What is softshell fabric?

Introduction

Softshell jackets have become popular among outdoor enthusiasts and casual wearers. This is thanks to their perfect mix of comfort, flexibility, and weather resistance.

These clothes are versatile. They offer the ideal balance of warmth and breathability, making them suitable for many activities and conditions.

But what exactly is softshell fabric, and what makes it so effective for these varied uses?

What is Softshell Fabric?

Definition and Purpose

Softshell fabric is a type of performance material. It is made to provide a balance of comfort, flexibility, and protection from the elements. It is widely used in outdoor and activewear due to its versatile properties. Learn more about the difference between softshell fabric and hardshell fabric.

Key Characteristics

• Flexibility: Allows for a full range of motion, making it ideal for dynamic activities.
• Breathability: Promotes airflow and moisture wicking, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.
• Weather Resistance: Offers protection against wind and light rain, suitable for various weather conditions. Mountain Warehouse discusses weather resistance in softshell jackets.
• Comfort: Soft and comfortable against the skin, often with a brushed inner layer for added warmth.

History of Softshell Fabric

The concept of softshell fabric emerged in the late 20th century as outdoor enthusiasts sought alternatives to the stiff and bulky hard-shell jackets. They wanted a material that provided weather protection while allowing greater mobility and comfort.

Origins and Development

The idea of softshells gained traction in the 1990s, driven by companies like Patagonia and The North Face. They aimed to create jackets that balanced protection with comfort.

Included using materials like Polartec Power Shield and Gore Windstopper. These materials combined water and wind resistance, breathability, and stretch. These innovations set the standard for modern softshell fabrics.


Modern Developments

Today, many brands continue to innovate with proprietary softshell technologies, enhancing water repellency, breathability, and comfort.

Softshell jackets have become a staple in outdoor and activewear, popular among hikers, climbers, cyclists, and casual users for their versatility and comfort.

The evolution of softshell fabric highlights the ongoing quest for better performance and comfort in outdoor gear. It has made these jackets a top choice for many activities.




Composition and Materials Used

Softshell fabrics are designed to offer a unique combination of protection, comfort, and flexibility. Here’s a detailed look at the composition and materials used in creating softshell fabric:




Outer Layer

• • Material: The outer layer is typically made from durable woven nylon or polyester.
  • Purpose: This layer provides a robust, water-resistant, and windproof barrier, protecting the wearer from the elements. The tight weave of these synthetic fibers helps block wind and repel water. Read more on Outdoor Research.




Middle Layer

• • Material: Often includes a breathable membrane, such as Gore-Tex, eVent, or other proprietary materials developed by brands.
  • Purpose: The membrane allows moisture vapor to escape while preventing water penetration from the outside. This layer is crucial for maintaining breathability and comfort during physical activities. 




Inner Layer

• • Material: Usually consists of a soft, insulating material like microfleece or brushed polyester.
  • Purpose: This layer provides warmth and comfort against the skin. It helps to wick moisture away from the body, enhancing the overall comfort of the jacket. More info in depth on fleece from Patagonia.









How is Softshell Fabric Made?

Step-by-Step Process of Manufacturing

1. Creating the Outer Layer

The outer layer of softshell fabric is typically made from woven or knitted nylon or polyester fibers. This creates a dense, durable surface that provides excellent protection against wind and light rain.

2. Adding the Breathable Membrane

The middle layer often includes a breathable membrane, such as Gore-Tex or a proprietary material. This membrane is laminated or bonded to the outer fabric using heat and pressure, ensuring a strong and uniform bond. This layer allows moisture vapor to escape while preventing water penetration.

3. Adding the Inner Layer

The inner layer is usually made of a soft, insulating material like microfleece or brushed polyester. This layer is bonded to the laminated fabric, creating a three-layer construction that combines durability, breathability, and comfort.

4. Treatment

The finished fabric is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. This treatment enhances the fabric's water resistance, allowing it to repel water and prevent saturation while maintaining breathability.

​​Where is Softshell Fabric made?

Textile manufacturers around the world make softshell fabrics. They produce much of it in countries reknown for their advanced textile industries. 

Major production hubs include:

• China: A leading producer of textiles, including performance fabrics.
• India: Another major textile manufacturing hub, producing a wide range of fabrics.
• Vietnam: Known for its growing textile industry, including high-performance materials.
• United States and Europe: Some premium softshell fabrics are manufactured in the U.S. and Europe, often focusing on high-quality and innovative textile technologies. Source: Mountain Warehouse

Leading Brands and Technologies

Several leading brands have developed proprietary technologies to enhance the performance of softshell fabrics:

Gore-Tex Infinium

• Overview: Known for excellent breathability and wind resistance.
• Key Features: Lightweight, breathable membrane combined with a durable outer layer, providing protection against wind and light rain.
• More info about Gore-tex from themselves here.

Polartec Power Shield

• Overview: Designed for high weather resistance, breathability, and durability.
• Key Features: Combines a resilient face fabric with a moisture-wicking inner layer, perfect for performance-oriented outdoor gear.
• More info about Polartec Power Shield on their website here. 

The North Face Technologies

• Overview: Offers a versatile mix of water resistance, windproofing, and breathability technologies.
• Key Features: Available in various weights and constructions to suit different conditions, ideal for a range of outdoor activities.
• Find out more about several of their technologies here on their website.

Conclusion

Understanding softshell fabric's composition, the way it's made, and its uses explains why many outdoor lovers adore these garments. 

With advanced technologies from leading brands like Gore-Tex, Polartec, and The North Face, softshell jackets, pants, and vests offer the perfect combination of protection, comfort, and flexibility. 

Whether you're scaling a mountain, hitting the slopes, or just enjoying a brisk walk, softshell fabrics provide the performance you need.