Can fleece keep you warm in winter?
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.
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.
Yes, fleece jackets are incredibly warm and soft–the main purpose of fleece is for insulation. However, fleece is not waterproof or windproof, by itself. So, if you're planning on hitting the slopes, or taking a walk in the rain, you might need a waterproof jacket to go over the top of your plain fleece.
Fleece: 45 to 64 degrees. Short sleeves: 65 to 79 degrees.
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.
Wool. One of the most popular natural materials for winter clothing, wool will keep you warm in the coldest of weather. There's a reason so many sweaters are made of wool—it's both toasty and comfortable. For winter activewear, wool is a great choice.
Cotton doesn't make a great insulator. It is too breathable and doesn't do a good job of trapping body heat. The clear winner for insulation is fleece. It has all the great insulating qualities, whereas cotton lacks them.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Flexible, lightweight and comfortable | Not windproof |
| Durable | Can't withstand washing at very high temperatures, tumble drying or ironing |
| Highly breathable | Prone to attracting dust, lint, pet hair etc. due to high amounts of static electricity |
| Moisture-resistant |
Fleece Vs Wool: Key Traits
Both are great insulators, but wool wins out on overall warmth. The moisture wicking ability also makes it win for a variety of temperatures.
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.
Is fleece or insulated warmer?
In general, fleece does not have as good a weight-to-warmth ratio as synthetic insulation which in simple terms means that a fleece jacket which weighs 400 grams will be less warm than a synthetic jacket of the same weight.
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 may be considered warmer in that it traps heat very well, but it won't regulate your temperature, so you may become too hot. Flannel, however, will keep you cozy while still allowing excess heat to escape.
Fleece Vs Wool: Key Traits
Both are great insulators, but wool wins out on overall warmth. The moisture wicking ability also makes it win for a variety of temperatures.
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.