Softshell Workwear

Softshell is a three-layer fabric construction that fills the gap between a jacket and a sweatshirt: a windproof, water-repellent outer face, a film or membrane in the middle and a thin fleece lining inside.

What does it do, and what doesn't it do?

It blocks the wind. What determines how cold it feels is often the wind rather than the temperature; that is why a softshell jacket feels noticeably warmer than a fleece of the same thickness.

How it handles water depends on the model. Most softshell fabrics repel water but are not waterproof: light rain and drizzle bead on the surface. Our softshell work jacket is made from waterproof and windproof fabric; the softshell gilet is water-repellent. This is the point most often confused in corporate buying: "water-repellent" and "waterproof" are not the same thing. For teams working for hours in heavy rain, softshell alone is not the right choice; plan a rain suit there. If your specification requires EN 343 certified garments, state it at the start of the project.

It breathes. This is softshell's real advantage over coated rainwear and heavy jackets. For teams on the move, water vapour from sweat can escape, so there is no condensation inside.

It stretches. Softshell fabric is usually elastic, so it does not restrict movement; in work that involves raising the arms and reaching, it is more comfortable than a hard-shell jacket.

Where does it belong? On its own as the outer layer in spring and autumn, and as a mid-layer under a jacket in winter. Where the rain is constant, softshell and a waterproof layer are planned together, not as alternatives.

The water-repellent finish on the surface is not permanent; it wears off in the wash. Avoiding fabric softener and washing at a low temperature extends its life.

The logo is printed. Embroidery punctures the membrane with needle holes and weakens wind and water resistance, so we do not recommend it on softshell.

Mars Wear manufactures at its own production facility in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, with its own design team, using patterns, colours and logos made for each organisation. Our minimum order is 100 pieces and our standard lead time is 15 working days; we ship within Türkiye and abroad.