The softshell jacket has quickly become essential for outdoor activities and outdoor work. In addition to providing effective protection against the elements, it ensures comfort and freedom of movement. Are you interested in softshell jackets but don’t know how to choose between 2 and 3 layers? All the answers are in this guide. Discover Textifab, a specialized supplier of custom softshells from our factories in Asia.
What is a Softshell Jacket?
A staple of outdoor activities, the softshell jacket is a type of outerwear designed to protect you from cold and moisture. This windbreaker is made from technical materials that combine 2 to 3 layers to keep the body dry and warm. Its special feature? It allows for great freedom of movement, good breathability, and exceptional comfort.
Everything You Need to Know About the 3-Layer Technique
The 3-layer technique is often adopted by outdoor enthusiasts. It relies on a comfort layer, an insulation layer, and a final layer for warmth or protection. The goal? To keep the body at a comfortable temperature, in any condition and during any activity.
The functioning of the softshell jacket relies on the same layer system:
- First layer: An inner lining that retains body heat and keeps you dry. In direct contact with the skin, it plays an important role in thermal comfort. It is usually made of synthetic fibers like fleece.
- Second layer: This outer layer acts as protection. Windproof and relatively waterproof, it prevents heat loss and keeps moisture out. The fabric is generally based on elastane, allowing total freedom of movement.
- Third layer: A great insulator, this intermediate layer retains body heat while ensuring good breathability. It is also known as the “membrane.”
When to Wear This Technical Garment?
The softshell jacket is a great alternative to the too-thick down jacket, the raincoat that doesn’t provide warmth, or the sometimes bulky parka.
Good to know: A softshell jacket serves as both an intermediate layer and an outer layer. It effectively replaces the second or third layers of clothing worn in winter.
This outdoor jacket is perfect for professionals who work outdoors such as construction workers, logistics and security sectors, craftsmen, and farmers. Warm, lightweight, and breathable, it keeps you comfortable even during temperature changes and without restricting movement. Outdoor sports enthusiasts also appreciate the freedom of movement and protection offered by this type of garment.
The 2-Layer Softshell Jacket
2-layer softshell jackets are versatile and comfortable. Perfect for mid-season, they are suitable for many activities. Want to know more?
Composition of the 2-Layer Softshell Jacket
The structure of a 2-layer softshell jacket from Textifab consists of:
- A water-repellent outer layer: Protection against the elements (wind, light rain…) and breathability.
- An inner fleece lining: Retains body heat and provides thermal comfort.
Advantages of the 2-Layer Softshell Jacket
A 2-layer softshell jacket offers several advantages, including:
- Lightweight and flexible: It allows great freedom of movement, ideal for physical and sports activities.
- Good breathability: Its layers effectively wick away body moisture, avoiding a clammy feeling.
- Wind protection: It provides an effective barrier against wind while being somewhat water-resistant.
- Practical: Its water-repellent material resists water and other liquids, making it easy to clean.
- Thin and compact: It folds and stores easily in a backpack or suitcase.
Disadvantages of the 2-Layer Softshell Jacket
Compared to the 3-layer model, the 2-layer softshell jacket is less waterproof and does not provide as much thermal insulation. Its main drawback is that it is less suitable for extreme weather conditions.
The 3-Layer Softshell Jacket
The 3-layer softshell jackets are designed to offer maximum protection against the elements. Discover all its features.
Composition of the 3-Layer Softshell Jacket
The structure of the Textifab 3-layer softshell jacket consists of:
- An outer layer that protects against wind and water.
- An intermediate micro-ventilated technical membrane (TPU membrane).
- An inner fleece lining.
This composition prevents water from penetrating while allowing moisture to escape.
Advantages of the 3-Layer Softshell Jacket
The benefits of the 3-layer softshell jacket include:
- Excellent waterproofing: It protects against the elements and keeps you dry.
- Good breathability: By effectively wicking away moisture, it offers lasting comfort.
- Superior thermal insulation: Ideal for activities in cold weather, it retains body heat.
- Great durability: The waterproof and breathable membrane increases the jacket’s longevity, making it more resistant to harsh conditions.
Disadvantages of the 3-Layer Softshell Jacket
This model is durable but much less flexible and lightweight than a 2-layer jacket. Its construction offers less freedom of movement.
How to Choose a Softshell Jacket?
You now know the advantages and disadvantages of different softshell jackets. So, how to choose? Here are the criteria to consider.
The Membrane, Important for Comfort and Waterproofing
The membrane is an important element for this outdoor garment because it makes it waterproof and resistant.
Waterproof properties are often expressed in millimeters of water column (mmH₂O). This measure indicates a material’s ability to withstand water pressure. For example, a garment with a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm can withstand a 10,000 mm water column before moisture penetrates the fabric.
Good to know: A softshell jacket with a waterproof rating between 5,000 and 10,000 mm provides sufficient protection for moderate to heavy rain. For extreme conditions, opt for waterproofing of 15,000 mm or more.
Among the most common membranes are Gore-Tex, Event, and Texapore, each offering specific performance in terms of waterproofing and breathability. It is also possible to opt for local standards, which are equally effective and less expensive.
Choosing Between 2 or 3 Layers Depending on Activity and Needs
The choice between a 2-layer or 3-layer softshell jacket depends mainly on the intended use, weather conditions, and individual needs.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to make the right choice:
- Moderate or intense activities: The 2-layer softshell jacket is suitable for moderate activities. For intense physical activities, the 3-layer softshell jacket is more suitable.
- Mild or harsh climate: For mild weather conditions, choose a 2-layer softshell jacket. For very humid and windy conditions, opt for the 3-layer model.
- Daily and intensive use: 3-layer softshell jackets are more durable, making them suitable for intensive use.
The Style and Fit of the Outdoor Garment
The style of this technical garment must be both functional and aesthetic to reflect your brand image.
At Textifab, we offer custom softshell jackets, personalized according to your needs and desires from our factories in Asia:
- Color choice: Pantone dyeing of the material if you want a softshell jacket in your company’s colors.
- Logo integration: Embroidery, transfer, or screen printing. Have your company’s logo or an event’s logo embroidered on the jacket’s chest, a sleeve, or the back.
- Accessory choice: Zipper color, pull tab, custom woven label at the collar, contrasting zippered pockets…
- Jacket design: With or without a hood, specific size chart (men, women, children).
A special project? Contact Textifab’s team of experts to discuss it.
Why Choose Custom Softshell Jackets?
Custom work and sportswear are real assets for your company’s image and team cohesion. We demonstrate this with two case studies.
Softshell Jackets with Reflective Strips for Delivery Drivers
A well-known logistics transporter wanted to standardize the outfit of its delivery drivers. We offered them a custom softshell jacket from our audited factories in China. Textifab managed the production of 5,000 jackets, from maritime transport to final delivery.
The unique feature of their order? The addition of 3M certified reflective strips on the front of the jacket. This way, delivery drivers can complete their rounds safely, without fearing the weather and staying visible.
A New Clothing Brand That Respects Your Branding Elements
We were approached by a large national company specializing in the construction industry. They wanted to create their own clothing brand to offer an alternative to the market leaders.
With our design studio, we created a 3-layer softshell jacket model in the brand’s colors, respecting various branding elements: embroidery, silicone patch, Pantone colors, inner pockets…
Finally, to protect the clothing, we chose a specific “retail” packaging in the form of an individual polybag with a custom hang tag.
Where to Order Custom Softshell Jackets for Your Company?
By choosing Textifab, you opt for custom clothing that perfectly reflects your company. To meet the volume and competitive price needs of SMEs and large companies, our orders start from 500 custom jackets.
Do you want to add your logo to the chest or back of the garment to equip your employees? Contact us now to benefit from our advice and a custom quote.
