Definition
A fleece jacket is a lightweight, insulating mid-layer made from brushed synthetic fibers, usually polyester. It traps body heat while staying breathable, which is why it sits between a base layer and an outer shell. For branded merch, it is one of the most worn and most kept pieces a team can put a logo on.
Definition
A fleece jacket uses a knit polyester fabric that is brushed on one or both sides to raise a soft pile. That pile creates tiny air pockets that hold heat, so the jacket feels warm without much weight. Most styles come with a full or half zip, a stand-up collar, and side pockets.
A practical example: a field sales team gets quarter-zip fleece jackets with an embroidered chest logo. They wear them on client visits in spring and autumn when a coat is too much and a shirt is not enough.
How a fleece jacket works
The warmth of a fleece jacket comes from structure, not thickness. The brushed pile traps a layer of still air against your skin, and still air is a poor conductor of heat, so your body warmth stays in. Because the fabric is a knit rather than a tight weave, moisture vapor can escape, which keeps you from overheating during movement.
Fleece weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Lighter fleece around 100 to 200 gsm works as a breathable mid-layer. Heavier fleece around 300 gsm gives more standalone warmth but less packability. Anti-pill finishes reduce the small fabric balls that form with wear, and that finish matters a lot for a garment carrying a brand mark.
The main trade-offs are wind and water. Standard fleece is breathable but not windproof, so it pairs well with a shell in cold or wet weather. Bonded and softshell fleece add a membrane for more protection at the cost of breathability and a higher price.
Fleece jacket in branded merch
- Team uniforms and field staff. A durable fleece keeps frontline and outdoor teams warm while presenting a consistent, branded look across every shift and location.
- Onboarding and welcome kits. A fleece in a new-hire kit signals belonging from day one and tends to get worn well beyond the office.
- Client and partner gifts. A quality fleece with subtle branding lands as a useful gift, not throwaway swag, so your logo stays in rotation for years.
A fleece jacket is a soft polyester garment with a brushed pile surface that insulates by trapping warm air close to the body.
5 tips to elevate your Fleece jacket strategy
| Tip | Steps |
|---|---|
| Match weight to climate | Pick 200 gsm for year-round wear, 300 gsm for cold-weather teams. |
| Choose anti-pill fabric | It keeps embroidery and the overall look sharp after repeated washing. |
| Decorate with embroidery | Stitched logos sit cleanly on fleece and outlast printed marks on pile. |
| Plan a full size range | Order from XS to 3XL so every team member gets a proper fit. |
| Pick recycled polyester | rPET fleece cuts material impact and reads well in your sustainability story. |
Key Terminologies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fleece jacket warm enough for winter?
On its own, a mid-weight fleece suits cool spring and autumn days. For winter, layer it under a shell or pick a heavier 300 gsm fleece for more standalone warmth.
What is the best way to brand a fleece jacket?
Embroidery is the standard choice because it sits cleanly on the pile and lasts. For larger or full-color designs, a woven badge or appliqué can work too.
Is fleece the same as wool?
No. Fleece is a brushed synthetic, usually polyester, while wool is a natural animal fiber. Fleece is lighter, dries faster, and is easier to wash.
Can fleece jackets be made sustainably?
Yes. Many fleece jackets now use recycled polyester (rPET) made from plastic bottles, which lowers the material footprint without changing the feel.
How should I care for a fleece jacket?
Machine wash cold, skip fabric softener, and air dry or tumble on low. Softener coats the fibers and reduces both warmth and breathability.