Softshell Jackets: The Autumn Workwear Staple
Ask us what the most popular jacket on a Bedfordshire work site is come autumn and the answer’s easy: the softshell. It’s comfortable, practical and brands beautifully, which is why it’s the go-to for so many teams. But it isn’t the right choice for every job, so here’s what a softshell does well and where it doesn’t.
What Is a Softshell Jacket?
A softshell is a flexible, breathable jacket usually made from bonded stretch fabric. It’s warm without being bulky, moves with you, and shrugs off wind and light rain. Think of it as the middle ground between a fleece and a full waterproof.
Where Softshells Shine
On cool, dry or lightly showery days, which is most of autumn, a softshell is hard to beat. It’s comfortable for active work, layers over a fleece when it’s colder, and looks smart enough for customer-facing trades. For a lot of teams it’s the everyday jacket from September onwards.
Where a Waterproof Wins
A softshell is water-resistant, not waterproof. In persistent or heavy rain it will eventually wet through, so it’s no substitute for proper waterproof outerwear on exposed sites in a downpour. Many teams keep both: a softshell for everyday, a waterproof for when the rain sets in.
Hi-Vis Softshells for Darker Days
As the mornings darken, a hi-vis softshell gives you comfort and compliance in one garment, warmth, movement and the visibility you need on site. It’s a popular autumn upgrade for highways and groundworks teams.
Branding a Softshell
Softshells take embroidery cleanly, which makes them ideal for a smart, branded team look. Left-chest and back branding are the usual choices, applied so they don’t affect how the jacket performs.
Softshell Jackets Across Bedfordshire
We supply and brand softshell jackets for trade, corporate and site teams across Bedford, Luton, Dunstable and beyond, with collection from Barton and Flitwick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are softshell jackets waterproof?
They’re water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, fine for light showers, but not a replacement for waterproof outerwear in heavy or persistent rain.
Is a softshell warm enough on its own?
On milder autumn days, yes. For colder starts, wear it over a fleece or bodywarmer for extra warmth without bulk.
Can softshells be embroidered?
Yes, they take embroidery cleanly and are one of the most popular garments we brand for teams.
Final Thoughts
A softshell earns its place as the everyday autumn jacket: comfortable, smart and easy to brand. Pair it with a waterproof for the wet days and your team’s covered. Our team in Barton and Flitwick can help you choose and brand the right one.