Key Points to Remember
To recognize a good fleece, remember that:
- It must be sufficiently warm and insulating to protect you from the cold, with a weight suited to your needs (g/m2).
- It must remain breathable and wick away sweat thanks to a technical fabric such as Polartec.
- It should offer maximum comfort with a fitted cut and practical features (pockets, removable hood).
- It should be resistant to wind and moisture thanks to a water-repellent treatment and reinforced seams.
- It should be suited to your use (hiking, skiing, city), the temperatures at which you will be wearing it, and your budget.
Fleece in a nutshell
A fleece is an essential garment for coping with the cold. But with thin, thick, wool, and synthetic fleeces available, how do you make the right choice?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a look at the characteristics of a good fleece and tips for choosing the right one for your needs.
Definition of fleece
Fleece is a sweater, jacket, or blanket with a fleece lining, made of synthetic material designed to retain heat. The fabric used, called fleece, creates a garment that is insulating yet breathable.
Fleece garments are essential for outdoor activities or cold weather. Their insulation-to-weight ratio makes them ideal jackets for mid-season or for layering in winter.
The importance of choosing the right fleece
To get the most out of your fleece, it is essential to choose the right one. A good fleece should:
- Be warm enough to protect you from the cold
- Be breathable to wick away sweat
- Have a comfortable fit that allows freedom of movement
- Be durable in the face of the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.)
In short, your comfort and protection from the cold depend greatly on the quality of your fleece. Follow this guide to find the right one for you!
Characteristics of a Good Fleece
Let's now take a closer look at the characteristics that make a good fleece.
Material and Fabric for a Warm Fleece
Merino fleece
Merino wool fleece is ideal for staying warm while wicking away perspiration. This fabric is made of ultra-fine wool that provides effective thermal insulation. Merino fiber is naturally breathable and antibacterial.
Merino fleeces are ideal for dynamic activities such as hiking or trekking. They dry quickly and do not retain odors. They are very comfortable to the touch and do not itch. For maximum comfort and warmth, choose a merino wool fleece.
Wool fleece
Traditional wool fleece, made from sheep's wool, provides unmatched warmth. This natural material insulates effectively even when wet.
100% wool fleece is ideal for very cold weather as it protects against wind and moisture. Robust and durable, it will last for many seasons. Its main disadvantage is that it is not very breathable and dries slowly. It is best suited to static activities in extreme conditions.
Type of fleece fabric
Classic fleece
Classic fleece knit is recognizable by its thick texture with tight knits. This weave provides a good balance between warmth and ventilation.
Classic knit fleece is well suited for sports such as running or cycling. It moves with the body and effectively wicks away perspiration. A slight drawback is that it can sometimes “pill.”
High loft
High loft fleece is made from extra-long polyester fibers that are very close together. This long-pile structure traps a large amount of air, providing maximum insulation.
High loft fleece is ideal for static activities in extremely cold conditions. Its high insulating power compensates for its limited breathability. Choose it over classic fleece below 0°C.
Technical synthetic fleece
Synthetic fleece such as Polartec or Thermolactyl are innovative technical fabrics, optimized for outdoor sports.
These hollow polyester fibers retain heat while being highly breathable. They are waterproof and also resistant to moisture. Polartec fleece offers the best compromise between warmth and breathability.
Gray Plaid SweaterComfort and Warmth
A good fleece should be comfortable to wear. To ensure this:
- Choose a loose fit that moves with you
- Check the breathability and moisture wicking properties
- Opt for mesh pockets and adjustable cuffs
- Choose zippers to adjust the ventilation
In terms of warmth, the higher the weight (in g/m2), the more insulating the fleece will be. Choose the one that suits your needs and the expected temperatures.
Wind and Cold Resistance
For maximum protection in cold or windy weather, check that:
- The fleece fabric is dense and water-repellent
- The collar is high and covers the neck
- The seams are reinforced
- The fit is tailored to the bodyA good fleece must combine warmth, comfort, and protection for intensive outdoor use.
Tips for Choosing a Good Fleece
How do you select THE ideal fleece for you? Here are a few tips:
Depending on the Activity
- For intensive hiking, choose a breathable and lightweight fleece
- For skiing or mountaineering, choose an insulating and windproof fleece
- For running, opt for a thin fleece in stretch knit
- For the city, a stylish fleece that is not too thick will be perfect
In short, adapt your fleece to your specific needs.
According to the outside temperature
- In mid-season (10-15°C), a lightweight fleece (100-200g/m2) will suffice
- In cold weather (0-10°C), choose a midweight fleece (200-300g/m2)
- In winter (-10 to 0°C), choose a thick fleece (300-500g/m2) for maximum warmth
The colder it is, the higher the weight should be.
Depending on the type of fleece
- For sports use, go for Polartec or micro fleece
- For hiking, a knit or capilene fleece will be comfortable
- For very cold weather, fleece wool is a safe bet
- To combine warmth and style, choose a merino or virgin wool fleece
Find the ideal compromise between insulation and breathability depending on YOUR use.
Conclusion
To sum up, a good fleece should be chosen based on:
- The material (wool, synthetic) and weight, for the right amount of warmth
- The cut and features for maximum comfort
- The density and waterproofing of the fabric against cold and wind
By following these tips, you'll find the perfect fleece for YOU and YOUR needs!
Don't hesitate to try them on in store to find the fleece that offers the best balance between insulation and breathability. Also compare products from specialist brands such as G-Heat, which offers a range of plaid sweaters, to choose the one that best suits your needs and your budget.
To stay warm this season, treat yourself to a high-quality fleece that's right for YOUR needs!
FAQ
How can I tell if a fleece is warm?
To find out if a fleece is warm, look at its weight (g/m2) and composition:
- Below 150g/m2 = lightweight fleece
- 150 to 200g/m2 = midweight fleece
- 200 to 300g/m2 = warm fleece
- Above 300g/m2 = very warm fleece
The higher the weight, the more insulating fibers the fleece contains and the warmer it is.
What is the difference between fleece and microfleece?
Microfleece is a fleece with a lighter weight (50 to 150g/m2). It is more breathable and dries faster.
Classic fleece has a higher weight (200 to 500g/m2). It is warmer but less breathable.
What material is fleece made from?
The main materials are:
- Polyester: robust, durable, quick-drying
- Polyamide: lightweight, abrasion-resistant
- Elastane: elasticity and shape retention
- Wool: maximum warmth but not very breathable
- Blends: combine the advantages of each material
For fleece, choose synthetic materials or blends for a good balance between insulation and breathability.
How can you recognize a heavy 300g/m2 fleece?
To recognize a 300g/m2 fleece, check:
- The weight indicated on the label, which should be 300 g/m2
- The thickness of the fabric, which will be significant
- The density of the knit or fibers
- The weight of the fleece, which will be heavier than thinner models
A 300g/m2 fleece will be thick, warm, and comfortable. It is the ideal range for harsh winters.
What is the best fleece plaid sweater?
The best fleece plaid sweater is G-Heat. They are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified, hold the “Confiance Textile” quality label, are non-toxic, 100% vegan, and cruelty-free.
They are ultra-soft and infinitely cozy thanks to their very thick fleece lining: a cozy feel that is well above average thanks to their 250 grams per square meter density and thickness.
Finally, the softness of the outer layer, the great freedom of movement they provide, the adjustable sleeves at the wrists, and the ease of care make them an ideal companion in the heart of winter.
Updated on October 2, 2025
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