A softshell jacket is perhaps the most versatile of the five types of jackets. This jacket is defined by its soft, flexible body material, typically made of stretch-woven polyester or nylon and elastane, and it can be worn as a midlayer in severe weather or as an outer layer in moderate weather. Although a fleece or insulated jacket typically provides more warmth and a shell jacket offers more protection from wind and wet weather, the softshell provides a balance of both benefits, and its high level of breathability makes it a great choice for aerobic activities—hiking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing, to name a few. The stretchiness of softshell jackets makes them a great choice for climbing, and their overall comfort makes them popular for everyday wear.

While the most basic softshell jacket includes standard features like front hand pockets, a front-zip closure, and fit adjustments, a technical softshell often adds features like ultralight materials, stretch ventilation panels, a highly water-resistant external coating, a technical hood, or a windproof or wind-resistant lining. Like shell jackets, softshells can be worn year-round, though often in a different place in your layering system.