HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLEECE JACKET

There are a lot of fleece jackets out there and choosing the right one comes down to a simple question: how will you use it? You might need a light fleece pullover to wear in the office when the air conditioning is too high, or maybe it’s part of a layering system and worn under a heavier jacket or overalls.

Here are a few tips about the features you should look for when selecting the right fleece jacket for your situation!

The Pros and Cons of Fleece

Fleece is an insulating material made from fibers that repel water. When it does get wet, it doesn’t get too heavy and still maintains a lot of insulating power. Other key advantages of fleece are that it’s lightweight, machine washable, quick drying and it’s soft and comfortable and not itchy against the skin.

There are a few disadvantages to fleece. It usually generates a lot of static electricity and it can sometimes pick up more smells, lint and hair than a jacket with a smoother exterior. A less expensive fleece will also have more pills, or small clumps of fleece that stick to your shirt and just about everything else! Fleece also not waterproof or windproof, so it works best as a mid-layer with softshell jackets or lighter weight outerwear.

Why Choose a High-Quality Fleece?

Not all fleece is created equal! With a high-quality, high-density fleece jacket or vest, you can expect fewer pills, more water resistance and better insulation. Lower density fleeces will have less insulating power and a rougher exterior that’s easier to snag.

RefrigiWear® developed an extra high-density fleece for our garments to improve durability and warmth. Our fleece jackets and fleece vests will provide more insulation, be less prone to “shedding” and stand up to snagging over time.

Whether you’re layering for a cold-weather hike or a winter’s day working on the ranch, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality fleece jacket or vest.