Women's fleeces

How to choose the right women's fleece jacket?

Fleece jack ets are chosen according to weather conditions and how you want to wear them (as outerwear or under a jacket), but also according to the circumstances in which you'll be using them - for everyday wear or for sporting activities.

FOR SPORTS USE: ski fleece, hiking fleece, trail fleece...

The choice depends on the intensity of your efforts!

The harder you work, the higher your body temperature and the more you sweat. The evaporation of this perspiration regulates our temperature. So...

For intense sports, we recommend choosing a fleece that's not too thick, or even thin, and highly breathable, capable of wicking away this moisture. Add to this technical underwear for maximum breathability. It's also important that your fleece is zipped, in whole or in part. In the event of overheating, you can regulate ventilation by opening your fleece.

If your physical activity is less intense and interspersed with more static moments, you'll warm up less quickly and sweat less, if at all. Your choice should therefore be a thicker fleece, even if it's a little less breathable, like Lafuma's warm fleeces.

A different mountain fleece for each season:

You can also choose your women's fleece according to the season. You don't wear the same fleece for a mountain hike in January, April or July.

. In winter, when temperatures are low and it can snow or wind, layering is a must. Wear your fleece under a down jacket or parka. It's the middle layer, designed to insulate you from the cold. Choose either a thin or a medium-thick fleece, depending on how warm your parka or down jacket is.

. In mid-season, when temperatures are milder, you can wear your fleece under either a simple waterproof windbreaker if the weather is wet and windy, or use your fleece jacket or sweater as outerwear.

. In fine weather, a lightweight fleece - or sleeveless vest - will always be useful for adapting your outfit as the day progresses, as the mountains can offer cool mornings and evenings, even in summer.

FOR EVERYDAY USE: a simple yet versatile choice!

Outdoor jackets for all seasons!

. For winter, opt for the warmest, thickest models, possibly lined with sherpa, and make sure your fleece has been water-repellent treated.

. In mid-season, opt for a medium-thickness model, with water-repellent properties if possible. Fleece is also often used as a lining. At this time of year, you can also opt for a parka, windbreaker or knitted jacket lined with fleece.

. In summer, thin fleeces are always useful in the early morning or evening, when it's cool.

Outside the sporting arena, your choice is simple and dictated solely by the weather! All that's left is to define the cut and style you prefer!

From sherpa fleece to microfleece... a whole range of women's fleeces at Alpinstore

Women's fleeces aren't just for extreme cold! In fact, there's a whole range of fleeces to choose from, depending on their weight, whether warmer or cooler, and whether or not they have undergone specific treatments to improve their efficiency or longevity. The North Face fleece range fleece range offers a range of different thicknesses.

Fleeces can be classified into 3 main categories, according to their thickness and therefore their weight per square metre.

• 1) Large fleeces weighing 300 g/m2 or more, for winter!

These ultra-warm, thick fleece jackets, jackets or sweaters - sometimes also called "heavyweight" - are designed for cold winter temperatures and will provide maximum warmth. They are ideal for women looking for a warm, comfortable, practical and cozy garment for everyday use or for simple outings.

• 2) Mid fleeces from 200 g/m2 to 290 g/m2!

These fleeces - also known as "Midweight" fleeces - are the most versatile. If you don't engage in intensive physical activity, you can wear them either as an outer garment when the temperature is around 10°, or as a mid-layer if the temperature falls between 0 and 5 degrees.

• 3) Fine fleeces or microfleeces weighing less than 200 g/m2!

These fleeces - also known as microfleeces or "lightweights" - are thin and ultra-light. While they're not designed for extreme temperatures, they're perfect for layering. In autumn, you'll be happy to wear these microfleeces under a raincoat or windbreaker. In winter, they're equally useful under a down jacket or parka. Although not as warm as thicker fleeces, they are even more breathable... an asset for joggers, trail runners or any other intensive physical activity.

The advantages of a women's fleece

There's a fleece garment or accessory in every one of our wardrobes. This craze for fleeces is easily explained by these 5 main advantages:

Advantage N°1: fleece is an excellent thermal insulator

Fleece is a hollow fiber made up of air pockets that provide excellent insulation. Like wool or down, it doesn't actually produce heat, but retains our body heat.

The result: in winter, a thick fleece jacket provides effective protection from the cold!

In fact, the denser the fleece, the greater its insulating power and therefore its "warmth" advantage.

Advantage N°2: fleece is soft to the touch

Fleece is also renowned for its softness. In fact, during the manufacturing process, fleece is scratched, giving it that downy, soft feel. This softness is an additional asset for all fleece garments, particularly important for those in direct contact with the skin: fleece pants, fleece pyjamas, scarves or winter gloves.

Advantage N°3: fleece is a breathable material

More breathable than conventional polyester fibers, fleece is often used in clothing for sports and outdoor activities. This ability to wick away moisture is all the more important the thinner the fleece. The most breathable fleeces, therefore, are not the same as those recommended for everyday use.

Advantage N°4: fleece is easy to care for

Fleece is a hard-wearing fabric that's easy to care for! It's machine-washable, dries quickly even in winter, and doesn't need ironing. What could be more practical?

Advantage N°5: fleece offers excellent value for money

Fleece's price tag is another reason for its immense success! Fleece garments - which are highly insulating and therefore warm, soft and breathable, practical and easy to care for - are very affordable. And that counts too!

And it can also be an element of style, especially with Protest fashion fleeces!