The Interesting Origin Story of the Fleece Jacket
Picture this: it's the late 1970s in Massachusetts. Hair is big, music is loud, and somewhere in a mill, someone is having a lightbulb moment that will change how we stay warm forever.
That someone was working at Malden Mills, and they had a problem with wool. Sure, wool kept you warm, but it was also heavy, itchy, took forever to dry, and let's be honest—sheep weren't exactly queuing up to donate their coats. There had to be a better way.
When Polyester Came Onto The Scene
The solution came from an unlikely source: petroleum. By spinning polyester fibres into a dense fabric and then brushing it to create that signature soft, lofty texture, they created something revolutionary. They called it "Polar Fleece," and it did everything wool did, just better.
This new fabric was lightweight, dried quickly, and here's the kicker—it kept you warm even when wet. For anyone who's ever been caught in the rain wearing wool, you'll know this was nothing short of miraculous.
But here's where the story gets interesting. Malden Mills made a decision that would seem crazy in today's world: they didn't patent their invention. They basically handed the recipe to everyone and said, "Go wild." This single act of generosity allowed the entire industry to innovate and improve on the original design.
Patagonia Enters the Scene
Enter Patagonia in the 1980s. They saw the potential in this new fabric and partnered with Malden Mills to refine it further. Their Synchilla Snap-T pullover became the stuff of legend—every mountaineer worth their salt had one.
What started as gear for serious outdoor enthusiasts quickly found its way into everyday wardrobes. Because let's face it, when something is that comfortable and practical, it doesn't stay confined to just one group for long.
The Fleece Family Tree
Not all fleece is created equal. Think of it as a family with distinct personalities:
High-pile fleece is the teddy bear of the group—fluffy, warm, and perfect for when you want to feel like you're wrapped in a cloud. It's ideal for extreme cold but can be a bit bulky when you're trying to layer.
Low-pile fleece is the practical sibling—compact, versatile, and plays well with others. It's your go-to mid-layer that won't bulk you up like a marshmallow.
Sherpa fleece is the worldly cousin, inspired by the woolen garments of Nepalese Sherpas. It mimics the warmth and texture of sheep's wool but without any of the animal involvement. It's dense, plush, and has that perfect "just-right" feel.
Then there are the technical innovations: microfleece for when you need lightweight breathability, grid fleece with its textured surface for enhanced airflow, and options with nylon liners for when the wind decides to join the party uninvited.
The Science Bit (Don't Worry, We'll Keep It Simple)
Fleece excels because of its warmth-to-weight ratio. It breathes well, wicks moisture, and traps air for insulation. The high-pile versions trap more air (more warmth) but take up more space. The low-pile and grid versions are better for active use when you're building heat through movement.
Sherpa fleece stands out with its dense, plush texture—it's like wearing a hug that actually keeps you warm.
The Green Side of Fleece
Here's something that might surprise you: modern fleece jackets are often made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. Your jacket could literally be saving the planet, one soda bottle at a time.
These jackets are built to last. We're talking years of wear, not months. In a world where everything seems designed to break, fleece jackets are refreshingly reliable. They're the friend who shows up when they say they will and sticks around for the long haul.
From Innovation to Icon
The story of fleece is really the story of practical innovation meeting real-world needs. It started with a simple goal: create something better than wool. What emerged was a fabric that would become a staple in outdoor gear, work uniforms, and casual wardrobes worldwide.
From those early days in a Massachusetts mill to today's high-tech versions made from recycled materials, fleece has proven that sometimes the best innovations are the ones that make life a little easier, a little warmer, and a lot more comfortable.
And that decision by Malden Mills not to patent their invention? It meant that everyone could improve on the original design, leading to the incredible variety of fleece options we have today. Sometimes the best business decision is simply to share good ideas and let them grow.
So the next time you zip up your fleece jacket, remember: you're wearing a piece of history. One that started with someone looking at wool and thinking, "We can do better than this." And they were absolutely right.
At Cloke, since 1966 we understand that the best garments are born from real innovation and built to last. Our fleece range carries on that tradition of practical excellence that began in a small Massachusetts mill all those years ago.