So that professional or amateur pursuits in active sports or just a comfortable pastime in nature, in the fresh air, even if it comes to bad weather, whether it be snow, a cold piercing wind, drizzling rain, bring pleasure, the question arises of the right choice of quality outerwear, the so-called outfit. It can be sports, walking. Often among the wide range of textile products, softshell suits can be found. What are they? What weather are good? What are sewn from? Softshell ... What is it? Let's try to find the answers to the above questions.
Softshell ... What is this term and where did it come from?
Buffalo partners proposed the revolutionary idea of replacing the three-layer clothing scheme with a more lightweight, but fully operational version, based on fleece and Pertex fabric. Although rainfall and a strong wind remained terrible for such clothes, it nevertheless began to be popular with climbers. Actually, the term softshell for its classic version of clothing was introduced into use by Patagonia, a company that produces eco-friendly items and sports equipment. Literally translated from English, the term means “soft layer”, but conceptually implies the same minimization of layers of clothing that a person needs in the cold season. Modern production technology or innovative fabric? Softshell - what is it?
Softshell is a practical, soft-touch multilayer material. It is based on synthetic fibers (polyurethane, polyamide, lycra, polyester, cordura), but the tendency is to mix synthetics with natural fibers. It is produced by applying a strong, wear-resistant outer (facial) layer to a softer inner (back) layer that protects against heat loss. Between them is a membrane layer. The thicker the fleece layer, the warmer the product. The soft side of the underside is given by the fine-fiber micro-pile, which, due to the internal thermoregulation coming from the human body, remains dry even under intense physical exertion. In this case, excess moisture formed will be removed to the outside. Therefore, from a practical point of view, it is better to wear softshell on a naked body.
Softshell Quality Features
Among the main properties of a sufficiently light in weight and compact when adding material, of paramount importance are:
- waterproof (thanks to special impregnation, softshell fabric is able to repel moisture, but it will not create 100% protection from rain);
- dirt-repellent properties;
- protection from gusts of wind (it is characterized by CFM: the lower it is, the higher the protection from wind);
- high air permeability, lack of a "vapor effect" (since it is a breathing membrane material);
- good thermal insulation;
- elasticity (softshell stretch clothing does not constrain movements, effectively fits a person’s body, lays down on a figure).
Softshell product classification by material and production technology
Softshell products are divided into two- and three-layer ones depending on the production technology, quality and quantity of layering. Three-layer: elastic top - membrane - fleece. Two-layer - fleece and top (without membrane): thermal underwear - insulation; thermal underwear - wind protection, insulation - wind protection. They are more popular. Moisture and windproof membranes are characteristic of heavy products, the absence of a membrane or its presence with windproof are light softshells.
Three-layer products are called Insulated Soft Shell. Polyester or polyamide stretch, silicone impregnation is Non-insulated Soft Shell. Combining the properties of two of the above types - Hybrid products.
Softshell Membrane Products
For softshell membrane products, the upper face layer may be:
- based on pore, poreless and combined membrane that protects against moisture; all products are windproof; in view of the lower price category, the classic non-pore base (with and without joint sealing) has gained great popularity;
- based on pore or pore-free membranes that protect against wind; pore - wear-resistant, despite the high stretch, breathable and waterproof properties, characterized by short-term moisture protection; non-porous - not completely blown;
- based on pore membranes that partially (up to 98%) protect against wind, the speed of which does not exceed 50 km / h.
The inner back layer consists of:
- thin fleece (classic);
- too thin a moisture-removing layer (light);
- long fleece warm fleece (highloft).
Softshell membraneless products
Membrane-free softshell products are based on:
- dense heavy types of fabrics, which are characterized by low blowing capacity, high thermal insulation, are suitable for moderately low temperature conditions, but do not fit well in the figure;
- light warm stretch materials, including those with fine moisture-removing impregnation, which are wear-resistant, and in the cold in calm with high motor activity fully justify themselves.
Softshell Destination
The future purpose and level of motor activity of a person will directly affect the choice of one or another type of softshell clothing. Customer reviews confirm that in membraneless products they feel very comfortable in dry weather, otherwise they may require additional wind and moisture protection in the form of storm jackets. In the off-season in urban conditions, a raincoat, a leather jacket can be replaced by membrane windproof jackets, which can become indispensable in hiking, when practicing, for example, Nordic walking, light jogging. For the winter, it is better to purchase pore options for softshell things. Partial windproof membrane complete with a lightweight 3-layer jacket - equipment for people with a high level of motor activity (cross-country skiing, ski slopes, etc.).
In what weather is soft shell useful?
So, the choice is made in favor of softshell clothing. What air temperature is it designed for? As a rule, a person in a soft shell product will feel comfortable at moderate temperature conditions. It is about 5-10 º below the zero mark. Fans of outdoor activities will not be hindered by either wind, rain, or snow, unless it is a matter of hurricanes and showers. In severe weather, softshell can be a great addition to fleece clothing, thermal underwear.
Softshell Products
Practical and comfortable outerwear, overalls, trousers, sweatshirts, gloves, even shoes and sleeping bags made of softshell material are rapidly conquering the textile market. All these things are practical, durable, applicable including in urban environments, do not rustle while walking, and save the family budget.
To a greater extent, it is the softshell jacket that is associated with products from the above material. What is it? A universal type of clothing of different colors, convenient for trips to nature, hiking, walking - it is clear to everyone. On the other hand, it is a compact, lightweight 2-in-1 product that simultaneously protects against the cold and replaces the raincoat. Its distinguishing features are considered to be the average length of the product covering the lower part of the body, a stand-up collar, a shrinking hood that saves from all kinds of rainfall, which can be hidden in a special pocket on the collar, wide sleeves with Velcro fasteners that prevent the penetration of wind, moisture-proof zippers, straps locks (this is a kind of design decision). This is an indispensable thing in the wardrobe, capable of emphasizing the refined taste and style of lovers of an active lifestyle, which, in fact, is unanimously testified by the reviews. Softshell jacket is a great option to withstand various unpleasant vagaries of nature.
How many fakes?
How to determine whether a fake is in front of you or really high-quality softshell material? What are these differences? Unfortunately, many manufacturers miss (perhaps intentionally) the moment of manufacturability of softshell products, so sometimes you can buy a pig in a poke or a membrane analog, rather than softshell itself. In addition, now the hard shells in their composition and production technology are very close to soft shells, the line between them is often indistinguishable or simply obliterated. Undoubtedly, the name of the manufacturer will say a lot about the quality of softshell products. Manufacturers who strive for excellence, such as Marmot, The North Face, Sivera, Bask, Patagonia and others, simply can not afford the “average” quality option for softshell clothing.
Proper care
How to care for soft shell products? What temperature and washing mode is the fabric designed for? The answer to the question can be found on the label, but you should not resort to washing things every time. Sometimes it is enough to wipe them with wet microfiber. It is not recommended to clean the dirt with a brush, even with the softest bristles, since it can damage the canvas. If washing cannot be avoided, you should do it manually or resort to a gentle washing regime of synthetics at 30 ° C with a delicate spin, after turning the product on the wrong side. It is important to abandon abrasives, bleaches, use warm water, soapy water, liquid detergents, and dry in a straightened form. Contraindicated: joint washing of the soft shell with other things, drying on heating radiators, ironing. Deodorants, body creams, open flames are capable of harming quality properties, including water-repellent impregnation of a product.
Follow these simple guidelines. Proper care of softshell products will help to preserve their presentable appearance and functional characteristics and extend the service life.