The humble fleece, soft, warm and breathable, it remains a versatile garment that works as either a mid or outer layer depending on the time of year and the prevailing conditions and is a mainstay of every outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe, but how do you pick the right one for you. Here are some salient points you need to consider

Fit: Needs to be snug, too tight may restrict movement and reduce the ability to wear an additional layer underneath when required. Too loose or baggy and it isn’t going to keep out the wind as it should.

Pockets: If being used as your outer layer you need to be looking for zipped pockets so that those all important items don’t get lost. Always useful is a small chest zipped pocket, for a phone or gps unit. Just be sure they can be easily accessed when you are wearing your rucksack.

Zip: Full or half? Full can give you more options when it comes to allowing for cooling down.

Hem: Most tops have an adjustable drawcord, which can be tightened or loosened to help retain or lose heat, depending on the prevailing conditions. However, they are commonly designed to keep their shape and stay snug around the waist. Check that the fleece covers both your lower back and upper bottom. There is quite a fashion at the moment for shorter cut designs, but this could limit its use as an outer layer.

Fabric: Fleeces tend to fall into two categories, either a single fabric or a blend. The base fabric is polyester and the warmth of the top will depend on the density of the knit that has been used. A blend will normally include an additional fabric that will provide warmth, breathability and stretch. A quick tip is to look at the weight of the garment as the heavier fleece should offer greater insulation, especially against the wind.

Cuffs: Different manufacturers offer elasticated cinch cuffs which close the sleeve over the wrist and prevent draughts and retain heat, whereas others have no elastic built into them at all which makes them easier to roll the sleeves up when you are trying to cool down.

In addition you need to consider the activity so you need to choose the right weight of garment: If you are planning to move around a lot than a lightweight fleece has low bulk and allows for moderate airflow so that your skin can still breathe. For example if you are a runner and want something to keep the edge off the cold while exerting energy.

For those who are looking to add to their hiking wardrobe, or if you are involved in other milder forms of exercise you may prefer a mid-weight fleece especially when temperatures begin to drop. These can also be utilised as a midlayer during really cold weather.

A heavyweight fleece may be your best choice if you are involved in cold weather activities, such as skiing as they can protect against the expected low temperatures.

For example the Regatta Thor Fleece Jacket, is a full length zip garment with big deep pockets and is actually one of our best selling items. It fits well, is lightweight but still provides enough warmth and is versatile in that it zips inside other Regatta garments to act as an additional layer. While not waterproof it is quick to dry and is ‘bobble’ resistant no matter how many times it gets washed. My only quibble with this is that, for me the arms can be a little on the short side, but then I do have long arms and have that problem with everything I buy.

Alternatively there is the Regatta Hedman Fleece is a 280 series fleece, again with anti-pill to reduce the dreaded bobbling effect after washing. Customers have described this and comfortable and no lightweight when it comes to providing heat, and with the inclusion of the adjustable drawcord you get that personal fit for whatever conditions you face.  Being of a longer length it certainly keeps the small of the back covered well. It is built to stand up to daily wear and for once certainly provides enough length in the arms.

So which of these fleeces would suit you best or maybe you would prefer one of the others in our extensive range. Why not use the above article to find the fleece that is best for you.