The classic Synchilla® jacket made with a recycled polyester fleece that’s as soft and cozy as ever.
Best patagonia synchilla fleece
History of the Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
What is a Synchilla Fleece?
Rumor has it that the history of the Synchilla pile fabric begins with a happy accident. In the late 1970s, a textile mill worker in Teignbridge, Devon messed up when he picked the wrong bobbin, resulting in a tufted fabric different than anything anyone at the mill had seen before. The thick, soft, double-faced fleece looked like the kind of fabric that might keep you warm on a cold day, so the workers requested some jackets be made from it. Sitting on the fence of what to do, Patagonia’s founder Yvon Chouinard decided to go for it, and the rest is history.
The History of Patagonia’s Synchilla Fabric
Patagonia’s Synchilla fabric was developed in the 1980s as a synthetic alternative to the popular and luxurious pile fabric, often made from wool or acrylic fibers. The material used to make this fabric, known as pile fabric or faux fur, is made by weaving together two layers of fibers with binder yarns, which hold the layers together. In the case of Patagonia’s Synchilla fleece, the outside is made with a hard-faced, tightly woven polyester, while the inside is a soft, fuzzy pile of polyester fibers.
The fabric proved to be a hit with Patagonia’s customers, and the company began to expand its line of products made with the fabric. The fabric was used to make pullovers, vests, jackets, and more, and the line became known as Patagonia’s Syncline series. The line was so popular that it became one of the company’s most iconic products and is still in production today. Patagonia continues to make Synchilla products, using recycled materials whenever possible.
The Science Behind the Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
The first thing to understand about the Patagonia Synchilla is that it’s not really one fabric at all. For decades, the company has been making the same basic fleece in a variety of different fabrications, each with a slightly different look and feel.
In the 1970s, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard took a pile of polyester and a loom and began experimenting with ways to make a better pullover. The result was the company’s original Synchilla fabric, made from a double-faced 100% polyester.
The fabric was — and remains — an accomplishment in its own right: lightweight and warm, with a soft, fuzzy face that’s comfortable against the skin; and a tough, smooth outer face that sheds rain and holds up to hard use.
But the fabric wasn’t just about the way it felt.
The secret to the Synchilla’s success is in its construction. The fabric is a knit, which means it’s made by looping yarns together in a series of interlocking loops. The most common knits are made from a single yarn, but the Synchilla’s unique thermal construction is made by knitting two yarns together.
Knitting the fabric this way creates an air pocket between the two layers of yarn. The pocket traps air, which is a great insulator, making the fabric warm.
At the same time, the air pocket also allows the fabric to breathe. The result is a fabric that keeps you comfortable in a wide range of temperatures and conditions.
The fabric is also highly durable. The outer face of the fabric is made from a tightly woven mesh of polyester fibers, which makes it resistant to abrasion and wear. This means that the Synchilla will hold up to years of hard use.
Patagonia has been continuously refining the fabric’s construction over the years, and today’s Synchilla fabrics are made with a variety of different fibers and knitting techniques. But the fabric’s essential design — a double-faced knit with an air pocket in between — remains the same.
And it’s that design that makes the Synchilla such a remarkable fabric. It’s warm, comfortable, and durable — and it’s a great example of the power of good design.
The Pros and Cons of the Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
The Patagonia Synchilla Fleece is a classic piece of outdoor gear, and for good reason. It’s comfortable, durable, and looks great. But is it right for you? Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of this iconic fleece.
The Pros:
– Comfort: The Synchilla Fleece is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing you’ll ever wear. It’s soft, warm, and perfect for lounging around the house or adventuring in the great outdoors.
– Durability: Made from recycled polyester, this fleece is built to last. It’s tough, rugged, and can take a beating.
– Looks: The Synchilla Fleece looks great. The classic Patagonia design is timeless and the range of colors means you can find a style that suits you.
– Versatility: This fleece is perfect for a wide range of activities. It’s warm enough for cold weather, but breathable enough for active pursuits.
– Sustainability: The Synchilla Fleece is made from recycled materials, which reduces the impact on the environment.
The Cons:
– Price: The Synchilla Fleece is not cheap, but is worth the price due to its longevity.
– Weight: This fleece is on the heavier side, which can be a pro or a con depending on your needs.
– Not Waterproof: While the Synchilla Fleece is great for layering, it’s not waterproof. If you need a rain jacket, be sure to pack one.
– Not for Everyone: While the Synchilla Fleece is loved by many, it’s not for everyone. Some people find it too heavy, too warm, or just not their style.
So, is the Patagonia Synchilla Fleece right for you? That’s for you to decide. But if you’re looking for a comfortable, durable, and stylish fleece, it’s a great option to consider.
The Best Uses for the Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
Patagonia’s Synchilla fabric is a staple of its line of outdoor clothing, and for good reason. The double-sided fleece is soft, warm, and durable, with the ability to hold up to all kinds of adventures (and washings) over the years. Initially created to act as an insulator under a climber’s outer shell, the material has since made its way into our everyday wardrobes—and hearts. Here, we break down the six best ways to wear it.
1. As a Jacket
Patagonia’s retro Synchilla Snap-T Pullover is based on the original design from the ’80s. It has a tall collar, quarter-zip placket, and straight cut, and comes in a range of solid colors. We love it in bright red.
2. As a Vest
Patagonia’s Vests have been around since the early 1970s. While most are made from recycled polyester today, back then, they were made of the brand’s original, warm Synchilla fabric. We’re obsessed with the retro look of the Diamond Quilted Blazer.
3. Under a Parka
When the weather is extra cold, layer your fleece jacket or vest under a parka. This will help trap body heat, keeping you extra toasty.
4. As a Top Layer
Patagonia’s Synchilla jackets are perfect for wearing on their own. On warmer fall days, we like to pair them with jeans and boots.
5. On the Road
When embarking on a road trip, there are a few things you should always have on hand: snacks, water, a camera, and a warm, comfortable fleece. Consider packing Patagonia’s classic Retro-X Vest, which has deep pockets to hold all your essentials (and some snacks).
6. For Hanging Out
Patagonia’s Synchilla fabric is designed to be lived in—it gets softer with each wash. Wear it on your next lazy Sunday.
The Different Types of Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
Patagonia Synchilla fleece is a synthetic wool that was originally developed by Malden Mills. It is known for being lightweight, warm, and durable. Patagonia began using the fabric in 1993 and continues to be one of the few brands that use it today. You can find a variety of Patagonia fleece jackets, vests, and pullovers in stores and online.
There are different types of Synchilla fleece and some are warmer, while others are lighter. The warmest type of fleece is the Retro Pile. It has a double-sided pile that provides superior insulation. Some of the other types of fleece include the Snap-T, Fitz Roy, and the Better Sweater.
The Snap-T is one of the most popular fleece styles for men. It is a quarter-zip pullover that is made with a double-sided fleece. The fabric is also brushed on the inside to improve insulation. It is one of the best options for keeping you warm during cold weather.
The Fitz Roy is another popular option for men. It is a full-zip jacket that is made with a flat-faced fleece. It is a good choice for milder temperatures and it can be worn as a mid-layer.
The Better Sweater is a mid-weight fleece that is made with a flat-faced fleece. It is a good choice for milder temperatures and it can be worn as a mid-layer. It is also a good option for people who want a fleece that is more environmentally friendly.
There are also different types of women’s Patagonia Synchilla fleece. Some of the women’s fleece jacket options include the Retro Pile, Fitz Roy, and the Better Sweater. The Retro Pile is a women’s fleece jacket that is made with a double-sided pile. It is a good choice for keeping you warm during cold weather. The Fitz Roy is a women’s full-zip jacket that is made with a flat-faced fleece. It is a good choice for milder temperatures and it can be worn as a mid-layer.
The Better Sweater is a women’s mid-weight fleece that is made with a flat-faced fleece. It is a good choice for milder temperatures and it can be worn as a mid-layer.