Port Authority J317 Review: The Ultimate Soft Shell Jacket

By: ShirtsBargain Posted on: Nov 3, 2025

Shop Port Authority J317 Jackets Wholesale

There aren’t a lot of softshell jackets that work hard and perform great anywhere but still won’t cost you big bucks. The Port Authority J317 Core Soft Shell Jacket is an iconic style from Port Authority. There are a lot of reasons why this jacket is one of the biggest bestsellers in our wholesale jackets collection. The J317 checks all the boxes for professionals across industries—from logistics and tech to outdoor workers and corporate employees. It's lightweight, weather-resistant, and engineered to be of use all year, and especially so during transitional weather.

Let's dig into why this jacket has become a go-to choice for businesses outfitting their teams.

Why is the Port Authority J317 Blank Soft Shell Jacket popular?

Port Authority has been trusted since 1994 for professional apparel that balances quality and value, and the J317 lives up to that reputation. The jacket is an absolute workhorse designed for professionals who need versatility and comfort. The J317 can last long with proper care. Built with a 100% polyester woven shell bonded to a water-resistant film insert and lined with 100% polyester microfleece, this jacket offers just the right kind of warmth and breathability—everything you expect from polyester apparel.

The jacket became really popular among HVAC professionals due to its cost-effectiveness, impressive durability, and the range of features at its price point. It soon earned a reputation across other industries. The J317 comes with a range of features and functional traits that you won’t see in other shell jackets in the price segment. It features a zip-through cadet collar with a chin guard to protect against the elements, reverse coil zippers that glide smoothly, and front zippered pockets for stashing essentials on the job. Its relaxed fit works for layering.

Here’s an overview of the two most important aspects that make the J317 one of Port Authority’s greatest offerings.

Built for Weather: Wind-Resistant, Water-Repellent, Durable

It may not be one of the best winter-defying jackets on the market, but it’s no slouch either. We wouldn’t say it’s also the best shell jacket you can buy wholesale to beat the weather, but the J317 will have your back if it isn’t too cold. It features a 1000 mm waterproof rating, offering protection from light rain and splashes without soaking through. Complementing this is the 1000 g/m² breathability rating, which keeps wearers comfortable during active work, without the clammy feeling often associated with regular polyester jackets that lack breathability.

The J317 is a great pick for people delivering packages, outdoor events in windy conditions, and chilly job sites. Many of our customers in the security sector also prefer the J317 along with the Port Authority J354 Challenger jacket for their uniforms. Field staff, tech crews, and warehouse workers have all put the J317 through its paces, and it holds up season after season. Shop Port Authority J354 Jackets Wholesale From ShirtsBargain

Shop Port Authority J354 Jackets Wholesale From ShirtsBargain

Versatile Styling for Uniforms and Weekend Wear

One of the most notable traits of the Port Authority’s J317 soft shell is that it doesn’t look like a work uniform. It has a sleek, modern look that works at job sites and as a corporate outfit. This design avoids bulk but doesn’t compromise on warmth, making it perfect for layering over polos or long-sleeve shirts without feeling restrictive.

Available in sizes XS to 6XL, the J317 provides a proper fit for everyone on your team. It comes in professional colors, including Black, Navy, Battleship Grey, True Royal, and Forest Green. These options work across industries, from corporate offices to outdoor event teams.

How to Customize the Port Authority J317 Jacket

Every single style from Port Authority in our wholesale apparel selection is customizable. The brand specializes in customizable, functional blanks that are engineered for specific environments. Like the K500 uniform polo shirt, which we deem the Ultimate Uniform Polo.

Shop Port Authority K500 Uniform Polo Wholesale From ShirtsBargain

What matters is how you choose the right custom jacket. The J317 is certainly customizable and is built primarily for embroidery. It’s also among the most customized apparel in ShirtsBargain. We get over 300 custom orders for this style alone every year.

How to Customize Port Authority J317 Jackets

The jacket accepts logos beautifully in multiple placements:

Left chest: The classic spot for company logos (typically 3-4 inches wide)
Right chest: Great for names or job titles
Upper back: Generally for team names or large logos (up to 10x10 inches)
Sleeves: Department names, small logos, or sponsor branding

Why the J317 Is a Great Investment for Teams and Events

Port Authority already intends the J317 to offer the best value among all soft shell jackets on the market. And it’s true. But it’s not just about minimizing the investment of buyers. It’s about creating a unified look for a team while keeping things very economical. The jacket is arguably the best in its class at such a low price point. ShirtsBargain offers the Port Authority J317 at the lowest possible per-unit prices without minimum order requirements. It gets better with our bulk discounts.

Here's why the J317 makes sense for bulk orders:

Cost efficiency: Wholesale pricing and bulk discounts mean you get premium jackets without the premium price tag.
Team uniformity: Outfit your entire crew in matching jackets that build brand recognition and team cohesion.
Extended sizing: With sizes up to 6XL, you can outfit every team member comfortably.
Reorder convenience: Fast reordering keeps your inventory stocked without hassle.
Durability: The J317 is rental-friendly and built for daily wear, which means fewer replacements and better long-term value.

You consider all these factors when choosing a jacket that fits your needs. Port Authority did too when they designed this jacket.

Ready to Outfit Your Team?

The Port Authority J317 Core Soft Shell Jacket delivers the blend of performance, style, and customization potential you would expect when you invest in bulk orders. From excellent weather protection and professional appearance to year-round use without breaking the budget, the J317 deserves the praise it gets.

Browse the full selection of Port Authority jackets, and customize your picks in ShirtsBargain without hassle or hidden charges. ShirtsBargain specializes in professional embroidery services to help you create custom jackets that reflect your brand. Our decoration experts handle everything in-house with fast turnaround times, transparency, and dependable customer support.

Get started on your custom jacket order today and give your team outerwear they'll actually want to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Port Authority J317 jacket water-resistant?

Yes, the J317 is water-resistant with a 1000 mm waterproof rating.

What makes the J317 ideal for work uniforms?

The J317 is purpose-built for professional uniforming. Its durable, wind-resistant and water-repellent construction protects workers in various conditions, from delivery drivers to field staff. The jacket features practical design elements like front zippered pockets for storing essentials, a zip-through cadet collar with chin guard for comfort, and open cuffs and hem that allow for easy layering. It's also rental-friendly. Additionally, the professional styling and corporate-friendly color options make it suitable for any industry.

Can the J317 soft shell be embroidered with a company logo?

Absolutely. The J317 is meant for custom embroidery and branding. You can add your company logo, team name, or employee names as the jacket's smooth polyester shell can take it well. ShirtsBargain offers professional embroidery services with fast turnaround times to help you create custom jackets for your team.

Is the J317 jacket suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, the J317 is designed specifically for outdoor use and transitional weather. Many of our customers choose the J317 for their field staff, delivery drivers, and the general workforce. The J317 adapts to the elements while maintaining a professional appearance.

How does the J317 fit - true to size or relaxed?

The J317 offers a classic, relaxed fit that's designed for easy movement and comfort. Most customers report that it fits true to size, though a few note it may run slightly large. The jacket is cut with a fuller silhouette that allows for comfortable layering over polos or long-sleeve shirts without feeling restrictive. When in doubt, check the size chart or get in touch with our friendly customer support team.

Where can I bulk order Port Authority jackets wholesale?

ShirtsBargain offers bulk wholesale ordering for blank apparel including Port Authority jackets with no minimum order requirements. You'll get competitive wholesale pricing, fast shipping, and access to the full Port Authority collection. ShirtsBargain specializes in outfitting teams and businesses with blank apparel from leading wholesale brands, along with professional embroidery and decoration services.

What colors does the Port Authority J317 come in?

The J317 is available in a wide range of professional colors to suit any team or brand aesthetic. Standard color options include black, battleship grey, true royal, maroon, and deep smoke. Heather color options are also available. These heather variants feature a 92/8 poly/spandex blend for added stretch and visual texture.

How durable is the J317 for everyday wear?

The J317 is built for durability and daily use. It's rental-friendly and, according to our customers, lasts an average of 4 months of rough daily use. With proper care, the jacket lasts longer without any issues. The 100% polyester construction resists tearing and stands up to tough conditions. After all, the jacket earned its reputation by offering quality and longevity, considering its price which is lower than most other soft shells in the market. For teams that need reliable outerwear that performs season after season, the J317 delivers excellent long-term value.