Fleece has come a long way, baby. A variety of patterns, sheens and piles (i.e. fabric length) means there’s a style for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor junkie or just want something comfy and cool to throw on when you’re running out to grab a coffee.
Know your fleece types! Raschel has a silky feel; sherpa is fluffy and looks like sheep’s wool; polar fleece, which is the most common, has a soft, velvety nap.
Think about whether you plan to wear your fleece on its own or under a coat. If you’ll be using it as a layering piece, go for something thin and less bulky, preferably in a zip-up style so it’s ebay to shimmy on and off.
When choosing a fleece, consider the little things: Do you want a hood? Are pockets crucial? Are pockets with zippers important (i.e. are you going to be hiking or doing anything else that could make stuff fly out)? A fleece pull-on will be your go-to staple for chilly-but-not-too-chilly days, so make sure yours has everything you need.
