Men's softshell jackets

NORDBLANC men’s softshell jackets in SOFTSHIELD® – stretchy, breathable and windproof, with a water column of 10,000 mm. Choose from lightweight spring models and insulated ones rated down to −10 °C (NORDBLANC warmth scale).

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What you'll find in this category

Insulated softshell jackets – NORDBLANC men’s insulated softshell jackets for cold weather and winter walks: SOFTSHIELD® 10000 with fleece inside, a water column of 10,000 mm and a rating down to −10 °C (NORDBLANC warmth scale). The 2-in-1 model has detachable sleeves.
Spring softshell jackets – NORDBLANC men’s spring softshell jackets – lightweight and uninsulated, in SOFTSHIELD® 10000 with a water column of 10,000 mm. They have a hood, reflective details and high wind resistance, and most also have waterproof zips.

How to choose a men’s softshell jacket

A softshell jacket combines the protection of a jacket with the comfort of a sweatshirt: it blocks the wind, wicks away sweat and doesn’t restrict your movement. Almost all NORDBLANC men’s softshell jackets are made of SOFTSHIELD® 10000 – a three-layer laminate with a water column of 10,000 mm and a breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24 h. Choose mainly by temperature: an insulated one for the cold, a lightweight one for warmer days.

Insulated softshell jacket for the cold

The insulated models have fleece on the inside and are rated down to −10 °C on NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale. All have an adjustable hood, an adjustable hem and hook-and-loop cuffs, so the wind can’t get in. They’re good for autumn and winter walks, trips and the city when you’re on the move. The 2-in-1 model has detachable sleeves and a detachable hood, so on warmer days you can wear it as a gilet.

Lightweight softshell jacket for spring and autumn

Lightweight softshells are uninsulated and mostly unlined, so they breathe well even when you’re walking uphill. All the spring models have a hood and reflective details and are good at keeping out the wind; most of them have waterproof zips. When it gets colder, wear a sweatshirt or a thin fleece layer underneath.

When to choose a different jacket

A softshell is versatile, but it can’t do everything: for standing around in the cold for long periods, an insulated winter jacket is better; for the slopes, an insulated ski jacket; and for persistent rain, an outdoor jacket with a membrane and taped seams. For running, cycling and cross-country skiing, there are lightweight 3LL sports softshells, most with taped seams – you’ll find them among the lightweight sports jackets.

What to look for in a softshell jacket

Water column of 10,000 mm – SOFTSHIELD® 10000 keeps out rain and wet snow in everyday wear; the seams of the jackets in this category aren’t taped, however.
Breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24 h – water vapour from sweat passes out through the fabric even when you walk briskly.
Wind resistance – rated high on the NORDBLANC scale for most men’s softshells.
Stretch – the outer fabric of most models contains 5–12% elastane, so the jacket doesn’t restrict your shoulders or elbows.
Features – most models have an adjustable hood, an adjustable hem, hook-and-loop cuffs and reflective details, and roughly half have waterproof zips.
Fit – all models have a classic Regular fit.

How to wear a softshell to suit the temperature

A softshell is an outer layer, and what you wear under it depends on the weather. On warmer spring and autumn days, a lightweight softshell over a technical T-shirt is enough; around freezing, add a sweatshirt underneath or choose an insulated model. In sub-zero temperatures, combine an insulated softshell with thermal underwear. Don’t wear cotton under a softshell, as it holds moisture – a technical fabric wicks the sweat away and the breathable softshell lets it out.

Technologies and materials

SOFTSHIELD® TERATEX® 10000

Functional outdoor material for high demanding outdoor activities. Main advantage is elasticity, heat insulation, great windproofness, waterproofness and perfect breathability. The material consists of a three laminated layers. Carefully combining the most compatible layers, we created light, elastic and soft fabric with excellent thermal insulation.

SOFTSHIELD®

SOFTSHIELD® is a soft, flexible material perfectly suited to outdoor activities thanks to its properties and elasticity. You'll love its reliable water resistance, breathability, and exceptional wind resistance.

DRYFOR®

A functional fiber that excellently absorbs body moisture and wicks away sweat. Thanks to the micro-grooves on its surface, moisture is efficiently carried to the outer side of the fabric where it evaporates quickly, keeping your skin dry and comfortable. This property allows the material to provide perfect body temperature regulation.

Frequently asked questions

What is a softshell jacket, and is it waterproof?

It’s a jacket made of a stretchy fabric that blocks the wind, wicks away sweat and doesn’t restrict your movement. Almost every NORDBLANC men’s softshell jacket is made of SOFTSHIELD® 10000, a three-layer laminate (water column 10,000 mm, breathability 10,000 g/m²/24 h) that counts as waterproof on NORDBLANC’s waterproofness scale – it handles rain and wet snow in everyday wear. The seams aren’t taped, though, so for persistent rain, reach for an outdoor jacket with taped seams.

Softshell jacket or fleece?

A fleece is warm and breathes well, but it gives less protection than a softshell against stronger wind and rain. A softshell jacket blocks the wind, and one made of SOFTSHIELD® 10000 also handles rain or snow in everyday wear. Insulated NORDBLANC men’s softshell jackets combine both – softshell outside, fleece inside – and are rated down to −10 °C (NORDBLANC warmth scale). You can also wear a fleece jacket under a lightweight softshell as a warm layer.

Is a men’s softshell jacket suitable for winter?

Yes, if you choose an insulated model. Insulated NORDBLANC men’s softshell jackets have a fleece lining and are rated down to −10 °C on NORDBLANC’s indicative warmth scale, which is enough for winter walks and trips when you’re on the move. In winter, wear a light, uninsulated softshell only with a warm layer underneath. For standing around in the cold for long periods, an insulated winter jacket is more suitable.

How do I wash a softshell jacket?

Wash a softshell according to the care label, usually at 30 °C on a gentle cycle, with the zips and hook-and-loop fasteners closed. Use a liquid detergent for technical fabrics and don’t add fabric softener or bleach. Spin the jacket only gently and let it dry naturally away from radiators. If the surface stops repelling water, reproof it with a spray-on or wash-in proofer.