Normally, there is 2 kinds of softshell fabrics, 2-layers softshell fabric and 3-layers softshell fabric. 3 layers softshell fabric is with membrane. Normally it is TPU membrane. While we can talk about the difference from 3 aspects.
Firstly, comparing with 2-layer softshell fabric, the 3-layers softshell fabric is a little bit thicker while its hand feeling is stiffer;
Secondly, both are water resistant in surface, and this is almost a standard finishing. You can make it with normal water resistant or DWR (durable water resistant). But 3-layers one is with TPU membrane, so it is more windproof, and could get a waterproof level like 3K, 5K even 10K water column with its breathability could be 1K, 3K, 5K (G/M2/24HRS). Even so, we still can’t wear it as a rainwear if it is without seams taped inside. Actually, very few people to treat it like a real rainwear. But if necessary, to use a special tape to cover the inside seams to make the jacket waterproof is still workable.
Thirdly, surely 3-layers softshell fabric is more expensive, as it’s with TPU membrane to increase its function of windproof and waterproof. The different standard on waterproof and breathability cost differently. Especially the breathability standard has much more effect on its cost.
So, to choose 2-layers softshell or 3-layers softshell depends on your budget as well as your usage field. For example, the budget is limited (it seems always, ha ,, ), and also no strong request on functions, 2-layers softshell fabric will be the first choice. Even 3-layers softshell fabric, we can also ask a reasonable breathability to make a balance between the cost and function. If always for bad weathers, more function is necessary, such as to keep warm, windproof, waterproof and breathable. It will be much better to select 3-layers softshell fabric. If only a jacket in somewhere may be in office, warehouse or supermarket, mainly indoor, 2-layers softshell will be enough as it’s even more soft and comfortable, more important, cheaper.
Hebei A&Z focus on softshell jacket for more than 15 years, so, any questions or requirement on softshell, just contact us and you will get a satisfied response from us, why not try now?
Post time: Oct-12-2020