Best Men's Softshell Jackets

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Viking Men's Softshell Jacket
Viking
Men's Softshell Jacket
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Bottom Line

A durable jacket that works well to ward off both wind and rain. Includes fun extras like a phone pocket.

Pros

Warm, comfortable, stylish, and durable. Adjustable wrist straps and elastic drawstring. Exterior pockets have waterproof zippers. Inner pockets include one for your phone with headphone loop. Repels water and wind.

Cons

Runs small, especially if you want to wear more than a T-shirt beneath. Zipper can be hard to thread.

Best Bang for the Buck
Columbia Prime Peak Softshell Jacket
Columbia
Prime Peak Softshell Jacket
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Bottom Line

This affordable jacket features an attractive athletic design and superior protection from the wind.

Pros

Features an abrasion-resistant chin guard. Inexpensive yet durable. Waterproof and very windproof. Adjustable cuffs and hem drawstring. Comes in a variety of colors. Sporty look.

Cons

Side pockets are a little small. Some owners say this option isn't as breathable as expected. Reports that the "tall" sizes run a little short.

Tommy Hilfiger Men's Classic Softshell Jacket
Tommy Hilfiger
Men's Classic Softshell Jacket
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Bottom Line

A great design that comes in a variety of colors. However, it may fall a little short in its ability to cinch tightly against wind and rain.

Pros

Material is water resistant and breathable. Available in a wide variety of colors. Good craftsmanship and design. Fleece lining is very warm. Machine washable.

Cons

Runs large, particularly in the sleeves. There is not a way to cinch up the cuffs or the hem.

Arctix Men's Maverick Softshell Jacket
Arctix
Men's Maverick Softshell Jacket
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Bottom Line

This jacket stands out for its soft, stretchable fabric and the design of its various pockets.

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable. Tightly woven face resists wind and water. Stretchable fabric offers a good range of motion. Features mesh pockets inside and zippered hand-warmer pockets outside. Machine washable.

Cons

Snug fit. Some buyers feel this jacket is not warm enough or does not resist wind very well.

Red Kap Men's Softshell Jacket
Red Kap
Men's Softshell Jacket
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Bottom Line

The variety of pockets and stretchy fabric make this jacket particularly suitable for those who work outside.

Pros

Looks good and has a nice lining. Features two large inner pockets and three outer pockets with concealed zippers. Resists water and wind. Four-way stretch fabric.

Cons

Sleeves may be a little long. Some say the jacket is a bit stiff.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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38
Models
Considered
151
Consumers
Consulted
10
Hours
Researched
Category cover

During spring and fall when temperatures aren’t too hot or too cold, you probably want to be wearing a softshell jacket. They’re lightweight enough that you won’t sweat in moderate temperatures but are still wind-resistant and can be layered for extra warmth. When you decide that you want a softshell jacket, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind, like what brand you want or how thin or thick you want it to be. A thick jacket might sound better but in reality, if you prefer to layer or want an extra base for winter months then a thin jacket can be great.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
TSLA
Men's Softshell Athletic Jacket
Little Donkey Andy
Men's Softshell Jacket with Removable Hood
Little Donkey Andy
Lightweight Hooded Softshell Windbreaker Jacket
Columbia
Men's Ascender Softshell Jacket
Amazon Essentials
Men's Water-Resistant Softshell Jacket
Starter
Men's Water Resistant Soft Shell Jacket
Port Authority
Men's Core Soft Shell Jacket
Weatherproof
Men's Water & Wind Resistant Soft Shell Jacket
Marmot
Men's Tempo Softshell Jacket
Under Armour
Men's Barrage Soft Shell Jacket
See more
Our Top Picks
Viking
Best of the Best
Viking
Men's Softshell Jacket
Bottom Line
A durable jacket that works well to ward off both wind and rain. Includes fun extras like a phone pocket.
Shop Now
Columbia
Best Bang for the Buck
Columbia
Prime Peak Softshell Jacket
Bottom Line
This affordable jacket features an attractive athletic design and superior protection from the wind.
Shop Now
Tommy Hilfiger
Top Pick
Tommy Hilfiger
Men's Classic Softshell Jacket
Bottom Line
A great design that comes in a variety of colors. However, it may fall a little short in its ability to cinch tightly against wind and rain.
Shop Now
Arctix
Top Pick
Arctix
Men's Maverick Softshell Jacket
Bottom Line
This jacket stands out for its soft, stretchable fabric and the design of its various pockets.
Shop Now
Red Kap
Top Pick
Red Kap
Men's Softshell Jacket
Bottom Line
The variety of pockets and stretchy fabric make this jacket particularly suitable for those who work outside.
Shop Now