Softshell jackets for adults

Hardshell is waterproofⁱ (typically 10,000-20,000 mm water column, taped seams, waterproof zipperⁱ) — but less breathableⁱ, stiffer in feel, not warming. Softshellⁱ is wind- and water-repellentⁱ (DWR-impregnated, holds off drizzle and short showers), but considerably more breathable (MVTR 8,000-15,000 instead of 3,000-5,000), more flexible, often combined with inner fleeceⁱ and thus already warming in itself. Rule of thumb: those who stand in continuous rain for hours need hardshell. Those who don't want to sweat while working or moving and can cope with occasional showers are better served with softshell. For many corporate teams, the softshell replaces the daily jacket, the hardshell lies in the car for emergencies.

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent and refers to a thin, water-repellentⁱ coatingⁱ applied to the outside of the softshellⁱ fabric. Freshly impregnated, water beads off in clear droplets — after 20-30 washes or about a year of intensive use the effect fades: water then soaks in instead of beading off and the jacket appears "wetter" although everything is still dry inside. There are two ways to re-impregnate: Spray-On (spray on, let dry) or Wash-In (in the washing machine with impregnating detergent such as Nikwax TX-Direct or Fibertec). After impregnating, a short tumble dry cycle at low temperature or ironing on the woolⁱ setting — the heat reactivates the impregnation.

Elastaneⁱ (typically 4-6% in our range as a poly-elastane mix) makes the fabric stretchable in all directions. For professions with many arm movements and changing positions this is a must: construction and trades (overhead screwing, bending, lifting), bike courier and cycle commuters (forward-leaning posture on the handlebars), club coaches and sport (directing, running along, ball playing), event set-up and stage technology (climbing, lifting). For sales teams, reception and executive teams that mainly walk from the car to appointments and otherwise sit or stand, 100% polyesterⁱ is entirely sufficient — the fabric is more shape-stable under frequent washing, often cheaper and visually a little cleaner in drape. Rule of thumb: active professions = elastane, representative professions = 100% polyester.

With softshellⁱ, care is needed: the 3-layer construction contains a membrane that is pierced during embroidery — at this point the jacket is then no longer wind- and water-repellentⁱ, moisture can enter. Nevertheless, embroidery is the standard on most softshells because it looks discreet, durable and high-quality — placed on chest or sleeve (small area), the membrane loss is not significant in everyday use. Sublimation print is difficult to impossible with softshell because the smooth, often dark outer layer does not absorb the dyes. Transfer printⁱ (flex film, thermal transfer) is the gentler alternative — applied to the surface without piercing the membrane. For large logo areas (back) we recommend transfer print, for chest and sleeve logos embroidery.

Wash softshellⁱ at 30 °C on the delicate cycle with liquid detergent - on no account use fabric softener! Fabric softener forms a film on the DWR treatmentⁱ and permanently destroys water repellency. Also avoid heavy-duty detergents with optical brighteners or bleach. Ideally use a special technical detergent (Nikwax Tech Wash, Fibertec Pro Wash) that protects the membrane and preserves the treatment. After washing, a short tumble dry at low temperature or air drying followed by ironing at the woolⁱ setting - the heat reactivates the DWR coatingⁱ. Re-treat every 20-30 washes with a re-proofing wash-in or spray.

For team orders we recommend agreeing on a model with long-term availability — Regatta Professional, James & Nicholson and SOL'S usually carry their softshellⁱ lines unchanged over several years, so that re-orders are still possible in the second or third year. Sizes from XS to 5XL cover the entire team (with some models a separate women's cut, which considerably improves the fit for female colleagues). For finishing we plan the right logo position with you (typically left chest, 8-10 cm width) and technique (embroidery for a small area, transfer printⁱ for a larger one). Muted colours (black, anthracite, marine, company colour) look uniform over years — trend colours date. For order quantities from 20 pieces we're happy to advise on sample process, approval and delivery date.

The inner fleeceⁱ determines the warmth performance and the seasonal range of use. Thin fleece (total jacket fabric weight around 270 g/m²) makes the softshellⁱ a pure transitional and windbreak layer for spring, autumn and mild winters down to around +5 °C — very breathableⁱ, ideal for active professions (courier, trainer, tradesperson) and warmer climate zones. Medium fleece (around 300 g/m² total fabric weight, the median in our range) is the classic all-year layer: warms down to 0 °C, works from March to November, and in mild winters all year round. Thick fleece (around 340 g/m² total fabric weight) is the winter layer for construction, field service and everyone who wants to get by without a thick winter jacket even in January at -5 °C — combined with a thin merinoⁱ mid-layer, even usable down to -10 °C.

A detachable hood (via zip or press stud) is a must for anyone who alternates with a helmet or has representative occasions where the hood is in the way. Classic applications: construction, logistics and workshop (take out hood, put on helmet), sales team at the client appointment (more elegant without hood in the office), event staff switching between set-up (with hood) and service (without). For pure outdoor professions (courier, trainer, landscape maintenance) a permanently sewn-in hood is enough, often with a drawcord to widen or narrow — we then recommend models with visor reinforcement so the rain doesn't run into the face. Some softshells have no hood at all and are combined with a separate hood or Buff — that's the most elegant corporate solution.