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As in title. I know hardshell plates exist, but does a soft shell carapace vest option exist in-setting?

Yes, that is how mesh armour is described. Largely flexible, it hardens on impact. Standard Eldar Guardian kit, and pretty common for Necromunda, it I don’t think it is described much in standard imperial forces, they favour either flak or straight to carapace or power armour.

Yarp.

Mesh is essentially high-tech, fine weave Chainmail in application. Loose enough for freedom of movement, but stiffening under stress to spread out impact and foil a blade’s point.

Carapace and Light Carapace are akin to plate armour, just varying in degree of coverage and potentially thickness of each section.

Time was you could top either with a Flak Jacket for that added layer of slightly extra protectyness.

What I think you’re describing though may be closer to a historical Brigandine. Those were often heavy, padded jackets with metal plates sewn between the layers. Offered a nice trade off between sheer protection, and maintaining mobility and freedom of movement. Wikipedia suggests modern Flak Jackets use much the same approach, just with of course more modern material and techniques. The Brigandine could also be worn over chain mail.

So, for Soft-Shell Carapace? Flak Jacket over Mesh seems about right.