Short answer: a softshell is a stretchy, breathable jacket built from a woven face fabric bonded to a soft fleece or brushed backing, usually with a membrane in between. It blocks wind, sheds light rain and keeps you warm while moving, but it is not a full rain jacket. A typical waterproof-breathable softshell is rated around 8,000–10,000 mm hydrostatic head and 5,000–10,000 g/m²/24h breathability, with only the main seams taped. Eliian makes custom softshell jackets, with your logo and colours, in our own Xiamen factory.
How a softshell is built
| Layer | What it does | Common options |
|---|---|---|
| Face fabric | Abrasion resistance, stretch, colour and DWR finish | Polyester or nylon woven, often 4-way stretch |
| Membrane (optional) | Wind blocking, water resistance, breathability | TPU or PU, laminated between face and backing |
| Backing | Warmth and a soft hand next to the skin | Micro-fleece, brushed knit or mesh |
Because the layers are bonded into one fabric, a softshell needs no separate lining and keeps a clean, structured look, which is why it is the standard jacket for coaches, touchline staff and company uniforms.
Waterproof and breathability ratings
Two numbers describe a membrane jacket. Hydrostatic head (mm) is the water column the fabric holds before leaking: higher is more waterproof. Breathability (MVTR, g/m²/24h) is how much water vapour passes through the fabric in 24 hours: higher is more breathable.
| Breathability (g/m²/24h) | Suits |
|---|---|
| 5,000–10,000 | General outdoor wear, walking, coaching, low output |
| 10,000–15,000 | Active use: hiking, training, ski touring |
| 20,000 and above | High output and warm conditions |
For softshells specifically, a common reference is about 10,000 mm and at least 8,000 g/m²/24h breathability measured by the JIS L1099 B1 method; hydrophilic TPU membranes usually sit around 5,000–10,000 g/m²/24h (manufacturer reference). Ratings depend on the exact fabric and membrane, so we confirm them for the fabric you approve.
Softshell or hardshell?
| Softshell | Hardshell | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Stretchy, soft backing, quiet | Crisp, light, no backing |
| Rain | Light rain and showers | Sustained heavy rain |
| Seams | Main seams taped, or untaped | Fully taped |
| Breathability | High; good for moving | Depends on membrane |
| Best for | Coaches, staff, training, travel, cool dry days | Wet climates, outdoor work, mountain use |
If your team or staff need protection in steady rain, choose a hardshell or a 3-in-1 jacket; see our custom outdoor jackets page for waterproof builds, membranes and taped seams.
Logos on softshell
Softshell takes embroidery, heat transfer, screen print and silicone badges well. On a membrane softshell, embroidery puts needle holes through the membrane; on chest and sleeve positions this is normally acceptable, and for the most water-resistant builds a transfer or badge keeps the membrane intact. Sublimation does not work on bonded softshell.
Options we make
- Full-zip softshell jackets, with or without hood
- Water-resistant or membrane softshell, polyester or nylon face
- DWR finish: fluorinated C6 or fluorine-free (C0)
- YKK or SBS zippers, custom pullers, reflective trims
- Embroidered, printed, transfer or silicone-badge logos, private-label neck labels
A softshell costs USD 28–42 per jacket at 10–50 pieces and USD 21–32 at 100 pieces or more, for a stretch woven face, TPU membrane and fleece backing with the main seams taped and one simple logo. A hood adds about USD 1–3 and YKK zippers USD 2–5. Minimum 10 pieces per design. Send your spec on our quote form or WhatsApp +86 180 6456 0021 for a free mockup and price within 24 hours.
Fabric guides: waterproof and outdoor jackets · puffer and down jackets · corporate jackets with logo · training and presentation jackets
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom softshell jacket cost?
USD 28–42 per jacket at 10–50 pieces and USD 21–32 at 100 pieces or more at factory price, with a minimum of 10 pieces per design. A hood adds about USD 1–3 and YKK zippers USD 2–5; the final price depends on fabric, membrane and decoration.
What is a softshell jacket?
A stretchy, breathable jacket made from a woven face fabric bonded to a fleece or brushed backing, often with a TPU or PU membrane between them. It blocks wind and sheds light rain but is not a full rain jacket.
Is a softshell jacket waterproof?
Most softshells are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. A membrane softshell is often rated around 8,000–10,000 mm, but only its main seams are taped, so it is for showers, not sustained heavy rain.
What breathability should a softshell have?
5,000–10,000 g/m²/24h suits coaching, staff and everyday wear; 10,000 g/m²/24h and above suits active use. Ratings depend on the fabric and membrane, so ask for the rating of the exact fabric.
Softshell or hardshell for a team jacket?
Softshell for coaches, staff, training and cool dry days, because it is warmer, quieter and more comfortable. Hardshell or a 3-in-1 jacket for teams that need protection in steady rain.
Can you embroider a logo on a softshell jacket?
Yes. Embroidery, heat transfer, screen print and silicone badges all work on softshell. On membrane softshell, a transfer or badge keeps the membrane intact where water resistance matters most.