Men's Outdoor Jacket Guide: Fleece, Softshell, Hoodie and Bomber Styles

Men's Outdoor Jacket Guide: Fleece, Softshell, Hoodie and Bomber Styles

Summary

Four men's jackets for cold mornings: fleece, softshell, fleece lined hoodie and a light bomber.

Men's Outdoor Jacket Guide: Fleece, Softshell, Hoodie and Bomber Styles
Cold mornings are not the problem. The wrong layer is. A men's fleece jacket, a men's softshell jacket, a fleece lined hoodie and a lightweight bomber jacket cover almost every cold day from late autumn to early spring, and each one answers a different part of it.
Start with the men's fleece jacket. Ours is a full zip stand collar in deep navy, cut from dense anti pill fleece that traps warm air without adding bulk. The stand collar keeps wind off the neck, two zip pockets hold gloves and keys, and a clean chest seam lets it sit over a tee or under a shell. It is the piece most men reach for on a cold walk, a commute or a weekend by the lake.
men's fleece jacket
The men's softshell jacket handles weather. The hooded version in mustard yellow uses a bonded three layer fabric: a smooth outer face that sheds light rain and wind, a breathable membrane, and a soft inner layer against the skin. The hood cinches with a drawcord, the zip runs clean to the chin, and the fabric moves quietly. For hill walking, trekking with poles or a windy city crossing, this is the layer that keeps you steady.
men's fleece jacket
For training, the fleece lined hoodie does the work. The gradient from teal to charcoal has a brushed inner face that warms fast, while the smooth outside slides under a pack strap. Raglan sleeves keep the shoulders free, and the close hood sits under a beanie without bunching. Warm enough for a cold walk to the gym, light enough to run in.
The lightweight bomber jacket is the daily piece. Olive, unlined, ribbed at collar, cuffs and hem, with zip side pockets and a matte finish that hides creases. It folds into a bag, weighs little, and layers over a hoodie when the evening turns cold.
Care is the same for all four: wash cold, close every zip, skip fabric softener, hang to dry. Fleece keeps its loft, softshell keeps its water repellent finish, and the bomber keeps its line.
Sizing runs true. To wear a hoodie underneath, take your usual size in the shell and one up in the fleece.
Buy one and you cover a season. Buy all four and you stop checking the forecast. Browse the men's outerwear range to compare fabric, fit and colour.