Which Polartec® Fleece Is Right for You?

If you’ve ever thought fleece was just… fleece, you’re definitely not alone.

But there can be a HUGE difference between a basic fleece and a performance fleece — and that’s exactly why I choose Polartec® fabrics for my fleece jackets and sweaters.

Polartec has been developing technical fleece fabrics for decades, with different constructions designed for different jobs. Some are all about cozy everyday warmth. Some are designed to breathe while you’re moving. Some make fantastic lightweight layers. And others give you extra protection when that Saskatchewan wind decides to show up. 😝

So if you’re trying to decide between Polartec® Classic Fleece, Thermal Pro® Sherpa, Power Grid™ or Wind Pro®, here’s what you need to know.

Polartec® Classic Fleece: The Everyday Favourite

Think of Classic Fleece as your dependable, do-a-little-bit-of-everything fleece.

Synthetic fleece was developed as an alternative to traditional wool insulation, giving you warmth without the weight and care requirements that can come with wool.

Polartec® Classic uses premium hydrophobic polyester yarns, which means the fibres resist absorbing moisture and help the fabric dry quickly.

The lofted fibres also create tiny thermal air pockets that help retain your body heat while still allowing the fabric to breathe.

Why you’ll love Classic Fleece:

• Warm without being excessively heavy
• Soft and comfortable
• Breathable
• Quick drying
• Moisture resistant
• Durable
• Easy to wear every day

BEST FOR: Everyday wear, running errands, heading to the rink, walking the dog, cottage weekends and those days when you just want a good cozy fleece.

If you’re not sure where to start, Classic is a REALLY versatile choice.

Polartec® Thermal Pro® Sherpa: For the Cozy Girls

Ohhhh, this one. 😍

If your first requirement is COZY, you’re probably going to love the Sherpa.

Polartec® Thermal Pro® was developed to expand what synthetic fleece could do. Different fabric structures and textures can provide enhanced insulation and performance compared with traditional fleece constructions.

The Sherpa version has that beautiful plush, textured surface we associate with sherpa — but there’s more going on here than just looks.

That loft helps create insulating air space, giving you warmth while maintaining the performance benefits you’d expect from a technical fleece.

Why you’ll love Thermal Pro® Sherpa:

• Plush and incredibly cozy
• Excellent insulating properties
• Breathable
• Soft against the body
• Beautiful textured appearance
• Performance warmth without relying on traditional wool

BEST FOR: The person who is ALWAYS cold, outdoor winter activities, rink life, chilly cottage mornings and anyone whose wardrobe philosophy is basically the cozier the better.

This is the fleece you want to wrap yourself in.

Polartec® Power Grid™: The Layering Superstar

Power Grid™ is probably the option people misunderstand the most because when you first feel it, you may think:

“Wait… this isn’t very thick.”

Exactly.

It’s not supposed to be.

Power Grid™ is designed to provide breathable performance without the bulk of a traditional thick fleece.

Its distinctive grid construction helps make it lightweight and breathable while still providing warmth and comfort.

It’s also soft, pill resistant and designed for long-lasting durability.

For my collection, I recommend Power Grid for sweaters rather than jackets.

Why?

Because it makes such a GOOD layering piece.

Wear your Power Grid sweater underneath a winter jacket when you’re heading to the rink. Throw it under a heavier fleece or coat for a cold walk. Wear it by itself when you want a lightweight layer without overheating.

You get warmth where you need it without feeling like you’ve stuffed three giant sweaters underneath your coat. 😂

Why you’ll love Power Grid™:

• Lightweight
• Highly breathable
• Soft and comfortable
• Pill resistant
• Durable
• Easy to layer
• Warm without unnecessary bulk

BEST FOR: Layering, hockey rinks, winter walks, active days, travelling, errands and anyone who tends to get too warm in a traditional heavy fleece.

If you want versatility without bulk, THIS is the one I’d look at.

Polartec® Wind Pro®: When the Wind Is the Problem

Hello, Saskatchewan. 💨😂

Sometimes warmth isn’t actually the biggest problem.

It’s the WIND.

Traditional fleece is wonderfully breathable, but that can also mean wind can move through the fabric fairly easily.

Polartec® Wind Pro® tackles that problem with a more compact knit construction.

The result?

Up to 4X greater wind resistance than standard fleece.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Wind Pro® fleece is also water repellent, giving you extra protection when you’re outside while still maintaining the comfort and breathability you want from fleece.

Why you’ll love Wind Pro®:

• Up to 4X more wind resistant than standard fleece
• Water repellent
• Warm
• Breathable
• Durable
• More protection from the elements than traditional fleece

BEST FOR: Windy days, outdoor walks, watching sports, rink life, travelling, fall and winter weather and anyone looking for fleece that can function more like an outer layer.

If you’ve ever stepped outside in your cozy fleece only to have the wind cut straight through it…

Wind Pro® is the one I want you looking at.

So… Which Polartec® Should You Choose?

Here’s the easiest way I can break it down:

Want an everyday, versatile fleece?
→ Choose Polartec® Classic Fleece

Want plush, cozy warmth?
→ Choose Polartec® Thermal Pro® Sherpa

Want lightweight warmth that’s amazing for layering?
→ Choose Polartec® Power Grid™

Want extra protection from wind and light moisture?
→ Choose Polartec® Wind Pro®

There isn’t necessarily one Polartec fabric that’s better than all the others.

It’s about choosing the right fleece for how YOU actually live.

And that’s exactly why I love having different options.

Someone who spends winter walking outdoors has different needs than someone who spends three evenings a week sitting in a hockey rink. The woman who is always freezing wants something different from the woman who overheats the second she walks indoors.

Your fleece should work for YOU.

One More Thing: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

Fabric performance matters to me — but so does knowing more about the materials I’m working with.

Where noted, these fabrics carry STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, meaning the textile has been tested for harmful substances according to OEKO-TEX® criteria.

It’s one more reason I’m particular about the fabrics I bring into my studio.

Because when I’m cutting and sewing your clothing by hand, I don’t just want it to look good.

I want to choose materials that make sense for the way you’re actually going to wear them.

Still not sure which Polartec® is right for you?

Send me a message and tell me what you want your fleece for — everyday wear, layering, rink life, outdoor walks, maximum warmth or something else.

I’ll help you figure out which one I’d choose for you. 🤍

 

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