What is a Sherpa fleece?

All fleeces are made to give you comfort and warmth. If you see one described as a pile or Sherpa fleece, it will be carefully woven with two different textures: woolly pile on the outer side and smooth knit fabric close to your skin.

Sherpa fleece jackets tend to be heavier and fluffier than a technical men's fleece jacket you'd go hiking in. On gentle walks or trips to town, a thick pile fleece could make a fantastic outer layer.

How should a men's fleece jacket fit?

To keep you warm without losing their breathability, midlayers should fit you snugly but never too tightly. Choosing the right size often comes down to personal preference and style; you might prefer a loose fit for a new The North Face fleece jumper, for example.

Unless you're buying a full-zip fleece jacket, it's unlikely that you'll be wearing bulky layers underneath. If you're thinking of buying a quarter-zip fleece, you should leave enough space underneath it to fit a base layer.

To give your fleece the best chance at keeping you warm, it should be close-fitting but not restrictive. If you're going to be climbing or scrambling, you should make sure that you can always move your arms up above your head freely.

How should you layer a fleece?

On fresh, breezy and dry days, your fleece could be your outer layer. The technical ability of our fleece jackets comes into play in wet or very cold conditions, where they should be paired with other gear to keep you as comfortable as possible.

When you're adventuring through winter, wearing just one fleece underneath an insulated jacket should keep you warm and cosy. In driving rain on a cold hike or mountaineering trip, your fleece will be perfectly placed underneath a waterproof jacket.

You don't need to wear one fleece on top of another. This is because each technical men's fleece jacket is designed to keep warm air close to your body, while still allowing moisture to escape.

How to wash a technical fleece

Caring for your fleece will depend on its brand and material. Many of our men's fleece jackets can be washed at home but there are a few things to bear in mind. Generally, you should stick to the following steps:

• Only wash your fleece according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Use mild detergents and gentle cycles.
• Avoid using fabric softener on technical gear.
• If you need to tumble-dry your fleece, use a cold setting.

To learn more about keeping your fleece in tip-top condition, please feel free to ask the Tiso team.

How much does fleece shrink when it's washed?

Your technical fleece jacket shouldn't shrink in a regular wash cycle. You only risk damaging the fabric if it's washed on a harsh or very hot cycle, so it's important to pay attention to the settings on your washing machine.

If you're worried about washing your fleece or can't find any instructions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Tiso team for some advice.

Is a Patagonia fleece worth it?

If you'd like to buy an eco-friendly fleece jacket, one that's manufactured by Patagonia could make an excellent choice. This B-Corp certified brand is renowned for sustainability, along with decades of specialist research and development.

At Tiso, we've added our own Think Green label to products made by environmentally friendly brands. We're doing our bit to help you make the kindest choice for the planet.

Choose your new men's fleece with Tiso

We're here to help you find the best midlayer for your next adventures. Whether you're looking for a quarter-zip Berghaus fleece or a soft and chunky fleece by The North Face, we've got you covered.

Come and visit us at your nearest Tiso store for personalised recommendations on your new fleece. We listen carefully to your preferences before choosing a fleece jacket that's perfectly suited to your activity type and the climate you'll be tackling.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to know more about our men's fleeces and midlayers. We're happy to answer any questions you might have about the best gear for camping, mountaineering and climbing. Whether it's walking socks or tents, we're here to help.

Head over to the Tiso Instagram to hear detailed reviews from the team about the gear we're loving this season.