If you’re after an intelligent casual fleece that will go between the hills and town, look no further than Patagonia’s Better Sweater jacket. Made from recycled polyester and Fair Trade Certified sewn and dyed with a low-impact process that reduces energy and water use, it’s an ethically sound choice.
Eco-friendly
When shopping for an eco-friendly sweater, choose one made from organic cotton or other fibers that are sourced and processed responsibly. Avoid synthetics, which can harm the environment and cause microplastics, a severe health issue.
ABLE is an eco-friendly brand that makes beautiful sweaters for women made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. The company is committed to Fair Trade standards and pays a living wage.
The Better Sweater is made from recycled polyester and sewn and dyed with a low-impact process that reduces dyestuffs, energy, and water compared to conventional production methods.
Outerknown offers a wide range of sustainable sweaters made from natural fibers, including recycled polyester, COOLMAX®, upcycled cotton, and recycled cashmere. Many are dyed with a closed-loop GiDelave(tm) diffusion process that uses 98% less water and energy than traditional dying.
Comfortable
Patagonia’s Better Sweater is a midweight fleece offering a hefty dose of warmth without the extra weight associated with more traditional materials. The design also boasts some of the best technology for light-duty wear. Among other things, this fleece has a stretchy lining that allows for an impressive range of movement. A zipped pocket in the chest makes it easy to stash your phone and other essentials, while an insulated main compartment keeps you warm on those cold winter walks and runs.
The best part is that it comes in various sizes and styles, from high-end to low-brow. Aside from the quality above and performance, you can also rest assured that the eco-friendly material and manufacturing processes have been verified by BLUESIGN, ensuring the highest environmental and social responsibility standards are met on every Patagonia product. Most of these items are made with recycled materials innovatively, which means you can be sure your wallet is in good hands.
Versatile
Patagonia’s Better Sweater is a good choice if you’re looking for a fleece that can be used in various environments. Whether running errands or taking the dog for a walk, it’s a comfortable and stylish piece that can be worn around town or during outdoor activities.
With its slim fit and soft interior, the Better Sweater is a comfortable, breathable option that keeps you warm when temperatures drop. Wear it over a t-shirt on warmer days or underneath your base layer for extra warmth and breathability when things get chilly.
It doesn’t match up against the best performance synthetic and down jackets regarding warmth-to-weight ratio, but it stacks up reasonably well for a midweight fleece. Plus, it doesn’t feel cumbersome compared to some heavier-weight fibers we tested (like Arc’teryx’s Covert Cardigan). Its stand-up collar and zipper garage also protect your neck during high-activity pursuits.
Durable
Designed to be a versatile mid-layer, the Better Sweater 1/4-Zip fleece is a comfortable, durable, and lightweight piece ideal for hiking or running in the spring or autumn. It’s also great for chilly days around town and makes an excellent outer layer when you want a durable jacket on hand in moderate weather.
Flat-seam construction reduces bulk and prevents chafing during backpacking. And the sleeves follow your collarbone rather than being stitched in, so they won’t rub against your back when you’re wearing a pack and can be left unzipped.
The Patagonia Better Sweater has several good features, making it one of the most durable fleeces. These include the bottom hems and jersey trim at the cuffs, which add enhanced abrasion resistance to this jacket. And it’s made with bluesign-approved polyester fleece, which means it’s environmentally friendly and has been tested to meet the highest standards for safety and performance.