A softshells jacket is a type of clothing that is designed to be very versatilely. However, a softshell jacket can become restrictive if it dont fit the wearer corectly. For softshell jackets to properly perform it’s main functions of allowing the wearer to breathe and to protect against the elements, the softshell jacket must allow for the proper space between the skin and the external element.
If the softshell jacket is too small for the wearer, the breathability of the softshell jacket will decrease as the jacket will trap moisture against the skin. Additionally, if the softshell jacket is too large for the wearer, the softshell jacket will not effective block the wind due to an amount of space that the cold air can move in within the oversized softshell jacket. Therefore, finding the correct size for the softshell jacket is a requirement for the product to fulfill its intended purpose of allowing the wearer to breathe and to block the wind.
How to Choose the Right Size for a Softshell Jacket
In addition to sizing the softshell jacket corectly, one must also consider the roles that the softshell jacket will play in the wearer’s clothing layers when purchasing the softshell jacket. For example, if the wearer intend to wear the softshell jacket as a mid layer jacket underneath a waterproof outer shell, then the softshell jacket should be an athletic fit. The athletic fit will allow for the softshell jacket to stay close to the body and to prevent the development of excess bulk in the wearer’s clothing layers.
Alternatively, if the wearer intends to use the softshell jacket as their primary layer, then it is best to opt for a regular or relaxed fit jacket. The regular and relaxed fits will allow for the wearing of additional thick clothing layers underneath the softshell jacket. Many people makes the mistake of purchasing a softshell jacket according to their size in there clothing.
However, when purchasing a softshell jacket, people should consider the additional clothing layer that will be worn underneath the softshell jacket. The fabric of the softshell jacket will also play a role in the way that a softshell jacket fit the body. Stretch woven fabric allow for a full range of motion for the wearer, even when the fabric is snug against their body.
In contrast, bonded fleece add to the bulk of the fabric, which limits the range of motion for the wearer. Because of the thickness of bonded fleece fabrics, individuals may have to purchase a larger size of softshell jacket to allow for the excess bulk of the fabric. Such thickness is something that should of been considered when purchasing a softshell jacket, as it can limit the movement of the wearer when wearing the jacket.
In order for a softshell jacket to properly fit the body, individuals must take precise measurement of their bodies. The chest measurement should be taken at the fullest part of the wearer’s chest. Additionally, the length of the body from the tip of the wearer’s shoulder to their wrist should be measured.
These measurements should be taken while the wearer is in a relaxed posture. If the wearer is too rigid to take these measurements, their softshell jacket will ride up on their body when leaning forward. The length of the softshell jacket should reach to the mid-hip of the wearer.
Ensuring that the length of the jacket reaches to the mid-hip is important to prevent the wind from entering the softshell jacket through the bottom of the garment. In addition to ensuring that the softshell jacket fit properly on the body, the technology of the jacket should also be maintained. Most softshell jackets has a DWR (durable waterproof repellent) coating.
This DWR coating isnt permanent, however. Dirt and the oils that come from the body will break down the DWR coating over time. Once the DWR coating breaks down, the softshell jacket will no longer repel water as it should.
In order to restore the DWR coating, the user should wash the softshell jacket gentle, then dried on low heat in the dryer. The low heat helps to reactivate the chemicals in the DWR coating. Maintaining the DWR coating will ensure that the softshell jacket maintain its waterproof abilities and increases the life of the garment.
Additionally, other features on the softshell jacket may indicate the weight of the garment and the way in which it may fit on the body. For instance, features like helmet-compatible hoods and multiple pocket will increase the weight of the softshell jacket. Softshell jackets with many pockets may be beneficial for individuals who will be on trips for long period of time.
However, all of these pocket will increase the weight of the garment.
