Fleece vs. Down Jacket: What To Choose (2024)

FAQs

What's warmer fleece or down? ›

And the answer is…. down. But not by much. Some of the high-end fleeces out there, such as the stuff used in Patagonia's R3 Radiant Jacket ($135) roughly match 550-fill down in terms of warmth to weight.

Like any good winter clothing material, fleece is exceptionally warm. The fabric has a raised “pile” surface that keeps body heat trapped between fibers and cold air blocked on the outside. Think of fleece-like an insulated window—the air pockets are the reason you stay toasty when the weather outside is frightful.

Light to medium coat: 25 to 44 degrees. Fleece: 45 to 64 degrees. Short sleeves: 65 to 79 degrees. Shorts: 80 degrees and above.

Is Fleece Warm? Fleece is warm, no doubt about it. Unlike dumping petroleum all over your body, the synthetic fibers, when spun and lofted, magically turn into a jacket that traps your body's heat in small pockets. This process is very similar to down, yet fleece is not as warm as down for the weight.

Fleece vs down: the verdict

If you're looking for something that will hold up to tough adventures in cool, moist conditions, fleece is the easy choice, but if what you need is some seriously toasty insulation for cold, dry weather that packs down small, grab a down jacket.

Goose down fill is the gold standard in thermal insulation, so down-filled jackets will definitely keep you warm. Some down-filled jackets are warmer than others, though, and this is determined by the fill power and the total amount of down used in the jacket – the higher the number, the warmer the jacket.

So long as you're a little chilly, wear fleece in any season you want. Warm yet breathable, you can count on fleece through spring, summer, fall, and winter. There are adjustments to be had for sure; for example, skip the heavyweights in the heat of summer. Fleece is light, breathable, and ideal for layering.

Fleece is ultra-warm and cozy and makes the perfect base layer for cold weather. Wear it under a jacket or snow pants for extra insulation out in the snow, or simply use it as a base layer under everyday clothing while running errands on extra chilly days.

This 2022 winter season, all signs point to fleece. Stay warm and in fashion during the holidays this year with a cozy and comfortable fleece jacket. This cold-weather staple has been taking over the men's fashion scene on runways and the streets, especially quarter and two-way zips.

Fleece jackets are better suited as fall layers, while puffer jackets are preferred in the coldest months of the year. There are some exceptions, however. Many fleece-lined jackets are suitable for the winter, and puffer vests are exceptional for outdoor casual fall wear.

Which fabric is warmest in winter? ›

Our research found that the warmest material is wool, with thicker Icelandic wool being even better, and a wool-acrylic blend being somewhere in the middle. The warmest clothing for you will be dictated by the number of layers you can use, and the thickness of the materials you are wearing.

A jacket with synthetic insulation is also a better option if you are often hiking in wet weather (rain, granular wet snow etc.) as it provides better warmth than a down jacket in such conditions.

Adventure seekers loved the lightweight feel of the fabric and the bright colors and affordable price only helped build its popularity. Soon fleece wasn't just for thrill-seekers. Nope, fleece coats and jackets were on the verge of trendy.

Fleece Jackets for Skiing

Opt for heavy insulation here—200 (midweight) or 300 (heavyweight) fleece is best. In most conditions you'll want to wear a waterproof/breathable shell over the insulating layer, so don't worry about the fleece being windproof.

A down jacket is a worthy investment if you plan to go on a high-altitude winter trek. It can manage to keep you warm even at -30°, with other adequate layering of course. They are filled with under-feathers, or down, from birds like ducks or geese.

In short, absolutely. Down jackets made of goose down (the smaller, fluffier feathers underneath the harder exterior feathers) are pound for pound the best insulation against cold temperatures, according to NY Daily News.

Down insulates by trapping air and is prized for being light, easy to compress, long-lasting and breathable. It's the insulation of choice in cold, dry conditions, or whenever reducing weight and saving space are top priorities.

Down is the warmest, lightest, and most compressible type of insulation. Down jackets usually have a Fill Power rating, ranging from 400 to 900. The fill power describes the quality of the down, not the amount, and the higher it is the more expensive the jacket is.

A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: It's light, packable, and offers premium warmth that you simply can't find in a synthetic equivalent.

Should a fleece be tight or loose? ›

If worn over other layers, the fleece should have enough room underneath, so not to restrict movement. A fleece used as a mid-layer, should be relatively snug fitted to maximise heat and breathability.

If you've ever been out in the summer sun all day then you know summer nights can feel extra chilly. Polartec fleece is such a versatile fabric that it can actually help keep you comfortable on summer days while giving you the right amount of warmth at night.

Heavyweight fleece is the least flexible of fleeces, but also the warmest and most insulating. This can be stifling if worn when exercising or exerting yourself physically, as you're bound to overheat quickly.

Cotton — Clothing made of cotton is not good for cold weather. It absorbs moisture and traps it next to your skin. Save the cotton for summer, when you might want a little extra moisture to keep you cool.

What winter coats are in for 2022? Wool coats, waterproof coats, shearling styles and faux fur coats are where you should set your sights for winter. These four are particularly suited to the current forecasts.

Fleece isn't just for fall and winter anymore; it's being seen in spring fields and summer streets. Airy jackets, thin vests, and throwback crop tops are all in style and available in the soft feel of fleece. Customizing fleecewear is an easy way stay on trend and be versatile with your market opportunities.

Made of goose or duck plumage, down is the warmest, lightest, and most compressible type of insulation on the planet. Most of the insulated jackets on this list are made with down. The other option is synthetic or a blend of the two.

Which fabric is best for heavy winter? ›

The Orion Parka has been tested in the snow fields of Svalbard, on Antarctic Expeditions, and against -321F blasts of liquid nitrogen. The Orion Parka is the warmest jacket on earth.

A jacket with synthetic insulation is also a better option if you are often hiking in wet weather (rain, granular wet snow etc.) as it provides better warmth than a down jacket in such conditions.

Down Insulation

Nature's best insulation, down creates high-loft clusters that keep air and body heat from escaping. In addition to its ability to efficiently trap heat, down is also incredibly breathable, allowing it to wick unwanted moisture away from your body to evaporate.

What are the warmest clothing materials? Our research found that the warmest material is wool, with thicker Icelandic wool being even better, and a wool-acrylic blend being somewhere in the middle.

The bottom line is, if your jacket isn't as warm as you had hoped, the simplest explanation could be because it isn't using down as an insulator. Synthetic insulators have their time and place of course, but when it comes to warmth-to-weight ratios and thermal efficiency, they just aren't as good as down.

A combination of hydrogels and aerogels, the material can keep items colder for five times longer than similar materials. Your next fancy cooler might just be more reminiscent of a camel than a hunk of plastic.

Which insulation is best for winter? ›

Fiberglass Insulation

This type of insulation material is widely available and comes in various shapes and sizes. For cold climates, Loose-fill Fiberglass Insulation is the best as it has an R-Value of 60.

Today, many down products are water-resistant enough to handle light-to-moderate rain and snow. But for more serious wet weather, you're going to want a coat with synthetic down.

Due to its quick-drying and water-resisting qualities, fleece is as good as a pick and wear option in winter wears.

Fleece is pretty much synonymous with the wintertime, and has to be considered one of the best materials for cold weather. Fleece is infinitely comfortable and relatively lightweight, so it's a great, warm fabric to use in casual, everyday coats and jackets so you can stay warm on the go.