Softshell Fabric

Softshell Fabric by the Metre

Softshell fabric combines a stretchy, wind resistant outer layer with a soft fleece backing, which makes it a solid pick for jackets, gilets and outdoor gear. This is a bonded three-layer construction: a woven or knitted face fabric laminated to a fleece inner layer, with a thin membrane in between that blocks wind and light rain. At Rijs Textiles you order this soft shell fabric by the metre, straight from stock in Tilburg. Whether you're making a rain jacket, a pair of hiking trousers or a warm vest, this fabric holds its shape and keeps the cold out.

The stretch in softshell mainly runs diagonally across the fabric, which is why patterns for jackets and trousers often use this bias direction to get a close, comfortable fit. The fleece backing feels warm against the skin, while the front resists water and wind without turning stiff or heavy. That combination of the water repellent face and the cosy fleece back is what gives softshell its wearing comfort.

Composition and specifications

Our softshell fabric is made from 90% polyester and 10% elastane, giving it enough stretch to move with the body without losing shape. The fabric is 145 cm wide and weighs 310 grams per square metre, a grammage that sits comfortably between a light shell and a heavier outdoor fabric. It's a stretch quality, so a ballpoint or stretch needle works better than a universal needle when you sew it.

What you can make with softshell

Softshell is a workhorse fabric for outerwear. A few concrete applications:

• Functional jackets that need to stay waterproof and breathable on wet days
• Outdoor trousers that protect against wind and cold during hikes or cycling trips
• Bodywarmers and gilets as a mid-layer, warm without adding bulk
• Activewear where the stretch and breathability matter, such as running or skiing gear

If you're specifically after a rain jacket, it's also worth checking our other water repellent fabrics for a lighter alternative to softshell.

Related fleece fabrics

Looking for something softer or with a different finish? Polar Fleece Fabric is a lighter, single-layer alternative for linings and casual wear. For baby items or loungewear, Minky Fleece Stripes gives a plush, textured surface, while Teddy Fleece Doubleface Fabric works well for cuddly outerwear and blankets thanks to its double-sided pile.

Ordering by the metre

You order this softshell fabric by the metre, in the length you need for your project. Buying six metres or more brings you into our wholesale pricing, and the fabric is also available on full rolls of 50 metres for businesses or larger production runs. Not sure about the feel or colour on screen? Order a fabric swatch for 0.50 euro before committing to a larger length.

Softshell fabric for every project

Softshell fabric is a practical choice when you need a material that handles wind, light rain and everyday wear without extra bulk. With a good grammage, a stretch quality that follows the body and a range of colours in stock, it suits both small home-sewing projects and larger business orders. Browse the collection and order your metres or a sample swatch directly from stock in Tilburg.