How To Choose The Best Fleece Jacket

When the temperatures drop and the first cold gust of wind signals the beginning of winter, many of us instinctively reach for our polar fleece jumper or fleece pants. Fleece was first invented in the 1970s and was designed to mimic wool as a fabric that could offer the same warmth as wool but was also itch-free, comfortable and just as soft. Fast-forward a decade later to the 1980s and fleece had dominated the winter clothing market - and still continues to do so to this day.

So how do you go about choosing the best fleece clothing for your wardrobe? Our expert team at Anaconda has created a guide to provide you with all the helpful information you need to stay warm, comfortable and looking good this winter.

Quick Links

• What Is Fleece?
• What Are The Benefits Of Fleece Jackets
• Types Of Fleece To Consider
• How Should A Fleece Jacket Fit?
• What Weight Should Your Fleece Jacket Be?
• What Is The Best Fleece For Hiking & Camping?
• What Is The Best Fleece For Snow?
• How To Care For Your Fleece Jacket

What Is Fleece?

Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is typically made from polyester that's perfect for sustaining warmth by trapping in heat while also being breathable - just like wool. It's designed to trap body heat while allowing moisture to escape, making it ideal for outdoor activities in cold conditions. It dries quickly, resists moisture and is easy to care for, making it a popular choice for jackets.

What Are The Benefits Of Fleece Jackets

Fleece jackets are a great choice for staying warm while enjoying outdoor activities. They provide excellent insulation without being heavy, making them comfortable for layering or wearing on their own. Fleece is breathable, helping to wick away moisture and keep you dry during physical activity. It also dries quickly, making it ideal for wet or cold conditions. Long-lasting and easy to care for, fleece jackets are a reliable option for hiking, camping or everyday wear in cooler weather.

Is Fleece Warm?

Yes, fleece is designed to provide warmth by trapping body heat while remaining lightweight and breathable. The soft synthetic fibres create air pockets that help retain warmth without adding bulk, making them ideal for layering in cold weather. While not fully windproof or waterproof, fleece jackets offer reliable insulation and can be paired with a shell jacket for added protection in harsh conditions.

Is Fleece Breathable?

Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is designed to mimic wool, so it is of no surprise that it also has moisture-wicking properties and is very breathable and fast-drying. It can wick moisture away from the body so you don't end up sweating in the cold when doing physical exercise.

Is Fleece Lightweight?

Fleece clothing is known for being incredibly lightweight. Apart from the obvious benefit of wearing warm clothing that doesn't weigh down on your shoulders, fleece is also awesome at packing down into rucksacks and backpacks when hiking or camping. A quality polar fleece jumper will give you maximum warmth with only half of the weight.

What Is The Difference Between Cheap & Expensive Fleece?

The biggest difference when it comes to cheap and expensive fleece is the amount of stretch the fleece clothing provides. Simple fleece fabrics are built upon a base fabric which doesn't allow the material to stretch. However, more expensive fleece clothing is woven in a way that allows it to stretch, allowing it to provide a closer fit and follow the wearer's movements.

Types Of Fleece To Consider

When choosing fleece clothing, it's important to consider the different types available to suit your needs. From lightweight microfleece to thicker heavyweight fleece, each type offers varying levels of warmth, breathability and comfort for different conditions.

Polar Fleece

Polar fleece is used in a wide variety of outdoor clothing as well as pyjamas, activewear, sweaters, hats, jackets, blankets and even nappies. First invented in 1979, the main benefit of polar fleece is that it can stretch in one direction more easily than other types of fleece. It is also very easy to wash, is incredibly soft and very light.

Sherpa Fleece

Sherpa fleece is a fabric made from polyester and acrylic and has a curly piled structure. It is commonly used in fleece jackets to resemble the piled side of sheepskin and wool.

Microfleece

If you want a thin and lightweight fleece to wear underneath your top layer when doing physical activity in winter such as hiking, then microfleece is the best option. Anything up to 200gsm is considered microfleece and this type of fleece offers the highest level of flexibility when doing physical activity in cold temperatures.

Mid-Weight Fleece

Whether you want to stay warm in chilly weather or need something to keep you cosy when going out for a walk, mid-weight fleece is a perfect option for balance. Mid-weight fleece is known for being incredibly breathable and comfortable.

Heavyweight Fleece

When you are looking for the top of the range fleece, heavyweight fleece is what you want, featuring over 300gsm. Heavyweight fleece is what you will want to wear when it is extremely cold outside. However, heavyweight fleece isn't as flexible as other types of fleece, so it isn't the best type of fleece to wear when you are doing physical exercise.

How Should A Fleece Jacket Fit?

The right fit completely depends on your personal preference. Most fleece clothing is used as a mid-layer, which means that your fleece jacket needs to be loose enough that it can comfortably accommodate the thermal or base layer you are wearing underneath. But remember, it should never be too baggy that an outer layer like a jacket can't be worn over the top of it.

What Weight Should Your Fleece Jacket Be?

The weight of your fleece jacket should match the level of warmth and breathability you need for your activities. Lightweight fleece is ideal for layering or high-intensity activities, offering warmth without bulk. Midweight fleece provides a balance of insulation and breathability, making it a great all-round choice for cooler weather. Heavyweight fleece offers maximum warmth and is best for colder conditions or as an outer layer in dry weather. Consider your climate and activity level to choose the right fleece weight for comfort and performance.

What Is The Best Fleece For Hiking & Camping?

The best fleece for hiking and camping depends on the weather and your layering needs. Lightweight fleece is great for mild conditions or as a breathable mid-layer, keeping you warm without overheating. Midweight fleece offers extra insulation while still allowing airflow, making it a versatile choice for changing temperatures. Heavyweight fleece provides the most warmth and is ideal for colder climates or wearing around the campsite. Look for fleece with moisture-wicking properties, quick-drying fabric and a comfortable fit to ensure you stay warm and dry on your outdoor adventures.

What Is The Best Fleece For Snow?

The best fleece for snow should provide warmth while allowing for breathability and layering. Midweight or heavyweight fleece is ideal as it offers insulation without adding too much bulk. Look for fleece with moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable, especially when worn under a waterproof outer layer. A high collar or hood can help trap heat, while stretchy or fitted designs allow for easy movement on the slopes. Choosing a fleece with a durable outer surface can also help resist wind and light moisture, making it a reliable option for snowy conditions.

How To Care For Your Fleece Jacket

Proper care for your fleece jacket helps maintain its softness, warmth and durability. Washing it in cold water with a gentle detergent and avoiding fabric softeners will keep it in top condition for longer.

How To Wash Fleece Clothing

Step 1

The first step to washing your fleece clothing is to turn it inside out. This is important because this will make sure that the outer fleece fabric will stay completely protected as it washes. Another important step before putting it in the washing machine is to make sure all of the pockets are empty.

Step 2

Once you have placed your polar fleece jumper or fleece pants into the washing machine, ensure you are using a mild soap powder and not liquid detergent. This is because a mild powdered detergent will ensure that the fleece fabric stays soft and water-resistant. For exactly how much to use, simply refer to the instructions on the back of the soap powder you are using.

Step 3

Another important step is to prevent the possibility of any soap residue, which is never a good thing. To do this, simply pour the mild soap detergent you are using into a bowl along with five to ten drops of water, then mix with a spoon. This is because adding it straight into the washing machine can result in the soap becoming too concentrated.

Step 4

This step is only required if you haven't washed your fleece in a long time or you are noticing an odour emitting from your fleece clothing. Pour your powdered soap into a bowl and then add in about 30g of baking soda and mix it together with a spoon. Baking soda is a perfect trick for removing embedded odours out of clothes.

Step 5

When turning on your washing machine, make sure to only use the lowest temperature setting to avoid any damage to your fleece jacket. Always make sure you are using the cold setting as using the warm setting can make the fleece pill, and a hot setting can actually melt the fabric.

Step 6

Once you have added in your powdered soap detergent and selected a cold wash setting, the next step is to simply hit the start button and let the washing machine do its thing, which should take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.

Step 7

Now that the washing machine has finished, it is time to dry your fleece clothing. The best way to dry a fleece jacket or jumper is to simply hang it up to dry on a coat hanger for anywhere between one and two hours to fully dry. Air drying is a better method because using a machine dryer will use heat, which will cause the fleece to pill.

Play More & Pay Less For Our Quality Fleece Jackets At Anaconda Today

Fleece is a great way to stay comfortable and warm in the great outdoors, and with the massive range of fleece clothing for adults and kids' fleece clothing at Anaconda, it's never been easier to ensure you stay cosy and warm in the great outdoors. Plus, browse our huge selection of gloves, hats and other accessories for cold days!

Also remember to check out our Adventure Centre for more exciting camping tips, hiking destinations and more, such as:

• Winter Clothing Accessories Buying Guide
• Winter Camping Tips: How To Stay Warm While Camping In Winter
• How To Choose Insulation & Outerwear Clothing

Explore our outdoor clothing at Anaconda today.