The softshell is a composite fabric with multiple layers (usually three):

- outer slightly waterproof polyester
- intermediate breathable membrane
- internal micro-fleece

Each layer has specific characteristics. The elastic outer membrane makes the garment windproof and water repellent. The intermediate membrane, made with micro-holes, allows adequate transpiration, preventing external water from entering. The inner micro-fleece layer makes the garment soft to the touch and allows a good heating. The three layers are fixed with a process of pressure and heat, creating a single elastic breathable, waterproof and thermal fabric. Thanks to the combination of a narrow texture and membrane, the softshell is able to retain wind and rain.

The central membrane has the task of blocking the penetration of rain into the fibers of the fabric. The last membrane, the one in contact with the skin, is almost always composed of a soft fabric that keeps the body warm and gives a feeling of softness. A jacket to be considered in softshell should therefore have the following characteristics: being impermeable to water, letting the skin transpire optimally and being windproof. The advantages of a softshell jacket or waistcoat are many. The garment remains breathable and prevents external agents from passing (rain and wind). The thermoregulation allows not having to wear and remove the jacket, going from warm to cold environments (think of skiing and hiking). The elasticity of the fabric allows an incredible freedom of movement even in sports environments. The external layer in compact polyester guarantees excellent results in terms of customization and maximum resistance, in terms of color and shape, use and washing.

The softshell is not a totally waterproof fabric, but offers an excellent balance between resistance to external elements and breathability.

If the fabric were totally waterproof, it could not transpire.

A softshell must have a high water resistance (water resistance value WP - waterproofness). This value measures how much pressure a water column of 10cm of diameter must exert on the fabric before the material itself lets the water penetrate and therefore indicates the impermeability of a fabric, expressed in mm. Softshell jackets generally have a water resistance of 5.000 mm up to 15.000 mm.

In addition to waterproofing, the softshell must be absolutely breathable (breathability value). The MVP (moisture vapor permeability) breathability index measures the amount of water vapor (sweat) that passes through 1 m2 of fabric over a given period of time, and is expressed in g/m2/24 hours. The higher this value is, the higher the level of breathability. The base transpiration value is 500 MVP and the most technical products normally used for skis and high altitude excursions also reach 10.000 MVP.

Thanks to the combination of narrow texture and membrane, it is able to retain wind and rain. If we analyze the fabric, we can see that it is composed of an outer membrane with a very dense weave that will have the task of retaining rain and wind. The central membrane has the task of blocking the penetration of rain into the fibers of the fabric.

The last membrane, the one in contact with the skin, is almost always composed of a soft and soft fabric that keeps the body warm and gives a feeling of softness.