Are you a globetrotter searching for a good outer layer choice to add on to your wardrobe? At that point, the exceptionally breathable and stretchable softshell jackets are for you. This article will present you the 10 best women’s softshell jackets available in the market.
Quick Comparison: Top Best Women's Softshell Jackets
**Below, you'll find our expert's reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
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What is a softshell jacket?
A softshell jacket is specially designed from woven material which gives more emphasis on breathability. Air can course through its layers much effectively contrasted with the hard shell ones. In this manner, the body heat and sweat produced due to your adventurous activities like hiking or trailing stream out rapidly. Unlike the hardshell jackets, the softshell jackets can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can be chosen for any extreme outdoor adventure. Without any creaky noises, these are worked of extraordinary stretchability and astounding breathability.
Types of softshell jackets
There are two types of softshell jackets- stretch woven jackets and membrane jackets. The stretch woven softshell jackets are built of a water-resistant coating on it. They have greater breathability and are lightweight compared to the latter. Although they are fully water-resistant, they are not entirely waterproof.
The membrane softshell jackets comprise of a water repellant membrane, bounded between its two layers. They are significantly more waterproof. They can be used for protection against elements too. Yet, a membrane softshell jacket is much heavier than a stretch woven jacket.
How to choose the best softshell jacket?
There are a few things you need to consider before buying a softshell jacket.
Fit
Softshell jackets are intended to be super fit and short lengthed. But as the material is stretchy, it will guarantee all sorts of movements. More the jacket is tight; more it retains the heat produced. This style additionally enables it to be used as regular casual wear.
The hood
A softshell jacket can be used either as an outer layer for protecting you amid light showers or a mid layer beneath a fully waterproof one. In the latter case, a hood is not necessary. But otherwise, a hood will be a useful feature.
Pockets
The number of inner and outer pockets are the most prominent category of features. They are extremely fundamental to keep little imperative things like money, mobile, and gloves. Enough number of pockets ensures that we can reach out such essential items without opening our rucksack.
The fabric
Most often, the softshell jackets are fleece lined inside for better warmth. It cannot be removed. Likewise, make sure that the fabric used is gentle and elastic enough to guarantee you a comfy trip with freedom of movements.
Review of Some of The Best Women's Softshell Jackets
Our #1 Rated
Our #1 Rated
Rated out of 5
Feature
- It is made of 100% polyester with 100% nylon lining making it very stretchable
- It has got zipper type closure and standing type collar
- The logo of Columbia is put at the chest
- It is machine launderable
- It has two side entry pockets and zippered hand pockets
- It’s back length is 26.”
- It has got a very simple and classic look making it suitable for everyday use
Pros
- Water resistant
- Wind resistant
- Weatherproof
- Adjustable drawcord hem
- The sleeve endings are lopsidedly cut for better style
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Leaves barely any space of an underneath layer
- Very large
- It doesn’t have a hood and chest pocket
Our #2 Rated
Our #2 Rated
Rated out of 5
- It is worked of 100% nylon material with pro waterproof coating
- The fabric used inside the jacket is delicate and warm fleece
- It’s the one best softshell rain jacket that’s now accessible in the markets
- The jacket accompanies a hood and a high collar
- It comprises one zippered chest pocket, two zippered hand pockets, and one internal pocket
- It has adjustable cuffs that help to hold in warmth
- The water temperature ought to be less than 30 degrees while washing
- Ensure that you only use neutral detergents and do not iron it
- Hand wash is suggested though it’s machine washable
Feature
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Wind resistant
- Constructed with a large amount of cotton padding
- Extremely soft and lightweight
- Adjustable and removable hood
Cons
- Might not fit impeccably
Our #3 Rated
Our #3 Rated
Rated out of 5
- A 100% polyester woven shell is attached to a water-resistant film insert and a 100% polyester microfleece lining
- Its one of warmest soft shell jackets
- It has got a zipper-type closure
- It accompanies a zip through its cadet collar
- It’s designed to have a full-length interior storm flap with a chin guard, tricot-lined front zippered pockets
- It consists of open cuffs, lockable drawcord hem for perfect fit and reverse-coil zippers
- It’s machine washable. Although, ensure that only non-chlorine bleach and cold water is used
Features
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Has a chin guard
- Adjustable and removable hood
Cons
- Machine washing isn’t recommended
- Little small
Our #4 Rated
Our #4 Rated
Rated out of 5
- The jacket is made of 90% Softshell double weave polyester with 10% Elastane stretch
- It consists of a zippered chest pocket and handwarmer pockets
- It has got a standup double fleece collar
- It is built with an attached headphone port to avoid the mess of tangling of your earphone wires
- It also supports during aerobic activities in mild and dry climates
- It has elastic-bound cuffs and drawcord hem
- Its inbuilt angel-wing movement delivers excellent mobility
- It weighs 1 lb 2.3 oz with 29.25 inches of center back length
Features
Pros
- Water resistant
- Gets dried up soon
- Quickly absorbs moisture
Cons
- The hood is small in size
- Little thin
Our #5 Rated
Our #5 Rated
Rated out of 5
- This jacket is built of 88% Nylon and 12% Elastane with 100% Polyester lining
- It weighs only 1 lb
- It comes with a built-in hood which can be adjusted using a drawstring cord in the backside
- It's best suitable for hiking, trekking, mountaineering, and even daily use
- It offers enough water resistance as its water repellant
- It is machine washable but should ensure that you do not bleach, tumble dry or dry clean it
- It consists of pit zips for increased ventilation
- For storage, it has an internal mesh pocket, a chest pocket, and two zippered hand pockets
- It's accessible in five unique sizes (34/XS-42/XL) and three colors
- It also smells fresh for years as each jacket has undergone antimicrobial treatment
Feature
Pros
- Abrasion-resistant
- Windproof
- Water repellant
- Lightweight
- Durable fabric construction
- The sleeve cuff is adjustable
- Enough storage options
Cons
- Its price is a bit on top
Our #6 Rated
Our #6 Rated
Rated 4.3 out of 5
- It’s a single layer softshell jacket made of 97% Polyester and 3% Spandex
- It is machine washable
- Its logo is attached at the left hem
- It has got a standing collar with chin guard and zippered hand pockets
- It additionally comprises of an open hem with a shock-cord drawstring and cuffs with thumbholes
- It consists of an attached wind flap
Features
Pros
- Perfect fit
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
- Windflap offers protection against dust
Cons
- There are customer reports on poor quality
Our #7 Rated
Our #7 Rated
Rated out of 5
- This jacket has got an anti splashing outer layer
- Its inner layer is designed with fleece to retain maximum heat
- It has got a full-length zipper opening with an internal draft flap
- For storage, it has two zippered hand pockets and one back pocket
- Its designed to have a high cut double layer collar and elastic wrist cuffs
- It also consists of reflective elements on the front and back side for reflecting scorching sun rays to some extent
Feature
Pros
- Amazing fit
- Decent wind and water resistance by the outer layer
Cons
- Too Thin
Our #8 Rated
Our #8 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Its built of firmly woven 95% polyester and 5% Spandex
- The fabric is highly stretchable for comfortable motion and limitless movements
- The inner layer is exceptionally gentle for added warmth
- All pockets are zippered and designed in hand warmer style
- It's machine washable
- Its water-repellant finish offers a little amount of water resistance
Pros
- 100% Windproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fail to deliver enough warmth
- Low-quality stitching
Our #9 Rated
Our #9 Rated
Rated out of 5
- This semi-fitted jacket has got a three-layered structure- The protective fabric shell, the breathable middle layer, and the brushed fleece inner layer
- Its built of 92% polyester and 8% Spandex
- It has a fully lined and adjustable hood
- The 4-way stretch fabric enables maximum freedom of movement
- Its available in three color varieties - Black, Blue (Heathered Teal), Gray (Heathered Gray)
- Ensure that you close all the zippers before washing
- Also, make sure that you neither iron nor dry clean the jacket
Features
Pros
- Windproof
- Water resistant
- The inner layer fabric adds extra warmth
Cons
- The fabric is a bit stiff
- Tight sleeves
Our #10 Rated
Our #10 Rated
Rated out of 5
- The jacket is built using hardwearing Wee Burly™ softshell fabric and a nylon or polyester double weave finish
- It has got minimalist design making it extremely elegant and light
- Its mid and outer layers are weather resistant
- It weighs 1 lb
- It’s a back length of 66 cm
- It has two hand pockets and one small pocket on the upper left arm
Features
Pros
- Abrasion-resistant
- Extremely breathable
- Lightweight
- Amazing wind and water resistance
- Durable
Cons
- Low storage
- Little expensive
- Non-adjustable cuffs
- Too thin
How to maintain your softshell jacket?
Keeping up your softshell jacket is as essential as investing a good amount of money and getting the best one. Following are the few tips for it.
- It is suggested not to wash your softshell jacket often. It would lessen the texture quality and strength. It would likewise fade your jacket’s color.
- If the stain is simple, you can simply rub it off using a gentle brush.
- If you have worn it for quite a while or the stains are sufficiently vast, at that point it's proposed to do machine wash.
- All the zippers and other closures should be closed and furthermore turn the jacket inside out before washing.
- Liquid detergents are favored over washing powders, as the latter may hinder the pores of the jackets. Subsequently, the breathability of the jacket would be severely affected.
- No matter what, fabric softeners should never be used.
- Preferably do not dry wash your jacket or do spin-dry. You can let it dry under the sun, but that too ensure that you don’t put for a more extended period.
- All softshell garments are built using synthetic fibers and are very susceptible to fire. So, always be cautious when you are handling heat wearing your softshell jacket.
A softshell jacket has multiple layers. The primary layer would be water repellent that permits the flow of moisture, however, doesn't assimilate even a bit. Most often, the next layer would be a membrane which actively repels wind in the meantime allowing water vapor to flow through it. So, if you are looking out for an ideal jacket for extreme adventurous activities or aerobic related activities, get yourself a softshell jacket with no doubt.