Rapha has updated and given a diet to their Classic Softshell Jacket. This is the second Lightweight Softshell Jacket iteration, even lighter and more pared down than the first. The jacket was always an attractive outer layer that wears and looks great whether riding or hanging out. Now it's an even better at what it does.

And what does it do? Lots of stuff, and stylishly. We can see using this year 'round, depending on the weather. We probably won't pull it out for standing around in a 40-degree downpour, but standing around in a warm rain or riding in temps down to the 30s, this jacket can excel. We know that the jacket isn't waterproof, but for Rapha, this tradeoff is worthwhile because the jacket will soak through in about 45 minutes, which is longer than many are willing to spend riding in the rain and waterproof jackets often keep in so much sweat vapor that the more breathable jacket is more comfortable, even if you end up wet from rain.

Rapha's calling card is beauty paired with great design. You can pretty much see it upon first glance. The front zipper is offset for less billowing on the drops and so the top of the zipper doesn't scratch your chin so easily. The waist can be adjusted to fit neither tight nor loose aka just right. The back pockets are big enough to carry a fair amount of stuff, but the jacket material is so light that the pockets don't add to the bulk of the jacket when stuffing it all into a jersey pocket.

The Rapha Lightweight Softshell Jacket is made from a Hytrel membrane and coated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which means it's windproof and highly water resistant. The jacket is lined in black Hytrel. The full-length front zipper is offset to the right and the zipper pull locks into place. The sleeves are longer than usual for better coverage when in the drops and articulated so it fits well with elbows bent. The sleeve ends are capped in Lycra. The tail is longer than the front. The hem can be adjusted via a stretch cord and cord lock so the bottom of the jacket doesn't flap. There are three rear pockets, with the left and right cut on a bias for easier access. The right pocket has a zippered pocket built in. The zip pocket has a protected hole that leads to another such opening in the pocket that leads to loops along the seams up to the collar, perfect for wiring the jacket to work with an iPod or mobile phone. The Rapha logo is embroidered on both the left chest and the back of the collar. Available in Blue and in Red, in sizes Small-XXL.