
How we pick our products
Welcome to our big fleece jacket test 2023. Here we present all the fleece jackets we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best fleece jacket for you. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a fleece jacket.
Summary
- The benefits of a fleece jacket are very common and appreciated in all outdoor areas. The quick drying and light weight of fleece jackets make them the ideal companion for all nature lovers.
- Fleece jackets have already made their way into everyday life and enjoy great popularity there as well. Depending on the fleece jacket, you are prepared for any situation.
- Fleece jackets are either made of 100% polyester or are mixed with other fibres such as cotton or elastane. This creates multifunctional fabrics that can be used for different applications.
The Best Fleece Jacket in the United Kingdom: Our Choices
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a fleece jacket
What is fleece?
Knitted fabric is a thread system that forms many small stitches and is produced industrially by knitting machines. The classic fleece is made of polyester or a blended fabric such as polyester and cotton.
Due to its roughened surface, fleece feels very pleasant and comfortable.
Fleece is often used for sportswear of all kinds but also in everyday clothes as well as in blankets and pillows.
Who is a fleece jacket suitable for?
Due to their special properties, fleece jackets are ideal companions for outdoor activities. Thanks to their very light, quick-drying and top thermal insulation properties, fleece jackets should not be missing from any outdoor equipment. Fleece jackets are also unbeatable for everyday wear. Fleece jackets offer you a lot of comfort, freedom of movement and keep you warm even in stressful situations.
What types of fleece are there?
Type of fleece | Properties |
---|---|
Microfleece | Very light and fine |
Teddyfleece | High pile but still light |
Wellnessfleece | Particularly fine fleece |
Stretchfleece | Stretchable fleece blend fabric |
Waffle fleece | Fleece optimised for moisture release |
The thickness of the material, which also influences the thermal insulation of fleece, is measured in grams per square metre. The heavier the weight, the thicker and warmer the material. Note that a thicker material is not only heavier, but also has a larger pack size. The different types of fleece can be divided into three groups:
- Classic fleece
- Thermo Fleece
- Power stretch fleece
Classic fleece
Fleece jackets made from classic fleece are often thinner and are often combined as a mid-layer, e.g. with a hardshell jacket. The thin all-rounder jackets made of classic fleece have the property of releasing perspiration to the outside and keeping everything dry.
Thermo Fleece
Thermo fleece is a further development of classic fleece and offers excellent insulating properties. Thermo fleece keeps you reliably warm even in damp conditions and is therefore ideal for wet and cold conditions.
Power-Stretch Fleece
Power-stretch fleece is often found in functional sportswear such as jackets or shirts. Because of the stretchy material and its ability to evaporate moisture, power-stretch fleece products are very popular with endurance athletes.
What does a fleece jacket cost?
What are the alternatives to a fleece jacket?
Decision: What types of fleece jackets are there and which is the right one for you?
What distinguishes a summer fleece jacket and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Fleece jackets for summer are not only light and comfortable to wear, but also prevent moisture from remaining on the skin. Fleece transports sweat to the outside and thus ensures a dry and generally high wearing comfort.
What distinguishes a winter (outdoor) fleece jacket and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Winter fleece jackets are often thicker and weigh more. Due to the thicker material, winter fleece jackets store heat particularly well. Winter fleece jackets are ideal for the snow or other wet and cold conditions. The synthetic fibres from which fleece is made have the great property of insulating optimally even when wet. Due to technical progress, some fleece jackets are equipped with an electric heater that can keep you warm.
Buying criteria: These are the factors you can use to compare and evaluate fleece jackets
In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many possible fleece jackets. The criteria you can use to distinguish between fleece jackets include:
- Type of use
- Fleece pile
- Type of fleece
- Thermal insulation
- Size
- Women’s or men’s
Type of use
In general, you need to consider how you want to use your fleece jacket. This is because different materials, designs and features are used depending on the area of application.
For sports
A fleece jacket for sports should certainly be light and comfortable, as well as be able to transport perspiration well to the outside. Elastic fibre blends are also popular to achieve more freedom of movement in action-packed situations.
In everyday life
The advantages of fleece can of course also be put to good use in everyday life. Some brands offer stylish models that often use super soft wellness fleece and meet all fashion trends.
On the job
Depending on the job, it is important to look chic and modern despite multifunctional sportswear. Some models offer just that, with a timeless design and a body-hugging fit.
Fibre pile
Fibre pile refers to the length of the thread in the fleece material. The higher the fibre pile, the better the heat is stored. Higher fibre pile means that more insulating air can be held in the fabric and the heat insulation therefore works particularly well.
Type of fleece
Fleece is often optimised for a specific application. In the production of fleece jackets, e.g. for winter, fleeces with a high fibre pile (teddy fleece) are very popular. The situation is somewhat different, for example, with blankets, which must be very fine and soft, so wellness fleece is often used.
Thermal performance
The thermal insulation of fleece is indicated by the thickness of the material. 300-400 fleece is suitable for outdoor sports on colder days, for example. 100 or 200 fleece jackets are often used under additional layers as an insulating layer.
Size
Fit is important and adds to the insulating ability of your fleece jacket. A fleece jacket should not fit too loosely, otherwise there is less direct contact with the skin and the insulation strength decreases.
Your fleece jacket should not restrict your movement and should still be comfortable to wear.
Women or men
Fleece jackets are made for women, men and unisex. In any case, you should make sure you choose the right product for you. Women’s fleece jackets as well as men’s fleece jackets differ and the fit has been adapted to the gender differences.
Women’s fleece jackets are often more delicate and narrower than men’s fleece jackets.
Facts worth knowing about fleece jackets
How do I wash a fleece jacket?
Always check the washing instructions label inside the garment before washing. However, the following tips can be applied to all fleece garments.
- Always check the washing instructions for your garment first.
- Use a front-loading washing machine if possible, they are less rough than top-loading washing machines.
- Close all zips to protect the individual teeth.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Wash without fabric softener so the fleece will stay fluffy longer.
- Wash the fleece garment at the lowest possible temperature.
- Avoid spin washing
- Never tumble dry fleece
- Avoid water softeners
- Use a washing net or alternatively a pillowcase
What can I do if my fleece jacket is linting?
If your fleece jacket is linting, it’s because the washing machine has been too rough. See the question above on how to care for fleece.
To remove existing lint, use a lint brush or lint shaver.
It is normal for lint to build up on all materials when they are washed in a washing machine, and it usually gets into the lint filter of the washing machine. However, due to the surface structure of fleece, the lint may stick there.
If you take good care of your fleece jacket, you should be able to enjoy it for a long time.
What can I do if my fleece jacket is damaged?
Holes in a new fleece jacket are annoying, here are some ways to repair holes yourself.
Hole size | Repair options |
---|---|
Small | Smaller holes can ideally be sealed with textile glue or superglue. Make sure that the superglue does not contain any solvents that could attack the fabric. |
means | Plugging the hole: Plugging means weaving the hole closed. You take a needle and thread and weave from bottom to top and then from left to right, the finer you work the more beautiful the result will be. |
Large | Cover the hole with a patch: Patches are available for sewing on or ironing on. Note, however, that fleece is sensitive to heat and you should use the iron on the lowest setting. Also, avoid direct contact with the fleece, it is best to place a cotton towel between them. |
Who invented fleece?
Fleece was invented by Malden Mills in the USA in 1979. The all-rounder for the outdoors became popular in no time at all and spread very quickly.
Image source: unsplash.com / Héctor López