How to choose the right softshell jacket?
WELL CHOOSED: which softshell jacket for sailing?
Lhe , often contrasted with the hardshell, such as the watch jacket or jacket, is a type of jacket that is warm, windproof, and water repellent. Water-repellent means that water runs off the jacket, but it is not waterproof, unlike hardshells. Exposed to heavy rain, water will quickly pass through. It is however quite effective against wind and snow. Softshells are gear designed to be worn by and for the .
Made from sophisticated stretch fabrics with tightly woven layers, softshells also provide a real sense of comfort: you're free to move around and feel comfortable in your clothes, no matter what the conditions.The two main advantages of a softshell jacket are the lining fleece lining, present in most models, and the lightness of the jacket. Most softshells have this and offer real insulation thermal insulation while remaining light and comfortable to wear on a daily basis.
The softshell serves as a 2nd thermal layer, or intermediate layer, and to a lesser extent as a 3rd protective layer. It should be used over a first technical layer, such as underwear, to respect the 3-layer system and be as efficient as possible.
The main characteristics of a softshell
The difficulty in choosing a softshell jacket lies mainly in the fact that manufacturers do not really communicate on the water repellency or details concerning the windproof aspect of this type of jacket. They are generally water-repellent and protect against light and intermittent rain as well as wind, while offering good breathability: ideal qualities for water sports. All you have to do is decide how you want to use it, depending on your sailing program.
Is a softshell jacket effective in wet weather?
As seen previously, the l is not waterproof, water will eventually penetrate the fabric if it is exposed for too long. It will not be enough to go out to sea for several days, but can be used as a deck jacket for a coastal/yachting program or a day trip in good weather. It is perfect in cold/cold and dry weather , even wet, but not in rainy weather if used as a main layer. Also the fabric takes a long time to dry due to the tightly woven fibers used.
It is therefore very well suited for calm, non-rainy weather, for which you will have to opt for a waterproof jacket, such as a watch jacket or oilskin, if it changes.
And against the wind?
More effective against wind than rain, the softshell jacket is a very effective garment against freezing wind . It obviously has its limitations when compared to a hardshell jacket, but its tightly woven fibers will protect you from the wind's whims.
Does a softshell jacket protectagainst the cold?
This is where we find the real interest of a softshell jacket: its thermal insulation. Lined with a fleece layer that both insulates you from the cold and retains body heat, the softshell will keep you warm all day long!It is important to check the thickness of the lining fleece lining of the softshell.
Be careful, the fleece lining is a real asset in winter or spring/autumn, but it becomes very restrictive if the weather becomes milder and you practice physical effort. You will then have to turn to a simple windproof jacket or a softshell without polar lining.
With or without a hood?
The hood may seem unnecessary because softshell jackets are not used in rainy weather, and this is not entirely untrue. That's why most models don't have a hood. It can, however, add some comfort to protect your ears and head if you're worried about the wind on those parts of your body.
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The softshell jacket: ideal for your outdoor activities
A softshell jacket is a versatile piece of clothing that you can use for everyday life, for work, or for sports outings. Indeed, these are light and breathable jackets that will protect you from the cold and wind, while remaining effective against light rain and sea spray. These jackets offer real freedom of movement and their technicality will reduce your bulk. A major advantage when maneuvering in bad weather.
Softshell jackets offer comfort, lightness, breathability, warmth, and wind resistance. Each of these characteristics taken independently is less efficient than other garments, but no other jacket will offer you such a great technicality within the same product . It is used for day trips to the sea or along the coast. If you want to go on multi-day hikes in bad weather conditions, for example, this may not be the best choice.
Which softshell jacket should I choose?
Now that you know everything about softshells, it's time to make your choice. And this choice will be based on several points.
The cut
First of all, the cut of your softshell is important. Whether it's for aesthetics, comfort or to optimize the protection, there are different possibilities.The fit is usually tight for comfort and freedom of movement. But some softshell jackets opt for straighter cuts that may be more suitable for certain body types.
Check the length of the back of the softshell. It's important to have a cut with a longer back to keep you protected when you're ducking.neck, which must be tight enough to not let air through while remaining comfortable.
Tightening
For the tightening, two types of tightening can exist:
Non-adjustable elastic tightening. These are the most practical because they adapt to your body to tighten the different areas where they are present. They are suitable for the majority of morphologies.
Adjustable elastic tightening. Adjustable to your liking, they will allow you to tighten your jacket as you wish without the elastic tightening you too much.
The tightening points are located at the waist, at the wrists and sometimes at the hood.
Accessories
Accessories that you might not think about can be essential for your comfort.
The chin guard above the zipper is extremely important. Make sure your jacket has it before you buy it if you don't want to suffer chafing.
The cords at the end of the zipper are also a great feature to make it easier to open/close your jacket, especially when wearing gloves.
Pockets are usually zippered and present on the sides of the jacket, at the level of the chest, inside and even on the sleeves. The jackets are quite similar on this point, but you can compare them according to your preferences
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Aesthetics & care
The softshell jacket is a technical garment, and all technical garments are intended to be worn for a specific purpose. You should therefore choose a model that you like and feel comfortable in. It is up to you to decide if you prefer to wear a flashy color, for more security if the jacket is worn alone, or a plain black. It's up to you to decide whether you want a very visible jacket or a more discreet model.
Regarding the care of your garment, absolutely avoid softeners, ironing and drying! Just wash at a low temperature (30°C maximum), followed by air drying.Complete your 2nd layer with our technical underwear (1st breathable layer) and our watch jackets (3rd waterproof layer): the ideal equipment to face any weather!
Have a good navigation to all !
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The Nautisports. com team
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