Softshell

Softshell jackets are designed for situations where maximum waterproof protection is not the primary requirement, but rather the ideal balance of weather protection, breathability, and freedom of movement. The stretch fabric adapts to every movement, provides reliable protection against wind, and shields you from light rain and spray. At the same time, excess body heat can escape, ensuring a comfortable body climate even during physical activity.

When sailing, weather and temperature conditions often change within just a few hours. Cool mornings, fresh winds, and sunny afternoons place high demands on your clothing. Softshell jackets bridge the gap between insulating midlayers and waterproof foul weather gear. They provide sufficient protection in dry to changeable conditions and can easily be worn underneath a waterproof sailing jacket whenever additional weather protection is needed.

Thanks to their combination of lightweight materials, excellent stretch, and functional performance, softshell jackets are among the most versatile jackets for watersports. They are ideal for day trips on inland waters, coastal sailing along the North Sea and Baltic Sea, and a wide range of outdoor activities on land. Their lightweight construction also makes them easy to pack, making them an excellent choice for travel and extended sailing trips.

Beyond sailing, softshell jackets have become versatile all-rounders for outdoor activities. Whether hiking, cycling, camping, or travelling, they provide reliable protection against wind and changing weather conditions without feeling bulky or restrictive. Their sporty design also makes them an excellent choice for everyday wear.

For over 35 years, Marinepool has been developing high-performance apparel for life on the water. This expertise is reflected throughout the Softshell Collection. Premium materials, carefully engineered fits, and functional details ensure that every jacket meets the demands of active watersports enthusiasts while delivering the comfort expected for everyday use.

Sailors are constantly exposed to changing weather conditions. While offshore sailing apparel is designed for heavy rain and demanding conditions, softshell jackets perform best in drier weather, cool temperatures, and light spray.

The stretch fabric provides unrestricted freedom of movement during manoeuvres on board, while the windproof outer layer helps prevent wind chill. At the same time, the breathable construction allows excess heat and moisture to escape, maintaining a comfortable body climate even during extended periods on deck.

For this reason, softshell jackets have become an essential part of many sailors' gear, especially during the transitional seasons and on day trips or weekend cruises. They can be worn as an outer layer in mild conditions or combined with other technical clothing as part of a versatile layering system.

Softshell jackets perform at their best when combined with other technical layers. A breathable baselayer wicks moisture away from the body, creating the foundation for a comfortable body climate. In colder temperatures, a fleece or lightweight midlayer provides additional insulation, while a waterproof sailing jacket serves as the outer protective layer in heavy rain.

This flexible layering system allows your clothing to be adapted to changing weather conditions, temperatures, and activity levels. As a result, you stay comfortable both on the water and on shore in a wide range of conditions.

Softshell apparel is available in different styles and can be matched to a wide range of activities and conditions. While softshell jackets provide comprehensive protection against wind and changing weather, softshell vests stand out for their exceptional freedom of movement and lightweight design.

The water column indicates how resistant a fabric is to water penetration. It is measured in millimetres (mm) and shows the amount of water pressure a material can withstand before water passes through.

• 5,000 mm water column: Protection against light rain and short showers

• 8,000–10,000 mm water column: Reliable protection in changing weather conditions

• 10,000 mm and above: Enhanced weather protection for extended periods outdoors

However, with softshell jackets, complete waterproofness is not the primary focus. Instead, they offer a balanced combination of wind protection, water repellency, and excellent breathability. For heavy or prolonged rain, a waterproof sailing jacket is recommended as an additional outer layer.

Alongside weather protection, breathability is one of the most important features of a softshell jacket. It describes how effectively water vapour and body moisture are transported to the outside and is measured in grams per square metre over 24 hours (g/m²/24h).

• 5,000 g/m²/24h: Comfortable for everyday wear and leisure activities
• 10,000 g/m²/24h: Good breathability for active outdoor and watersports activities
• 15,000 g/m²/24h and above: Excellent moisture management during high-intensity activity

Sailing often involves physical exertion, which quickly generates body heat. Breathable softshell fabrics help transport excess moisture away from the body, keeping you comfortably dry even during extended periods of activity.

The performance of a softshell jacket is determined by the combination of these two key properties. While the water-repellent outer fabric protects against wind, spray, and light rain, breathability prevents heat and moisture from building up inside the jacket.

This ensures lasting comfort in changing weather conditions and makes softshell jackets ideal for activities that involve plenty of movement. It is this combination that makes them one of the most versatile technical jackets for sailors, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys staying active in all kinds of weather.

The 3-layer principle is the foundation of functional clothing for sailing and outdoor activities. It ensures that moisture is effectively transported away from the body, warmth is retained, and reliable protection against the elements is maintained.

The first layer, the baselayer, is worn next to the skin and efficiently wicks moisture away from the body. The midlayer is worn over it, providing the insulation needed to retain body heat.

A softshell jacket is the perfect addition to this system. In dry to changeable conditions, it can be worn as the outer layer, offering reliable protection against wind and light rain. At the same time, it also works exceptionally well as a flexible midlayer beneath a waterproof sailing jacket whenever additional weather protection is required.

This combination creates a versatile clothing system that can be easily adapted to changing weather conditions, ensuring lasting comfort both on the water and on shore.

Softshell jackets and hardshell jackets are designed for different purposes. While hardshell jackets are built to provide maximum waterproof protection in heavy rain, softshell jackets excel in breathability, stretch, and all-day comfort. This makes them a popular choice not only for sailing, but also for hiking, cycling, trekking, and a wide range of other outdoor activities.

Many outdoor enthusiasts combine both systems. A softshell jacket is worn in dry or changeable conditions and can also serve as a midlayer beneath a waterproof sailing or rain jacket when wind and rain become more severe. This versatile combination offers reliable performance both on the water and on land, allowing the jacket to integrate seamlessly into different layering systems for a wide variety of activities.

Since 1991, Marinepool has been developing high-performance apparel based on the principle "From Sailors for Sailors." Founded by active sailors, the brand continues to work closely with sailing clubs, national teams, competitive sailing organisations, and sea rescue services. The practical experience gained from these partnerships is directly incorporated into the development of new materials, designs, and functional features.

For decades, Marinepool has supported international regattas and elite sailing teams, including the Austrian Sailing Federation, the German Sailing League (Segel-Bundesliga), and the Bayerischer Yacht-Club. Every product is tested under real conditions on the water and continuously refined to meet the highest performance standards.

When it comes to technical sailing apparel, the perfect balance of weather protection, breathability, and freedom of movement is essential. This expertise, gained through professional sailing, forms the foundation for the development of modern softshell jackets that deliver reliable performance both on board and across a wide range of outdoor activities.

Marinepool combines maritime heritage with innovative fabric technology. Windproof, water-repellent, and breathable materials are paired with ergonomic designs and functional details to ensure exceptional comfort with every movement. Whether worn as a lightweight transitional jacket, a functional outer layer, or as part of a well-designed layering system, Marinepool softshell jackets are created for people who want reliable performance in changing weather conditions.

Close collaboration with professional sailors, international sailing teams, and watersports organisations ensures that new materials and constructions are continuously tested and refined under real-world conditions. The result is durable technical jackets that perform just as reliably on the water as they do in everyday life and during outdoor adventures.

As a company with deep roots in watersports, Marinepool is committed to protecting the waters we enjoy. That is why many of our products feature PFC-free water-repellent finishes, while the use of PVC-containing materials is continuously being reduced.

Our goal is to develop high-performance apparel that not only stands out for its quality and durability but also supports a more responsible approach to protecting the marine environment. In this way, Marinepool combines technical performance with sustainable thinking—for greater responsibility on and around the water.

Softshell jackets are water-repellent, providing reliable protection against wind, spray, and light rain. However, for heavy or prolonged rainfall, a waterproof sailing jacket or hardshell jacket is recommended as the outer protective layer.

Softshell jackets are ideal for the transitional seasons and cool summer evenings. Depending on how they are combined with baselayers or midlayers, they can be adapted to a wide range of temperatures and worn throughout most of the year. On milder days, they provide sufficient protection as an outer layer, while in colder conditions they offer additional comfort when worn over insulating layers. Thanks to their breathable properties, they are particularly well suited to activities with varying levels of intensity, as they help release excess heat while protecting against wind chill.

Yes. High-quality softshell fabrics are windproof or highly wind-resistant, significantly reducing wind chill and helping to keep your body warm. At the same time, they remain breathable, ensuring a comfortable body climate during physical activity.

Marinepool softshell jackets are highly versatile and ideal for sailing, hiking, trekking, cycling, camping, and everyday wear. Combining excellent freedom of movement, lightweight construction, and functional materials, they provide reliable comfort across a wide range of outdoor activities and changing weather conditions.

Marinepool softshell jackets combine wind protection, breathability, and exceptional freedom of movement in a versatile technical jacket for sailors, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday wear. They are ideal for changing weather conditions, providing reliable protection against wind, spray, and light rain while integrating perfectly into the 3-layer principle. Whether worn as a lightweight transitional jacket, a functional outer layer, or a midlayer beneath a waterproof sailing jacket, softshell apparel delivers dependable comfort across a wide range of activities on and off the water. For over 35 years, Marinepool has been developing high-performance sailing apparel, tested under real-world conditions to meet the highest standards of quality, comfort, and performance.

Last Updated: July 2026