If you had to buy a fleece...

[ItsNiceItsDifferentItsUnusual]

Where would you buy it from? Am looking for genuine functional warmth rather than your run of the mill fleecy looking item...

I've seen some in Lands End and know their coats are spoken of highly. I have had one from Uniqlo in the past but it was very static and seemingly useless. Have looked at North Face but ££££...though I wouldn't mind if people say they're worth it.

I'm aware this is not the height of sartorial splendour but I will be starting a job soon where I will be outside for the majority of the winter and I need another layer.

If you're going to be outside for prolonged periods during colder months I'd look at thermal base layers before a synthetic fleece; silk or wool thermals are worth their weight in gold, and silk glove liners will save your fingers regularly.

The North Face coats tend to be more functional than the fleeces, I find, but look on Surfdome for proper cold-weather gear.

I have a fleece blazer from lands end - it is really warm, I often don't need a coat in winter if I'm wear it.

I'd go to an outdoor shop, they are getting their winter ranges in now and not all lurid colours. Mountain warehouse, Trespass, tog 24 are good value, also Go Outdoors and Decathlon. A merino thermal top or uniqlo heattech are good additions too.

My Lands End fleece parka has just died, and was a brilliant coat addition as the length kept my bum warm. I am also a big fan of their down coats for serious warmth

Cotswold outdoors had some RAB fleeces, with 15% off sale items plus another 15% off if you are a member of National Trust (you have to email them for a code)

So I got a RAB coat that had £40 off, in the sale - plus 15% off plus another 15% off.

Cotswold

Hillwalking family, here.

I have two LandsEnd fleeces: a blazer and a tailored windproof. Both are excellent, on a par with technical makes, but not necessarily cut for physical activity. I think they do that style, too, though.

Dh particularly likes Tog24, but any of the big brand names should be good with thoughtful layering. Yes, they're expensive, but we generally buy ours at outlets. Last year's styles at massive reductions.

Any Scouts or YHA members in your family? Cotswold, Millets and Blacks all give 10-15% discounts on full price items if you show a membership card.

IMO, though, the key to warmth is thoughtful layering. 100% merino long underwear (Decathlon is the cheapest I've found, and perfectly good), a thin layer on top of that, eg a silk or viscose top, followed by a fleece and a waterproof, windproof coat. Legs may or may not need an extra layer between long johns and trousers. Neckscarf, hat and gloves, too, of course.

A huge advantage of merino undies is that you don't overheat when you come indoors.

This is so helpful, thank you.

I have a North Face coat that I was planning as my top layer. It's fleece lined but definitely not warm enough for proper winter on its own.

I'm going to google all the brands suggested.

Merino base layers are a must. Mountain Warehouse has some good value ones. Their fleeces are pretty good as well.

Uniqlo

If it's for work, I'd buy a Dickies or other workwear fleece. They're hardwearing and properly warm. I wouldn't bother looking for women's ranges, I find the regular ones fit just fine (I can happily wear an S in most of their clothes, and I'm 5' 1" & skinny, it's a bit big but the same is true of a size 8 in most women's clothes...)

Don't forget socks, either!

Again, wool beats everything else hands-down.

A pair of good, thick wool socks will keep your toes warm even in city shoes. I wouldn't take 100% wool, though. It needs some nylon for toughness.

Another advantage of wool is that it doesn't need to be washed after every wear. Our woollens get aired outdoors on sunny days. Socks get a day or two airing between wears (I have several pairs) and washed after 3 or 4 wears, which usually means all of them together once a month in a lingerie bag. Long underwear gets washed once or twice a month, less often if it gets some sunshine. It all gets machine washed on the woollens cycle using Liquid Soap Flakes and line dried draped, not pegged.

The very best socks on the planet (you are going to hate me and love me) are the Corrymoor Companion mohair socks. Yes, they cost more than any socks you have ever bought, but trust me, they are the dog's b*llocks. They are warmer than you would believe possible; they do NOT make your feet smell or itch and you can wear them for several days before they make their own way to the washing machine, where they survive a standard wash perfectly well. (Try to remember to take them out of the tumble dryer; they do live through it but it shortens their life.) I have bought one or two pairs a year for several years, and never wear anything else in winter. HTH.

Are they really, really warm Xing? I'm planning on swimming in a lake all winter and I need something to put on afterwards that is super cosy as I rewarm

I have fleece. Its from Jack wolfskin and has a thin knitted layer on top so it looks quite nice.

I hadn't even thought of socks 😱

Making notes!

This company is ace , I've some lovely stuff from here and I gave my mil a fleece which was really thick and well made, think taped seams etc .

www.johnnorris.co.uk/collections/fleeces

I think it was a Seeland Bolton that I gave to mil

CMOTDibbler, I promise they are really, really warm even when they are wet! You want the ones with the looped interior sole.

Brill, I'll order some now!

I have an Ariat fleece, I’ve also owned North Face fleeces and the Ariat one beats those on warmth and it was only £40.

I have patagonia fleeces. I like them as they dont have that fluffy feel.

I also have a north face osito which is lovely feels almost velour.

I also have a regatta one that is like an oversized hoody. Which is great as can get a few layers underneath.

If you are worried about the cold look into merino base layers maybe?

I am a super outdoorsy person. Didnt realise what a fleece collection I have until started listing them.

Oh yes. I 2nd the ariat reccomendation. I have one of those too for riding. Lovely and warm!