Our guide to Fleece Jackets
- 02 May 2019
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- First Ascent
There are many reasons fleece is a wardrobe staple, with its super soft, warm and breathable properties, fleece has grown in popularity over the years. Fleece’s versatility allows it to be worn as a standalone piece or used as a warming winter layer.
ABOUT FLEECE
Typically, fleece is created from polyester, which is woven into a light fabric and brushed to help the fibres increase in volume.
Polyester is made by reacting two different petroleum derivatives at a high temperature to create a polymer. The reaction causes a syrup to be formed, once cooled the syrup is then forced through a spinneret, which hardens causing long strands to form. These strands are the woven into yarns and then stiched into cloth, the cloths are then put through a machine which raises the surface of the fabric, where after the fibres are cut, giving fleece its soft texture.
Eco-friendly fleece garments have grown in numbers, as manufacturers seek recycled material, such as plastic, yarn and natural raw materials in their production of fleece, in a bid to keep their environmental footprint down.
ADVANTAGES OF FLEECE
Fleece jackets feature two fabric surfaces, which sit on both sides of the garment. Each surface has a layer of fibres, with air pockets in the threads to trap and retain heat, as well as allow for air to pass through for a breathable and warm garment.
Benefits of fleece:
- Retains warmth
- Durable
- Hydrophobic coating allows for water to bead off the jackets surface
- Easy to care for
FLEECE TECHNOLOGIES
Fleece garments come in a variety of weights and technologies, each offering different features and properties.
Polartec Fleece
Polartec® Wind Pro® is an advanced fleece developed to resist more than just the cold. The tighter knit construction reduces wind chill, while a durable water repellent (DWR) outer surface withstands moisture and light rain conditions, whilst still retaining breathability and comfort. This stronger and more durable knit fleece is designed to wisthstand the elements.
Power Stretch® Pro™ offers superior elastic stretch in our performance-fit platforms. Advanced dual-surface knit construction gives Power Stretch® Pro™ enough tensile strength and abrasion resistance for durable shape recovery. Performance wicking abilities mean it keeps up with any activity.
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Men's Serac Fleece Jacket | Men's K2 Powerstretch Jacket | Powerstetch Tights | Polartec Balaclava |
Sherpa Fleece
The First Ascent Sherpa Fleece garments feature a modern outer surface, bonded with a thermally efficient high pile fleece inner .The fibres create multiple air cells that trap body heat, retaining warmth and providing protection against the cold. Sherpa Fleece has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and offers an abrasion resistant surface.
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Men's Rainer Fleece Jacket | Ladies Sherpa Fleece Jacket | Ladies Serenity Sherpa Jacket | Ladies Serenity Fleece Jacket |
Firestorm Fleece
The First Ascent Firestorm Fleece offers superior, high-quality quality micro denier yarn. The fibres create multiple air cells that trap body heat, retaining warmth and providing protection against the cold. Sherpa Fleece has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and offers an abrasion resistant surface.
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Men's Foundation Interconnect Fleece Jacket | Ladies Foundation Interconnect Fleece Jacket | Men's Piranha Fleece Pullover | Ladies Essence Fleece Pullover |
Therma-Pro Fleece
The First Ascent Therma Pro Fleece offers warmth without the bulk. The thermally efficient grid design on the inside traps body heat, while allowing moisture to escape during performance output. This lightweight fleece offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and is suitable as a layering item or a standalone piece.
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Men's Finn Fleece 1/4 Zip Top | Ladies Finn Fleece 1/4 Zip Top | Junior Finn Fleece 1/4 Zip Top | Men's Logan 1/4 Zip Hoodie |
Tech Fleece
The First Ascent Tech Fleece technology is engineerd to provide all the warmth, without the bulk of traditional fleece.This fabric offers superior breathability and lightweight properties, with a modern smooth outer surface.
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Men's Frequency Melange Hoodie | Ladies Frequency Melange Hoodie | Men's Kilowatt Hoodie | Ladies Skylark Hoodie |
OTHER FLEECE GARMENTS
Fleece’s versatility allows it to be used in a variety of different garments. Here are just a few of our other fleece garments, to keep you warm and cosy this winter.
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Tech Touch Glove II | Men's S200 Beanie | Ladies S200 Beanie | Fleece Earmuff |
CARING FOR YOUR FLEECE JACKET
Fleece garments are easy to care for, making them a popular winter jacket option. See below our easy wash care instructions to keep your fleece looking and feeling fresh all season long.
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Wash in 30°C luke warm water |
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Do not tumble dry or dry clean |
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Do not use bleach or fabric softener |
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Do not iron |
Have any valuable tips or hacks you’d like to share with us? Tag us on social @firstascentsa or write a review on our site to tell us what’s worked for you. Got any cleaning related questions? Refer to our informative product care guide here. Browse our full range of fleece for Men & Ladies now.