When looking for superior comfort and warmth, choosing top quality fleeces as fabrics is best. These synthetic materials, first created in Massachusetts at the Malden Mills, were the genius product and pride of those who worked at the Lawrence facility. It was Aaron Feuerstein who spearheaded the choice to allow manufacturers all over the world to create their own versions. As such, this fabric was not patented, and gained rapid recognition.

Manufactured fleece was modeled after natural fleeces from sheep. Their wool was the fiber of choice when it came to clothing for cold times. But the synthetic replication was lighter to wear, easier to wash, and took much less time to dry than the natural fibers. With so many garments worn to keep warmer in inclement weather, it was a natural transition to use this new product to make stylish fleece jacket for women.

Some properties which contribute to the popularity of various fleece weights when used in apparel include its ability to wick moisture away from skin, to insulate against cold and the flexibility it has. Women who buy it appreciate that it is easily washed and dries quickly. Available in many colors and patterns, there is a style to suit every taste.

There are a myriad of weights to consider before buying. The manufacturers generally refer to these weights in numbers. The standard increments are micro, which is the lightest, 100, 200 and 300, which is the heaviest. These are all comfortable to wear, and much lighter than the wool of sheep, which these replicate. The various designations indicate how much cold the clothing is intended to guard against.

Do not think that these jackets are only for athletic wear, however. The fibers have been applied to designs suitable for all kinds of fashion wear. You can buy items that work well for business, social gatherings and travel. Because of their ability to guard against chilly winds, they come in longer lengths as well as shorter.

One thing that fleeces are noted for is their ability to keep warmth in, even when wet. As the fabrics increase in weight, their prices increase. Manufacturers do describe appropriate use and levels of cold their products can protect against. A well insulated jacket is worth every penny spent on it, because it will remain comfortable and efficiently guard against very cold conditions.

Less expensive garments are usually made from single layers. As the complexity of design increases, so do the prices. Those made to work well in colder climates will have two layers. Often, different colors or patterns are available as the insulation value goes up. There are fuzzy and furry styles. Some look more like sweaters due to stitching patterns, while others have the appearance of quilt blocks. Depending on the designer, these variations might be due to style choices or simply show that the garment will be better in the cold.

Feuerstein set Malden Mills to the task of developing a material that would give the warmth of sheep wool but without the weight. He intended that the polyester substitute would be highly efficient. His company reached its goal, and now women worldwide enjoy wearing it for many activities and occasions. The original company eventually evolved into famous name brands of this material. Its versatile fabrics are now the gold standard for high quality cold weather wear.