Light, airy and water-repellent
Softshell jackets and coats have been on the market for a number of years. But what exactly is softshell and what are its advantages and disadvantages compared to a waterproof jacket?
Softshell
Softshell means that the material from which the jacket or coat is made is water-repellent. As a result, a softshell jacket is usually lighter, thinner and more comfortable to wear. The wearability of a fleece and many of the benefits of waterproof clothing. And yet softshell is unique.
The problem of waterproofing
Textiles are often coated with a layer of waterproof plastic. This allows the material to breathe, but not nearly enough! This keeps you dry against the rain, but still leaves you sweaty. This is extra annoying when you've been exercising hard, hiking, cycling, skiing, you name it, and you stop to rest. Besides the clammy and sticky feeling you get from it, you also cool down too quickly. Another drawback of many waterproof jackets and coats is the noise. The continuous creaking with whatever movement you make. If you go for a nice walk in a quiet forest, you make a lot of noise yourself. And another disadvantage: it doesn't really yield, which means you're actually always wearing a jacket that's too big.
The solution to all your problems: softshell
Softshell consists of several tightly woven layers that have the benefits of water repellency and the breathability of fleece. Mind you, softshell is water-repellent, but you have to get really crazy if you want to get wet. It also blocks 90% of the wind, allowing your body to regulate its own temperature. Softshell moves wonderfully with you, whatever outdoor activity you do, from mountain climbing to mountain biking.
