The Summer of Fleece (2024)

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<i>The best lightweight and breathable Polartec fabric technologies for the summertime.</i>

It’s no secret that a fleece midlayer is the best companion for cold-weather conditions. But when the weather starts to warm up, that fleece will come in handy more than you think. 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.

We know what you’re thinking, “but isn’t fleece too hot and heavy to wear in the summer?” Not always. Polartec uses the Science of Fabric to knit, shear, and construct fleece into hundreds of different weights, thicknesses, and characteristics dedicated to keeping you comfortable no matter how warm. We can knit fleece so that it’s smooth and not fuzzy, light and not heavy, and breathable beyond belief. And UPF protection? We got you covered.

Polartec fleece is truly an all-season solution to comfort. When it comes to summer activities, you’ll need it by the campfire, after a dive in a glacial lake, as a pillow on a backpacking trip, and when day turns to night. We curated a list of lightweight and highly breathable Polartec fabrics we call Summer Fleece. Ideal for fun in the sun: Microfleece, 100 Series Fleece, Power Grid, and Alpha Direct.

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The buttery soft feel of Polartec Microfleece fuses luxury and performance in the lightest weight possible. Premium polyester yarns deliver breathable performance, soft comfort, long-lasting durability, and warmth without weight. It’s a fantastic lightweight companion for any outdoor occasion.

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REI Co-op - Trailsmith Fleece

A classic REI jacket designed in 1992 modernized for this era. Made with 100% recycled PET bottles and designed with a relaxed lightweight fit for night time campfires.

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Athleta - Balance Microfleece Sweatshirt

Super soft and designed for casual layering or after a workout. Made with 100% recycled PET and built for lightweight warmth in any occasion.

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We’re Polartec. We’re known for making the original fleece. Our 100 Series Fleece line takes the best qualities of classic fleece in complete lightweight style. With 100 Series, you get the soft and fuzzy feel with breathable, thermal comfort. Great for camping and evening hikes, and extremely packable.

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Land’s End - Thermacheck 100 Fleece Jacket

A lightweight and super soft jacket from the Midwest-based outdoor brand. The Thermacheck is a great casual jacket to put on when the sun starts to set at the beach or when there’s a windchill on a nautical afternoon.

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Pas Normal Studios - Escapism Fleece Jacket

Originally developed for mountain biking and post-ride comfort, this lightweight classic fleece jacket adds a touch of warmth and breathability when day turns to night. From the Copenhagen-based contemporary cycling brand.

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Polartec Power Grid changed the game when it launched in 1998. To this day, gridded fleece is a hot commodity for outdoor activewear. Its geometric construction maximizes breathability and provides fast-drying comfort during activity. A staple for hikes, climbs, and just about anything.

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MAAP - Thermal Base Layer Tee

As a versatile moisture-wicking fabric, Power Grid also makes a great base layer as shown by the Thermal Base Layer Tee by the Australian cycling brand. Highly breathable, quick-drying, and great for even hot weather activities.

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Patagonia - R1 Fleece Pullover

One of the most iconic pieces in outerwear history. Polartec originally developed Power Grid fabric technology in partnership with Patagonia, debuting the R1 in 1998. Power Grid has gotten a power up since then, but this classic piece brings versatile comfort as it did back in the day.

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What if you’re doing an all-day activity? What if it’s really hot then really cold? Polartec Alpha Direct was constructed for this very reason. Originally developed for US Special Forces, Alpha Direct provides ultra-light warmth regulation for start/stop activities. It maximizes cool when it’s hot and keeps you warm when it’s cold, not to mention it dries really fast if you’re putting in a hard sweat. Alpha Direct is great for backpacking, climbing, hiking, mountaineering, and everything in between. It’s a truly special and versatile fabric.

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Dynafit - Free Alpha Direct Jacket

Incredibly light and breathable option for mountain activities. The European alpine brand’s insulating jacket keeps you warm when it’s cool and cools when it’s hot. Made of 100% recycled materials.

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Senchi Designs - Lark Hoodie

Ultralight hoodie made for active pursuits, Portland-based Senchi Designs features an exposed Alpha Direct for an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio. The Lark Hoodie resists moisture and dries fast so you’re never uncomfortable. Check their website for when they drop as they have limited availability.

Tagged as: Outdoor Fashion Alpha® Direct Micro Series Fleece 100 Series Fleece Power Grid™

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The Summer of Fleece (2024)

FAQs

What is summer fleece? ›

We curated a list of lightweight and highly breathable Polartec fabrics we call Summer Fleece. Ideal for fun in the sun: Microfleece, 100 Series Fleece, Power Grid, and Alpha Direct. The buttery soft feel of Polartec Microfleece fuses luxury and performance in the lightest weight possible.

Is polar fleece still made? ›

With greater resiliency, lightweight warmth and fast dry times, Polartec® fleece remains the industry standard for outerwear performance.

What temperature to wear fleece? ›

Temperature and Weather Conditions: Fleece jackets are best suited for moderate winter temperatures, typically above freezing. In extremely cold conditions, especially when temperatures drop significantly below freezing, a fleece jacket alone might not provide enough insulation to keep you warm.

Why is fleece so hot? ›

The lofted polyester fibres of fleece trap air between the strands. This retains the warm air close to the body rather than transmitting it to the surroundings. In comparison to wool, fleece is a vegan alternative that is more cost effective and easier to wash.

What is the warmest fleece you can buy? ›

A 300 weight fleece is the thickest type available and the heavyweight of the group. It offers outstanding warmth but is heavier and bulkier than other fleece types, meaning it is not fit to be used for climbing. A 300 weight fleece is purely designed to retain heat and keep you warm.

What season is fleece? ›

It's winter, which, for most outdoors people, means that it's fleece season. Cozy, comfy fleece season.

Is fleece hotter than cotton? ›

Either way, both fleece and wool are far better than cotton in all aspects except cooling. Fleece and wool are warmer, more water-resistant, warmer when wet, and wick perspiration better than cotton.

Should a fleece be tight or loose? ›

A fleece should ideally not be too tight or too loose, but rather have a comfortable fit. It should have enough room to allow for movement and layering underneath, but not be so loose that it loses its insulating properties.

How do you know if fleece is hot? ›

Fleece Warmth And Weight Ratings

A fleece jacket's weight refers to the weight of the fabric used in its construction. In general, the more the fabric weighs, the thicker it will be. And the thicker it is, the warmer it will be.

Why does fleece smell weird? ›

The bad odors on fleece clothing and blankets can have various origins, such as perspiration, humidity or bacteria. It is crucial to wash the fleece, following the instructions on the care label. white vinegar is an excellent product for eliminating stubborn bad odors.

Is a fleece blanket too hot for summer? ›

Light Weight Fleece Blanket are a perfect warm weather choice.

Is fleece bad for sweat? ›

Fleece is a synthetic insulating fabric typically made from a type of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other synthetic fibres. It is very comfortable due to its light weight and anti-perspiration qualities, and allows moisture to evaporate while blocking humidity from the outside.

What type of fleece is the warmest? ›

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.

What kind of fabric is fleece? ›

What is fleece material? The name probably brings sheep to mind. Usually, though, the cosy fabric we call 'fleece' is actually made from polyester. Plastic might not be your first thought when you're cuddling up in a warm fleece, but that's exactly what polyester is.

Is fleece better for winter or summer? ›

This ultra-soft, warm, and breathable magic material makes it perfect for winter outerwear and assists you in keeping all things chill and cozy. The easiest answer to what is fleece is that it is a synthetic material that looks and feels like a fur coat on sheep.

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