Softsided

Softsided refers to objects whose exterior surfaces are made from flexible fabric or other non-rigid materials rather than a hard shell. The term is commonly used for consumer products such as luggage, duffel bags, and soft-sided coolers. Softsided items are designed to collapse or compress to some extent and often include features such as zippers, external pockets, and adjustable straps.

Materials and construction vary but typically include woven fabrics such as polyester or nylon, sometimes with canvas, and coatings like PVC or polyurethane to improve water resistance. Insulated versions use foam or reflective linings inside the fabric walls. Many softsided luggage items incorporate lightweight frames or structural elements to help retain shape while remaining flexible.

In luggage, softsided designs emphasize light weight, expandability, and packing flexibility, at the expense of attachment rigidity and some protection against impact. In coolers, softsided versions trade rigid insulation for foldable storage and lighter weight, with performance depending on insulation thickness and sealing methods.

Softsided containers are also used in medical, food transport, and electronics protective sleeves where flexibility and portability are important. They offer advantages such as easier packing around irregular items and easier storage when not full, but may provide less protection against crushing and sometimes less weather sealing than hard-sided alternatives.

See also: hard-sided, luggage, cooler, bag.