Harry Hall Ellerby Softshell Jacket: review

Our reviewer loved this jacket for layering in the winter and for wearing over a T-shirt in the summer

I’ve always liked the look of soft shell jackets but never owned one, so I was excited to receive this one for testing. Mine was in steel, with red trimmings, but there is also a navy version — with emerald trimmings — available on the website, which is perhaps even smarter.

My only criticism of the appearance is that some people might prefer not to have Harry Hall written so large down their arm, although this didn’t bother me.

I found the jacket really useful. The coat I wear in wet weather is not particularly thick and warm, so I’m always trying to cram layers under it in the winter. As it’s also not large, this often results in me looking like a stuffed turkey, with thick fleece showing at the cuffs and bottom.

This jacket completely solved this problem, as I was able to wear it over a T-shirt and sweatshirt, then put the waterproof coat over the top. It served as a fantastic layer for warmth, while the snug fit meant I was more comfortable than previously.

When it was not so cold or wet, I also wore it as a top layer for riding, either over a T-shirt or a T-shirt and sweatshirt. And for in-between days, I sometimes topped it with a gilet.

The fit of the jacket was very good overall, but it was a little tight on the lower arms, below the elbow. Although it was fine when I was only wearing a T-shirt under it, as soon as I had a sweatshirt on, if felt a little close there.