This warm, 100% recycled polyester full-zip jacket combines a sweater-knit aesthetic with the easy care of Better Sweater fleece. It’s dyed with a low-impact process that reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional heather dyeing methods. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
This warm, 100% recycled polyester full-zip jacket combines a sweater-knit aesthetic with the easy care of Better Sweater fleece. It’s dyed with a low-impact process that reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional heather dyeing methods. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
This warm, 100% recycled polyester full-zip jacket combines a sweater-knit aesthetic with the easy care of Better Sweater fleece. It’s dyed with a low-impact process that reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional heather dyeing methods. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
This warm, 100% recycled polyester full-zip jacket combines a sweater-knit aesthetic with the easy care of Better Sweater fleece. It’s dyed with a low-impact process that reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional heather dyeing methods. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
Last updated at 11/30/2025 08:50:01
originally posted on REI
I have previously purchased this same fleece in black and another in blue in the same xxxl size. This time, the arms are at least 6 inches past the tips of my fingers. The arms are also so wide I could almost fit a bowling ball through them. It’s disappointing because I’ll have to spend $30-$40 to have a tailor correct this production error. I’ve never had this kind of issue with Patagonia, though I have with other higher priced brands. I suggest either trying this on and buying in store, or being prepared to return it. The material, though very nice, has changed from past years and isn’t quite as nice. Still the best, but not as great.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
I’ll just be echoing what others have said, but so far I’m very happy with this. I bought it as something I can wear socially and in the office (it’s slightly dressier than a normal fleece). I bought it thinking it would become a much used item during the never-ending Ottawa winter, and so far that has been the case. I cannot attest to the longevity, but expect some pilling as the years pass given the ‘sweater’ type knit. I have several other Patagonia items and in terms of sizing it’s the same as those (a small in my case). It does have a sweater-feel, which I like - wearing it feels like a gentle hug. Not to say it’s tight at all, it just huggs where it should. I’m happy with my purchase.
originally posted on patagonia.com
I've eyed getting a Better Sweater for a while, but finally Santa delivered one for me this Christmas season. The sweater is great. It can serve as a nice mid-layer during the colder months or stand on its own in warmer weather. It also is the perfect weight to wear around the home or office, which is how I plan on using it.The only "complaint" I have is that the sizing is a little weird to me. I typically wear large in Patagonia products, but with this jacket, I felt like I was swimming in material. Medium fits a lot better, but at the same time I don't feel like I could layer much more than a long sleeve shirt under it. Something to consider depending on what you're looking for.
| Season | Fall-Winter 2024-2025 |
I have previously purchased this same fleece in black and another in blue in the same xxxl size. This time, the arms are at least 6 inches past the tips of my fingers. The arms are also so wide I could almost fit a bowling ball through them. It’s disappointing because I’ll have to spend $30-$40 to have a tailor correct this production error. I’ve never had this kind of issue with Patagonia, though I have with other higher priced brands. I suggest either trying this on and buying in store, or being prepared to return it. The material, though very nice, has changed from past years and isn’t quite as nice. Still the best, but not as great.
I’ll just be echoing what others have said, but so far I’m very happy with this. I bought it as something I can wear socially and in the office (it’s slightly dressier than a normal fleece). I bought it thinking it would become a much used item during the never-ending Ottawa winter, and so far that has been the case. I cannot attest to the longevity, but expect some pilling as the years pass given the ‘sweater’ type knit. I have several other Patagonia items and in terms of sizing it’s the same as those (a small in my case). It does have a sweater-feel, which I like - wearing it feels like a gentle hug. Not to say it’s tight at all, it just huggs where it should. I’m happy with my purchase.
I've eyed getting a Better Sweater for a while, but finally Santa delivered one for me this Christmas season. The sweater is great. It can serve as a nice mid-layer during the colder months or stand on its own in warmer weather. It also is the perfect weight to wear around the home or office, which is how I plan on using it.The only "complaint" I have is that the sizing is a little weird to me. I typically wear large in Patagonia products, but with this jacket, I felt like I was swimming in material. Medium fits a lot better, but at the same time I don't feel like I could layer much more than a long sleeve shirt under it. Something to consider depending on what you're looking for.
Wonderful looking jacket. It feels very warm and fairly well built.Here are my main concerns and why I will be returning. I first purchased a large (which is what I normally wear). I am 6 feet 2 inches, 187 pounds. The large fit perfect in shoulder width and arm length. However, the chest and lower sections are so huge, I could fit a fully grown German Shepherd inside with me. When I sat down, the material bunched up around my waist and was annoying.So, I returned the large in exchange for a medium. The medium fit is absolutely perfect, except the shoulder width is so small, its uncomfortable and I am afraid it could rip out in the back. The arms in the medium are rather tight too, but bearable. There is no stretch/give in this product whatsoever, which adds to ... MoreWonderful looking jacket. It feels very warm and fairly well built.Here are my main concerns and why I will be returning. I first purchased a large (which is what I normally wear). I am 6 feet 2 inches, 187 pounds. The large fit perfect in shoulder width and arm length. However, the chest and lower sections are so huge, I could fit a fully grown German Shepherd inside with me. When I sat down, the material bunched up around my waist and was annoying.So, I returned the large in exchange for a medium. The medium fit is absolutely perfect, except the shoulder width is so small, its uncomfortable and I am afraid it could rip out in the back. The arms in the medium are rather tight too, but bearable. There is no stretch/give in this product whatsoever, which adds to how uncomfortable it is in its cut.I am unfortunately going to have to return the product and go back to Under Armor and North Face, which seem to be better built products anyway.Although the better sweater seems like a decent product that is warm and looks nice, Patagonias fit just does not work for me at all. If you have any sort of tall, slender athletic build to you, this is absolutely not the company you should be purchasing gear from.
My first experience with "sweater fleece". It has a knitted look (more formal or dressier appearance, more like a wool jacket) compared with traditional fleece which has no grain. The grain in this jacket is vertical ... which is better, aesthetically, than if it was horizontal. It's denser and firmer (stiffer but not uncomfortably so) than regular fleece, and seems to have equal insulation value to traditional (unknitted) 200 gm fleece. I think the density makes this jacket comparatively more wind, water and weatherproof than unknitted fleece. I think the density makes the knitted fleece more windproof so I can go longer without putting on a top layer in the wind. And holds in the heat better when I rest. The knitted surface does not have the outside fabric ... MoreMy first experience with "sweater fleece". It has a knitted look (more formal or dressier appearance, more like a wool jacket) compared with traditional fleece which has no grain. The grain in this jacket is vertical ... which is better, aesthetically, than if it was horizontal. It's denser and firmer (stiffer but not uncomfortably so) than regular fleece, and seems to have equal insulation value to traditional (unknitted) 200 gm fleece. I think the density makes this jacket comparatively more wind, water and weatherproof than unknitted fleece. I think the density makes the knitted fleece more windproof so I can go longer without putting on a top layer in the wind. And holds in the heat better when I rest. The knitted surface does not have the outside fabric "coziness" of traditional fleece but the inside has a warm feel and the pocket lining material is comparatively superior in warmth and feel and doesn't catch on rough skin and frayed fingernails, rings and watches when you stick your hands inside. There are 3 regular exterior pockets and 1 interior open breast pocket. I think the pocket system (location, number, their significant volume, and importantly, the zips) are optimum for function, capacity and security (my cell phone, key fob and wallet do not fall out when I am active). That was one main reason I landed on the Patagonia jacket in the first place: the pocket system. The other reasons I prefer this jacket are: the raised collar with the main zip to the top so it acts like a scarf without the bulkiness of a scrag (and this collar looks better too), and it doesn't interfere with over layers like fold-over collars do). Then there is the length of the jacket. Too many fleece underlayer jackets stop too high on the back .... just where you need the jacket to cover your lower back in the cold. This Patagonia design has a longer body that covers the areas which normally become exposed become when active, or when bending over, or sitting in a boat, a plane or the back of a pick-up, or reaching when climbing and lifting. The one thing I would do to improve this jacket is a two-way, up-and-down zipper, so it can be left open at the bottom and zipped in either direction. That would improve body temp control adjustment flexibility, and cool-down options, depending on conditions and activities.
Ok, I like this sweater/jacket whatever you want to call it, and I wear it almost every day. It looks good, it's relatively warm and a nice step up from a hoody.The problem I've noticed is wind. A slight chill breeze can go right through this. If you are wearing a baselayer or a long sleeve shirt, you won't notice, but if you are wearing short sleeves you'll definitely feel the breeze come through and give a bit of a chill. It's not as protective as a hoody in a slight breeze situation.So if you plan on 55-65f wearing of this I recommend a base layer to go with.
It is not as warm as an average lightweight fleece jacket, but it is still nice. If you are in a breeze at 50°, you might be a bit chilly unless you have a light underlayment. The arms are slightly snug for what I’m used of but it is still OK and probably more fashionable than my older jackets. The material on the exterior will snag on the leather of my console which is slightly cracked. I thought my arm was stuck in syrup until I realized it was just acting like Velcro. The crack in the leather is very slight and you cannot feel any roughness with your fingers, but the jacket still snags to it , overall I am pleased with the purchase
What can you say about the Better Sweater? It's an amazingly well-made and functional addition to shoulder season outerwear and winter indoor wear. I first bought two of these in 2020, and am only now updating mostly because I noticed the blue is available and felt like spending some money. Two observations — either they used to run large, or they now run smaller. The previous Better Sweaters I bought three years ago were medium and fit perfectly. This time the medium was too large so I returned it for a small that fit perfectly. The other observation is that the fabric of the sweater itself is thinner than it used to be so the look is less bulky and more fitted now.So if you're borderline S and M, consider an S.If I had to buy one sweater for the rest of my life, ... MoreWhat can you say about the Better Sweater? It's an amazingly well-made and functional addition to shoulder season outerwear and winter indoor wear. I first bought two of these in 2020, and am only now updating mostly because I noticed the blue is available and felt like spending some money. Two observations — either they used to run large, or they now run smaller. The previous Better Sweaters I bought three years ago were medium and fit perfectly. This time the medium was too large so I returned it for a small that fit perfectly. The other observation is that the fabric of the sweater itself is thinner than it used to be so the look is less bulky and more fitted now.So if you're borderline S and M, consider an S.If I had to buy one sweater for the rest of my life, this would be it.
Overall it was a great experience. The customer service team was helpful and the website is easy to navigate. However, I'm not a huge fan of the new Better Sweater fit. I recently had a break-in and had a three year old Better Sweater Hoody stolen, among other things. I loved the fit of that older version. It might just be my body type so I wouldn't recommend against purchasing it. It was definitely well made. Hopefully the older fit comes back some day. I returned it for a refund without any issue.
Designed for over weight people. Not a normal patagonia fit. I am 5'9", 180 lbs. Chest 44, sleeve 34.5. The large fits like a potato sack. No shape at all. It balloons around the middle like lower quality brands, which I suspect is a function of the way this jacket is marketed. I ordered it through work with embroidery. It is not a normal Patagonia fit. It's designed for overweight people. Unfortunately, I can't return. It is warm and they've used some sort of special wash to make the polyester feel soft. But, I wish I had sized down. The quality is meh, considering the price. And the tailoring is simply not flattering.
| Season | Fall-Winter 2024-2025 |
