There aren’t many pieces that earn their place in a British wardrobe quite like a fleece. Not quite a coat, cosier than a sweatshirt and ready to be thrown on at the first sign of a chilly morning, it’s the kind of layer that comes into its own when the weather can’t quite make up its mind. And while fleeces were once mostly reserved for walking trails and weekends outdoors, they’ve become an everyday favourite…worn with jeans, over dresses and everywhere from the dog walk to the coffee run.
At FatFace, that easy-going, outdoorsy spirit goes right back to our beginnings. We started life in 1988, when our founders Tim and Jules were living in a campervan in the French Alps, skiing by day and selling clothes by night. Since then, we’ve spent decades creating clothes for life’s everyday adventures, and a great fleece fits right in.
But not all fleeces are created equal. Different finishes, textures and weights can make a big difference to how a fleece looks, feels and wears. So, consider this your stress-free guide to the different types of fleece, what makes each one special and a few of our favourite FatFace styles to pull on this season.
Unlike the natural fleece you might associate with sheep, the fleece used in clothing usually refers to a soft, insulating fabric most commonly made using polyester. The fabric is designed to trap pockets of air between its fibres, helping to hold onto warmth without the weight and bulk you might expect from heavier cold-weather fabrics. That combination of warmth, softness and relatively light weight is a big part of what makes fleece such a useful everyday layer.
Where things get interesting is in the finishing. Once the fabric has been made, different techniques can be used to change its texture and performance. The surface can be brushed to raise the fibres and create that familiar fluffy feel, while shearing trims those raised fibres to a particular height for a more even finish. An anti-pill treatment can also be applied to help reduce the little balls of fibre that can appear on the surface through repeated wear.
Change the height, density and finish of that pile and you can create very different types of fleece. From lightweight micro fleece to thick, teddy-like borg.
So, which fleece is which? While they all belong to the same cosy family, the types of fleece you’ll come across can vary considerably in texture, weight and warmth. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right one for what you’re getting up to.
The fluffiest of the bunch. Borg and sherpa fleece are known for their deep, curly or teddy-like pile, giving them that wonderfully soft, snuggly texture.
The higher pile creates lots of tiny spaces within the fabric where warm air can be trapped, making borg a great choice when you want something particularly cosy. Its more substantial texture also gives it plenty of character, which is why you’ll often see borg used for statement fleeces, jackets, gilets and linings.
Wear yours over a long-sleeved tee or knit with your favourite jeans for chilly weekend walks, or simply pull it on whenever the sofa starts calling your name.
Small but mighty, micro fleece sits at the lighter end of the fleece family. It has a shorter, finer pile than borg or heavier polar fleece, creating a smoother feel and a layer that delivers warmth without lots of bulk.
That makes micro fleece particularly handy when layering is the order of the day. It can slip comfortably underneath a coat or waterproof when you’re heading outdoors, but is light enough to wear on its own when there’s just a little chill in the air.
Think of it as the useful one you’ll be glad you brought along. Perfect for changeable days, countryside walks, camping trips and those “do I need a coat?” mornings.
If you picture a classic fleece, there’s a good chance you’re thinking of polar fleece. Soft, insulating and typically denser than micro fleece, it strikes a happy balance between warmth and weight.
Its brushed surface helps create the soft pile that fleece is known for, trapping air to provide insulation while remaining comfortable and easy to wear. Depending on its weight, polar fleece can work as an extra layer underneath a jacket or take centre stage as your outer layer on milder days.
It’s the all-rounder of the fleece world: throw it over a tee with jeans for everyday plans, or add walking boots and head for the hills.
Texture isn’t the only thing worth thinking about. Fleece also comes in different weights and shapes, and the right one often depends on when and where you plan to wear it.
A lighter fleece or micro fleece is a great option for transitional weather and layering under outerwear. Midweight styles give you a little more insulation while remaining versatile enough for everyday wear, while thicker, high-pile borg styles are made for those days when maximum cosiness is firmly on the agenda.
Then there’s the shape. A half-zip lets you open up the neckline when things warm up, while a full-zip is easy to take on and off throughout the day. Fleece jackets can double up as outerwear in milder weather, while gilets keep your core cosy without restricting your arms.
In other words, there’s a fleece for pretty much every forecast. Which, in Britain, is just as well.
We’ve learnt a thing or two about creating clothes for unpredictable weather over the years. This season’s fleece collection takes all the comfort and practicality we love about this wardrobe staple and gives it a very FatFace spin. Think colour, print, texture and thoughtful details designed to make each style feel as good as it looks.
Here are a few names and styles worth getting acquainted with…
If you're looking for a women’s fleece that feels just as at home in town as it does on a countryside stroll, Willow is the one to reach for. Crafted in irresistibly soft borg fleece, it brings instant warmth with a refined edge, thanks to its contrast trims, button-through fastening and clean collarless silhouette.
Style it with relaxed jeans and trainers for weekend plans, or layer it over a printed blouse to let the contrast textures do the talking. Whether you're heading out for a crisp coastal walk, browsing the farmers' market or meeting friends for coffee, Willow is the kind of fleece jacket you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.
For those who like their everyday layers with a little extra character, Layla delivers. Combining cosy borg fleece with bold colour-block panels, it's a fresh take on a cold-weather classic, while contrast corduroy trims add the crafted details that make it unmistakably FatFace.
The relaxed fit makes it an easy throw-on for days when comfort comes first, while the snug half-neck helps keep the chill at bay. Finished with a practical chest pocket and soft textured fabric, it's designed to feel just as good as it looks.
Style Layla with a pair of on-trend wide leg jeans and trainers for laid-back weekends, or layer it over leggings after a morning by the coast or an afternoon exploring somewhere new. Equal parts practical and playful, it's a fleece that brings warmth, comfort and a pop of personality to every outfit.
For days when a fleece alone isn't quite enough but a coat feels like overkill, Clifton strikes the perfect balance. Blending soft borg fleecewith smooth quilted panels, it's a versatile hybrid jacket that delivers warmth, texture and effortless everyday style in one easy layer.
The quilted sleeves and hood add a practical touch for cooler days, while the borg fleece body keeps things cosy without feeling bulky. Finished with a full zip fastening and handy pockets, Clifton is designed to take you from the school run to weekend walks with ease.
Who says practical can't have personality? With its heritage-inspired check and soft borg fleece, this style brings a fresh take to a classic outdoor layer. Warm, lightweight and easy to throw on, it's designed for everything from crisp countryside walks to weekend trips into town.
The full zip fastening makes layering simple, while the stand collar adds extra comfort when there's a chill in the air. Finished with contrast trims and a practical chest pocket, it's packed with the thoughtful details that make all the difference, blending everyday functionality with effortless style. Wear it over a long sleeve Henley shirt for relaxed weekends, or layer it under one of our men’s winter coats when the weather takes a turn.
From their outdoor beginnings to their place in our everyday wardrobes, fleeces have come a long way. Although, their job remains reassuringly simple: keep you cosy, keep you comfortable and be ready whenever you need them.
That’s why we keep coming back to them. Our roots might take us all the way to the snowy slopes of the French Alps, but today our fleeces are made for adventures of every size… from windswept walks and weekends away to popping into town and pottering in the garden.
Borg, micro, polar or somewhere in between, find the one that feels like you and get out there. Whatever the forecast has planned.
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