THE NORTH FACE Women's Shelbe Raschel Fleece Hooded (Style 455D)

In this review of the Women's Shelbe Raschel Fleece Hooded Jacket the bottom line is simple: it is a versatile, everyday cold-weather layer for anyone who wants lightweight warmth without bulk. The jacket pairs a soft, low-pile raschel fleece lining with stretch-infused fabric so it moves comfortably through daily activity, and the WindWall shell with a non-PFC DWR gives reliable wind and light water resistance. For commuters, hikers on cool days, or anyone who needs a warm midlayer that still looks tidy, this jacket earns a strong recommendation.

Key Features

• Soft fleece lining: The low-pile raschel fleece interior provides a warm, comfortable feel against the skin while remaining breathable for active use.
• Weather-resistant shell: WindWall technology and a non-PFC Durable Water Repellent finish help block wind and shed light moisture during changing conditions.
• Comfortable fit: The standard fit is cut to allow mobility through the chest and shoulders and fits true to size for layering over mid-layers.
• Practical details: A three-piece hood, exposed center zip, rib-knit cuffs and secure-zip pockets offer useful coverage, ventilation control and secure storage.
• Sustainable materials: The jacket qualifies for a sustainability badge by meeting a high recycled and responsibly sourced material threshold, reducing environmental impact.

Who It's For

The Shelbe jacket is ideal for women who want a lightweight but warm everyday outer layer for transitional weather, such as fall and spring hikes, brisk commutes, or casual outdoor time. Its stretch fabric and flattering standard fit make it a good pick for those who value mobility and a neat silhouette that can be dressed up or down.

Those who need heavy waterproof protection for prolonged rain, alpine-specific technical shells, or a very loose oversized fit should look elsewhere; this jacket is optimized for wind resistance and light moisture, not for full wet-weather or heavy insulation conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm and lightweight feel thanks to the raschel fleece lining and stretch fabric.
• Effective wind protection from WindWall construction with light water repellency for variable weather.
• Thoughtful features like a three-piece hood and zip pockets add practical versatility.
• Available in plus sizes and built with a high proportion of recycled or responsibly sourced materials.

Cons

• Not intended as a heavy rain shell; DWR provides light water repellency only.
• Some customers note sizing can feel snug when layered over thicker mid-layers.

Specifications

Brand	The North Face
Type	Hooded fleece-lined softshell jacket
Fit	Standard fit (plus sizes 1X-3X available)
Insulation	Low-pile raschel fleece lining
Weather protection	WindWall technology + non-PFC DWR
Key features	Three-piece hood, exposed center zip, rib-knit cuffs, secure-zip pockets

Our Verdict

The Shelbe Raschel Fleece Hooded Jacket is a smart pick for anyone seeking a lightweight, warm and wind-resistant everyday layer that works for commuting and casual outdoor use. With solid materials, practical details and inclusive sizing, it offers good value for those who want warmth and mobility without heavy bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this jacket water resistant?
It has a non-PFC DWR finish for light water repellency but is not a fully waterproof rain shell.

Can it be layered over a sweatshirt?
Yes, the standard fit allows room for mid-layers, though some may find it snug with very thick sweaters.

Does it come in plus sizes?
Yes, the jacket is available in plus sizes 1X through 3X and is designed to fit true to size.