Wholesale Softshell vest Manufacturing in Eskişehir

Buyer checklist

• Softshell is a soft-shell fabric in which an outer stretch woven face and an inner fleece lining are joined by lamination. The two-layer (2-layer) structure consists of the outer face and the inner fleece, contains no membrane and derives its water protection solely from the DWR coating; in the three-layer (3-layer) structure a water-wind barrier membrane (TPU/PU film) is added in between. For vests, where body warmth and lightness are the priority, the 2-layer structure is mostly sufficient.
• The DWR (durable water repellent) coating is a finish applied to the fabric surface that rolls and sheds water droplets without letting them penetrate the fibers. The softshell vest's rain behavior depends on this coating; the coating weakens with washing and abrasion and is reactivated with low heat (see care note).
• Honest protection distinction: the softshell vest is water-repellent, not waterproof. Light rain and drizzle run off the surface; in continuous, heavy rain the fabric soaks through. Where full waterproofness is required, a membrane raincoat or taped-seam hardshell is needed — planned over the vest, not in place of it.
• The source of stretch is elastane: the outer face is typically woven with a polyester-dominant blend, and elastane (spandex) is added to the structure in the 4-7% range to provide two- or four-way stretch. This elasticity gives the sleeveless vest a fitted cut without restricting shoulder and back movement.
• Weight is selected according to the season of use: softshell fabric is produced in a wide band of approximately 80-400 g/m²; since lightness is the priority on the vest side, fabrics in the low-to-medium band are generally used. The summer transitional vest is planned with thinner fabric, the winter mid-layer vest with thicker fleece-lined fabric. The exact weight is finalized on the sample.
• Wind resistance is softshell's core advantage: the tightly woven outer face and (in the membrane model) the film layer block the wind and retain body heat. Breathability (water vapor transfer) is higher than hardshell; moisture from perspiration during active work is expelled outward and condensation inside is reduced.
• Zipper and closure: the front full-length zipper (with a chin-protector garage/pocket) is planned with a YKK or equivalent quality zipper; pocket openings are made zippered or snap-fastened. The zipper pull and drawcord can be matched to a logo or corporate color; the closure type is approved on the sample.
• Pocket configuration is set up according to the job: chest zippered pocket, side hand-warming pockets, inner phone/document pocket and pen/card pocket placed on the body instead of the arm are available options. On the engineer vest, a 4-8 pocket layout is planned according to the use scenario.
• Collar and arm opening: the stand (half turtleneck) collar protects the neck from wind and closes with a zipper; the arm opening and waist are finished with rib knit, elastic or snap-fastened gathering to reduce cold air leakage. On the vest, the sleeveless cut finishes the armhole with overlock or bias binding.
• High-visibility (hi-vis) need: for field teams working at night and in low light, a neon yellow or orange fluorescent background and retroreflective tape are applied. High visibility is rated by the EN ISO 20471 standard; the class is valid only with accredited testing and certification, and no uncertified class claim is made.
• Logo application is chosen according to location on the vest: embroidery is applied to the left chest or back and looks durable and prestigious on low-color corporate logos; transfer or laser printing is applied for multi-color and large designs. The location and technique are approved with a layout before production.
• Size and measurement: production is graded in the S-5XL range; the chest circumference is planned at approximately 96-124 cm. In vest sizing the chest circumference is essential, and the sleeveless cut imposes no sleeve-length limitation. You report the size distribution according to your team list, and custom measurements are worked to order.
• Care and DWR renewal: washing at 30-40 degrees, zippers closed, without fabric softener and on a delicate program is recommended; fabric softener degrades the DWR coating. When water repellency weakens, the coating is reactivated with about 20 minutes in a dryer at low-medium heat or with a warm steam-free iron using a cloth in between. High heat damages the fabric and membrane; always follow the product label.
• Branding durability: embroidery is a common and durable method on the softshell surface; for fine-line or multi-color logos, transfer and laser-cut appliqué are preferred. The branding method is selected on the sample according to the fabric, the logo detail and the intensity of use.
• EN ISO standard framework: the softshell vest is everyday corporate and field clothing; it does not have to carry a protection class on its own. Like all protective garments, it is basically evaluated within the EN ISO 13688 framework (general requirements for protective clothing); special protection such as high visibility (EN ISO 20471) or cool environment (EN 14058) is always defined by a vertical standard, with accredited testing and certification. We explain the standard; we do not claim an uncertified class.
• Cool and cold environment framework: cool-environment protection above approximately minus 5 degrees is evaluated by EN 14058, and cold protection at lower temperatures by EN 342. A fleece-lined winter vest can be planned within this framework; the real class is valid only with certified testing, which is why we clarify the need together in the specification.
• Bulk shipping to Eskisehir is planned by road from Denizli, with model durability, pocket placement and lead time set upfront for technical teams.
• Eskisehir's continental climate brings cold, long winters, so winter jackets, fleece and layering matter as much as summer models.
• Model, color and branding are planned together for Factory and production, Construction sites, Hospital and medical and Logistics and warehouse teams.