Registrarse Iniciar sesión
support
shop
menu
close
  1. Home
  2. Knowledge hub
  3. Guía de tejidos
  4. Softshell
Softshell fabrics

What is softshell fabric?

Softshell is a technical outerwear fabric designed to combine protection, comfort and flexibility. It is usually made from synthetic fibres and often has a smooth or tightly woven outer side with a softer inner side. Many softshell fabrics are wind-resistant, water-repellent and breathable, but they are not always fully waterproof.

Softshell is mainly used for garments that need movement and weather protection without the stiffness of a hard shell fabric. It is especially relevant for jackets, outdoor trousers, children’s outerwear and functional layers.

View Softshell collection

Specifications

  • Construction Usually woven or knitted multi-layer fabric, often with a water-repellent outer side and soft inner side
  • Composition Commonly polyester or polyamide, often with elastane, sometimes with a membrane or fleece backing
  • Fabric weight Commonly around 305 to 400 g/m², depending on layer structure, backing and intended use
  • Stretchability Moderate to good stretch, especially when elastane is included
  • Abbreviations PES = polyester, PA = polyamide, EL = elastane, PU = polyurethane

Properties of the fabric

Softshell is often made as a multi-layer fabric. The outer layer helps protect against wind and light rain, while the inner layer can add warmth, comfort or moisture transport. Some qualities include a membrane between the layers for extra wind and water resistance.

The fabric usually contains polyester or polyamide, often with elastane for stretch and comfort. Softshell can vary from light and flexible to thicker and warmer, depending on the number of layers, backing and finish. Fleece-backed softshell feels warmer, while lighter qualities are better suited for active use and transitional seasons.

Applications

  • Outdoor jackets.
  • Children’s jackets.
  • Softshell trousers.
  • Bodywarmers.
  • Functional vests.
  • Outdoor overshoes or protective accessories.

Care instructions

  • Wash softshell usually at 30°C or 40°C, depending on the care label.
  • Avoid fabric softener, because it can reduce breathability and water-repellent performance.
  • Close zippers and hook-and-loop fasteners before washing to protect the surface.
  • Air drying is preferred, unless the care label allows low-temperature tumble drying.
  • Reproofing may be needed over time when the water-repellent finish becomes less effective.

Certificates

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 may be available depending on the specific article.

Practical tip

Check whether the softshell is water-repellent, water-resistant or waterproof before production. These terms are not the same, and the final performance also depends on seams, zippers and garment construction.

¿Tienes alguna pregunta específica sobre Softshell o sobre una aplicación?
Nuestro asistente de IA te ayuda de inmediato.

Haz una pregunta

Back

Escrito por

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

Publicado el

Última actualización

Publicado en

Añadido al carrito

Bienvenido de nuevo

0
ART.NÚM.

Todavía tienes 0 artículos en tu carrito de compras.

Ver carrito Continuar