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 significantly reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional 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 significantly reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional 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 significantly reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional 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 significantly reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional dyeing methods. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
Last updated at 06/20/2024 15:20:04
originally posted on sunandski.com
The Patagonia Lightweight Better Sweater Shelled jacket is really nice. It has a shelled water repellant/abrasion resistant upper that covers the chest and shoulders. The lower torso and part of the sleeves are made of soft sweater-knit fleece that is comfortable and warm. Best thing is it has a DWR finish. This jacket is not as thick as the regular Better Sweater, but still substantial. It is full-zip up to the neck, great for chilly Spring mornings or early Fall when the weather is cooler. Sizing is spot-on, not too slim, not too loose. A solid jacket.
originally posted on patagonia.com
I ordered a small based on other reviews. First, I am 5'7" on a good day and under 150 lbs.Here is what I discovered. The sleeve length is longer than what I expected. The sleeves and body of the jacket are somewhat form fitting with a T-shirt and another long sleeve shirt as base layers. There are unexpected wonderful features such as the soft warm interior lining of the pockets and neck lining. The pockets appear to be set in a bit but make it convenient for my hands. Since I couldn't add a vest under the jacket, I was almost going to return it for a medium; but I am sitting here sending in this review wearing my first Patagonia garment and am pleasantly pleased with this purchase. I look forward to more purchases.
originally posted on REI
I purchased this in Large (which is what I normally wear) online through REI because my local REI has a horrible selection of products. When I received it, it was so big (particularly in the waist area) it was unusable. I am 6’ 2” and 180 pounds. So, I made the 2 hour trip back to REI to return the product. They also did not have a medium in stock, so I ordered the medium online. The fit is perfect in the waist area, but not in the sleeves or in the back across the shoulders. Beware there is a HUGE sizing gap between medium and large. It seems as though this is designed for people who are pear shaped with skinny, slinky arms. I don’t know what to tell you, the material is amazing, but Patagonia does not seem to know how to make a fit for those who are even ... MoreI purchased this in Large (which is what I normally wear) online through REI because my local REI has a horrible selection of products. When I received it, it was so big (particularly in the waist area) it was unusable. I am 6’ 2” and 180 pounds. So, I made the 2 hour trip back to REI to return the product. They also did not have a medium in stock, so I ordered the medium online. The fit is perfect in the waist area, but not in the sleeves or in the back across the shoulders. Beware there is a HUGE sizing gap between medium and large. It seems as though this is designed for people who are pear shaped with skinny, slinky arms. I don’t know what to tell you, the material is amazing, but Patagonia does not seem to know how to make a fit for those who are even marginally athletic.
| For | Men |
The Patagonia Lightweight Better Sweater Shelled jacket is really nice. It has a shelled water repellant/abrasion resistant upper that covers the chest and shoulders. The lower torso and part of the sleeves are made of soft sweater-knit fleece that is comfortable and warm. Best thing is it has a DWR finish. This jacket is not as thick as the regular Better Sweater, but still substantial. It is full-zip up to the neck, great for chilly Spring mornings or early Fall when the weather is cooler. Sizing is spot-on, not too slim, not too loose. A solid jacket.
I ordered a small based on other reviews. First, I am 5'7" on a good day and under 150 lbs.Here is what I discovered. The sleeve length is longer than what I expected. The sleeves and body of the jacket are somewhat form fitting with a T-shirt and another long sleeve shirt as base layers. There are unexpected wonderful features such as the soft warm interior lining of the pockets and neck lining. The pockets appear to be set in a bit but make it convenient for my hands. Since I couldn't add a vest under the jacket, I was almost going to return it for a medium; but I am sitting here sending in this review wearing my first Patagonia garment and am pleasantly pleased with this purchase. I look forward to more purchases.
I purchased this in Large (which is what I normally wear) online through REI because my local REI has a horrible selection of products. When I received it, it was so big (particularly in the waist area) it was unusable. I am 6’ 2” and 180 pounds. So, I made the 2 hour trip back to REI to return the product. They also did not have a medium in stock, so I ordered the medium online. The fit is perfect in the waist area, but not in the sleeves or in the back across the shoulders. Beware there is a HUGE sizing gap between medium and large. It seems as though this is designed for people who are pear shaped with skinny, slinky arms. I don’t know what to tell you, the material is amazing, but Patagonia does not seem to know how to make a fit for those who are even ... MoreI purchased this in Large (which is what I normally wear) online through REI because my local REI has a horrible selection of products. When I received it, it was so big (particularly in the waist area) it was unusable. I am 6’ 2” and 180 pounds. So, I made the 2 hour trip back to REI to return the product. They also did not have a medium in stock, so I ordered the medium online. The fit is perfect in the waist area, but not in the sleeves or in the back across the shoulders. Beware there is a HUGE sizing gap between medium and large. It seems as though this is designed for people who are pear shaped with skinny, slinky arms. I don’t know what to tell you, the material is amazing, but Patagonia does not seem to know how to make a fit for those who are even marginally athletic.
It's really a great sweater. It looks great and it's got great pockets. The fit is good for me as a tall person, meaning the sleeves are long enough and the torso length aligns slightly below my belt. It's very warm, and yet simultaneously breathable, making it great for cold weather hiking, as it traps just enough heat to stay warm but not so much I'm roasting after warming up.Maybe one word of warning is that it does shrink after washing, so account for that as you try it on. I felt like before washing the Large was a little big around my chest, but since washing it, it's shrunk slightly to be a very comfortable and nice-looking fit.
Originally got this in a medium and the collar was tight even when not fully zipped, but rest of the fit was good and it looked good.Returned and tried large, but it was way too baggy and arm length was rather long. Just in general looked unflattering with how baggy it was.Went back for a medium and while the collar was fine. The armholes were very off that they were digging into my armpits even unzipped. Just going have to unfortunately return this and be done with it as playing return tag for sizing issue isn't fun.I will say it looks quite good, I got the Stonewash color and had it fit well it's clearly a nice design and color with a preppy vibe from the popped collar which covers the back of the neck. However, should note it's very much not wind resistant or ... MoreOriginally got this in a medium and the collar was tight even when not fully zipped, but rest of the fit was good and it looked good.Returned and tried large, but it was way too baggy and arm length was rather long. Just in general looked unflattering with how baggy it was.Went back for a medium and while the collar was fine. The armholes were very off that they were digging into my armpits even unzipped. Just going have to unfortunately return this and be done with it as playing return tag for sizing issue isn't fun.I will say it looks quite good, I got the Stonewash color and had it fit well it's clearly a nice design and color with a preppy vibe from the popped collar which covers the back of the neck. However, should note it's very much not wind resistant or solid as I could feel the breeze in the jacket while fully zipped.
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.
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.
I bought the Better Sweater Jacket in the Dark Borealis Green. I really like the color and it is very soft and warm. It is definitely not a technical fleece as it's not the lightest weight and not wind/weather resistant. Therefore, in my opinion, it's best suited for casual wear. It transitions well between office and leisure, business casual to casual. It works well with a pair of jeans or khakis; T-shirts, henleys, and collared shirts and it is comfortable and keeps you warm as long as there is not a whole lot of wind. I prefer using my R2 Techface jacket when outdoors in breezy conditions for extended periods of time and when engaging in more active pursuits outside. My one minor issue with this jacket is that the sleeve cuffs are not quite tight enough. The ... MoreI bought the Better Sweater Jacket in the Dark Borealis Green. I really like the color and it is very soft and warm. It is definitely not a technical fleece as it's not the lightest weight and not wind/weather resistant. Therefore, in my opinion, it's best suited for casual wear. It transitions well between office and leisure, business casual to casual. It works well with a pair of jeans or khakis; T-shirts, henleys, and collared shirts and it is comfortable and keeps you warm as long as there is not a whole lot of wind. I prefer using my R2 Techface jacket when outdoors in breezy conditions for extended periods of time and when engaging in more active pursuits outside. My one minor issue with this jacket is that the sleeve cuffs are not quite tight enough. The sleeves are a decent length for a jacket, but since the cuffs seem a bit loose, the jacket sleeves hang down a bit and sometimes get in the way of my hands. The sleeves don't stay up when you pull the sleeves up which can get a bit annoying especially when washing your hands. I tried a Better Sweater Jacket a couple years ago and found the exact opposite- the sleeves, particularly in the forearms and cuffs, were too tight to the point that it would be difficult to wear a thin long sleeve under it. Maybe Patagonia changed the sleeves(?) and went a little too loose (?) Other than that, awesome, warm, cozy and comfortable casual fleece jacket.
Overall fit in finish of the jacket is decent. My zippers feels a little cheap and sticky, but remain functional. I really wish they would add some pull strings to the bottom of these jackets considering they arent exactly a lightweight piece to begin with. See sizing comments below. As for the longevity of the piece: I expected a little bit of pilling with this kind of fleece, but this iteration seems to be much worse than other better sweaters that Ive had in the past. The bottom of my jacket sees the most wear for some odd reason. Ive only had it a few months, washed it probably five times and it already looks like trash. I suppose I could go at it with a de-pilling apparatus, but I dont know.. Id be willing to sacrifice sustainability for a bit better build that ... MoreOverall fit in finish of the jacket is decent. My zippers feels a little cheap and sticky, but remain functional. I really wish they would add some pull strings to the bottom of these jackets considering they arent exactly a lightweight piece to begin with. See sizing comments below. As for the longevity of the piece: I expected a little bit of pilling with this kind of fleece, but this iteration seems to be much worse than other better sweaters that Ive had in the past. The bottom of my jacket sees the most wear for some odd reason. Ive only had it a few months, washed it probably five times and it already looks like trash. I suppose I could go at it with a de-pilling apparatus, but I dont know.. Id be willing to sacrifice sustainability for a bit better build that I wouldnt have to take care of so much.The fit is properly sized up at the arms and shoulders, but it definitely has that defined belly bulge that caters to those who uh.. well, the American waistline, lets say. For me, it works - but just. Again, the pull strings would help retain more warmth from escaping the bottom of the jacket if the design is to remain bell-like at the bottom.Try before you buy and be aware that youll probably have to buy a sweater shaver to care for it as part of your routine. I can still recommend it because its warm and mostly fits well (probably will fit the vast majority of folks), but there are some glaring sustainability and firmest issues that I thought Patagonia would have ironed out at this point in this products life.
| For | Men |
