March 2007
Soft Shell is the term used to describe a new kind of outerwear that is more breathable, flexible, and comfortable than the stiff, crinkly Gore-Tex like jackets (called Hard Shells) that have dominated the market for years now. Soft Shells combine many of the benefits of waterproof Hard Shells with more comfortable garments like fleece. Yet Soft Shells are neither.
Enter soft shells
Soft Shells use sophisticated stretch woven fabrics with tight layered weaves and durable water repellent (DWR) treatments to guard against wind, rain, and snow in all but the most severe weather conditions. In other words, “a Soft Shell keeps weather out like a Hard Shell, but breathes like fleece”.
What does it mean to me?
Soft Shells are jackets made from stretchy fabric that fit like a glove without constricting, stretch fluidly with the body without resisting, and allow moisture to escape from inside without letting it penetrate from outside.
They are good for any outdoor activity with an aerobic element where protection from the elements is important.
Think of Soft Shells as one big efficient moisture management system. Like Gore-Tex, it shall be heralded a wonder garment!
Soft Shells compared to a Gore-Tex shell:
- 3 times more breathable
- Way more stretch
- Not as waterproof but will cope with light rain/ snow
- Not as windproof but blocks about 90% of the wind
- BY FAR more comfortable in all but the nastiest conditions
Soft Shells compared to fleece:
- Does not pill, i.e., will not start looking like a terry cloth rag
- Resists water whereas a fleece acts like a sponge in rain and snow
- Blocks wind that cuts right through fleece
- Doesn't attract hair or fluff
Soft shell jackets are a fantastic addition to our range of technical garments!
For further information click here
