Softshell

How to choose the right softshell

Choosing softshell for children means finding outerwear that adapts to their active lifestyle while providing reliable weather protection. Unlike hard shells that can feel stiff or fleece that offers limited wind resistance, softshell combines breathability with weather protection, making it ideal for children who move between indoor and outdoor activities throughout the day.

When selecting softshell outerwear for children, consider how the material properties support their daily adventures. Softshell material combines a weather-resistant outer layer with breathable properties, typically achieving water resistance ratings of 8,000-10,000 mm while maintaining breathability of around 3,000 g/m²/24 h, allowing moisture from active play to escape while blocking external wind and light rain. The jackets have a full front zipper for easy dressing and undressing and include practical zippered pockets, which help keep small items secure while children are playing or exploring.

For activities where children need extra arm movement, a softshell vest can be a good choice. Vests keep the body warm while leaving the arms free for unrestricted movement. Many vests have a stand-up collar, which offers additional protection for the neck.

Softshell pants are designed with stretch materials that allow children to move freely without feeling restricted during climbing, running, and other active play. The flexibility comes from elastane content in the fabric blend, which maintains its shape while accommodating the dynamic movements that characterize children's outdoor activities.

Softshell suits and overalls offer head-to-toe protection for comprehensive weather coverage. These can be a practical option for younger children or during very wet conditions, preventing water and wind from getting in while keeping children dry and comfortable during extended outdoor time.

Why softshell works for changing seasons

Softshell excels during transitional seasons when weather conditions shift unpredictably throughout the day. The three-layer construction combines a weather-resistant outer face with a breathable membrane and a comfortable inner layer. This design provides wind resistance while allowing moisture vapor to escape, preventing the clammy feeling that can occur with non-breathable waterproof materials.

The stretch properties of softshell fabric, typically achieved through elastane content, accommodate the dynamic movements that characterize children's outdoor activities. This flexibility means the garments move naturally during climbing, running, and active play without creating restrictions or pulling while maintaining their shape.

The category includes various softshell garments designed for different coverage needs and activity levels. Lightweight softshell jackets work effectively for windy spring days, while models with fleece lining provide additional insulation for cooler conditions while maintaining the outer shell's weather protection and breathability.

Softshell's moderate insulation properties make it ideal for layering systems. It functions effectively over base layers during cooler periods or as a standalone piece during milder weather. This adaptability makes softshell particularly useful during spring and autumn months when daily temperature variations are common, complementing other transitional jackets in a child's seasonal wardrobe.

Softshell jackets enhance playtime

Softshell jackets serve as the ideal outer layer for children's active outdoor play, combining weather protection with the flexibility needed for unrestricted movement. Many models feature integrated hoods that provide additional protection against sudden wind gusts, while zippered chest pockets offer secure storage for small treasures discovered during outdoor adventures. The windproof construction helps maintain body warmth during cooler play sessions, while the breathable membrane prevents overheating during more intense activities.

Softshell pants that keep up with play

Softshell pants excel in ground-based play scenarios where children encounter moisture from wet grass, sand, or various playground surfaces. The material's inherent water resistance provides protection against light moisture while maintaining breathability for comfort during extended play periods. Many pants feature reinforced knee areas that withstand the demands of crawling, kneeling, and sliding activities, while the stretch construction accommodates the full range of motion required for climbing equipment, running, and active games.

Full coverage with softshell suits

One-piece softshell suits provide comprehensive protection for intensive outdoor play where full-body coverage becomes essential. These garments eliminate gaps between separate pieces, ensuring continuous protection from wind and moisture during sandbox play, ground-based activities, and extended outdoor adventures. The full-coverage design proves particularly valuable during messy play activities where children have extensive contact with dirt, sand, or wet surfaces.

Essential softshell details for outdoor play

Zippered chest pockets provide secure storage for small treasures discovered during outdoor adventures, while removable hoods offer flexibility for changing weather conditions. The full-length front zippers make it easy for children to adjust their temperature as activity levels change throughout the day. Stand-up collars on some garments provide extra neck protection against the wind without the bulk of a hood.

What to look for in children's softshells

Consider your child's specific outdoor activities when selecting softshell clothing, as different garment types excel in different scenarios. Softshell vests provide maximum arm mobility for activities like throwing and climbing while maintaining core warmth, making them ideal for moderate weather conditions. Full jackets offer comprehensive coverage for extended outdoor sessions where wind protection becomes more important than unrestricted arm movement. The water column pressure ratings and breathability specifications help determine which garments will perform best in your local climate conditions.