Softshell and Rain Jackets: What the Ratings Mean

FASHION · GLOBAL

Softshell and Rain Jackets: What the Ratings Mean

Waterproof versus water resistant, breathability, softshell limits and care

Jackets are described as waterproof, water resistant and weatherproof, and only one of those is a measurable claim. The numbers behind it explain a great deal.

Hydrostatic head

This measures how much water pressure a fabric resists before it leaks, in millimetres. Around 5,000 handles light rain and short exposure; 10,000 to 15,000 handles sustained rain; above 20,000 suits mountain use.

Water resistant with no figure quoted generally means a coating that repels light rain and wets out under sustained exposure.

Breathability matters as much

A jacket that keeps rain out and traps sweat leaves you wet from the inside. Breathability is quoted as grams per square metre over twenty four hours, and higher figures suit active use.

Pit zips are a mechanical way to dump heat quickly and work regardless of the fabric rating.

Where softshell fits

Softshell is stretchy, comfortable and wind resistant, and it is not waterproof. It suits cold dry days, high activity and as a mid layer under a shell.

Buying a softshell expecting a raincoat is the most common mistake in this category.

Seams and details

Taped seams are what stop water entering through the stitch holes, and a jacket without them is not genuinely waterproof whatever the fabric does.

Look for a storm flap over the zip, an adjustable hood that stays up in wind, and cuffs that close.

Why jackets stop working

The durable water repellent finish on the face fabric wears off, so the outer wets out and the jacket feels like it is leaking even though the membrane is intact.

Wash with a technical cleaner rather than detergent, skip fabric softener entirely, and reproof when water stops beading. That restores most jackets rather than replacing them.

Insulated and shell jackets

A shell blocks wind and rain and provides no warmth. An insulated jacket does both and is harder to adjust when conditions change.

For anything active, a shell over layers you can remove is more versatile than a single warm jacket.

Buying off-season

Outerwear is cheapest in late winter and spring and most expensive in autumn. Nothing about the jacket changes in between.

Check the returns window covers enough time to try it on over your usual layers at home.

Fit over layers

Try it over what you will actually wear underneath rather than over a t-shirt in a warm shop. Raise your arms and check the hem still covers you when bending forward.

Check sleeve length with arms extended, since a sleeve that rides up lets rain in at the wrist.

Fit

Try it over what you will actually wear underneath and raise your arms to check the hem still covers you.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Lunzo CZ? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Lunzo CZ — official site

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