{"id":37258,"date":"2023-01-20T07:35:10","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T06:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-01.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/care-instructions-for-softshell-textiles\/"},"modified":"2023-07-19T09:55:30","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T07:55:30","slug":"care-instructions-for-softshell-textiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/blog\/care-instructions-for-softshell-textiles\/","title":{"rendered":"Care instructions for softshells"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Personen<\/a>
How do you wash which one?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

By now,\u00a0softshell textiles<\/strong>\u00a0have already found their\u00a0firm spot in almost every outdoor wardrobe<\/strong>. No matter if you\u2019re on the\u00a0bike<\/strong>,\u00a0skiing<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0climbing<\/strong> in the mountains \u2013 due to their great and wide ranging properties, it would be hard to imagine outdoor trips without them. Comfortable and stretchy, they allow for great\u00a0freedom of movement<\/strong> and are for the most part almost entirely windproof and water repellent<\/strong>. This differs from hardshell<\/a> clothing, which are always fully waterproof. So, how should you care for your softshells?<\/p>\n\n

What is softshell?<\/h2>\n\n

Softshell is more of a generic term than an exact definition of material. There are diverse softshell materials, which sometimes have a windproof membrane, such as Gore Windstopper<\/a>. Generally, softshell textiles are made from synthetic fibres, which deliver excellent transfer of moisture vapour whilst delivering good insulation and protection against the wind<\/strong>. The outer and midlayer are combined, reducing the overall weight. Usually, a softshell material is constructed with three layers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\"Grüne<\/a>
Washing a softshell correctly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

On the outside, there is usually a water repellent material<\/strong>, which consists of an abrasion-proof and robust outer fabric <\/strong>that\u00a0absorbs\u00a0as little humidity as possible<\/strong> and has been given a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment<\/strong>. The\u00a0soft material on the inside<\/strong> feels comfortable and wicks away sweat<\/a> from your skin. The layer in the middle<\/strong> is the one with the special properties of the garment. The focus is either on being windproof<\/strong>, breathable<\/strong> or as water repellent<\/strong>\u00a0as possible.<\/p>\n\n

Furthermore, the different thickness of material means that some textiles offer better insulation against the cold than others that are better suited for warm days. There are, for example, softshell jackets<\/a> that are almost completely windproof in the front and on the side to prevent you from getting cold. The back is usually only breathable because you will likely be wearing a backpack. This is perfect for high energy trips when you\u2019re always be on the go.<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

How and when do I wash my softshell?<\/h2>\n
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\"Softshell<\/a>
Softshell Proof liquid detergent from Nikwax<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

For softshell textiles, there are basically no guidelines, so you can wash it as you normally would. However, the more often you wash the jacket or trousers, the sooner\/more often the DWR treatment has to be renewed.<\/p>\n\n

Simple stains, like dry mud, can be cleaned quickly and easily with a soft brush. For bigger stains or if you wore the jacket for a long period of time, you\u2019ll need to throw it in the washing machine.<\/p>\n\n

Whether you have trousers, a jacket or gloves made of a softshell material, there are no differences when it comes to washing and everything can be washed in the machine without a second thought. If you follow the instructions below, you can do it in no time:<\/p>\n\n