You will have noticed fleece jackets when you have looked through websites specializing in outdoor activities and sports brands, or even when you have gone onto Amazon and looked at the types of clothing that are available in the autumn and winter months.
Lightweight, soft, and warm, they're more affordable than down jackets or padded coats, making them a staple in Americans' fall and winter wardrobes.
However, many people don't know what is fleece jacket, why so many people own them, whether fleece jackets are actually warmer than down jackets, and what kind of occasions are appropriate for wearing them.
We have put together ODODOS 7 elements that define fleece jackets for you, and we will break down the fundamentals of fleece jackets and give a general overview of what to look for when looking to buy fleece jackets:
- Definition & Pros/Cons
- How It Works
- Fabrics
- Types
- Uses
- Manufacturing Process
- Differences from Other Jackets
Now, let's start with the basics!
What Are Fleece Jackets?
Fleece Jacket refers to a lightweight, warm outerwear piece made from polyester with a soft, fuzzy surface texture.
Fleece jackets were originally designed in 1979 through a partnership between Patagonia (an American outdoor company) and Malden Mills, an American textile manufacturer.
Fleece jackets are much lighter, simpler to care for and considerably warmer and more breathable than other types of wool outerwear jackets.Β
Due to these attributes, fleece soon became one of the most popular materials used in outdoor sports gear, as well as casual wear and winter layering.
Pros:
β Warm without adding bulk
β Excellent ability to wick moisture away from the body
β Dries very quickly
β Less chance of causing an allergic reaction
β Easy to wash and clean
Cons:
β Slightly lower warmth rating than down-filled jackets
Why Are Fleece Jackets So Warm: The Answer Is Simple!
Fleece jackets are not designed to generate heat. Rather, they trap the body heat generated by the body.
The fleece fabric is made up of thousands of tiny, invisible fibres, and between each fibre is a tiny amount of air. This creates an insulating layer of fluffy air.
Air has a very low conductivity, so it prevents heat from escaping from your body and helps to keep your body warm.
So, when you wear fleece, the more bulky it is, the more air it traps, which means that your body will be warmer.
So, although fleece jackets may look lightweight, they provide a large amount of warmth because they rely on "air insulation," not on heavy material to keep you warm.
What Is A Fleece Jacket Made Of?
Fleece fabric generally consists mainly of 100% polyester (being one of the lightest, warmest, and most durable fibers in a synthetic product).Β
The polyester fiber makes up most of the total fleece.Β
However, various brands will produce different types and styles of fleece products (such as eco-friendly/recycled).Β
Some brands will use only recycled polyester, while others might incorporate a small amount of spandex to allow for flexibility and comfort.
There are various weight categories available for fleece, typically listed as 100-weight (lightest), 200-weight (warmer than the 100-weight), and 300-weight (heaviest and the warmest).Β
Many brands produce fleece with anti-pill treatment to provide added durability after multiple washes.
For example, a brand like ODODOS company has made innovative advances in their fleece by utilizing soft-touch technology and an abrasion-resistant reinforced structure which provides the perfect combination of warmth, lightweight properties, and comfort suitable for daily use.
What Are The Popular Types?
There are numerous types of fleece jackets, primarily distinguished by thickness, purpose, and construction.
Micro Fleece
The lightest and most breathable fleece, IS designed for maximum comfort while not being too hot.Β
It is great for late autumn/early spring weather and is also used quite frequently by people doing various sports that require moderate temperature control.
Midweight Fleece
Midweight fleece is the most popular type of daily-use fleece available.
It has a mix of warmth and breathability that works well for all weather types. As such, midweight fleece has become a "go-to" piece for commuters going to and from work as well casual wear.
Heavy Fleece/Sherpa Fleece
Heavy fleece/sherpa fleece is an extra-thick type of fleece that has a fluffy pile and looks like wool.
It works great for added insulation during the summer months, making it an ideal option for colder climates or cold-weather activities.
Hooded Fleece
With the addition of theΒ hood to the design of this fleece jacket style, it creates a more casual look.
However, it does offer added warmth around the head and neck, so this is the most popular hooded fleece style in urban environments.
Hybrid Fleece
Hybrid fleece is a fleece jacket style that combines the comforting warmth of fleece with the wind-resistance characteristics of softshell jackets.
Hybrid fleece jackets feature fabric on the upper body to keep you warmer; therefore, they work best for more active individual activities.
What Is Fleece Jacket Used For?
Daily Usage
Fleece jackets are both light-weight, warm, and comfortable. They are designed for everyday use.
They provide you with excellent warmth while you are commuting, walking around town, at work, or watching your favourite show at home.
They are easier to wear because fleece jackets do not have the bulk that heavy coats do, allowing you to wear them all day long and still be comfortable.
Outdoors
If you want to camp, hike, bike, mountain climb, or spend time in the city at casual events, fleece provides you with the warmth and flexibility you need.
Because fleece is durable, flexible, and dries quickly, it is ideal for unpredictable weather. As a result, it has become essential gear for many individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
For Exercising
Fleece is incredibly breathable and therefore helps you stay warm while exercising lightly (such as jogging, cycling, walking briskly).
Fleece maintains your body temperature while allowing enough airflow to prevent you from overheating, making it an excellent option to use while playing sports during the fall and winter months.
As a Mid-Layer
In the colder months fleece jackets are commonly used as mid-layers.
Fleece jackets can be worn as a mid-layer under base layers and outer shells - creating a very effective system of layering for outdoor activities that provides both flexibility and protection in cold temperatures.
How Is Fleece Jacket Made?
Fleece looks like fluffy fur, but it's actually βbrushedβ into shape. The manufacturing process involves:
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First, the polyester fiber is woven into fabric (usually double-sided).Β
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Second, the fabric is passed through a machine that brushes up the fiber to make a fluffy pile.Β
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Third, a machine is used to shear off long fibers to give the fleece a more uniform, smooth appearance.Β
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Finally, there are different treatments such as anti-pilling, anti-static, and dyeing processes used to finish the fleece.Β
Each of these processes contributes to how the finished fleece feels and looks.Β
A high-quality fleece will feel soft, have a smooth finish, and be thick and dense, while lower-quality fleece will be rough and shed easily.
Fleece Jacket VS Other Jackets
Fleece jackets are one of the most popular types of outerwear because they are light-weight and durable and have a level of moisture resistance that is markedly greater than that of down jackets.Β
Fleece, however, does not provide the same level of insulation against extreme cold temperatures.
Compared to a cotton jacket, a fleece jacket will provide better thermal performance, greater moisture management, and a greater level of comfort compared to cotton.
However, fleece does not offer the same level of wind resistance as cotton.
A fleece jacket will provide as much or greater insulation and comfort as a windproof/water-resistant softshell jacket, but the latter is typically more appropriate forΒ professional use under harsh and severe outdoor conditions.
Lastly, regarding wool jackets, fleece is more lightweight, affordable, and comfortable than a wool jacket.
But the downside to fleece jackets is that they do not have the same level of formality as wool jackets.
Verdict
What's a fleece jacket?
Lightweight fleece jackets made from polyester fibre is a great choice for daily use and light outdoor activity in autumn and winter.Β
Most people in the USA use fleece jackets as the primary clothing item in the winter months.Β
If you are in an area with very cold or very windy conditions, layer a fleece jacket underneath a windproof shell to add an extra insulating layer.Β
Although fleece jackets may not be the most durable outdoor jackets available, they provide great versatility, comfort types.
FAQ
What temperature is a fleece jacket good for?
A fleece jacket is generally good for 40Β°Fβ60Β°F (4Β°Cβ15Β°C).Β In colder weather, youβll need an outer layer because fleece doesnβt block wind.
Is a fleece jacket warm enough for winter?
Whether a fleece jacket is warm enough depends on the specific winter temperatures.
Generally, a fleece jacket should be layered with base layers underneath and paired with a waterproof, windproof shell on top to effectively provide warmth, protection from the cold, and resistance to moisture.