There's a reason fleece has been a staple of outdoor clothing for decades. It's warm, lightweight, easy to look after and doesn't cost a fortune.
From early starts on the farm to weekends away, a good fleece earns its place in the wardrobe. But not all fleece is made equal. Here's what you need to know about how it works, where it performs best and which weight to choose.
What is fleece?
Fleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester, originally developed as a lightweight alternative to wool.
Its soft, brushed surface traps warm air close to the body, providing insulation without the weight of heavier fabrics. Unlike wool, fleece absorbs very little moisture, so it's quick to dry and easy to care for.
You'll generally come across two main types:
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Polar fleece: A thicker, warmer fabric, often brushed on both sides. A good choice for colder days and outer layers.
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Microfleece: Thinner and lighter, making it ideal for layering under jackets or wearing when you're on the move.
Why fleece is hard to beat
Warmth without the weight. Fleece traps air between its fibres to keep you warm, without weighing you down. Handy when you've got a full day ahead and don't want to feel bundled up.
Quick to dry. Get caught in a shower? Fleece dries considerably faster than cotton and retains much of its insulating ability when damp. It's not waterproof, though, so you'll still want a decent rain jacket when the weather sets in.
Breathable. When you're working up a sweat, fleece allows heat and moisture to escape. That makes it a good option for active days outdoors.
Easy to look after. No special treatment required. Most fleece can go straight in a cold machine wash and be hung out to dry.
Good value for money. Reliable warmth at a sensible price. There's a reason you'll find fleece jackets and pullovers in wardrobes, utes and farm sheds across the country.
Where fleece falls short
As good as fleece is, it has its limits.
The biggest is wind. Standard fleece allows air to pass through, which is great for breathability but less helpful when you're standing in an open paddock with a cold southerly blowing through.
That's where windproof fleece comes in. Some styles in the Ridgeline range feature a windproof membrane to help keep the cold out, while still providing the warmth of fleece.
Fleece isn't waterproof either. When rain is on the cards, wear it underneath a waterproof outer layer to stay warm and dry.
Choosing the right fleece weight
Not all fleece is built for the same conditions.
Fleece weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Generally, the higher the number, the thicker and warmer the fabric.
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Lightweight fleece (under 200gsm): A good option for milder days, active work or layering under a jacket when you need a little extra warmth.
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Midweight fleece (200–300gsm): The dependable all-rounder. Warm enough to wear on its own on a cool day, but still comfortable under a jacket when temperatures drop.
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Heavyweight fleece (300gsm and over): Made for cold mornings, winter evenings and those days when you're spending more time standing around than moving.
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Windproof fleece: Worth considering if you spend plenty of time in exposed country, where keeping the wind out matters as much as staying warm.
Keep in mind that fabric weight isn't everything. The construction, fit and whether a fleece has a windproof membrane will also affect how warm it feels.
How to layer fleece
One of the best things about fleece is how easily it fits into a layering system.
Start with a breathable base layer to help manage moisture against your skin. Add a fleece for warmth, then throw a waterproof or windproof jacket over the top when conditions call for it.
Three layers, each doing its job.
As the day warms up, you can peel one off. And when the temperature drops again, you're ready.
Looking after your fleece
Fleece is pretty low maintenance, but a little care will help it last.
Wash on a cold, gentle cycle and turn it inside out to help reduce pilling. Avoid fabric softener, which can affect the fabric's performance, and hang it out to dry where possible.
High heat and synthetic fibres aren't a great combination, so keep fleece away from hot dryers and irons.
As always, check the care label on your garment first.
Fleece for the whole family
From lightweight layers to heavy-duty winter favourites, Ridgeline makes fleece for men, women and kids.
Practical, comfortable outdoor clothing made to work hard, keep you warm and last beyond one winter.
Good gear. Fair prices. Made for life outdoors.
