Guides
Softshell or hardshell – which jacket suits your team?
In short
Softshell jackets are flexible, windproof and slightly water-repellent – ideal for dry to slightly damp conditions outdoors. Hardshell jackets offer full waterproofing and are the better choice in sustained rain or on wet building sites. For most teams in the trades and service, the softshell jacket is the all-rounder.
What is a softshell jacket?
Softshell jackets are made of a multi-layer, stretchy composite material. They are windproof, breathable and water-repellent – they keep out light rain and splashes, but are not fully waterproof. They feel like sports jackets but offer more protection than an ordinary sweatshirt. Thanks to their stretch, they are very comfortable for physical work. They suit cool, dry to changeable weather well.
What is a hardshell jacket?
Hardshell jackets (also called rain jackets) are fully waterproof, usually with sealed seams. They reliably protect in heavy rain, wind and wet outdoor conditions. Compared with softshell, they are less stretchy, feel firmer and often come with removable lining layers. For roofers, road builders, landscape gardeners or anyone working outside in the rain, the hardshell is the safer choice.
Which jacket for which use?
In industries with occasional outdoor work and mostly dry weather – such as electricians, building services technicians or service staff – the softshell jacket is the more practical everyday choice. Anyone who works outside every day in all weathers – landscape gardeners, civil engineering workers, scaffolders – should go for the hardshell jacket. Many businesses combine both: softshell for spring and autumn, hardshell for rainy work.
At a glance
| Feature | Softshell | Hardshell |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Water-repellent | Fully waterproof |
| Breathability | High | Medium to high |
| Wearing comfort | Very high, stretchy | Good, firmer |
| Printability | Good | Good |
| Typical use | Changeable weather | Heavy rain, wet building sites |
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a softshell jacket printed with a logo?
Yes, softshell jackets from the macherkleidung.de range are print-optimised and can carry the company logo on the chest and back. The chest logo can also be embroidered.
How do I care for a softshell jacket with a print?
Softshell jackets should be washed according to the care label – usually at low temperatures and without fabric softener. Fabric softener impairs the water-repellent coating. Washing inside out protects the print. Do not tumble dry.
Do softshell jackets lose their water repellency over time?
The DWR coating (Durable Water Repellency) on softshell jackets can wear off over time, especially after many washes. It can be refreshed with special waterproofing products. You will find more detailed instructions on the care label of the respective jacket.
