What is Softshell Fabric?

Softshell is a synthetic fabric generally made from a blend of polyester, spandex, or nylon. It is lightweight, flexible, and breathable. The inner layer is typically soft and warm (often fleece), while the outer layer’s surface is designed to resist water and wind. This fabric is essentially the opposite of hardshell fabric. While hardshell is fully waterproof and windproof, it tends to be stiffer and less comfortable. The main feature of softshell fleece fabric is that, despite being lightweight, it allows the body to move freely and helps regulate body temperature. It is commonly used in outdoor activities, sports, and everyday clothing, especially jackets and pants. Rather than for harsh cold or rain, it is an ideal choice for mild weather conditions.

History of Softshell Fabric:

Softshell fabric is considered one of the modern technical fabrics that has completely transformed the concept of traditional outdoor clothing. Its history began in the late 1990s when the well-known company Polartec first introduced it. At that time, hardshell fabrics were used to protect against severe weather. Although waterproof, that fabric was very rigid, heavy, and uncomfortable. Polartec began working on a material that would not only protect against rain and wind but also not restrict physical movement. That was the moment softshell fabric came into being a material that is water repellent, wind resistant, lightweight, and also capable of wicking moisture away from the body.

How is Softshell Fabric Made?

Softshell fabric typically consists of two or three layers, such as:

1. Outer Layer: Made from flexible polyester or nylon, this layer is treated with a special Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. This prevents light rain or snow from penetrating
the fabric by causing water droplets to bead up on this surface. In some three-layer softshell fabrics, a thin membrane (optional middle layer) is applied, which helps block the wind
while allowing sweat to escape.

2. Inner Layer: The inner layer is usually made of a soft, brushed polyester or fleece, which helps retain heat and provides a soft feel to the body. That’s why products like softshell
pants, software jackets and softshell gloves offer a combination of comfort, protection, and durability.

Characteristics of Softshell Fabric:

1. Weather Resistance: The outer surface of softshell fabric is treated with a special coating called Durable Water Repellent (DWR), which prevents water from being absorbed. It is capable of resisting light rain, snow, and wind. Although softshell fabric is not completely waterproof, it is water-resistant, which makes it ideal for jackets, outdoor wear, hiking trousers, and cycling gear. Hence, it is suitable for light rain or drizzle.

2. Breathability: A major drawback of traditional hardshell fabrics was that they did not allow sweat to escape. However, softshell fabric is engineered in such a way that it allows moisture from the body to escape, keeping your body temperature moderate and dry. Wearing it makes the body feel warm and dry. This feature makes softshell jackets and sportswear for gym use highly preferred.

3. Mobility and Flexibility: Softshell fabric has a natural stretch, making it ideal for sports, exercise, and outdoor activities. Softshell fabric is generally made from stretch nylon or polyester in a 2-way or 4-way stretch, which makes it extremely flexible. This fabric adjusts with the movement of the body making it ideal for dynamic activities like rock climbing, trekking, cycling, and skiing.

4. Comfortable and Soft feel: The inner layer of softshell fabric is usually made of brushed polyester or microfleece, which feels very soft, warm, and comfortable on the skin. This feature also makes it popular for ladies softshell jackets, baby softshell suits, and casual wear.

5. Thermal Insulation: Softshell fabric provides a certain level of thermal protection, especially when the inner lining contains fleece. While it is not enough for extreme cold, it can keep you warm in mild to moderately cold weather. The fleece inner layer provides slight warmth, which is beneficial in chilly conditions.

6. Lightweight and Packable: This fabric is much lighter than heavy jackets or coats, making movement easier. It can be easily folded and packed into a small bag, which makes it a favorite choice for travelers and adventurers.

7. Durability: The fabric is usually abrasion-resistant, meaning it doesn’t tear or wear out easily. That’s why softshell is commonly used in military wear, workwear softshell jackets, and outdoor uniforms.

8. Modern Look: Softshell fabric also offers a stylish and modern appearance. Trendy and Elegant Jackets and pants made from slim-fit softshell fabric are not only functional but also visually stylish. That’s why today, the use of softshell is no longer limited to urban fashion—it has also found its place in sportswear and adventure wear.

9. The Rise in Popularity of Softshell Fabric: Thanks to its outstanding properties, softshell fabric is now extremely popular for softshell jackets, softshell trousers for hiking, and corporate outerwear. Initially, this fabric was used specifically for men’s and ladies’ softshell jackets, but its demand grew rapidly and it began to be included in garments such as softshell vests and softshell hiking trousers. It not only offers both fashion and function in one, but is also a material that fulfills all the needs of a modern consumer. The main reason behind the global popularity of softshell fabric is its unique multi functional features: comfort, protection, breathability, and flexibility—all in one. Today, it is the preferred choice for custom outdoor softshell jackets, especially for those who go on mountain adventures, travel in snowy or cold and dry regions.

10. A Wide range of Colors: We understand that colors bring life to your clothing. That’s why we maintain a wide stock of 15 to 20 different colors of softshell fabric in our warehouse at all times. These include traditional shades as well as modern and fashionable hues. You can choose any color that suits your preference and need. If you do not find your desired color in our current range, don’t worry—we also offer the facility to custom-make and dye fabric according to your specifications. Our expert dyeing team uses only high-quality dyes that are durable and retain their brightness even after washing, ensuring top-tier results on your chosen fabric.

Softshell Fabric Care and Instructions:

Washing Instructions: Wash the fabric with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fibers of the fabric. Unlike hard shell garments, softshell is easier to wash. However, if not cared for properly, its waterproofing capability can gradually diminish over time.

Drying Instructions: After washing, let the fabric air-dry naturally or use a dryer at a low temperature. Excessive heat can damage the waterproof coating of the fabric. Therefore, do not iron softshell fabric. If, for any reason, the waterproofing is affected, use a waterproof spray or special detergent from time to time to restore the fabric’s water-repellent properties.

Top 5 Softshell Producing Countries:

China: China is the world’s largest producer of softshell fabric. It leads globally in both the production and export of softshell. The coastal regions of China are particularly known as production hubs.

UnitedStates: The U.S. ranks second in softshell production, especially in southeastern states like Florida and Louisiana. U.S. exports play a significant role in the global softshell market.

Bangladesh: Bangladesh produces high-quality softshell at low cost. The country is well-known in the international market, especially for exports.

Vietnam: Vietnam specializes in producing technical outdoor fabrics, which are selected by international brands for performance wear.

Turkey: Turkey produces premium-quality softshell fabric, mainly for high-end fashion and sportswear.

India: India’s textile industry is rapidly growing, and it has become a major producer of softshell fabric. Production is mostly concentrated in coastal areas like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. India exports softshell to South Asia and Eastern countries.

What is Polar Fleece?

Polar Fleece is an evolutionary fabric first developed in the 1980s by the famous American textile company. The purpose of this invention was to create an alternative fabric that was soft, warm, and comfortable like wool but also cheaper, lighter, and quick-drying. It is lightweight and relatively smooth in structure. This is why it is used in winter as clothing, jackets, blankets, and outdoor wear. Furthermore, regarding its structure, it is such that it retains body heat and also dries moisture quickly. This fabric does not occur naturally but is made from synthetic fibers, primarily consisting of polyester. It gained such popularity in the world that within a few years, it became the most used fabric in hospitality wear, sportswear, and everyday warm clothing. It is also interesting that the company that created polar fleece kept the basic formula rights open so that textile manufacturing around the world could produce it for the general public.

Polar Fleece Structure:

The special feature of polar fleece is its upper surface, which is made very soft, warm, and thick with fluff by special machines. When you touch polar fleece, it feels as if small, soft threads or fluff are coming out of the fabric. These are thick and round tuft-like fluffs that are part of the fabric, but they are raised upwards with the help of machines. This structure provides the fabric with softness, warmth, and a comfortable feel.

Characteristics of Polar Fabric:

1. This fabric is lighter and much softer than wool.
2. Its natural structure provides warmth to the body and protects against the cold. Therefore,
this fabric is excellent for the winter season.
3. Polar fleece is water-resistant and dries quickly.
4. Air can easily pass through the fabric. This prevents perspiration and keeps it comfortable
to wear. Polar fleece is machine washable and dries quickly.
5. This fabric does not shrink and does not wrinkle.
6. High-quality polar fleece generally can resist pilling.

Advantages of Polar Fleece Compared to Other Fabrics:

1. Polar Fleece is as warm as wool but much lighter in weight.
2. This fabric lasts longer than other wool or cotton and does not deteriorate easily.
3. Polar fleece is cheaper than natural wool and other warm fabrics.
4. This fabric does not require any special care in washing and drying.
5. It is made from synthetic materials, so it is an alternative to animal-derived wool.

Disadvantages of Polar Fleece Compared to Other Fabrics:

1. Risk of catching fire: This is a synthetic fabric. Therefore, it can catch fire more easily than wool. Avoid working near fire while wearing it.
2. Static Charge: Dust or hair can stick to polar fleece. This can increase the chances of static charge.
3. Environmental Damage: Since it is made of polyester, it can contribute to plastic waste.
4. Piling: Cheap polar fleece starts to shed lint after some use.

Polar Fleece Fabric Care and Instructions:

• Fabric Washing: Wash polar fleece with a mild detergent in normal or cold water. Using too much hot water is harmful.
• Spin or High Heat: Do not use very hot water or a high spin cycle, otherwise, the fabric may be damaged.
• Dry Flat: Dry the fabric straight instead of squeezing it to maintain its softness.
• Do not Iron: This fabric does not need ironing because it is wrinkle-free.
• Prevent Piling: If lint starts to form, use a fabric shaver or anti-pilling wash.

Wide Range of Colors

We understand that colors add life to your clothes. That’s why Ferrati Sports International Company keeps a stock of 15 to 18 different colors of polar fleece in its warehouse at all times. Which includes traditional colors as well as modern and fashionable colors. You can choose any color according to your preference and need.

How to Choose the Best Sportswear Manufacturer in Pakistan for Your Brand

Identifying the appropriate sportswear producer is among the key processes when you want to expand your personal clothing company. A good partner can provide you with good support, beautiful work and smooth service. The country has a history of producing sportswear, and most global brands have confidence in Pakistan's ability to make bulk purchases. If you prefer collaborating with a trustworthy team, you will need to know what to look for. This blog will help you select the most appropriate sportswear manufacturer in Pakistan for your brand.

1. Check the Experience of the Manufacturer

The first thing to test is experience. A firm that has a long duration in the business will know what brands require. They are familiar with small and big orders, and they have good ways of producing good sportswear. You are more comfortable when you decide to work with a manufacturer who has many years of experience. A highly experienced team will teach you the right direction and prevent the occurrence of the easy mistakes that new factories can commit.

2. Check the Quality of Stitching and Fabric

The sportswear ought to be soft, powerful and durable. Ask the manufacturer to provide fabric samples before making the decision. This will aid you to check out the material using your own hands. Test the stretch, see the weight, and test whether it is smooth after washing. It is also important to do good stitching. Powerful seams assist the garments to remain in form during exercises. The look of the fabric and the stitching allows you to determine whether the company provides decent products.

3. Ask About Custom Options

There is a demand by many brands to have differentiated designs of their products. In case you desire that your stuff appears different, then you want an organization that can produce custom sportswear Pakistan products. Question the manufacturer on whether they can do custom cuts, colors, logos, prints and sizes. The brand image can be derived, with the assistance of a company having a good custom service. They pursue your thoughts and make them come true in a clear and direct manner.

4. Test their Manufacturing Capacity

Enquire whether the manufacturer has the capability to deal with a large order of work before making the order. In case you are planning to expand your brand, you should have a partner that will be able to make high volumes without delays. A good wholesale sportswear manufacturer will have enough machines, staff, and daily output to manage bulk orders. The advantages of high production power by the company are that the supply chain remains uninterrupted and that the business experiences less order timing issues.

5. Interview Work History and Customer List

A trusted brand in sportswear will possess an existing work to demonstrate. Request pictures, samples or even the finished products of the past clients. This provides a clear understanding of their talents. It is also possible to check the list of the brands they have cooperated with. In case they have been serving familiar or international brands, it means they are familiar with concerning quality regulations. It could also be done through reviews of old clients to find out some behavior of the company as well as how they address issues.

6. Clear Communication Matters

Effective communication is time-saving and error-free. Select a manufacturer that responds promptly and who does not confuse when he needs to know something. It is more critical with the custom items that you work on. Clear talks make you feel safe and this is so particularly with large orders. Once both parties know one another, then the entire process will be characterized by ease and relaxation.

7. Shipping and Check Delivery Time

High speed and secure delivery is extremely crucial to any brand. The company will have to tell you when they are going to deliver the samples and bulk orders to you before you make your decision. Other questions to ask are the shipping methods. If your brand is based abroad, such as in the USA, you should work with a team that understands USA sportswear import rules. A proper sportswear supplier will inform you about documents, packing and even shipping time to make sure that your products arrive at the right time.

8. Compare Prices and Budget Plans

Price is one, though not the only factor. Low prices are usually associated with poor quality. Find a company that charges reasonable rates and quality. You will get the clear price information of a good sportswear supplier Pakistan such as the costs of fabric, stitching, and additional work such as printing or logo work. As soon as the pricing is transpired, you find it easy to budget every piece.

9. Ask for Samples Before Final Order

The samples assist in viewing the actual quality of the product. Irrespective of the bulk order, always demand a physical sample. That is why you can verify all aspects such as fabric, color, print, stitching, and fit. Anything that requires modification can be corrected at this point. A manufacturer will never refuse giving out samples since they will feel obligated to make you feel safe.

10. Search Long-term Partnership

It is not a one-time selection of a sportswear manufacturer. You must find a partner that will develop with your brand. A trusted company is supportive, gives straightforward updates and transparent work. The partnership is strong when there is trust between both parties. This will ensure your brand remains constant, lower the expenditure and gives a smooth stream of success in the long-term.

Final Thoughts

The initial decision on the selection of the appropriate sportswear manufacturer in Pakistan might seem difficult at the time of making the decision, but once you are aware of what you need to be, it becomes simple. Make sure the experience, quality, custom work, and past results of the company. Ensure that they are communicative and ensure time delivery. Choosing the right partner will provide you with a powerful foundation of your brand. Your sportswear line is capable of expanding rapidly and expanding to a bigger market with the necessary support.

In today’s fashion market, speed is everything. Trends shift quickly, customer demand changes overnight, and brands that can’t adapt get left behind. But here’s the challenge: traditional manufacturing timelines often stretch for months, making it impossible to keep up.

At Ferrati, we’ve built our process to eliminate unnecessary delays — delivering up to 60% faster than the industry average without sacrificing craftsmanship.

Step 1: Understanding Your Brand Vision

Before we touch a single stitch, we sit down with you (virtually or in person) to understand:

• Your design goals

• Target market

• Fabric and finish preferences

• Budget and timeline

This ensures we’re not just manufacturing clothes — we’re building your brand’s identity.

Step 2: Rapid Prototyping

Using advanced machinery and streamlined workflows, we create samples in 7–10 days.
This rapid prototyping means you can review, test, and approve designs quickly, avoiding long back-and-forth cycles.

Step 3: Agile Production

Our production lines are built for flexibility, enabling:

• Small-batch runs to test markets

• Quick scaling once designs prove successful

• Adaptive scheduling to meet urgent deadlines

Step 4: Uncompromising Quality Checks

Speed means nothing without quality. Every order passes through:

• Fabric inspections

• Stitch durability tests

• Colorfastness checks

• Final packaging reviews

This ensures your customers receive products that look and perform exactly as promised.

Why It Works

Our model is designed for today’s brands — agile, responsive, and customer-focused. By owning the entire manufacturing process from sourcing to delivery, we cut out delays caused by multiple intermediaries.

In short: With Ferrati, you can launch collections faster, capture trends while they’re hot, and keep your customers coming back for more — all without sacrificing quality.

CTA: Need your next collection ready in weeks, not months? Let’s make it happen — start your free consultation with Ferrati today.