Key Takeaways
To recognize a good fleece, remember that:
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It must be sufficiently warm and insulating to protect you from the cold, with a grammage adapted to your needs (g/m2)
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It must remain breathable and wick away perspiration thanks to a technical fabric such as Polartec
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It must offer maximum comfort with a adjusted cut and practical functionality (pockets, hood removable)
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It must resist wind and humidity thanks to a water-repellent treatment and reinforced seams
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It must correspond to your use (hiking, skiing, city), to the temperatures at which you will use it, and to your budget
Pole in broad terms
A fleece is an essential item of clothing for facing the cold. But between thin, thick, wool or synthetic fleeces, how to make the right choice ?
In this complete guide, we will look at the characteristics of a good fleece and the advice for choosing the right one according to your needs.
Definition of polar
The fleece is a sweater, a jacket or a fleece-lined throw , in synthetic material designed to retain heat. The fabric used, called fleece, makes it possible to create an garment that is insulating while remaining breathable.
fleeces are essential products for outdoor activities or cold weather. Their insulation / weight ratio makes them jackets ideal for mid-season or for layering in winter.
Importance of choosing a good fleece
To fully enjoy your fleece, it is essential to choose it carefully. A good fleece must:
- Be sufficiently warm to protect you from the cold
- Be breathable to wick away perspiration
- Have a comfortable cut offering freedom of movement
- Be durable against the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.)
In short, your comfort and your protection against the cold depend greatly on the quality of your fleece. Follow this guide to find yours!
Characteristics of a Good Fleece
Let's now look in detail at the characteristics that make a good fleece.
Material and Fabric for a Warm Fleece
Merino fleece
Wool fleece merino is ideal for staying warm while wicking away perspiration. This fabric is made of ultra-fine wool which provides effective thermal insulation. Merino fiber is naturally breathable and antibacterial.
Merino fleeces are very suitable for dynamic activities such as hiking or trekking.They dry quickly and do not retain odors. Their touch is very pleasant, without itching. For maximum comfort and warmth, opt for a merino wool fleece.
Wool fleece
The traditional wool fleece, made from sheep's wool, provides unparalleled warmth. This natural material insulates effectively even when wet.
100% wool fleeces are ideal for very cold weather because they protect against wind and humidity. Robust and durable, they will last many seasons. Their main disadvantage is that they breathe poorly and dry slowly. Reserved for static activities in extreme conditions.
Also read: what material protects from the cold ?
Fleece fabric type
Classic fleece knit
The classic fleece knit is recognizable by its thick texture with tight stitches. This weave provides a good balance between warming and ventilation.
Classic knit fleeces are well suited to sports use such as running or cycling. They follow movements and wick away perspiration effectively. Slight drawback: they can sometimes “lint”.
High loft
The High loft fleeces are made of extra-long polyester fibers, very close together. This long pile structure traps a large quantity of air, resulting in maximum insulation.
High loft fleeces are ideal for static activities in extreme cold conditions. Their strong insulating power compensates for their limited breathing. Prefer them to classic fleeces below 0°C.
Synthetic technical fleeces
synthetic fleeces such as Polartec or Thermolactyl are innovative technical fabrics, optimized for outdoor sports.
These hollow polyester fibers retain heat while being very breathable. Waterproofed, they also resist humidity. Polartec fleeces offer the best warmth/breathability compromise.
Our collection of polar tights Oeko-Tex certified feature the best quality fleece available to date on this market, to keep your legs warm hot up to -15°C.
Comfort and Warmth
A good fleece should be comfortable to wear. For this:
- Choose a loose cut that follows your movements
- Check breathability and wicking moisture
- Opt for mesh pockets and adjustable cuffs
- Prefer zippers to modulate ventilation
On the heat side, the higher the grammage (in g/m2), the more insulating the fleece will be. Choose the one best suited to your needs and expected temperatures.
Also read: does fleece keep you warm ?
Resistance to Wind and Cold
For maximum protection in cold or windy weather, verify that:
- The fleece fabric is dense and water-repellent treated
- The collar is high and covers
- The seams are reinforced
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The cut is adjusted to the body
A good fleece must combine warmth, comfort and protection for intensive use outdoors.
Also read: How to choose a fleece blanket ?
Tips for Choosing a Good Fleece
How to select THE ideal fleece for YOU ? Here are some advice:
Depending on Activity
- For intensive hiking, choose a breathable and light fleece
- For skiing or mountaineering, choose an insulating fleece and windproof
- For running, opt for a fine fleece in stretch knit
- For the city, a fleece stylish and not too thick will be perfect
In short, adapt your fleece to your specific needs.
Depending on Outside Temperature
- In mid-season (10-15°C), a light fleece (100-200g/m2) will suffice
- In cold weather (0-10°C), prefer a fleece intermediate (200-300g/m2)
- In winter (-10 to 0°C), choose a fleece thick (300-500g/m2) for maximum warmth
The colder it is, the higher the grammage must be.
Depending on Fleece Type
- For sports use, choose Polartec or micro polar
- For hiking, a fleece in mesh or capilène will be comfortable
- For very cold weather, fleece is a safe bet
- To combine warmth and style, choose a fleece merino or virgin wool
Find the ideal compromise between insulation and breathability depending on YOUR use.
Also read: how to keep a fleece soft ?
Conclusion
To summarize, a good fleece is chosen according to:
- material (wool, synthetic) and weight, for a suitable warmth
- fit and features for maximum comfort
- The density and the impermeability of the fabric against cold and wind
By following these tips, you will find the perfect fleece for YOU and YOUR needs!
Don't hesitate to try in store to find the fleece offering the best insulation/breathability ratio. Also compare the products of specialized brands such as The Oversized Hoodie offering you collections of fleece blanket and fleece throw, to choose the one that best suits your expectations and your budget.
To stay warm this season, treat yourself to a quality fleece adapted to YOUR use!
FAQ
How to tell if a fleece is warm ?
To know if a fleece is warm, look at its grammage (g/m2) and its composition:
- Below 150g/m2 = fleece light
- 150 to 200g/m2 = fleece intermediate
- 200 to 300g/m2 = fleece warm
- Above 300g/m2 = fleece very warm
The higher the weight, the more the fleece contains insulating fibers and is warmer.
What is the difference between fleece and micro fleece ?
The micro fleece is a fleece with a lighter weight (50 to 150g/m2). It is more breathable and dry faster.
The classic fleece has a heavier weight (200 to 500g/m2). It is warmer but less breathable.
What is the best brand of fleece ?
The best fleece brands are:
- Quechua: excellent value for money
- Odlo: high-end technical fleeces
- Patagonia: innovative, durable models in Polartec
- Millet: warm and breathable alpine fleeces
- Lafuma: comfortable hiking fleeces
The choice depends on your requirements and your budget.
What material for fleece ?
The main subjects are:
- Polyester: robust, durable, quick drying
- Polyamide: lightness, abrasion resistance
- Elastane: elasticity and shape retention
- Wool: maximum warmth but not very breathable
- Mixtures: to combine the advantages of each material
For fleece, choose synthetic materials or blends for a good balance of insulation/breathability.
Also read: polyamide or polyester, what are the differences and how to choose ?
How to recognize a large 300g/m2 fleece ?
To recognize a 300g/m2 fleece, check:
- The grammage indicated on the label, which must be 300 g/m2
- The thickness of the fabric, which will be important
- The density of the mesh or fibers
- The weight of the fleece, heavier than the thinner models
A 300g/m2 fleece will be thick, warm and comfortable. This is the ideal range for harsh winter.
Which is better snuggle hoodie fleece ?
The best snuggle hoodie polar is The Oversized Hoodie. They are Oeko-Tex certified® Standard 100, holders of the “Confiance Textile” quality label, are non-toxic, 100% vegan and cruelty-free towards animals.
They are ultra soft and infinitely cozy thanks to their fleece lining very thick: a cozy side well above average thanks to the 250 grams per square meter density and thickness.
Finally, the softness of the outer layer, the great freedom of movement that they provide, the adjustable sleeves at the cuffs and the ease maintenance make it an ideal companion in the heart of winter.
What is the best men's fleece jacket ?
Among the best men's fleece jackets:
- Quechua MH500: warm, good value for money
- Odlo Blackcomb: versatile, breathable, for sport
- Millet Gorki: robust, ideal for mountains
- Patagonia R1: regulates temperature well, durable
- Columbia Steens Mountain: lightweight, windproof, for hiking
The "best" depends on each person's use and budget. Compare the models carefully before choosing.
Updated July 2 2024
