What's the Deal With Fleece?

Fleece is king when it comes to protecting you from the cold! The world of fleece expands beyond just cozy sweaters and fun patterns, why exactly is it so effective? What types of fleece are there? How do you pick a fleece?

What is Fleece?

Fleece is any soft, warm fabric that is made to mimic (or sometimes from) the woolly covering of a sheep or goat. Due to its density, fleece is adept at insulation and will often be found in gloves, hats, sweaters, boots and more! 

In the 70s, Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia founder) in collaboration with Malden Mills (now Polartec) revolutionized the world of insulating fabrics with their creation and discovery of what is now known as fleece. The most common type of fleece is made from polyester, a petroleum derivative that is heated and then spun into a soft fiber. Its popularity is due to its ability to keep the wearer warm (even when wet), its ease of care and how lightweight it is. 

The Types of Fleece

Polar Fleece: This is what you probably imagine when you think of the word fleece. It is soft, has a double-sided pile, is 100% polyester and is made to mimic the texture and appearance of fine wool. Malden Mills and Patagonia set out to create an alternative to Chinchilla wool, coming up with the synthetic Synchilla fleece. Some examples would be the Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Marsupial, the Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover and the Hooke Polar Fleece Overshirt. 

Sherpa Fleece: Made to mimic the natural wool of a sheep, Sherpa fleece is soft, plush, lightweight and is easily recognizable because of its unique texture. Along with being a great insulator, this fleece is popular in the world of fashion thanks to its eye-catching appearance and versatility. Our favourites are the Hooke Pile Fleece Hoodie, the Mistassini Pile Fleece Jacket and the Patagonia Retro X Jacket. 

Micro Fleece: Microfleece is lightweight, super soft and can be thought of as a thinner alternative to polar fleece. While it isn't as effective as an insulator as other fleeces, its flexibility and breathability make it a great option for sports and exercise. We love the Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover and the Microdini 1/2 Zip Pullover. 

Wool Fleece: As the name suggests, wool fleece is made from the wool of sheep and other animals such as goats and chinchillas! These fleeces are warm, soft and water-repellant making them a great option for someone looking for a natural fiber option. Some great options would be the Filson Wool Overshirt, the Wool Jac-Shirt and the Patagonia Natural Blend Retro Cardigan! 

Knit Fleece: Like the other types of fleece we have covered, knit fleece is warm, water-repellant and breathable. It is also super stretchy, lightweight and strong making it ideal for outerwear such as sweatshirts, sportswear, gloves and more! We recommend the Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 Zip, the Better Sweater Jacket and the Better Sweater Gloves.

Show off your fleece and tag us on Instagram! For more information on staying warm, check out our ultimate guide to layering!