Fleece jacket - Why fleece is a must in any work wardrobe 

What is fleece and when should I wear a fleece jacket? 

In fact, fleece is not a woven fabric but a knitted fabric and is usually made of polyester. The most important properties of a fleece jacket are lightness, good thermal insulation and breathability.

Fleece jackets are therefore particularly popular for outdoor work and on cooler days. This is because they provide warmth without being heavy or bulky. But fleece jackets are also used a lot in workshops and offices - whenever the room temperature drops below the personal ‘feel-good temperature’.

What are the advantages of a fleece jacket? 

Below we list the most important advantages of fleece jackets for men (especially for craftsmen and work on construction sites or in a production facility). But please note: Fleece is not fleece! There are also big differences in the quality and design of fleece jackets: 

• Fleece jackets keep you nice and warm (even when damp) thanks to the materials used. This makes them an ideal complement to classic workwear on any construction site, especially in autumn and spring.

• Fleece is easy to care for. The polyester jackets can simply be washed in the washing machine and are still in very good condition even after being worn and washed many times. This is important, as workwear simply ends up in the washing machine more often than leisurewear due to the intensive use. Tip: Look for the PRO label seal on the fleece jacket. The PRO label indicates that the fleece jacket fulfils the requirements of ISO 30023 and has been tested for industrial laundry suitability in accordance with ISO 15797.

• Compared to other textiles, fleece is very light and compact in terms of packing dimensions. This is an aspect that should not be neglected, as every extra gram is unnecessary or an additional burden when working on site. 

• Fleece also repels moisture easily and dries quickly. This means that it is always comfortable to wear next to the skin.

What are the disadvantages of a fleece jacket? 

• The fleece jacket reaches its limits at low temperatures. It only consists of one layer and therefore cannot provide the cold protection of multi-layer winter jackets with cold-insulating layers. 

• The fleece jacket also offers inadequate protection when wet. Fleece is not water-repellent or waterproof. If it rains or snows, the jacket can quickly become soaked and lose its warmth. 

• The fleece jacket offers little protection from the wind. The material itself is not windproof, which means that cold wind can easily penetrate the jacket and dissipate body heat.

Is ‘fleece’ always ‘fleece’ or are there differences in quality? 

There are differences in the quality of fleece materials, which can become noticeable after several washes. High-quality fleece retains its shape for longer and is less prone to pilling. It therefore makes sense to pay attention to the material quality when buying to ensure long-term use. 

Expert tip: Combine with other items of clothing 

For optimum warmth and protection in changing weather conditions, the fleece jacket can be combined with other layers. The so-called onion principle, for example, recommends wearing a warm fleece jacket under a robust thermal waistcoat. This combination makes it possible to react flexibly to temperature fluctuations and always be appropriately dressed.

"The classic onion principle is highly recommended, especially in the transitional period. When the weather changes, wearers can quickly take off or put on a layer and are therefore always well prepared," recommends BP workwear expert Alexander Slotnikow.

Which colour for which industry?

When it comes to fleece jackets, there are typical colour preferences for different professions. 

• In trade, industry and manufacturing, fleece jackets in muted colours are predominantly worn. The advantage of this is that they make soiling and wear less visible and also leave a professional impression. For industrial use, there are also fleece jackets with protective properties such as protection against electric arcs, protection against heat and flames or warning protection. 

• In gardening and landscaping, natural colours such as green or brown are the preferred choice. Green fleece jackets for men harmonise with the natural environment and are popular with gardeners and landscapers alike.

• Fleece jackets in white are traditionally the first choice for painters. They perfectly complement the white work outfit and emphasise the clean and professional appearance. The white fleece jacket is also very popular in the medical sector (e.g. in mobile nursing services, doctors' surgeries or clinics). 

• High-visibility fleece jackets in yellow or orange are used in sectors where visibility is crucial - for example in road traffic, on construction sites, in logistics or for waste disposal. These increase safety and ensure that the wearer is easily recognisable even from a great distance.

• Fleece jackets are also popular in the gastronomy. This practical type of jacket is particularly popular in the service sector with outdoor catering. The colour is very often based on the colour concept of the catering establishment.

Conclusion - When is a fleece jacket the right choice?

Fleece jackets for men and women are versatile and practical all-rounders that are particularly suitable as a warming layer in cooler temperatures. They impress with their lightness, thermal insulation and breathability, which makes them ideal for use in workshops, production facilities, warehouses, construction sites and offices. 

However, fleece jackets reach their limits in winter, as they are neither sufficiently windproof nor water-repellent and do not provide sufficient insulation in extreme cold conditions. A practical solution for the cold season is to combine a fleece jacket with a thermal waistcoat to increase protection against wind and cold and to be able to react flexibly to changes in the weather.