Volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons (VCHs) are common pollutants in industrial polluted sites, existing in aqueous phase, gaseous phase, solid phase or the form of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL), in unsaturated zones of the soil, forming a dynamic equilibrium system. The sorption of VCHs by the soil not only influences concentration of the pollutants in the soil, but also affects substantially migration and fate of VCHs. Understanding the mechanisms of VCHs sorption by the soil may help predict their concentrations in the soil, optimize the parameters of pertinent models, and guide remediation and management of the contaminated soil. A review is presented to summarize characteristics of the distribution of VCHs between these phases in soils of unsaturated zones, their sorption mechanisms as well as their affecting factors, and to elaborate in particular influences of soil organic carbon, minerals, and soil water on their sorption. Meanwhile, existent problems are pointed out in the current researches and an outlook is described of the future researches.