Hmm, softshell fabric not cheap... about $28.00 per yard. (if I were theoretically going to sew myself a new softshell jacket). #sewing
Just be wary that patterns may require more fabric and are not as forgiving when sewing.
You have to keep in mind where the pattern lands on a finished piece.
You don't have to do full pattern matching of course, but having one half of the jacket upside down may lead to even more questions :)