What is Softshell and what is it used for?

What is Softshell?

Softshell is a material used in winter clothing. Its main function is to provide as much protection as possible while still being lightweight and breathable.

Softshell clothes are mainly for outdoor use in adverse weather conditions. Despite this, it's not 100% waterproof and is designed to repel moderate rain and snow. Softshell is highly resistant to wind and offers incredible breathability by expelling moisture.

What is Softshell made of?

Softshell fabric usually consists of 3 layers separated by membranes.

- Microfibre or "microfleece" lining. Protects against the cold by maintaining body temperature and ensures greater comfort.

- Polyurethane middle layer. Acts as a windbreaker. This layer offers optimal breathability by expelling humidity from the inner layer.

- Nylon or polyester synthetic outer. Offers protection and abrasion resistance with a Durable Water Repellent (DRW) treatment, which causes greater surface tension and repels moisture.

What types of Softshell are there?

There are two main types: the most common is the three-layer type. There is also a less well-known double-layer type. The number of layers determine the level of protection:

- Softshell triple layer: The different layers act as a protective shell against cold, rain and moisture. Obviously, only when layered together and not separately.

- Softshell double layer: A mix of windproof and fleece materials. An inner layer of fleece to maintain body temperature and an outer layer, usually made of elastane or polyester, to insulate against moisture and wind.

What are the benefits of Softshell material?

- Waterproof.

- Maximum wind resistance.

- Great elasticity and freedom of movement for working.

- More breathability than completely waterproof garments.

- Adaptable to different seasons, allowing use in variable weather conditions.

- Convenient storage and transport in suitcases and warehouses.

- Material guarantees durability despite high levels of wear.

What should you know before buying Softshell garments?

Not all Softshell clothing is the same, each has its own level of resistance.

- Breathability index: how much moisture from perspiration escapes. Measured by the rate at which water vapour can escape ("Moisture Vapour Permeability" or MVP). The higher it is, the more breathable the fabric is. This allows the person to stay dry.

- Waterproof rating: measured in terms of height of a water column in mm, i.e., a column of water on the fabric to be tested. The more mm it supports, the more waterproof it is.

When purchasing this type of clothing, remember that the higher the waterproof and breathability index, the greater the resistance and, therefore, the higher the quality.

Where to buy Softshell garments?

It is always advisable to buy from official manufacturers and distributors. There are many counterfeits due to the fine line between real waterproof and breathable Softshell performance and materials that do not reach the level of Softshell or are not 100% waterproof and not breathable.

At Safeguru , we recommend brands with a long history in the global workwear market such as son Caterpillar , Uneek o Mascot or Portwest

Visit our online shop to view our range of Softshell jackets o equipamiento con este material descúbrelo todo en nuestra tienda online .

Don't hesitate to contact us by calling 01422 774376 or using our contact form .

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