{"id":51170,"date":"2026-06-10T17:12:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T17:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/?p=51170"},"modified":"2026-06-10T17:12:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T17:12:11","slug":"best-fabrics-used-in-softshell-jackets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/best-fabrics-used-in-softshell-jackets\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Fabrics Used in Softshell Jackets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
For people choosing between outdoor jackets or people designing their own outdoor jackets, a major ingredient to evaluate is the fabric. Softshell jackets vs hard jackets is a good comparison to show this importance. Best fabrics used in softshell jackets are composite constructions that provide wind and weather protection with the right combination of face fabric and inner layer, while hard jackets use a waterproof membrane. The options for softshell fabrics construction are better than ever before. This guide has all the major types of softshell fabrics, the performance characteristics of each, and helps you decide the best option for your composite construction jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Performance Characteristics are Achieved in Softshell Fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most of the fabrics in a softshell jacket are composite constructions. This means multiple layers are bonded to each other through lamination or knitting to create a single fabric. This bonding process provides multiple functional performance characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Face Fabric Layer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The outermost layer, or the layer that is directly in contact with the elements, is the face fabric layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, a DWR finish is applied to the outer fabric so water forms beads and rolls off the surface. Therefore, the outer fabric forms the face of the garment and the fabric\u2019s resistance to water, wind, and abrasion as well as its appearance and handfeel are determined by the face fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Softshell jackets typically use one of three types of outer face fabrics: stretch woven nylon, stretch woven polyester, or stretch fabrics that use woven mechanics to construct the stretch, eliminating the need for elastane. These fabrics provide varying stretches, weights, and durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inner Layer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The bonded layer of a softshell fabric layer covers the face fabric and is positioned against the base layer or skin. It provides thermal insulation and moisture control, complimenting the fabric\u2019s handfeel. Comfortable fabrics will influence a jacket\u2019s wearability. Cold conditions will only accentuate a fabric\u2019s performance if it has a soft, inner brushed fleece, as opposed to a fleece jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brushed fleece and flat knit jersey are the two most commonly used inner layer fabrics. Fleece offers a bulky and warm trade off for lighter active performance and a flat knit jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonding Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Washing, durability, and the stretch of the composite fabric, are all influenced by the bonding of the face and inner fabrics. For the best stretch and a composite fabric with reliable performance, use a thin adhesive layer for the bonding of the fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stitch bonding is when fine stitching is used to join layers. Although it is not commonly used in premium constructions of softshells, it produces a more breathable softshell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Best Fabrics Used in Softshell Jackets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Knowing the best performing fabrics used in different softshells helps brands with their sourcing decisions. It also helps the consumers know why some softshell jackets are more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Polartec Power Shield<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Regarded as one of the best softshell fabrics in the outdoor industry, Polartec Power Shield is highly engineered. It offers a face that is highly wind resistant and water repellent with a soft fleece inner. With this face, Polartec Power Shield offers excellent wind resistance, moisture management, and the warmth and breathability that are characteristic of softshells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, Polartec Power Shield offers different variants. Power Shield Pro offers more stretch and is designed for advanced climbing and alpine activities. Power Shield High Loft offers a heavier fleece face for additional warmth. The variant of the fabric changes the inner construction to serve different needs while the face fabric remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Polartec Power Shield is recognized as the benchmark for wind resistant and highly breathable fabrics for softshells and for extremely demanding mountain environments. Reach out to our team for more information on Polartec fabrics for your softshells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schoeller Softshell Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Schoeller is a Swiss company that produces softshells that are widely used for premium outdoor and technical apparel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the construction of their fabrics, Schoeller uses a combination of materials that provides an excellent balance of stretch, abrasion resistance, and wind resistance, and they maintain their performance attributes after extended use outdoors and repeated washings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, Schoeller fabrics have a variety of their own proprietary technologies that embellish the base performance of softshell fabrics. For example, their NanoSphere technology is an advanced water repellency treatment that uses a topographical surface treatment to metamorphose water and oil from a flat to a rolling bead, signficantly enhancing the durability of water repellency compared to a standard DWR finish. Likewise, their 3XDry technology combines a surface treatment that is water repellant with an inner fabric treatment that is moisture wicking, thus combining the effects of external moisture and internal perspiration in one treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For these reasons, their fabrics softshells fabrics are particularly advantageous in the design of high performance outdoor softshells fabrics that require abrasion resistance and long-lasting durability of materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most popular fabrics used in the manufacturing of softshells is stretch woven nylon-spandex that combines the durability and abrasion resistance of woven nylon with the stretch of elastane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In woven fabrics, the stretch of woven nylon and spandex is generally a result of the inclusion of spandex in the fabric in a proportion that is usually between 4 and 15%. Depending on the weave, this can translate into simple two-way stretch, or in some constructions, four-way stretch. Furthermore, fabrics of woven nylon and spandex combined with a DWR finish dry rapidly after becoming wet, an important feature for fabrics used to construct jackets that are to be used outdoors and in a variety of conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, a variety of fabrics of spandex and nylon woven softshells are available from a range of 180 GSM up to 380 GSM, making them versatile and lightweight for various uses in the construction of softshells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our outdoor jackets manufacturing team uses a variety of stretch woven nylon-spandex, available across different weights. Reach out to see what we can do for your product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stretch woven polyester-spandex constructions are an alternative to nylon-spandex face fabrics. They have similar stretch and recovery characteristics while also being less expensive. Fabrics containing polyester are more UV-resistant than those using nylon and therefore are more likely to hold up in softshells during outdoor usage in the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, face fabrics of softshells containing post-consumer recycled spolyester-spandex (made from recycled post-consumer plastic water bottles) are available now and perform similarly to the non-recycled versions. This offers a great opportunity for brands to integrate more sustainable and recycled fabrics into their outdoor offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the brands that are looking to develop softshell spolyester-spandex for hiking clothing and softshell jackets, these fabrics are an excellent option for hiking apparel, given their cost and manufacturing sustainability. If sustainability is your brand\u2019s key focus, our team can provide a range of options using certified recycled fabrics for your softshell range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mechanical Stretch Woven Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mechanical stretch woven fabrics achieve stretch through a design of a stretchable weave, and therefore do not contain elastane. This gives these fabrics a different character to elastane stretch fabrics, as they are generally more rigid and have less range of stretch, but excellent recovery. Also, in many cases, woven mechanical stretch fabrics are more breathable than elastane stretch fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because elastane tends to stiffen and lose stretch at lower temperatures, it becomes difficult to maintain necessary performance and flexibility at the most critical times and areas of movement. Thankfully, Mechanical Stretch Softshell fabrics retain their flexibility at the lowest of temperatures and are advantageous when designing ski wear and other cold weather apparel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonded Fleece Softshell Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Softshell fabrics that are bonded to fleece integrate a woven or knit face, bonded directly to fleece, creating a face fabric that provides wind and weather resistance, as well as fleece warm and comfortable. Unlike standard softshells, bonded fleece fabrics have a fleece rather than a thin jersey or brushed finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These fabrics are denser in comparison to standard Softshells, and range from 320 to 450 GSM. With their lightweight and warm design, they are ideal in staving off wind and other light precipitation. They are a preferred choice for designing apparel that serves the purpose of intermediate warm insulation, such as a Puffer Jacket, for various outdoor activities like Camping, Skiing, and wint<\/span>er hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also eliminate the need for a mid-layer in cold conditions, which benefits the end-user by providing a more versatile apparel option for various cold conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recycled and Sustainable Softshell Fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The fabrics used in softshell jackets have more recently become more easily available in a wider variety of sustainable options. Sustainability has become a more important consideration in softshell jacket fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The face fabrics of softshell jackets now feature recycled nylon and recycled polyester, which perform similarly to their virgin counterparts. The post-industrial softshell jackets recycling system provides access to recycled elastane and stretch textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, softshell fabrics certified by bluesign offer an opportunity to support brand values. softshell fabrication processes are bluesign certified to ensure safe working conditions, and an environmentally and socially responsible supply chain is maintained. For brands that focus on selling outdoor apparel with a commitment to a genuinely sustainable focus, bluesign certification and the presence of recycled materials offer genuine and measurable stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Likewise, traditional persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fluorocarbon finishes are being substituted with bio-based, environmentally sustainable DWR. These finishes will provide softshell face fabrics with DWR of full seasonal, outdoor, and continuous performance. If your company is dedicated to producing sustainable outdoor apparel, our waterproof clothing manufacturing team will help you choose certified sustainable softshell fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What to Consider When Choosing a Softshell Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
When choosing softshell fabrics for the production of jackets, consider each of the following properties, as they will affect the real performance of the jacket and its commercial viability:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Fabric Weight<\/strong>: 180 to 280 GSM for softshells designed for active and running applications; 280 to 320 GSM for softshells designed for hiking and general outdoor applications; 320 to 450 GSM for softshells designed for skiing and insulated softshells for use in cold weather.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Stretch<\/strong>: For softshells designed for general outdoor applications, two-way stretch; for softshells designed for technical climbing and alpine applications, four-way stretch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Wind Resistance<\/strong>: For softshells designed for general outdoor applications, wind-resistant with DWR; for softshells designed for use in exposed mountain and alpine applications, windproof.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Breathability<\/strong> — fabrics that air permeability ratings for breathability that are maximized for high-output activities and moderately rated for general outdoor activities and lifestyle applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Durable Water Repellency (DWR)<\/strong> — durability of a DWR treatment is improved with nano-surface treatments and fluorocarbon-free alternatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Abrasion Resistance<\/strong> — vital for fabrics that are in contact with rock & other vegetation, and pack & equipment abrasion during a variety of activities outdoors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sustainability Credientials<\/strong> — fabrics with recycled content, bluesign certification, and bio-based DWR treatments for brands caring about sustainability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Softshell Fabrics Balance for Your Brand Outdoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Selecting the right fabric is just the first step in designing a softshell jacket. jacket. A company’s ability to transform a fabric into a finished softshell jacket that performs as specified relies on their manufacturing expertise. An example of this is how the right fabric selected for a jacket may fall short of expectations if the fabric is bonded incorrectly. The right fabric bonded the right way with the right DWR treatment and features will ensure that all performance expectations are met for the jacket and this will create softshell jackets that build a loyal customer base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expanding on the above, designing softshell jackets in conjunction with the other outerwear jackets in a brands lineup, such as windbreaker jackets for lightweight coverage and hardshell jackets for coverage from extreme weather, will create a cohesive line of outdoor outerwear. Using the same face fabrics across all jackets will ease the sourcing, fabric consistency and will also ease the quality control across all the jackets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you interested in starting your fabric selections for your softshell jacket designs? Reach out to our technical manufacturing team. We support brands, from outdoor softshell jacket designs, selections of raw materials, all the through to softshell jackets ready for distribution inclusive of all quality control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
High performing softshell jackets can essentially be constructed from numerous technical and advanced fabrics. Examples of these include constructions derived from Polartec Power Shield and Schoeller and recycled polyester-spandex which can be used in eco-friendly collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each kind of fabric offers its own unique balance of breathability, warmth, stretch, wind resistance, and just how suited to a certain climate\/brand you can expect it to be. Knowing this can help determine at every step how it builds out certain ranges of softshell jackets and how each of these ranges build out softshell jackets that perform. The extent to which you see the utility of each of these fabrics helps determine how far along you can get in the other steps of the development process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you start your new technical softshell collection, ensure each step of the process you pay special attention to your choice of materials. Doing this helps ensure you have a product your customers trust and love when the product is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to build a collection of softshell jackets, look at our full softshell jackets manufacturing capabilities, and contact our team to start your production journey today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n
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What is the best fabric for a premium technical softshell jacket?<\/h3>\n
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Both Polartec Power Shield and Schoeller fabrics win out for premium technical softshell jackets. They help make a jacket really really good at resisting wind and softshell abrasion. These fabrics are great for softshell jackets that are being made for use in the Alps.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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What is the difference between stretch woven and mechanical stretch softshell fabrics?<\/h3>\n
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Stretch woven fabrics get their stretch through the use of elastane in the weaving. Mechanical stretch softshell fabrics get their stretch solely through the structure of the weave. They have a firmer stretch and a better articulation of stretch but are much more breathable and have better performance in colder conditions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Are recycled softshell fabrics as good as virgin alternatives?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Yes, brands that prioritize sustainability no longer need to compromise with performance. New technologies leveled the gap between performance for virgin and recycled nylon and polyester. Now, recycled nylon and polyester perform the same as virgin nylon and polyester for softshell jackets.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Which fabric weight is ideal for a hiking softshell jacket?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Softshell fabrics in the weight range from 280 to 320 GSM is ideal for most hiking activities\u2014light enough to not impede an individual\u2019s movement while providing adequate protection from the elements.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
For people choosing between outdoor jackets or people designing their own outdoor jackets, a major ingredient to evaluate is the fabric. Softshell jackets vs hard jackets is a good comparison to show this importance. Best fabrics used in softshell jackets are composite constructions that provide wind and weather protection with the right combination of face […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":51197,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-51170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-outdoor-apparel-guide"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51170"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51170\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51200,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51170\/revisions\/51200"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51170"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=51170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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