Columbia has been keeping people outdoors since 1938. With our origins in the Pacific Northwest of the US, we know and understand unpredictable weather. Our expertise and experience are evident in every item we make, including our collection of women’s softshell trousers.

Softshell trousers are the ultimate all-rounder. While still offering plenty of comfort and protection against water, they’re the perfect middle ground between lightweight women’s leggings for walking or hiking and heavy women’s ski pants. Your softshell bottoms are ideal for a range of outdoor activities, from a windy coastal walk to an alpine hiking adventure.

Find out the main benefits of women’s softshell trousers, and we’ll guide you through choosing the right ones for you. We’ll also share some top tips for caring for your trousers. Available in a range of colour options and featuring our patented performance technologies, there’s a perfect pair for everyone.

Like every item from Columbia, from our casual shorts for men to our kids’ shoes, our softshell trousers for women have been tested tough. Whether your next adventure takes you to the top of a mountain or sees you battling the UK’s winter wind, you can rest assured that each pair offers durability, comfort and protection in every step.

Benefits of Women’s Softshell Trousers

Across our selection of softshell trousers for women, there are numerous benefits to consider before deciding on your perfect pair.

While not fully waterproof, our collection of softshells features Columbia’s exclusive Omni-ShieldTM, perfect for drizzle and splashes. By preventing liquids from absorbing into the fabrics, Omni-ShieldTM, our long-lasting, quick-drying technology, repels water and stains, ensuring you stay clean and dry in damp and messy conditions.

Some softshell trousers are perfect for keeping you warm and cosy in cold weather. Look for pairs that include our patented Omni-HeatTM Infinity, which uses a thermal-reflective pattern to increase heat retention, while remaining breathable.

Columbia’s women's softshell trousers also provide flexible comfort for your most active adventures, like hiking and skiing. Most styles feature a flexible stretch fit, articulated knees and an elasticated waist to ensure a full range of movement.

How to Choose the Right Women’s Softshell Trousers

Choosing the right softshell trousers depends on your activity, the best fit for you and your personal preference for certain details.

If you plan to do technical hikes or walks, choose a pair with a more tapered fit. Alternatively, if you plan to wear your softshells for skiing, choose a pair with a wider leg or a gusseted leg opening to comfortably layer over ski or snowboard boots.

Assess whether additional weight from insulation is necessary. If you don’t plan to wear your softshells in cold temperatures, a pair without extra warmth may be suitable. For increased versatility, you could also wear an unlined, lightweight pair over shorts, tights or leggings.

Consider the functional details of each pair, such as pockets or cuffs. For on-the-move protection, many softshells can secure valuables with one quick zip of the pocket. Others include convenient drop-in pockets for easy access to essentials. To help prevent debris from getting inside the leg, some pairs also feature handy gaiter clips on the cuffs.

Finally, bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and your softshells should fit you, not the other way around. If you’re shopping in one of our stores, you can try on multiple sizes and styles to find the perfect fit. However, if you’re shopping online, we recommend measuring your inseam to find the correct length required. This will ensure that features such as knee articulation are in the right place. Use our handy size guide to help you decide which size is most appropriate for your measurements.

Care and Maintenance of Softshell Trousers for Women

Once you’ve found your perfect pair of softshells, follow our guide to care for and maintain them to extend their lifespan.

• Always follow the specific care instructions for your item.
• Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle. We recommend using a technical detergent to maintain the water repellency.
• Avoid using fabric softeners. While they smell great, they are detrimental to the breathable softshell membranes.
• While most people may assume you should hang your softshells to dry, using a tumble dryer on a low heat can help reactivate the outer water-resistant finish.
• Ensure your softshells are completely dry before storing them. This will prevent mildew and help to maintain the fabric’s elasticity.

FAQs

What is the difference between hardshell and softshell trousers?

Hardshell trousers are a fully waterproof and windproof outer layer. However, they’re less breathable and stretchy. Softshells offer breathable, water-resistant protection, alongside stretch fabric. They’re a versatile choice for milder conditions.

Looking for the best of both worlds? Softshells can often be worn under hardshells!

Are softshell trousers completely waterproof?

No, softshell trousers are more suitable for damp conditions and light drizzle. For full waterproof protection, check out our collection of waterproof trousers or ski pants.

Can I wear softshell trousers for skiing or only for hiking?

You can wear softshells for both skiing and hiking, as well as a range of other active pursuits. Their highly versatile design makes softshell trousers a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you’re hoping to hit the slopes or the trails, a pair of versatile and durable softshell trousers is an excellent choice. Shop Columbia’s collection today to find the perfect pair that offers functional water-repellency and flexible comfort for your next adventure.