Softshell
Stretch woven polyester face bonded to a fleece backing, creating a single fabric that combines wind resistance, water repellency, breathability, and insulation. The go-to jacket fabric for active outdoor use.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with softshell
We don't have any garments containing softshell in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from softshell. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same softshell feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent durability (75) and comfort (78) for office wear
Good breathability (72) and moisture wicking (70) for light activity
Good warmth (65) for cold weather
Good comfort (78) and care ease (68) for casual wear
Good comfort (78) and breathability (72) for sleeping
Good breathability (72) and comfort (78) for undergarments
Good moisture wicking (70) and durability (75) for weather protection
Good durability (75) and breathability (72) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Excellent balance of weather protection and breathability
- ✓ Stretchy and comfortable — great freedom of movement
- ✓ Wind-resistant without the crinkly feel of hardshells
- ✓ Fleece backing adds warmth without a separate layer
Cons
- ✗ Not fully waterproof — soaks through in sustained rain
- ✗ Heavier than hardshell alternatives
- ✗ Multi-layer synthetic construction — poor sustainability
- ✗ DWR coating wears off and needs periodic reapplication
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+4 vs Softshell · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+3 vs Softshell · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+2 vs Softshell · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Use tech wash — regular detergent clogs DWR
• Tumble dry low to reactivate water repellency
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash warm (40°C/105°F) on gentle cycle with technical fabric detergent
- • Do not use regular detergent or fabric softener — residue clogs DWR treatment
- • Tumble dry on low heat — heat helps reactivate DWR coating
- • Do not iron — synthetic layers will melt
- • Reapply DWR spray every 10-15 washes or when water stops beading
Cost
$$$$$
Premium
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact