CP Company Jacket Guide: Goggle, Shell, DD Shell and Gore‑Tex Explained

Few jackets are as easy to recognise as a CP Company.

Sometimes it’s the pair of goggles sitting in the hood. Sometimes it’s just that small lens on the sleeve. Either way, the brand has built a look that feels technical without looking like you’ve dressed for an expedition.

The harder part is working out which CP Company jacket actually suits you.

Shell-R, DD Shell, Chrome-R, Gore-Tex, padded jackets, soft shells and Goggle Jackets can look fairly similar on a product page, but they aren’t necessarily designed for the same conditions.

If you’re deciding what to buy, this guide breaks down the main styles in straightforward terms – what they’re like to wear, when they make sense and what to consider before choosing one.

Browse the current CP Company collection at FiveFinger Urbanwear if you want to see what’s available while you read.

Why does CP Company put lenses and goggles on its jackets?

It’s the detail most people associate with the brand.

The classic CP Company Goggle Jacket incorporates lenses into the hood, while plenty of other jackets, overshirts and sweatshirts use the smaller lens detail on a sleeve pocket.

For some buyers, the Goggle Jacket is the whole point. It’s unmistakably CP Company and has become a big part of the label’s identity.

But you don’t need the full goggle hood to get the CP look.

A sleeve-lens shell or more understated jacket is often easier to work into an everyday wardrobe. It still has the detailing people recognise, without making the goggles the centre of the outfit.

So the first decision is fairly simple:

• Want the iconic CP Company look? Start with a Goggle Jacket.
• Want something easier to wear every day? Look at lens jackets, shells and lightweight technical styles.

CP Company Shell-R: the everyday option

Shell-R is one of the names you’ll come across most often when shopping for CP Company outerwear.

It’s the sort of jacket that makes sense for British weather because it gives you a lightweight outer layer without the bulk of a winter coat.

Think of it as the jacket you throw on when the forecast can’t make its mind up.

It works particularly well in spring and autumn, on breezy days, and when you need something that sits comfortably over a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie.

Shell-R also suits people who like CP Company’s lightweight, functional outerwear but don’t want the bulk of a heavily padded jacket.

If you’re buying your first CP jacket and want something you’ll get plenty of wear out of, a neutral Shell-R style is hard to go wrong with.

What is a CP Company DD Shell jacket?

If Shell-R sits toward the lightweight end of the range, DD Shell is where things start getting warmer.

You’ll often see DD Shell used across down jackets, padded jackets and gilets, so it’s a more natural place to look when you’re buying for autumn and winter.

This is the sort of CP Company outerwear that works for cold match days, long days outside and those months when a thin shell simply isn’t enough.

The trade-off is obvious: more insulation usually means more bulk.

If your priority is warmth, that’s a good thing. If you mostly travel by car, spend the day indoors or want something for mild weather, you may get more use from Shell-R or Chrome-R instead.

Chrome-R: lightweight with a sharper look

Chrome-R is another fabric you’ll regularly see across CP Company jackets and overshirts.

It is commonly used for lighter jackets and overshirts, making it worth considering if you want something less bulky than a padded winter coat.

Chrome-R jackets are good transitional pieces. Wear one over a tee when it’s mild, add a sweatshirt underneath when the temperature drops, and you’ve got a jacket that can cover a decent part of the year.

You’ll also find Chrome-R in both fairly understated designs and more recognisable Goggle styles, so there’s plenty of room to decide how obviously “CP Company” you want the jacket to look.

What about CP Company Gore-Tex jackets?

This is one area where it’s worth checking the exact garment rather than buying on the name alone.

If you’re looking at a CP Company jacket made with Gore fabric, check the individual product description before assuming it’s fully waterproof. Some pieces are designed mainly around wind protection and lighter wet weather, while others offer greater protection from rain.

The important thing is to judge the individual jacket rather than assuming every Gore-branded CP Company piece does the same job.

Soft shell, puffer or lightweight jacket?

Not everyone needs to get deep into CP Company’s fabric names.

Sometimes it’s easier to start with how you’ll actually wear the jacket.

CP Company soft shell jackets

A soft shell is a good choice if comfort and versatility matter more than maximum insulation.

They tend to sit neatly on the body, work well for everyday use and are easy to pair with jeans, cargos or joggers.

They’re particularly useful when you want something more substantial than an overshirt but don’t need a full winter coat.

CP Company puffer jackets

If warmth is the priority, start here.

A CP Company puffer or down jacket makes far more sense in December than a lightweight shell, particularly if you’re outside for long periods.

The shape is naturally bulkier, so think about what you usually wear underneath when choosing a size.

Lightweight CP Company jackets

These are arguably the easiest CP pieces to own.

They work across more months of the year, pack more easily and give you room to layer when the weather changes.

For someone buying their first CP Company jacket, a lightweight black, navy, grey or olive style is often the most useful starting point.

How should a CP Company jacket fit?

There isn’t one answer because the cut changes between jackets.

A fitted soft shell and a padded winter coat aren’t supposed to sit on the body in the same way.

The biggest mistake is choosing a size based only on the letter on the label.

Instead, think about what you’re going to wear underneath it.

If it’s mainly going over T-shirts and polos, a closer fit may be fine.

If you’re buying it to wear over a CP Company hoodie or thick sweatshirt through winter, you’ll want enough room through the chest, shoulders and arms for that extra layer.

When the jacket is zipped, it shouldn’t pull tightly across your chest. At the same time, you don’t want so much excess room that the shape disappears.

Where measurements are provided, compare them with a jacket you already own and like the fit of. Pit-to-pit measurements can be particularly useful when comparing pieces online.

Which CP Company jacket is right for you?

Instead of choosing purely by the fabric name, choose for the way you’ll actually use it.

For everyday wear:

Look at Shell-R, Chrome-R, soft shells and lighter lens jackets. They’re versatile enough for work, weekends and evenings without feeling overly heavy.

For winter:

Go towards DD Shell, down and padded jackets. If you’re regularly outside in cold weather, the extra insulation will matter more than saving a little weight.

For rain and bad weather

Check the individual shell and Gore product specifications carefully. Look specifically for the level of weather protection offered rather than assuming every CP Company shell or Gore jacket is fully waterproof.

For match days:

A Goggle Jacket or sleeve-lens shell gives you the classic CP Company look while still being practical for a day outdoors.

For festivals and gigs:

Lightweight wins. A Shell-R, Chrome-R or lighter Goggle Jacket is easier to carry, layer and deal with as the weather changes.

For your first CP Company jacket:

Start with versatility. Black, navy, grey and darker green are easy to wear, and a lightweight jacket is often easier to wear across more of the year.

Find your next CP Company jacket

The best CP Company jacket isn’t necessarily the warmest, most expensive or most recognisable one.

If warmth is the priority, look at DD Shell, down and padded styles. If you want something lighter for everyday use, Shell-R, Chrome-R and soft shells are worth considering. And if you want the design most closely associated with the brand, it’s difficult to look past a Goggle Jacket.

Explore the current CP Company collection at FiveFinger Urbanwear and compare the available jackets, sizes and fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions