it.

They provide moderate warmth—warmer than a light shell but typically less than a puffy/insulated jacket. Warmth depends on lining, thickness and layering strategy.

Yes — breathability is a core benefit. They typically allow moisture to escape better than fully waterproof hardshells. Exact breathability varies by fabric.

Some higher-end soft-shells include breathable membranes (e.g., Gore-Tex Infinium) to boost wind- and water-resistance; many rely on tightly woven fabric + DWR instead.

Many thin, stretchy soft-shells or hybrid pieces are ideal for cool-weather running and cycling because of breathability and wind resistance; look for streamlined cut and vents if riding.

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Men's Softshell Jackets