Bottom Line
If you’re waffling on a classic, comfortable fleece jacket that won’t go out of style, the Patagonia Better Sweater is the end of your deliberation. This is one of our favorites thanks to its robust construction, attention to detail, and timeless, athletic fit. We love its warm, dense fleece, which provides warmth and lined pockets to keep your hands toasty. Our gear analysts have put his through the wringer for over two decades, and it’s still holding up like a champ!
The Better Sweater is hands-down our favorite fleece jacket for casual use. It’s a phenomenal value for the money since it’ll undoubtedly become one of your closet’s most worn pieces of clothing. The Better Sweater is also available as a quarter-zip (men’s / women’s). And for the full lineup, check out our guide to the best fleeces.
Quick Specs
Patagonia Better Sweater
Best Fleece Jacket Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 81.3
Price: $159
Measured Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Mid-heavyweight
Pros
- Very warm
- Durable
- Stylish
- Good value
- Notably comfy/warm hand pockets
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- A bit heavy and bulky for backcountry adventures
- Not as breathable as some
Warmth
From fall hikes to around town, the Better Sweater is unphased in cooler weather. The sweater is versatile, working well from 60°F down to 30°F in snow, wind, and rain. Patagonia works its fabric magic with a sweater-knit exterior and breathable fleece interior, keeping in warmth while not overheating. In freezing temperatures, the Better Sweater also works well as a layer under an outer shell.
Comfort
The Patagonia Better Sweater is equally comfortable lounging on the couch or watching a movie in a cold theatre as it is hiking up a mountain with a pack on your back. The flat-seam construction not only makes it less bulky but also eliminates chafing. The sweater’s construction moves with you, not against you, on or off the trail. The raglan sleeves make it easy to move in, especially while carrying a pack. And a zipper garage on the collar offers a comfortable soft fabric on your face, not an ice-cold zipper.
Durability
The Better Sweater could put Patagonia out of business with how long it lasts! The recycled polyester is both warm and strong. We wore it through dense thickets and scrambled up sharp rocks wearing it. The force-field-like material will go through anything without snagging, ripping, or tearing. Washing the fleece does not hurt it either, although air-drying is recommended.
Weight
The Better Sweater is not the lightest model on our list, at just over one pound. Packing it into a pack or bag takes up some precious real estate. But that bulk provides thermal protection, and we don’t take this on backpacking trips, so we don’t mind it. It is ideal for casual wear, short jaunts, and travel/leisure wear. If you are cutting weight for a longer hike or trip, consider a more technical, lightweight option.
Features
The Better Sweater has been a Patagonia icon for over four decades. While its colors may change from season to season, this classic piece doesn’t need bells and whistles—its enduring success speaks for itself.
The micro polyester jersey trim on the cuff adds a nice touch of comfort and durability. The subtle hem at the back of the neck withstands wear and tear while retaining its shape. Two zippered hand pockets and a headphone-compatible zippered left-chest pocket are fit for a wallet or keys. The fleece, made with recycled materials, is Fair Trade Certified.
Should You Buy The Patagonia Better Sweater?
The Patagonia Better Sweater is the go-to outerwear for frontcountry adventures and car camping, built to withstand a lifetime of use in diverse conditions. As a midweight layer, it shines in spring, fall, and blustery winter days. Whether battling a drafty office or setting up a glampsite, this versatile piece delivers reliable warmth. It’s equally effective as a standalone or part of a layering system.
While it doesn’t pack down and is not as lightweight as a technical fleece, the Better Sweater’s classic design and dependability make it the layer you’ll instinctively grab when the temperature drops.
What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?
North Face Denali Fleece: The North Face Denali looks and feels similar to the Better Sweater. It is a little softer, bulkier, and less low-profile.
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece: Like the Patagonia Better Sweater, the Cotopaxi Teca is a go-to fleece that you can wear all day in various conditions. From around-town to day hikes, the Teca will work well. It is a little less durable and more of a lifestyle fleece than the Better Sweater.
