How to Wash a Softshell Jacket
A Step-by-Step Care Guide
A softshell jacket is built for movement and all-day wear - whether you're hiking, climbing or simply out in changeable weather. Unlike a fully waterproof hardshell, a softshell balances weather protection with breathability and stretch, making it one of the most versatile pieces in any outdoor wardrobe. To keep that balance working, it needs regular washing and reproofing. This guide covers how to wash a softshell jacket correctly, how to dry it and how to restore its water-repellent finish - with specific guidance for both Flex Shield and Stormlock constructions.
Flex Shield or Stormlock: Which Softshell Do You Have?
Not all softshell jackets are built the same way. Jack Wolfskin softshells come in two constructions, and knowing which one you have affects how you should care for it.
Flex Shield
- No membrane or additional coating
- Maximum breathability and freedom of movement
- Wind- and water-resistant
- Care priority: keep the outer fabric clean to maintain breathability
Stormlock
- Includes a membrane for windproof and water-resistant protection
- High wearing comfort with stretch
- Breathable
- Care priority: wash regularly to prevent the membrane pores from blocking - the same principle as a waterproof rain jacket
If you're not sure which type you have, check the product name or care label. Stormlock constructions are usually marked on the label or the product page.
How Often Should You Wash a Softshell Jacket?
Wash a softshell jacket regularly - how often depends on how intensively you use it.
For Stormlock softshells with a membrane, regular washing is particularly important. Sweat residue, sun cream and cosmetics can gradually block the membrane pores, which reduces breathability over time. The more active your use, the more frequently you should wash.
For Flex Shield softshells without a membrane, washing is still important to keep the outer fabric clean and functioning, but the consequences of infrequent washing are less severe.
A useful rule of thumb for both types: if the cuffs or collar look greasy or feel stiff, the jacket needs a wash. If you're dealing with a single small stain or a splash of mud, treat the spot directly and carry on wearing it.
Which Detergent Is Right for a Softshell Jacket?
Never use fabric softener on a softshell jacket. It settles into the fabric's pores and forms a fine film that blocks breathability - the jacket may still look fine, but its ability to let moisture escape is compromised.
Beyond that, liquid detergent is a better choice than powder. Powder residue can clog the membrane in Stormlock jackets. Even with liquid detergent, check the label: some products contain fabric softener as an ingredient, which makes them unsuitable here.
The best options are a mild detergent for delicates or a specialist detergent for outdoor functional clothing - both are formulated to rinse out fully without leaving residue. Apparel Clean & Proof 300 combines cleaning and reproofing in one step, which makes it a practical choice if you want to combine both processes.
Use less detergent than the standard dose. A small amount washes out more cleanly than a large one, and residue in the fabric is harder to remove than dirt.
How to Wash a Softshell Jacket: Step by Step
Most softshell jackets can be washed at 30 or 40°C - always check the care label first, since the construction affects what your specific jacket can handle.
1. Check the care label for temperature and programme recommendations.
2. Pre-treat heavily soiled areas - greasy cuffs, collar or pockets - with a soft sponge, warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Leave it to work briefly, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Close all zips and Velcro fastenings.
4. Load the jacket into the drum. Fill the machine to no more than two thirds - this gives the jacket room to rinse properly and reduces friction against other items.
5. Select the hand wash, wool or delicates programme.
6. Set the temperature to 30°C or 40°C according to the care label.
7. Spin at no more than 800 rpm.
How to Dry a Softshell Jacket
Tumble drying is only recommended after reproofing - not as a standard drying method.
Standard drying
After a normal wash cycle.
- Air dry away from direct heat
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Do not tumble dry
After reproofing
Heat activates the finish - this step is essential.
Tumble dryer
Medium heat · 50 min · if care label allows
or
Iron dry
Low setting · once fully air dried
Without this heat activation step, the proofer will not reach its full effectiveness - the jacket may still feel dry to the touch, but the water-repellent finish will not perform as well as it should.
Reproofing a Softshell Jacket: Spray or Wash-In?
Washing cleans your jacket, but it can also reduce how well water beads off the surface. That's why reproofing - restoring the water-repellent finish - is just as important as washing itself.
Test it first. After washing, hold the jacket under a running tap. If water beads up and rolls off, the water-repellent finish is still working and you don't need to do anything. If water soaks into the fabric instead of beading, it's time to reproof.
You have a few options:
Spray-on proofer
Applied directly to the dry jacket after washing, then usually heat-set with a hair dryer or warm iron (check the product)
Wash-in proofer
Added during the wash cycle itself, so it coats the whole jacket evenly in one step. A practical option if you'd rather combine washing and reproofing in a single load.
Professional reproofing service
If you'd prefer not to do it yourself, a reproofing service handles the whole process for you.
Whichever method you use, the heat activation step is essential afterwards - tumble dry at medium heat for 50 minutes or iron fully dry on a low setting. Without it, the proofer will not bond properly with the fabric.
The right care products for your softshell jacket
Both products below work for Flex Shield and Stormlock constructions.
Frequently asked Questions
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