Why a Fleece Jacket Is Your Winter Must-Have
When did the Fleece Jacket become cool? You probably wouldn’t have been seen dead in fleece a few years ago, just like many of the current fashion trends (ugly sneakers come to mind). It’s now everywhere.
Fleece was only worn by hikers, bird watchers, and teachers on school trips. Now you can see it on fashion kids just as much as you see it at the après-ski lodge. Of course, it’s very warm and can be worn under other clothes in the winter. It’s also possible for it to look good.
What Is a Fleece Jacket?
The best thing about fleece has always been that it keeps you warm, even though it’s very light. It is an artificial fabric made from plastic. Polyester fibers are sewn together tightly and then brushed to make a surface that looks like piles.
This gives it a soft, textured feel and helps with fleece’s heat-retention and moisture-resistance: air holes get stuck between the fibers, keeping the heat your body makes inside.
This is why people have always liked fleece in the great outdoors. In fact, Patagonia, the well-known American outdoor brand that everyone wears now, came up with fleece back in the 1980s. The goal was to make wool better. Wool is naturally beautiful but can be itchy and heavy when wet.
Patagonia’s fleece, called Synchilla, became a big hit right away. In 1993, the company started making it out of recycled plastic bottles, which made it more environmentally friendly. It’s important to note that not all fleece is made from recycled materials; some use virgin oil, and it’s possible that all of them release microplastics when they’re cleaned, which can end up in the oceans.
How To Wear A Fleece Jacket
Fleece has seen a sharp incline in popularity, but why are people arriving at it? It became popular again in the 1990s and has a general air of nostalgia about it that has helped it stay popular. Heavy-washed jeans, wide-legged shoes, color-blocked parkas, and fleece have all had big years in that decade.
Today, though, fleece is most popular because it can be worn with many different clothes. The trail is where it was born, but it also feels at home on the street. Olie Arnold, style director at Mr. Porter, says this about fleece: “Jackets are perfect for the current outerwear trend and are easy to incorporate into a streetwear look alongside tapered cargo pants and hiking boots.” For a more casual look on the weekend, wear your fleece over a winter-weight shirt and your favorite slim-fit jeans or slacks.
To understand just how far fleece has come, head to Savile Row. Some brands, like Gieves & Hawkes, which is known for making custom suits, now also sell fuzzy clothes. “The people on my train really gave me the idea,” says John Harrison, creative head of the Gieves brand. “The fleece was worn with dress pants and a shirt but no jacket.” A GH pullover is a good middle-level item. You can dress it up a bit, but it’s mostly just a warm layer that you can wear alone or under a lighter coat.
How should a fleece jacket fit?
If your fleece is not going to be the outer layer of your outfit, then you’ll want a fairly snug fit. That way, your top layer will have room to move around without being too tight or uncomfortable. If you wish for your fleece to be the top piece of your outfit, it should fit a little looser.
When to wear a fleece jacket?
This sounds like a simple concept. But we’ve all been burned before. It’s a warm-Ish day, so you think, ‘I’ll pop a fleece on instead of a coat,’ within ten minutes, you’re sweating in a beer garden, and yet every little breeze is going straight through you—first-time mistake. But there are no dramas. We should learn from our mistakes. Keep reading.
Can you wear a fleece in the winter?
Yes, you can, champ. It might seem counterintuitive, but in the winter, you should choose a fleece that is lighter or more snug-fitting so that you can add an extra layer on top if you need to. Then, on those lovely, bright, crisp winter days, you can take off the top layer and still be warm in your fleece.
Can you wear a fleece in the spring?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, spring often provides ideal fleece weather. It’s not too cold or too windy, and the sun is getting stronger, but it’s still not T-shirt weather. In the spring, a wool jacket is the best thing ever. We might even change the name of spring to “Fleece.” Spring and fall can stay in the US, but here in the UK, it’s fleece and fall from now on.
Fleece Jacket Smart Casual Looks
Style your fleece jacket in a more casual style by combining a Wool Fleece and a Hoodie. Please put on the fleece over the hoodie so that the back of the hood sticks out. You can chill all the way to Chill City in pants, a wool jacket, and a hoodie.
Colour Blocking
A fleece jacket is a fun way to add a splash of color to your outfit. Many patterns are available, but the ones we like best have a ski-inspired look with color blocking.
For an easy look when you’re not working, look for fleece pieces in colors that are different from each other. Blue and red is a good choice. Pair them with muted chinos or pale jeans and Converse.
Oversize Layering
Oversized silhouettes are dominating outerwear offerings at the moment, and jackets are no exception. Find something with a collar, like an overshirt, and wear it under a coat.
It will keep you warm like a bigger coat without being too bulky, which is great for when the weather changes. If you want the most ease, get tapered joggers and runners for the bottom.
As A Vest
A fleece vest is good for times when a full jacket is too much. The fiber will keep you warm in the middle, but your arms will be more free to move. Think of it as a less serious version of the down gilet, which can make you look like a hedge fund manager when you’re not working.
Minimal
One of the easiest ways of wearing fleece is as part of a minimal look. Choose a jacket in a neutral color and pair it with simple clothes like a white T-shirt and blue chinos to let it breathe. If it’s cold, choose a basic zip-up pullover and let the fleece style do its thing.
Chunky Outerwear
Fleece is at its best when it’s a statement piece, thanks to its big size and soft feel. The fabric is naturally a little showy, reminiscent as it is of sheepskin or fur, so embrace it.
If you want to stay warm all winter, get a big fleece Chunky Outerwear that is thick or slightly padded. Pair it with sturdy basics like corduroy pants, a roll-neck shirt, and white sneakers, and you’ll be good to go.
The Key Brands For Fleece
Patagonia
This is the granddaddy of all patagonia fleece brands and is the only one you need to invest in. Patagonia has been the leader since the release of its Snap-T pullover in 1985.
It was made of the company’s famous Synchilla (synthetic chinchilla) fabric, which was the jacket of choice for travelers at the time. Today, the brand’s heritage translates to street appeal, and all the details are still apparent in its latest creations – a buttoned chest pocket is perfect for storing a mobile phone.
Uniqlo
An ideal entry point into fleece pants or sweaters, Uniqlo is perfect if you want to sample the style yet don’t fancy spending big.
Japan brand’s Uniqlo fleece are made from very soft polyester and look great worn open over a graphic T-shirt and black pants.
Engineered Garments
Engineered garments is one of those brands that does what it says on the tin. The designers are really into the technical details that go into clothes, and a lot of their work is based on military and workwear that is meant to be used. And the fact that it is fleece should make you feel better about buying the fabric altogether.
There are drawstrings on the hood of this fleece hoodie, and the dark black color will go with anything.
Haglöfs
This Swedish name has more than 100 years of Scandinavian roots. It is now owned by ASICS. The company specializes in outdoor clothes (have you been to Sweden in the winter?). Their gear is useful but not as flashy or urban as some mountaineering brands.
Even better, the brand’s goal is to make long-lasting clothes that don’t cost a fortune.
The North Face
A brand of outdoor clothing that has caught on with city-dwelling hipsters who are more likely to be taking the train than climbing a mountain is The North Face.
In other words, its designs mix fabrics that are good for the weather (like the recycled waterproof layer on this fleece) with block-color patterns that look good on a walk to the farmer’s market.
Mr P
If you’re after well-made wardrobe staples that’ll last for years, Mr Porter’s own brand, Mr P, is the place to go. It uses the best fabrics in the world and the best building methods to make clothes that are updated versions of the most wearable clothes out there.
This take on the basic zip-up fleece is better for taller people and can be worn for both weekend activities and everyday wear.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren has something for everyone, no matter what style they like. A lot of people know its Polo line for its preppy clothes, like Oxford shirts, chinos, polos, and now fleece coats.
This version isn’t exactly stealth; it’s a celebration of America; wear it, and you’ll look like you just got off the campus of an Ivy League school.
Universal Works
Fleece is great because it can be used on many different types of clothes, from sportswear to dresses.
Universal Works makes the second type, so it makes sense that its fleece coats, like this one, will go with corduroy and selvage denim. It’s just as useful and much more comfortable than a chore jacket, so wear it that way.
Billionaire Boys Club
An example of how color blocking can work is Billionaire Boys Club often makes use of vibrant shades in its garments. When you wear a bright color, it’s best to keep the rest of your outfit quiet.
That’s why this fleece looks great with black pants and Vans for the weekend.
Pilgrim Surf + Supply
Pilgrim Surf + Supply is known for putting a unique spin on basic menswear pieces. You can expect a surprise pocket or an odd print now and then.
This is how the New York brand looked at this fleece mens jackets, which might be the best piece for layers. With its boxy shape and two big patch pockets on the front, it’s like a vest for everyday wear. Please put it on over a long-sleeved T-shirt and under a coat or work jacket.
FAQs of Fleece Jacket
Final Thought
A fleece jacket is a versatile and essential piece for any wardrobe. Its warmth, lightweight design, and stylish adaptability make it perfect for various seasons and occasions. Whether layered under a coat in winter or worn solo in spring, it provides comfort and practicality. With countless styles, fits, and colors available, there’s a fleece mens jackets for everyone. Embrace its cozy appeal and elevate your outfits effortlessly.
