With summer coming to an end, we reach this time of the year when we need to layer up again. But what to wear when the weather is not too cold yet the rainy season is on? The fight between softshell vs fleece is taking place in our heads. So, how do you choose between the two and which one is best? Let’s end this dilemma once.
I have always been the fleece type. I got fleeces for winter, lighter fleeces for summer (yes sometimes it is cold in the UK even in summer), and fleeces to wear inside … But recently, I discover the softshell, an alternative to fleeces. So, softshell vs fleece, which one is the best?
At a Glance: Softshell vs Fleece
In a hurry? Have a look at the table below to help you decide which one is best suited for your needs. I go into more detail below in this article.
| Softshell | Fleece | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Woven synthetic fabric | Synthetic fabric |
| Breathability | Yes | Yes |
| Water Repellent | Yes | Yes |
| Wind Resistent | Yes | Yes |
| Warmth & Insulation | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Comfort | Flexible, Stretch | Cosy, Soft Touch |
| Durability | Long | Medium |
| Use | Outdoor | Indoor and Outdoor |
| Weather Suitability | Drizzle, Mild Wind, Cold | Sun, Dry, Cold |
| Price | $$$ | $$ |
| Additional Elements | Yes | No |
Difference Between Softshell vs Fleece
In order to understand which one is the most suitable for your needs, let’s have a look at the differences and similarities between softshells and fleeces.
Material
Both softshell and fleece are made of synthetic fabrics. The most common ones are nylon and polyester. This is good because they are durable materials so they keep their colour and shape for longer.
The main difference is that softshells are made of woven synthetic fabrics. It makes them more stretched and allows you better freedom of movement when working out. The reason is that softshells have been designed with outdoor activities in mind whereas fleeces were made for warmth and cosiness.
Because a softshell is made by bonding 3 layers, one for warmth, one for water resistance and one for flexibility, it can replace several layers of clothes by itself. This is great news for practising outdoor activities as you need to keep warm without looking like the Michelin Man.
The material is also stronger and more resistant than the one used for fleeces, which makes it perfect for embroideries (in case you wanted to personalise your softshell).
Finally, unlike softshell, fleece has a soft touch, which gives it a feeling of comfort and cosiness.
Breathability
Breathability is an important factor when looking for outdoor activities clothing. As you are walking, your body temperature is rising and as a result, you are sweating. The problem is if the material is not breathable, your clothes start getting damp and you get cold.
While both fleece and softshell are breathable, as the latter is designed for sport, it is a better option. Moreover, softshells often come with pit zips that can be opened to allow the perspiration to evaporate and be more comfortable.
Finally, if you were also considering a hardshell, note that softshells allow the air to get out much better than hardshells.
Waterproof and Windproof
Let’s start by telling the truth:
None of the two is either waterproof or windproof.
However, they are still some differences between fleeces and softshells that need to be highlighted.
Both are water repellent which means that the manufacturer added a coating of DWR (Durable Water Repellent). However water repellent does not mean waterproof. It means that the water cannot penetrate easily into the fabric but it still can.
As a result, should it be raining and you are wearing a fleece as your outer layer, it will get wet with time. However, softshells offer better protection against rain than fleece as they are outdoor activities pieces of clothing. Nonetheless, your softshell would not last under heavy rain but can do a great job at keeping you dry with a drizzle.
The same goes for their ability to protect you from the wind. Both are wind resistant which means they can provide you with some level of protection against moderate winds but would do nothing against strong gusts.
Because they are breathable they cannot be windproof. The fabric is designed to let the air out but as a consequence, the air can also get in.
Final note, you can find hybrid softshells on the market which are waterproof and windproof but it compromises with their breathability.
Warmth and Insulation
Bear in mind that fleeces provide warmth but don’t offer weather protection as opposed to softshells which offer weather protection more than warmth.
So which one is best for warmth?
It depends on the thickness of the item. Fleeces can come in a variety of designs from summer light fleece to thick ski fleece. The thicker the warmer. So you would need to choose based on your needs and the type of activity you are doing. I could not go ski without a fleece under my ski jacket but can definitely go hiking with simply a softshell and no fleece.
Because softshells are highly breathable, they don’t retain heat as much as fleeces do. This is why you can find softshells with an inside layer made of fleece. However, it will affect the breathability of the softshell. Moreover, softshells with a fleece layer are not suitable for summer as they would be too warm, which is a shame as softshells are such versatile pieces of outdoor clothing that you can use all year round.
However, where softshells are doing a great job with insulation is that they come with velcro cuffs that you can adjust based on the size of your wrist. This way, it prevents the wind from getting inside the softshell and helps to keep you warm. Remember that if you are interested in purchasing a softshell, it needs to fit you tight to retain the heat close to the body.
Weight
When going hiking or backpacking, every ounce counts. This is why you not only need to choose your backpack and what goes inside carefully but equally pay attention to your outfit.
Fleece is definitely the lightest option among the two. Based on the thickness of the item, softshells can be more or less heavy, nonetheless, even the lightest softshell design would still weigh more than a fleece.
For a softshell, opt for a design between 1 pound to 11/2 pounds (453 gm to 680 gm). Be at it may because a softshell is bulky it is not packable. Unlike a fleece you can fold and put in your backpack “just in case” you get cold, a softshell will require you to wear it. So check the weather for the day to make sure you take the correct piece of clothing with you and don’t end up being too warm.
Related Content: What to wear for a day hike
Comfort
We continue the softshell vs fleece list of differences and similarities by talking about which one is the most comfortable.
When hiking, feeling comfortable in what you are wearing from shoes to the top is essential. Fleece is really comfortable and gives you that feeling of cosiness. It is the perfect piece of clothing when it is sunny but cold. You can also wear a fleece after the hike when at camp or the pub to make sure you don’t get cold when you stop moving. As it is lightweight and packable, it is perfect to carry one to change at the end of the day.
However, softshells are really comfortable for practising any kind of outdoor sport such as running, hiking or climbing. It is also perfect should you need to scramble up to the top of a mountain. The fabric is made to allow freedom of movement and be flexible. Moreover, it offers some protection against the elements so that you stay dry and comfortable.
Durability
Fleeces are somewhat durable but after some time and some machine wash, they start to pill. Therefore, to keep them in good shape you need to shave the fabric either with a fabric shaver or a disposable razor blade. This requires a lot of time and effort and you might as well just buy a new one.
Moreover, fleeces can create static electricity. It can be a problem as it will attract hair and dust and will require to be washed more often.
Finally, fleeces start smelling bad after some time no matter how much you wash them. This is due to bacteria inside the fabric and the only way to get rid of them is by using chlorine bleach but it will affect the colour.
Softshells are more durable than fleeces because they are made of more robust materials. You won’t get the same issues as with fleece and you won’t need to replace them as often.
Use
Fleece can be utilised as a mid-layer between your base layer and your jacket when it is cold. It is the perfect ally to stay warm during cold weather. On the off chance that you decide to wear fleece as your outer layer, it can only be used when the weather is sunny but cold. However, fleeces are not appropriate for rain or snow and they won’t offer you any protection.
Softshells are perfect for outdoor activities. You can use it as a mid-layer, as you would do with a fleece or as your outer layer. They provide a warm additional layer when it is cold. The flexibility of the material makes them ideal for activities such as climbing or scrambling.
They can also find a purpose for everyday use, especially during spring and autumn. As they offer some protection against the elements and keep you warm, they are perfect for walking the dog, going to the grocery store or walking in the park.
However, as softshells are not waterproof and we are never too sure what turn the weather would take, they are not recommended for multi-day hikes or backpacking. Because they are heavy, they are also not suitable for ultralight backpacking. However, they become really useful for day hiking, offering you warmth, flexibility and protection against damp, drizzle and mild winds.
Finally, as mentioned above, softshells and fleeces are not suitable for severe weather conditions such as downpours, storms or snow.
Related Content: What is the Difference between Hiking and Backpacking?
Price
Fleeces are the least expensive of the two. For a fleece of good quality, count around £30 to £50.
However, softshells are much more expensive. You would need to spend at least £50 on a basic design. Hybrid softshells and more advanced designs can easily go above £100. This is because softshells are more durable than fleeces.
Additional Elements
To be absolutely perfect for hiking, especially if you are planning on doing some ascent, softshells need to have some additional elements.
First, you need a design that comes with an adjustable hood. The reason for it is that the higher you go, the stronger the wind. So if you don’t want your hair flying away in the rain, you need a hood.
Also, to be practical for hiking, choose a softshell with large zip pockets that fall below your backpack hip belt. This way you can reach them without having to unclip your hip belt.
Finally, fleeces won’t come with additional elements such as a hood and pockets, making them less versatile and practical than a softshell.
So now you know everything about softshells, all you have left to do is to find the right one for you. And I’ve got the selection of the best softshells just for you!
Video: Watch this quick video explaining what a soft jacket is.
Final Thoughts on Softshell vs Fleece
Both fleeces and softshells can be found in multiple designs and patterns to suit everybody’s tastes. The softshell material also exists for trousers to offer flexibility, breathability, warmth and some protection against the elements. While softshell is a less-known category in the hiking apparel market, it seems to have found its fans and is on track to make the fleece obsolete. So, to close the game softshell vs fleece, if you don’t have a softshell yet, it’s time to ditch the fleece and invest in one. You won’t regret it!
What do you prefer wearing: a softshell or a fleece? Let me know in the comments below.
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