Fleece Is The Word
I still remember the day I bought my first fleece. It was 20 or so years ago, back when the only people who had fleece in their wardrobes were hearty outdoors types, which I most definitely am not.
It was a trip to Antarctica that led me to fleece. I knew in advance that getting to Antarctica was going to be expensive – I didn’t realise I was going to have to buy a whole new wardrobe as well.
The list of essentials included everything from a rainproof jacket and waterproof gloves to gumboots (yes, seriously) and, fatefully, a fleece jacket.
I lived in that jacket not just for the two weeks that I was gambolling among the icebergs, but happily ever after. Two decades on, that fleece has shared more adventures with me than any other single piece of clothing I own. It has accompanied me as far afield as Iran and India. It has kept me warm, protected me from dust and snow, even doubled as a pillow. And it doesn’t get time off when we get home, either. Whenever I need to run up to the shop for a carton of milk or a handful of bananas, it’s still my favourite item to throw on.
These days, however, it is no longer my one and only. Like many of us, I have a couple of fleeces hanging in my wardrobes, with different looks ranging from rugged to slightly sculpted and chic. For me, as for so many other women, fleece has become a winter essential – and no wonder.
Plenty of clothing will keep you warm but fleece is the only one that feels like it is giving you a hug. In these anxious times, fleece does double duty. It is protective – keeping the elements at bay – and it is comforting. Wear fleece, and you feel like the world can’t hurt you.
When I bought that first Antarctic lifesaver all those years ago, I could never have anticipated that fleece would one day became a bona fide fashion statement.
“Pair a fleece sweater or hoodie tucked into a pair of jeans with an oversized blazer for a chic and stylish silhouette, or for a more preppy look, try a classic white shirt under your fleece teamed with indigo denim jeans”
As fashion gets ever more comfortable with casual, fleece is now rocking the runway thanks to designers such as Chloe, JW Anderson and Gucci. If that is way beyond your budget, more affordable options are on offer at Uniqlo, Muji and Glassons.
“Fleece is light, warm, machine-washable and will last forever,” enthuses Nicole Adolphe, head of style for The Iconic, who says fleece’s versatility is a key part of its appeal.
“Pair a fleece sweater or hoodie tucked into a pair of jeans with an oversized blazer for a chic and stylish silhouette, or for a more preppy look, try a classic white shirt under your fleece teamed with indigo denim jeans,” she suggests.
Of course, fleece does have its downsides. Some fleece is made of a type of polyester derived from petroleum. If you want to avoid a fossil fuel driven wardrobe, look at companies such as Patagonia and Everlane, which use fleece made from recycled water bottles, as well as mixing fleece with products such as recycled wool.
Fleece also impacts the environment in other ways. Like other textiles, fleece sheds microfibres during the wash cycle, however, fleece sheds at a particularly high rate. The synthetic microfibres released during the wash can filter into the ocean where they are eaten by fish and other wildlife.
Companies such as Patagonia are working with scientists to identify solutions to microfibre pollution, including pre-treatments that may help prevent shedding.
Until then, if you want to keep feeling the fleece love without destroying the oceans, there are things you can do. Whenever possible, wipe down your fleece instead of washing it. Invest in higher-quality fleece, which sheds fewer fibres. And of course, buying only what you need and making it last is a good move.
As I have discovered, a good fleece will stay by your side for decades to come.
Words_ Ute Junker
Photo_ Rod Long & James Eades /UnSplash
Credits_ Roxy Women’s going left half zipper polar fleece hoodie,$99.99. On homepage, Dorothy Perkins short teddy zip coat $89.95, both available from The Iconic