Softshells… the smart outerwear choice

The corporate outerwear market is big business. The biggest business, according to industry statistics. With a clear trend towards wind layers becoming increasingly stretchy and breathable, there’s a whole new world of sales opportunity ready and waiting for decorators who understand this shift to smart softshellwear.

Corporate comfort revolution

Today’s workforce want outerwear that performs as hard as they do, and softshells deliver exactly that. In style. A best-of-all-worlds garment that’s light and packable, breathable and pliable, ruggedly weather-resistant… and great-looking with it.

But this shift isn’t just about comfort or design – it’s also about productivity. When employees feel good in what they’re wearing, they feel good about what they’re doing – and they perform better. Russell’s Women’s Smart softshell jacket (J040F) is a perfect example of feel-good performance in action. Professional enough for the boardroom, practical enough for the building site.

Two-layer vs three-layer: the science of softshells

Not all softshells are created equal. The layer count makes a massive difference when it comes to performance and use.

Two-layer softshells, like Russell’s Essential softshell jacket (J420M), feature a face fabric that’s bonded directly to a membrane or coating. They’re lighter, more breathable and are perfect for milder conditions or activewear. The direct bonding creates a softer hand feel that many people prefer for easy, everyday wear.

Three-layer softshells such as Russell’s Softshell jacket (J140M) and B&C Collection’s B&C Reset 3Lr^® hooded softshell (BA513) add a protective lining between the face fabric and membrane. This delivers superior durability and rugged weather resistance, which is exactly what you want in a demanding work environment or if you’re outdoors over a long period of time.

Because the additional layer prevents the membrane from clogging with body oils and dirt, you and your jacket are likely to enjoy a much happier, healthier and longer life together.

The go-to choice for branded outerwear

There’s no shortage of good reasons why softshells have become the decorator’s best friend. For a start, they combine superior performance with a wealth of decoration potential. The smooth-faced fabrics accept embroidery beautifully, while the breathable construction prevents overheating – essential for employees who wear branded outerwear all day.

Breathability sets softshells apart from traditional corporate outerwear. Where a conventional jacket might trap moisture and become uncomfortable, softshells allow vapour to escape at the same time as blocking out wind and light rain. It’s a beautiful balance that keeps wearers comfortable in all kinds of unpredictable environments – from heated offices to chilly car parks and damp golf courses.

Water resistance in quality softshells protects from light showers and morning dew without the cumbersome bulk of full waterproofs. Most feature Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments that cause water to bead and roll off, instead of soaking in.

Taped seams on premium models like the Russell range ensure that potential leak points are sealed, providing comprehensive protection without compromising flexibility.

Inner linings vary by design, from soft fleece for warmth to technical fabrics for moisture management. It all depends on the use – fleece-lined for static outdoor work, technical linings for more active roles.

 

Decorating softshells

Softshells offer decorators plenty of great sales opportunities. To make the most of them, though, you’ll need to understand their unique properties.

Embroidery vs print
Softshells love a little embroidery. The smooth, stable face fabric provides an ideal foundation for detailed logo work. Unlike fleece, there’s no pile to interfere with stitch definition, so you achieve crisp, professional-looking branding.

Stretch fabric challenges
The very flexibility that makes softshells so comfortable can sometimes complicate decoration. Be sure to use suitable stabilising techniques and avoid over-stretching during hooping. It’s always wise to test embroidery tension on sample pieces to make sure that results are consistent across production runs.

Seam considerations
Avoid decorating too close to seams, particularly on three-layer constructions where layers of fabric create bulk. Plan logo placement carefully so that machine operation runs smoothly and you achieve the best possible results.

Heat transfer vinyl/film is a massive win when it comes to softshells. The smooth surface provides excellent adhesion, while the moderate stretch accommodates garment movement without cracking. DTF (Direct to Film) printing will also deliver outstanding results on softshell fabrics.

 

The smart investment

For decorators, softshells are more than just another product line – they’re a smart, strategic investment in customer satisfaction. Great-looking, functional and decoration-friendly, they combine to deliver a compelling product range.

For customers who value outerwear that works as hard as they do, softshells deliver, big time, with the perfect blend of top performance and professional image that’s so important in busy business environments.

From construction teams needing hi-vis protection to suited, booted execs wanting sophisticated weather resistance, softshells are an ideal option.

With a growing demand, plus excellent decoration potential, softshells are now an essential part of any ambitious decorator’s catalogue. Master the techniques, understand the different types of applications and you’ll quickly discover why softshells are becoming the smart choice for professional outerwear.

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