A softshell jacket is a light, flexible jacket that is windproof and water-repellent, yet stays breathable. It sits somewhere between a fleece and a rain jacket: it keeps out wind and light rain, but lets moisture from your body escape. That makes it ideal for active outdoor use, both in your free time and at work. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about the softshell jacket, from its properties to its use as workwear.
What exactly do you use a softshell jacket for?
You use a softshell jacket for activities where you need freedom of movement and protection against wind and light rain. It is best suited to cloudy days, chilly temperatures and slightly changeable weather. Think of walking, cycling, outdoor work or your daily commute.
The jacket is popular because it is so versatile. You wear it as an outer layer in dry but chilly weather, or as a mid-layer under a heavier rain jacket when it is really pouring. Because it is stretchy and light, it hardly restricts your movement. That sets it apart from a stiff windbreaker or a heavy parka.
Typical situations in which people choose a softshell:
- Outdoor activities in autumn or spring
- Working outdoors in changeable weather
- Sport and recreation where you move a lot
- Everyday use as a stylish yet functional jacket
What are the main properties of a softshell jacket?
The main properties of a softshell jacket are wind resistance, water repellency, breathability and flexibility. The fabric is usually a combination of polyester and elastane, so the jacket moves with your body while still protecting you from the elements.
Here is an overview of the features that define a softshell jacket:
- Windproof: the outer layer blocks wind effectively, keeping you warm without the need for a thick coat
- Water-repellent (DWR): light rain beads off thanks to a special coating, although the jacket is not fully waterproof in persistent rain
- Breathable: moisture from your body can escape, preventing overheating during exertion
- Flexible and light: the fabric has stretch, giving you freedom of movement
- Comfortable: the inside is often softly lined, which feels pleasant against the skin
That combination of properties makes the softshell jacket different from an ordinary windbreaker, which is often stiffer and less breathable, or a fleece, which is warm but offers no protection against wind or rain.
What is the difference between a softshell and a hardshell jacket?
The difference between a softshell and a hardshell jacket lies in the degree of waterproofing and stiffness. A hardshell is fully waterproof and suitable for heavy rain, whereas a softshell is only water-repellent and breathes better during active use.
To put it in concrete terms:
- Softshell: water-repellent, flexible, breathable, comfortable in moderate weather and during active movement
- Hardshell: fully waterproof, less flexible, less breathable, ideal in heavy rain or extreme conditions
A hardshell is the better choice if you know you will be standing in pouring rain for hours, for example when mountain walking or working on a building site in bad weather. A softshell works better if you move a lot and want to avoid overheating, while still having some protection against wind and light rain.
Many people end up choosing a softshell for everyday use and save the hardshell for truly bad weather.
When is a softshell jacket suitable as workwear?
A softshell jacket is suitable as workwear when you work outdoors in changeable weather, move around a lot in your job, or want to combine a smart look with comfort. It works well as a mid-layer jacket or outer layer in moderate weather.
Professions and sectors where a softshell jacket works well as workwear:
- Construction and infrastructure (as a lighter outer layer in dry weather)
- Horticulture and grounds maintenance
- Logistics and transport (drivers, delivery staff)
- Event organisation and promotional work
- Technical services and installation companies
- Field sales and account management
The jacket is also popular as representative corporate clothing because it looks smart, is easy to combine and shows off your company logo nicely. That way you wear something functional and something that reflects your brand at the same time.
Can a softshell jacket be printed or embroidered?
Yes, a softshell jacket can be printed or embroidered with a company logo or name. Embroidery is the most durable and professional option for workwear, while printing is suitable for more detailed or colourful designs. Both techniques give a neat, representative look.
A few points to bear in mind when personalising a softshell jacket:
- Embroidery works well on the chest, sleeve or back. It is hard-wearing and looks professional, even after many washes.
- Printing offers more freedom in colours and detail, but requires the right type of ink that is flexible enough for the stretchy fabric of the jacket.
- Always choose a jacket with a flat, smooth outer layer for the best printing result.
- Check that the supplier has experience with softshell fabrics, as not every printing or embroidery technique is suitable for this type of fabric.
Would you like to know more about which jackets are best suited to printing? Take a look at our selection of softshell jackets to personalise for concrete inspiration.
How do you choose a sustainable softshell jacket for your company?
You choose a sustainable softshell jacket for your company based on the fabric composition, certifications, quality of finish and personalisation options. Look out for labels such as GOTS, Oeko-Tex or recycled materials if you want to make a conscious choice.
What to look for when making a sustainable choice:
- Fabric: choose jackets made from recycled polyester or other eco-friendly materials
- Certifications: labels such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Fair Wear show that production meets social and environmental standards
- Quality: a jacket that lasts a long time is more sustainable than a cheap one you replace every year
- Supplier: work with a partner that is transparent about its production chain
- Recycling: some suppliers offer collection programmes for old clothing, extending its life cycle
A sustainable softshell jacket is also an investment in your company image. Employees who wear comfortable, high-quality clothing enjoy their work more and come across as more professional.
How Maximum Image helps you find the right softshell jacket
At Maximum Image we help companies choose the right softshell jacket, personalise it and integrate it sustainably into their workwear. We think along with you about the choice of fabric, printing or embroidery, and make sure the end result matches your brand and values.
What we do for you:
- Personal advice on the most suitable model and fabric for your sector
- Printing or embroidery of your logo on the jackets you choose
- A range of sustainable options with eco-friendly materials and fair production
- A quote within 24 hours, without any hassle
- Fulfilment and logistics, so you don’t have to worry about a thing
- A collection service for old workwear you want to recycle
Ready to get started? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you further with a tailor-made proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How warm is a softshell jacket really, and do I need something underneath?
On its own, a softshell jacket offers moderate warmth and is most effective at temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius. In colder conditions, it is best combined with a thermal base layer or a fleece underneath — this principle is known as layering. The softshell then acts as a windproof outer layer that retains the warmth of the inner layers.
How do I look after my softshell jacket so it lasts as long as possible?
Wash your softshell jacket on a low-temperature programme (30–40°C) with a liquid detergent and no fabric softener, as fabric softener damages the DWR coating. After washing, you can briefly tumble dry the jacket on a low setting or gently refresh it with an iron on a low temperature to reactivate the water-repellent coating. Then hang the jacket on a clothes rail to dry and don’t store it squashed, so the fabric keeps its shape.
When has the water-repellent coating of my softshell jacket worn off, and what should I do then?
You’ll notice the DWR coating has worn off when rainwater no longer beads off but soaks into the fabric and the jacket feels heavy. This is normal after intensive use and several washes. You can easily restore the coating with a DWR spray or a reproofing product specially designed for softshell fabrics, available from outdoor and sports shops.
What is the best way to introduce a softshell jacket as workwear in my company?
Start by determining the weather conditions and freedom of movement your employees need every day, so you choose the right model and weight. Then have a small number of test jackets printed or embroidered and ask employees for feedback on fit and comfort before placing a larger order. A supplier such as Maximum Image can guide you with personal advice and a trial order, so you are sure of your choice before you invest fully.
Can I wear a softshell jacket all year round, or is it seasonal?
A softshell jacket is best suited to spring and autumn, but can be used all year round depending on the situation. In summer it is too warm for intensive exertion at high temperatures, although it can still come in handy on cooler summer evenings or in chilled environments. In winter it works perfectly as a mid-layer under a heavier parka or rain jacket, which effectively makes it a versatile year-round garment.
Are there specific standards or safety certifications I should look out for in softshell jackets as workwear?
For general outdoor work, a high-quality softshell jacket without specific safety certification is sufficient, but additional requirements apply in certain sectors. Does your team work near traffic or on building sites? Then choose a softshell jacket with EN ISO 20471 certification, which officially makes it high-visibility workwear. Always ask your supplier explicitly about the safety certifications available for your sector and working environment.
What is the minimum number of softshell jackets I need to order for printing or embroidery?
The minimum order quantity differs per supplier and per personalisation technique, but with most suppliers it is between 5 and 25 pieces for embroidery and printing. The larger the run, the lower the unit price usually is. At Maximum Image you can request a tailor-made quote, so you know exactly what the costs are for your required quantities and personalisation options — with no surprises afterwards.
