Softshell fabric is a double-layer fabric with a waterproof and stretchy outer layer, 2-way or 4-way stretch, and a brushed inner layer closest to the body, providing soft and comfortable insulation, or with a middle layer Three-layer fabric that’s both waterproof and windproof yet breathable.
The outer fabric is often treated with DWR, which has good waterproof and rainproof functions. Fabrics often include polyester four-way stretch fabrics, nylon four-way stretch fabrics, mechanical stretch fabrics, and knitted fabrics. The waterproof level reaches level 4, the American standard exceeds 90 points, and it is washable.
The middle layer is a layer of film. Common ones include TPU, PE, PU, and PTFE films. After being finished with a composite membrane in the middle layer, the fabric is waterproof and breathable. The water pressure can be 5000 mm-50,000 mm, and the moisture permeability is 500-10000 g/m2*24h. The comfortable softshell fabric has good waterproofing and good moisture permeability. The higher the value, the better. The RET value is also one of the values that measure the moisture permeability of fabrics. The lower the value, the better. Some brands often use low RET value as a selling point. Good perspective. The RET value is less than 6; the breathability is very good, suitable for high-intensity exercise; the RET value is between 6 and 13, the breathability is good, and it is suitable for moderate exercise intensity; the RET value is between 13 and 20, the breathability is average, and it is suitable for low-intensity exercise sports. The RET value is greater than 20, and the breathability is poor.
The inner fabric is often polar fleece, and the fleece treatment can provide warmth. 75D polar fleece and 100D polar fleece are used as inner fabrics.
Producing softshell fabric is usually divided into three steps:
The first step is to produce the fabric and make it waterproof. Generally, a good fabric needs good elasticity. Polyester four-way stretch fabric, nylon four-way stretch fabric, and knitted fabric are often chosen. Recently, due to the problem of color fastness of spandex elastic fabrics, mechanical stretch fabrics, T400, and T800 fabrics have also been commonly used as face fabrics because these fabrics have lower prices and better color fastness.
The second step is to produce the inner layer fabric, polar fleece. Because of the brushing, the color fastness of the inner layer fabric is usually not good. Some need to be soaped and reshaped, and high-quality dyes must be selected to meet the standards.
The third step is to composite the fabric. The waterproof fabric is processed into a composite membrane, which is then cured and then attached to the inner polar fleece fabric. Good composite technology can give the softshell fabric strong peel strength, making it more durable for daily wear. Poor lamination technology often causes fabric blistering, curling, and delamination, which affects the normal production of clothing and even causes the entire fabric to be scrapped.
Softshell fabric is commonly used in a variety of outdoor and sports equipment, especially suitable for activities in changing climate conditions. Common uses include:
The main advantage of softshell garments is that they combine warmth, breathability, flexibility, and lightweight properties. They are lighter than traditional hardshell fabrics, making them ideal for outdoor activities.