Stay warm with fleece pullovers and fleece jackets
If you’re heading on the mountain, it’s not enough to just have the right equipment strapped to your feet. It’s very important to choose the right clothing for a long day in the snow. Functional underwear and snowwear are only one part of your outfit. Don’t forget to wear a fleece pullover or fleece jacket, too! Particularly when it comes to low temperatures and difficult conditions, a mid-layer is very important. But what makes up a suitable fleece product and what does it entail? Blue Tomato will give you an overview of the wide fleece assortment available for women and men.
What is fleece and what makes it distinctive?
Unlike materials like cotton, fleece is not a natural textile. It is a synthetic fabric made of heated petroleum that has been processed to create textile fibres. This is then finely interwoven to create a soft, comfortable material. Fleece offers great insulation, which is particularly useful in low temperatures. The odour-neutral, flexible and temperature-regulating material makes jackets and pullovers suitable for rainy days at home.
Fleece jackets and pullovers aren’t always first choice for a skier or snowboarder. In terms of optics, producers have adapted to your preferences and offer colourful combinations, as well as less eye-catching options, for example by The North Face. For temperatures below minus 25 degrees, adding a fleece layer under your ski jacket or your snowboard jacket will help you have maximum fun on the mountain. Plus, you should pay close attention to the thickness of the fleece material you choose:
- Micro-Fleece / 100-Weight Fleece: Micro-Fleece is the lightest fleece material available on the market today. The 100-weight fleece is suitable as a mid or base-layer in mild temperatures. It is the right choice for very active athletes. Depending on the producer, this material may also have different names like Polartec® Thermal Pro® lightweight or TKA 100®.
- 200-Weight Fleece: The 200-weight fleece falls in the midweight category. It is suitable for nearly all conditions. Particularly as a mid-layer under your snowwear, you will enjoy the feeling of comfort and warmth given by this material. It is also suitable for other activities like running or cycling outdoors, as the breathability is well balanced. You may also find it under different names such as Polartec® Thermal Pro® midweight or TKA 200®.
- 300-Weight Fleece: 300-weight is a great choice for temperatures markedly below the freezing point. Warmth is an important priority here. In cold but dry weather conditions, you can leave the house with a Polartec® Thermal Pro® High Loft without needing to put on another jacket.
Windproof, yes; waterproof, no – the characteristics of fleece
A fleece jacket or pullover is not necessarily a substitute for a real winter jacket. It should complement a jacket. All fleece materials marked with WindStopper® or WindWall® are windproof but still breathable so that you can stay comfortable while you’re working hard. However, fleece material is not waterproof.
In combination with some essential features, such as a high collar and cuffs, you can wear a fleece mid-layer. Ortovox, Mammut, Berghaus and more are all available for men and women at Blue Tomato!