For the better part of a century, Columbia has been the go-to brand for premium-quality outdoor apparel that lets you focus on the adventure, not the weather or conditions. Whether you’re trekking mountain peaks, exploring a forest trail, or just heading out on the daily dog walk, you can rest assured that our durable and versatile clothing will keep up with every step of your adventure. From our vast selection of men’s lightweight walking shoes and our women’s walking clothing to our children's jackets, every item we make is comfortable and stylish, while protecting against everything Mother Nature throws at you. Our collection of women’s softshell jackets is no exception.

Find out the many benefits of a softshell, as well as tips on finding the right one for you. We’ll also share general guidance on caring for your softshell to extend its longevity.

Hit the trails in a comfortable women’s softshell jacket

Our multi-functional softshell women’s jacket allows you to discover new trails in weatherproof comfort and style. These jackets are insulating to keep you warm, and water-repellent to protect you from drizzle, light rain and wind. Their soft stretch fit allows enhanced mobility and makes them comfortable, enabling you to feel cosy during your outdoor sports and activities.

If you need more insulation during colder seasons, layer up with a padded women’s puffer jacket or an urban women’s parka coat over your softshell. Softshell jackets work well as a midlayer or as standalone outerwear in milder weather.

Going on a hiking holiday in the country? Don a softshell jacket, pack your hiking boots, and you’re ready to hit the trail. Planning a ski trip? Pair a women’s softshell jacket with the right women’s ski jacket as a lightweight midlayer for maximum comfort on the slopes.

Keep Warm and Dry with Columbia’s Technologies

Columbia’s advanced thermal-reflective technology reflects body heat, keeping you warm even without multiple layers. Omni-Heat™ technologies, such as Infinity, Black Dot, 3D, and Reflective, retain heat using innovative materials like gold and silver dots or external thermal shields.

These jackets are lightweight and breathable, allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. This temperature regulation enhances comfort during activities like hiking, cycling, or climbing. Columbia’s Omni-Shield™ water-resistant technology also makes jackets quick-drying and stain-repellent, ensuring durability.

For complete waterproof protection, choose a women’s waterproof jacket. Our water-resistant gear is categorised into four easy-to-understand levels:

• Drizzle: Light water repellency, ideal for misty or uncertain weather.
• Rain: Waterproof fabric with sealed seams for steady rain.
• Downpour: Breathable waterproof protection for heavy rain.
• Deluge: Maximum waterproofing with impenetrable external membranes.

Which Softshell Jacket Suits You Best?

To find the ideal women’s softshell jacket, use filters on our website to explore a wide range of colours and designs. Choose between hooded jackets for added protection and sleek collar styles for casual outings or layering. Design features such as an adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs and ample pockets with a zip add functionality and convenience.

Softshell jackets are designed for freedom of movement, making them perfect for hiking, walking or any outdoor adventure. Get ready for new experiences with your versatile softshell jacket.

With so many style options and colours available, it’s hard to find your favourite! To help with this, we recommend using the handy filters on our website to apply your preferences to your search. You can easily select your size, the colour you want, the features you’re looking for and much more.

How to Care for Your Women’s Soft Shell Jacket

For the best results, always follow the specific instructions for your garment. Here are some general tips to extend the life of your softshell.

• Avoid over-washing your jacket. We recommend spot-cleaning regularly and washing only when necessary. This will help to maintain the integrity of the jacket’s fabric.
• Close all zips or other fastenings. This helps reduce the risk of tearing during washing.
• Wash your softshell on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a technical detergent if your softshell has any DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
• Avoid fabric softeners; these can compromise any breathable materials.
• Tumble-dry your jacket on low heat; this will help reactivate any technical coatings.
• Hang your jacket in a cool, dark place. Avoid compressing the softshell for long periods.

For more detailed information, visit our product care page.

Explore other options from Columbia, including hiking jackets, functional waterproof jackets or hooded parkas.

Discover More

• Women’s Puffer Jacket
• Women’s Coats
• Lightweight Puffer Jacket
• Women’s Softshell Jackets
• Women’s parka
• Women’s sleeveless jackets
• Women’s rain jackets
• Rain jacket
• Light jacket
• Long waterproof jacket
• Waterproof hooded jacket
• Cycling rain jacket
• Waterproof and breathable jacket
• Women’s outdoor jackets
• Women’s warm jackets

Check out our Men’s Puffer Jacket  collection for more options.

FAQs

What is the point of a softshell jacket?

When it’s too cool for just a gilet but not cold enough for a heavier women’s coat, a women’s soft shell jacket is the perfect solution. Columbia’s softshell jackets offer the ideal amount of insulation as a midlayer or a standalone piece during milder weather. They also provide some breathable protection against water, allowing you to stay dry and comfortable during light drizzle.

What is the difference between a women’s shell jacket and a softshell jacket?

A softshell jacket is better suited to milder, dry conditions, offering breathability with some water resistance.

On the other hand, a women’s shell jacket tends to be completely water and windproof, making them ideal for wetter and windier conditions. However, a women’s shell jacket can be less breathable than their softshell counterparts.

Which is warmer, fleece or softshell?

Usually, fleece jackets tend to be warmer because they effectively trap body heat. While still offering some insulation, a women’s softshell jacket is designed for breathability with some wind and water resistance. Fortunately, a fleece layered underneath a softshell jacket is the perfect combination, offering warmth, comfort and protection.

Are softshell jackets any good?

A breathable women’s softshell jacket from Columbia is the perfect option for outdoor activities that get your heart rate up, like hiking or climbing. Not only that, but they will help protect you against any drizzle and light wind. They’re also perfect for layering with a fleece for additional warmth, or they can be worn on their own during milder weather.

What do you wear under a softshell jacket?

What to wear under a softshell jacket depends on the weather. For colder temperatures, pair your jacket with a cosy women’s bodywarmer or gilet. For particularly frosty days, the softshell jacket itself can be worn under heavier jackets. For milder temperatures, a light jumper or T-shirt will suffice.

Which brand makes the best softshell jackets?

With so many outdoor apparel brands, it’s difficult to know which is the most reliable. Look for a brand with years (or decades) of experience and a well-known commitment to creating comfortable, long-lasting, performance-enhancing gear. A brand that has its own exclusive technologies. A brand like Columbia.