There are few sights as iconic in the automotive world as a Jeep Wrangler with a soft top. A Jeep Wrangler with a soft top is nostalgic and beautiful, and evokes a feeling of adventure. You see one and you just want to pack up, hit the open road, and find a trail to explore. 

Not all Wranglers have soft tops, as Jeeps with hard tops are more common now than ever before. But when you think of a Jeep, your mind immediately goes to a Wrangler with a soft top.

Jeep soft tops are very popular, and as a result, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to picking a soft top for your rig. It can be a daunting process, but don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for. Here’s everything you need to know about picking the right soft top for you and your Jeep. 

 

What are Jeep Soft Tops Made Of?

Different Jeep Wrangler soft tops are made out of different materials, but it’s always a multi-ply fabric, usually 2-ply, 3-ply, or 4-ply. There’s generally an outer layer of PVC, and a sateen of cotton, or a cotton and polyester mix. Some soft tops utilize a layer of butyl rubber on the inside, with undyed cotton as the backing fabric. 

Despite the “soft” in the “soft top” name, Wrangler soft tops are usually highly durable. They’re made to withstand any type of weather, from torrential rainstorms to harsh sunlight. They’re tear-resistant, and extremely heavy duty. And while a softer fabric can never fully compete with a hard top in this department, Jeep soft tops do an impressive job of limiting road noise and holding the car’s cabin temperature. Needless to say, Jeep soft top technology has come a very long way over the years. 

 

How to Choose Your Next Jeep Soft Top

Picking the right soft top for your Jeep is an important task, but it doesn’t need to be a complicated one. Ultimately it boils down to four things: 

  • Picking a material

  • Picking a look

  • Picking a driving style

  • Picking a brand 

Let’s take those four things in order.

Choosing a preferred material is a simple matter of preference (and often a matter of price point). Some materials are a little more durable than others, and usually a little pricier as well. Some soft tops are equally strong and durable, and it just comes down to what you like best. You can’t really go wrong here if you pick a high-quality Jeep soft top.

Now for something a little more subjective: the look. There are two main looks for a Jeep soft top. The first is the square back, which is the iconic look for a Jeep Wrangler. The square back is how a Jeep comes when you buy it from the dealership. The second look, which has gained popularity in recent years, is the fastback, which has a more angled look, which is a little more reminiscent of military Jeeps. In addition to choosing whether you want a squareback or a fastback, different brands offer different features and window designs to choose from.

Next is choosing a driving style. Every Jeep owner drives differently. Some rarely take off the top, while others rarely have it on. Some like to drop the soft top windows, while others prefer opening up the front of the top, like a sunroof. It’s important to know what type of Jeep driver you are before making a soft top purchase. 

That brings us to picking a brand. It’s important to pick a high-quality brand for your Jeep soft top, as you’ll end up with a much better top that will last longer. A Wrangler soft top is not the place to try and cut costs, so settle on a trusted and respected brand like Bestop, Rampage, Rough Country, Smittybilt, and Rugged Ridge.

 

How to Properly Install a Jeep Soft Top

Installing a Jeep soft top for the first time might feel daunting and confusing, but after doing it a few times it will feel like tying your shoelaces. 

Begin by undoing the Velcro straps from the side bows, and opening the tailgate. Lift up the soft top and place the sidebar on the rail, then slide it forward until it latches into place. Next, fold the header to the windshield, and loosely fasten the sun visor latches from inside the Jeep. Then fold down the side panels, and hook them into place. After that you’ll want to place the tailgate bar through the back window strip, and roll it into place, then close the rear window and the tailgate. Zip the rear windows up, then tighten the windshield latches, and you’re good to go. 

Do that a few times, and installing a Jeep soft top will be something you can do in your sleep. And if you need to buy a new soft top for your Wrangler or replacement parts or panels, you’ll find everything you need at Morris 4x4 Center.