Stay Warm in a Fleece Jacket
Throw on a fleece jacket and you're ready for anything. You can wear a lightweight fleece jacket in just about any color to match your outfit. Or you might want to wear it as a warm layer when you ski. For any use, men's and women's fleece jackets are convenient, easy-to-care for outer wear essentials that complement any wardrobe.
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Your heavier fleece jacket may be your ski jacket or just its lining. Fleece outerwear is functional fashion for everyday wear.
Many fleece jackets are unlined and cover the body to just below the waist or to mid-thigh. They may have a hood or a collar and may have a full zip opening and close in the front, or be fashioned in a pullover style with a half-zipper, like an anorak. Many full zip openings close into a standup collar that protects the face. Look for cold-weather jackets to include hand warmer pockets. North Face and Polartec are among the brands known for their fleece outerwear.
Desirable features in a fleece jacket include:
- non-pilling, water repellant fleece that will keep you dryer and warmer,
- zippered hand warmer pockets and a stash pocket,
- dual access zippers,
- removable sleeves to make your jacket a vest
- machine washable
- a double thick collar to retain warmth,
- elasticized cuffs, armholes and hem for warmth,
- zippered vents to stay dry,
- several pockets for a cell phone, keys and sunglasses
Read the care and fabric tags for clues to quality. Double knit fleece keeps its form longer than single knit, is less stretchy, and it resists wrinkling. Look for a high yarn count if it is available because this indicates reduced shrinkage and increased fiber performance. Density reduces rips and tearing and keeps in warmth.
You will be able to determine density to some extent simply by feeling the fleece of the jacket. It will feel tightly knit and generally thicker, if it is denser. Of course your purpose for the jacket must also be considered. If you want a lightweight jacket that is not designed for exposure to extreme cold, a less dense jacket should suffice.
In all cases your choice will depend upon your purpose. You may simply be looking for a lightweight jacket that goes with a particular outfit or one to take you through the autumn months. In this case, the color and shape of the jacket may matter more than its performance.
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