Activity zone 4F
In this zone, your heart rate rises at the mere thought of the next workout. You'll find the best ways to exercise effectively, discover new disciplines, and choose an outfit that suits your needs. We'll also guide you through the clothing care process and advise what to buy for enthusiasts of various sports. Our blog is a guide for everyone who wants to feel motivation 4 times more!
Softshell is a group of innovative fabrics used in sportswear as well as outdoor, tourist and climbing clothing.
In this article
Short summary
Softshell is a breathable and wind-resistant fabric that is an alternative to the traditional three layers of outdoor clothing: thermal underwear, membrane jacket, and fleece jacket or pullover.
Softshell clothing is a popular choice for outdoor sporting activities, but it can also be worn for casual wear.
To choose a softshell jacket, consider the type of membrane, cut, pockets and regulation, breathability, and thickness of fabric.
To wear a softshell jacket, simply layer it over thermal underwear or a base layer. On chilly days, you may need an extra warming layer underneath.
The name softshell was coined as an alternative for the term “hardshell”, an idea of clothing consisting of 3 layers:
thermal underwear,
warming layer (e.g. fleece),
outer jacket with a membrane.
Softshell was to be a fabric that would have properties of all the above clothing. Originally, softshell was to be a no-membrane type of material with high wind resistance, perfect breathability and decent thermal insulation. However, a lot has changed since then.
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Women's Windproof Softshell Jacket 8000 Membrane - Black
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Women's trekking trousers softshell membrane 5000 - khaki
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Medium Support Running Bra - Black
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Men's Windproof Softshell Jacket 5000 Membrane - Black
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Men's 5000 membrane softshell trousers - black
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Men's Windproof Softshell Jacket 8000 Membrane - Black
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Men's 5000 membrane softshell trousers - khaki
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Men's quick-drying regular training shirt - gray
View productAs a result of customers’ evolving expectations and needs and as new technologies kept emerging, manufacturers started using the name softshell to call types of material with a membrane, which wiped out the original idea described above. Nowadays, one may use the name softshell to denote a very practical, breathable and wind-resistant fabric that serves as an alternative for the traditional three layers of outdoor clothing (hard shell): thermal underwear, membrane jacket and a fleece jacket or pullover. Softshell jackets for women and men are suited for most weather conditions. These are great for springtime, autumn and, together with an extra warming layer, also in winter. Men’s softshells and women’s softshells are a go-to for those doing different sports, e.g. nordic walking, jogging, trekking or cycling. When it comes to sportswear, it is also worthwhile to look for softshell women's or men’s trousers to create a sport suit that will protect you even against the worst weather.
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It consists of 3 layers:
outer polyester,
membrane,
inside, short-trimmed fleece or knitted fabric, ensuring thermal comfort and cooling.
Thanks to this, softshell became fully wind-resistant (impermeable), breathable and, to some extent, water-repellent (its DWR impregnation layer prevents it for some time from absorbing water, dirt, and pollution.
Under women’s softshells and men’s softshells you only need thermal underwear (fast-dry, fleece/warm-knit or seamless), thermal top or just an ordinary T-shirt. However, you need to keep in mind that this type of textiles is not suitable as a single layer of clothing in wintertime. During that season, you will need an extra warming layer underneath your softshell (thick thermal underwear, a fleece jacket or pullover).
When looking for your softshell men's or women's jacket, you need to think about the following things:
Type of membrane – it impacts breathability parameters.
Cut – the jacket should be well-fitted. It should neither be too loose nor too tight. You should be able to easily fit an extra warming layer underneath. Take note of whether the fabric is elastic and stretchy.
Pockets and regulation – extra features that affect the functionality and fit of a given model.
Breathability – it is measured in grams per square metre per 24 hours – i.e. how much moisture vapour the material transports outward per 1 sq m in 24 hours.
Thickness of fabric – light men’s softshells or, for women, the so-called Ultralight fabrics are designed for higher temperatures, whereas thick ones, for chilly spring and autumn time.
Softshell clothing is mostly worn during outdoor sporting activities. It mainly comes in handy in changeable weather conditions in the mountains – during hiking or mountain climbing (especially, a sports suit of women's or men's softshell trousers with a fitted jacket). Such garments are also perfect for casual wear, mainly for cloudy days. You should choose your outfits depending on your needs.
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Softshell is a group of breathable and windproof fabrics used for sewing sports, hiking and climbing clothing. The material is used in popular outdoor jackets.
Softshell is a material most commonly used in outdoor jackets, which protects against wind and ensures proper thermoregulation (heat dissipation). Softshell consists of 3 layers: outer polyester, membrane, inner fleece or knitted fabric.
Softshell jackets can be worn every day in many ways throughout the year! Underneath softshell jackets, wear thermal underwear, a thermal top or a simple T-shirt – you don't need anything else. A softshell jacket is not sufficient as a stand-alone outer layer of clothing in winter – then wear an additional layer, such as thick thermal underwear or a fleece jacket underneath.
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