Aussie Pacific Olympus ladies vest

The Olympus ladies vest is a softshell vest built around a 320gm three layer performance softshell. The outer of 95% polyester with 5% elastane gives it a bit of give across the back and shoulders, while the inner is a 100% polyester bonded fleece that holds warmth against the body. It is a sleeveless layer, so it adds core warmth without getting in the way of your arms.

The finish is listed as lightly water repellent and wind resistant, with a WP 3000 and BP 3000 rating noted on the listing. In plain terms that means it is set up to shrug off light rain and cut the wind rather than stand in for a full waterproof shell. Storage is handled by two side zip pockets and a chest zip pocket, and the back drops into a shaped tail for a little extra coverage and warmth across the lower back.

If you are kitting out a team or just want a tidy mid layer for cool starts and air conditioned offices, it is worth reading the full detail on the Done Right Safety product page before you settle on sizing and colour.

Choosing the right layer

Start with what you actually need the vest to do. A softshell sits between a light fleece and a full jacket. The 320gm three layer build and bonded fleece inner make it a genuine warmth layer rather than a token windbreaker, and the WP 3000 and BP 3000 finish handles light rain and wind. If your crew works in heavy or persistent rain, treat this as a layer under a waterproof shell rather than the outer barrier.

Because the outer carries 5% elastane, there is a little movement built in, which helps if it is worn over a shirt or a thin jumper. For a branded program, the tone on tone changeable zip pullers and the front and chest panels give you a clean spot for a logo, but check decoration placement on the actual garment before you commit a run.

Getting the fit right

It is cut as a ladies vest, so order by the women's size range shown on the listing. Think about what goes underneath: if it is mostly worn over a shirt, a true to size choice is usually right, while regular layering over a jumper may push you up a size. The shaped back tail gives a bit more coverage across the lower back, which is handy when you are bending or sitting through the day.

Care and looking after it

The water repellent finish on a softshell will fade with washing and wear over time, so follow the care instructions on the garment label to keep it performing. Do up the zips before washing to protect the pullers and the pockets, and let it dry fully before storing so the bonded fleece inner stays fresh. The product page is the place to confirm the exact wash guidance.

These are like for like, same type ladies vests, so the comparison below is a fair head to head. The difference comes down to how each one keeps you warm: the Olympus is a softshell, while two of the others use insulation or padding for a puffer style of warmth.

If you want a stretchy softshell with a clean panel for branding and a fleece backed inner, the Olympus and the Biz Collection Apex are the natural pair. The Apex adds a stand up collar with a chin guard, which the Olympus listing does not mention, so that is the deciding detail if a higher collar matters to you.

If your team works in genuinely cold conditions and you want more loft, the JBs Wear Adventure puffer or the James Harvest Arches padded vest will feel warmer than a softshell. The James Harvest also uses recycled polyester throughout and adds a drawcord hem, so it is the pick when recycled content or an adjustable waist is on your list.

On paper this is a sensible, no nonsense ladies softshell vest. The 320gm three layer construction with a bonded fleece inner is the kind of build that holds warmth and shape, and the small dose of elastane in the outer should make it more comfortable to move in than a stiffer shell. The two side pockets and chest pocket are practical, and the shaped back tail is a useful touch for everyday wear.

What is confirmed on the listing is the fabric, the WP 3000 and BP 3000 finish, the pocket layout, the back tail and the changeable zip pullers. There are no published safety standards or ratings on the listing, so if you need this vest to meet any particular standard, do not assume it does. Confirm that on the product page or datasheet before ordering for a regulated environment.

The two things worth checking on the product page are the women's size range and the colour options, since those drive both fit and how well it suits a uniform program. For a warm, tidy mid layer rather than a heavy duty wet weather shell, it is an easy one to recommend.