The fleece jacket has been an essential product in the world of outdoor activities and more broadly in the world of clothing since its rise to popularity. The many qualities of this fabric are perfectly suited to sporting use as well as casual everyday wear. The fibre of a fleece jacket is warm, comfortable and very soft. It also doesn't irritate the skin, dries quickly and is long-lasting. This lightweight and extremely breathable fibre has ultimately become a must in any suitcase or wardrobe. To help you choose the right fleece jacket model for you, here is a comprehensive guide with all our advice on this product and its different versions depending on your needs.
What is a fleece jacket?
Fleece fibres are used in garments of the same name (fleece jackets, which can have short or long pile), but also in softshell jackets. You can also find fleece trousers, gloves and hats. Fleece is also sometimes used as a lining in certain garments. Fleece fibres are generally made from polyester, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and other synthetic fibres (sometimes recycled).
The different types of fleece jacket
The heavyweight fleece jacket has a density of 300 g/m² and offers maximum warmth in winter conditions. It forms an effective barrier against the cold but does not wick perspiration away efficiently enough. Its significant thickness therefore limits the comfort it can offer. A thick fleece is often poorly suited to physical activities requiring a high degree of mobility and is rarely used for dynamic activities.
The finest fleece jacket has a weight of 100 g/m². This is the version chosen to slip under a windproof or another jacket. It provides slightly less warmth, but its slim profile offers much greater comfort.
It is the perfect fleece jacket for physical activity and is often chosen for winter hiking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and any other sport requiring solid protection against the cold while preserving good freedom of movement.
The mid-weight fleece is more breathable than the heavyweight fleece and warmer than the lightweight fleece, making it more versatile than the other two. It can be worn as an outer layer when temperatures are mildly cool, or slipped on as a mid layer in the coldest conditions. Explore all our sleeveless hiking jackets.
What are the advantages of a fleece jacket?
There are many advantages to equipping yourself with a fleece jacket as a mid layer or as an outer layer:
- Highly breathable: it easily wicks moisture and perspiration away from your body
- Dries very quickly: a natural capability linked to its breathability
- Excellent insulation: even when wet, a fleece jacket is a true thermal barrier
- One of the best weight-to-insulation ratios: certainly the lightest garment that delivers such a sense of cold insulation
- Affordable: an accessible product with outstanding value for money
- Very easy care and washing
- Durable: an extremely hard-wearing product with a long lifespan
- Very compact: it takes up little space in luggage and weighs very little
- Suits all styles: it can be worn anywhere — on the sports field, in the countryside or in the city!
When should you wear a fleece jacket?
A fleece jacket is often chosen for its versatility and multi-functionality. It can be worn as an outer layer in mild conditions and as a mid layer in the cold. Fleece fibre is even used for gilets that are highly practical, warm and comfortable. It can be the go-to choice:
- in dynamic winter sports
- in all outdoor activities during the shoulder season
- as a protective layer in the early morning and evening during the near-warm season
- as a comfort garment: it is highly appreciated for its cosy feel and softness.
- as a travel garment (lightweight, practical and easy to pack)
Choosing a fleece jacket is often a matter of personal taste. The advantage is that today you can find them in every colour and in different styles. And finally, with affordable fleece jackets, you can even treat yourself to several in different weights and cuts, to make sure you always have the right fleece jacket for your activity and the weather!
