dhb Aeron Womens Full Protection Softshell

The dhb Aeron Women's Full Protection Softshell offers very good wind protection and some water resistance at a decent price. It does really well in cold, mostly dry, sub-10°C temperatures. The water resistance is good on the chest and back, but your arms will get wet in heavy rain. It's not a performance cut, so you can layer up underneath, although I found it a little loose around the torso.

• Pros: Wind resistance and warmth
• Cons: Unusual cut/sizing

dhb says this jacket is its ultimate winter softshell so I was keen to try it out in some cold conditions. It offers windproofing and shower protection with a high-level thermal performance, which all sounds brilliant for the British winter.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best winter cycling jackets

My first thought on seeing the jacket was that it was going to be warm, with its brushed back soft-shell fabric. It isn't the thickest fleece you can get on a jacket – I've been testing the Sportful Fiandre NoRain Jacket, which feels slightly thicker and better suits the really cold days – but the dhb Aeron is still a decent choice for the cold with its thermal properties.

I paired the dhb Aeron with a long-sleeved merino baselayer for a ride in sub-10°C weather with a chilly wind. Straight away I could feel that the wind protection was doing its job really well. The jacket kept me very comfortable. There are some laser-cut vents across the shoulder which dhb says help 'optimise air flow and keep you ventilated'. I didn't know they were there until closer inspection, but they are a nice detail to help with breathability, and I didn't feel too sweaty so they must be doing something.

I tested a medium, which should be the right size for me. It was a good fit on my arms, shoulders, and waist, but wasn't as figure hugging as I like on the body round the chest and sides. It wasn't a problem, but be aware if you want something with a more performance cut. If you prefer a jacket with a little bit of room, this is a good option, and especially for layering. I could happily get a long-sleeve baselayer underneath.

As well as providing very good wind resistance, the jacket has sections of water-resistant fabric on the chest, back and the back of the arms. You can visibly see the water beading and rolling off these parts. The thing I found odd was that the front of the sleeves and the top of the shoulders, which are generally facing the rain, didn't repel water in the same way, and you will get damp in these areas from persistent rain, though it takes a long time for you to feel this on your skin.

Further protection is offered by snug-fitting cuffs, and a long tail keeping your butt spray-free. The collar is a good height and fleecy warm, and the full-length zipper has a chinguard at the top for comfort.

The bottom hem is elasticated and is snug around the waist with a flat, wide silicone gripper to keep it down, which works very well.

Other features include the classic three pockets, which are a generous size and have reflective trim on the top. One of these has another zipped pocket with a waterproof coating. It is small though – you can only just get a small iPhone in, and you won't be getting it out during a ride. It's probably better suited to storing money.

In terms of value, at £110 the Aeron Full Protection Softshell is comparable with similar softshells – a tenner less than Sportful's Allure softshell jacket at £120, which we tested on road.cc last winter and which offers similar wind, cold and damp protection, and a tenner more than its Luna softshell that Emma reviewed recently. Alternatively, dhb's £100 Aeron Rain Defence Long Sleeve Jersey, which Ashia said in her review last year is more jacket than jersey, could be another one to consider.

Verdict

A good softshell offering protection for riding in the cold, windy, and slightly wet winter conditions