When was fleece last fashionable? You wouldn’t be seen wearing fleece just a few decades ago, as with many current fashion trends (e.g., ugly trainers). Now, it’s everywhere.
Fleece was once reserved for hikers and bird watchers, but today it’s just as common to see fleece on streetwear children as in the apres-ski lodge. It’s warm enough to be used as a layering piece in winter. It can also look great.
WHAT IS FLEECE?
Fleece’s greatest asset has always been its warmth despite being extremely light in weight. It is a manufactured fabric made from polyester fibers. The fibers are tightly woven together, then brushed to form a pile-like surface.
This gives fleece a soft texture and helps to retain heat.
Fleece has been a popular choice for outdoor activities. Patagonia, the American wilderness brand everyone wears, was the one who invented fleece in the 80s. The idea was to improve wool, which is nature’s finest but can be itchy and heavy when wet.
Patagonia’s fleece was dubbed Synchilla and became sustainable when it was made from plastic bottles in 1993. It is important to note that not all fleeces are made from recycled materials. Some require raw petroleum, and some release microplastics when washed. These can end up in the oceans.
WHAT TO WEAR FLEECE
Fleece has experienced a sharp rise in popularity. But why is it so popular? Its current popularity can be attributed to its revival in the nineties and the nostalgia surrounding it. They’ve had great years, which all result from that decade.
Today, fleece’s versatility with many outfits makes it most appealing. It was created on the walking trails but can also be worn on the streets. The Mr. Porter style Director Olie Arnold hints at its versatility. “Fleece Jackets are perfectly suited for the current outerwear trends and can be easily incorporated into streetwear looks alongside tapered cargo pants and hiking boots. For a casual weekend look, layer your fleece with a lightweight shirt and your favorite pair of jeans or chinos.
Savile Row will show you just how far fleece technology has advanced. Gieves & Hawkes are also now owners of the furry style. They were famous for their bespoke suit. John Harrison, Gieves brand director, says that the idea resulted from commuters on my train. The fleece was worn with a shirt and a dress, not a jacket. A GH fleece would make a great intermediary item. You can dress it up, but it’s mainly a warm layer that can be worn alone or under a lighter jacket.
COLOUR BLOCKING
A fleece jacket can add a fun touch of color to a look. Many pattered options are available, but we love the ski-inspired look of our favorite fleece jackets with color blocking. For a casual look, choose fleece panels in contrasting colors – red and blue are good options. Pair them with neutral chinos or light jeans and Converse to make it easy.
OVERSIZE LAYERING
Larger silhouettes dominate outerwear options at the moment. Fleece jackets are no exception. You can layer a hoodie over a collared shirt or an overshirt. This coat will provide warmth and bulk, making it ideal for transitional weather. Tapered joggers with a pair of runners below are the best for comfort.
AS A VEST
A fleece vest is an option when a full jacket is too heavy. The fleece vest will keep you warm at your midsection and allow more movement in your arms. It can be compared to the down Gilet, making it look like an off-duty hedge-funder.
MINIMAL
A minimal look is one of the best ways to wear fleece. Pair a simple jacket in an inoffensive color jacket with simple pieces like a white tee or navy chinos. You can opt for a simple zip-up pullover that will keep you warm in the cold.
CHUNKY OUTERWEAR
Fleece is best displayed in a statement piece due to its large dimensions and tactile finish. It is naturally a bit showy and reminds you of fur or sheepskin, so embrace it. You can say goodbye to the cold by going chunky with a thick, slightly padded fleece jacket. You’ll look great with sturdy staples like corduroy trousers and white trainers.
