I didn’t realize how much my Patagonia Better Sweater meant to me until it was gone… We had climbed mountains together, traveled the world–it had accompanied me from the end of college all through my early adulthood. We were supposed to grow old together.
And then, all the sudden, it was gone.
The results of an unlocked car and a trusting Christmas Eve spirit, we didn’t realize until Christmas day that our car had been ransacked, and one of the victims? My Patagonia Better Sweater fleece.
I was devastated. Not only was it my best, most trusted sweater (as this Patagonia Better Sweater Review will attest to), it had become my companion, dare I say, friend.
The only thing I could think to do was to write this review as an ode to my long-lost pal, the best Better Sweater a girl could have. And of course, start scouring the internet for a replacement. Herein lies the journey.
The look of wool with the easy-care and sustainability of 100% recycled polyester fleece -Patagonia's Better Sweater is the ultimate mid-weight, functional (yet stylish) sweater pick.
It's cozy, comes in multiple styles, and the recycled fleece combined with low impact dyeing methods and Fair Trade Certified™ sewing makes it sustainable and ethical from start to finish.
Patagonia Better Sweater: Styles & Options
The Better Sweater is Patagonia’s line of mid-weight, thick or double-lined fleece sweaters. As most are made from 100% recycled polyester fleece, Better Sweater is an easier, more utilitarian alternative to wool wear. Easy to wash, fast to dry, flexible, and yes, warm.
The sweater-knit style of these fleeces make them straddle the line between pine forest adventures and coffee shop casual. Think Bear Grylls goes to town.
So what can you expect from a Patagonia Better Sweater?
Better-for-the-world. No matter what you buy from Patagonia, you can rest easy knowing there are no cut corners.
The Better Sweater is no exception. Most styles are made from 100% recycled polyester and are also dyed in a low-impact process.
All of them sport BLUESIGN approval which guarantees that the materials were sourced sustainably and in a way that is safe for communities. Their Fair Trade certification also makes for traceable and transparent sourcing– in fact, you can read more about the exact mill and factory it was made by clicking “Where it’s made” under the Impact section.
Durability. Patagonia gear and clothing aren’t just known for their eco-friendly and socially conscious making (which we’ll touch on more below), they’re also famed for their quality and durability. This is a brand of avid outdoors people who value quality and durability in their equipment.
The Better Sweater is no exception.
This fair-trade certified, recycled-polyester fleece is made to last. My own went through 8 years of rough-and-tumble travel, farming, crafting, and more with only a few stains (a rite of passage of all my clothing, it seems) and one infinitesimal hole on the top layer on the frontside pocket that I always have a hard time locating.
Warmth. While the Patagonia Better Sweater fleece won’t keep out the blistering cold (which for me means anything below 40F) on its own, it’ll do well as a mid-layer or as a warmer option for those just-in-case occasions. For us Texans, this is a year-round go-to.
Its tight knit and thick fleece bode well for chilly conditions, just not to-the-bone cold. In short? It’s a sweater.
(Need to level up? Try out the Nano Puff or any of their downs for that matter.)
Rain, eh, not so much. It wouldn’t be my first call for rainy weather, although many of the Better Sweater options have a moisture-wicking fleece interior layer and some even sport a water-resistant shell.
Great as an outer layer in dry conditions, you’ll probably want to bring a weather resistant shell to wear over this fleece jacket when it’s gray out. Otherwise the thick fleece acts like a sponge, and you’ll be dragging around more or less the equivalent of a limp wet mop head.
(If you’re looking to get into some soggy conditions, you’ll want to check out Patagonia’s Rainshadow or Torrentshell jackets.)
Breathability, 🤷♀️. Breathability isn’t what the Better Sweater is known for given the thick material made for coziness and, for some styles, the moisture-wicking on top of that. As soon as the humidity level ventures above 60-70% in temperate climates, you’ll probably be unzipping or peeling off this layer.
Bulky. For all you backpackers out there, the biggest drawback is it’s packability.
While the thick fleece is great for in-between weather, it’s not so great at packing down. In fact, I usually chose not to pack it in at all–I’ll either sport it or tie it up on the outside of my pack.
Either way, it’s coming with me.
Versatile. Somewhere between city chic and adventure-ready, the Better Sweater is meant to be as versatile as it is cozy and warm. Its casual vibes are perfect for the office or the trails, and some styles can even be dressed up a bit. 🕺
Pillage. No, not the kind you’re thinking about…I’m talking about pilling–the formation of those tiny balls of fluff on the surface of clothing. If not properly cared for, the knitting on these sweaters are very vulnerable to such pillage. Check the FAQs below for more on how to avoid and remove pilling.
Pockets Galore. This sweater doesn’t lack storage space. (BTW, if storage space isn’t on your quicklist for sweater features, it definitely should be.)
From arm pockets, chest pockets, marsupial pockets, drop-in, and more, the Better Sweater line doesn’t skimp on pocket space.
The side pockets are perfect for keeping hands warm and the extra pockets are also great for keeping your passport, wallet, and other valuables safe and unseen. My Better Sweater is an integral part of my airport outfit for this reason.
BUYER BEWARE–Yes, these spacious pockets mean that I can successfully fit my water bottle, wallet, sunglasses, a book, some chapstick, sunscreen, you name it between the two inside drop-in pockets. But it also means that numerous chapsticks have fallen victim to the wash and my Sunski sunglasses have been “lost” for weeks on end.
Many Styles. One of the best things about the Better Sweater fleece? There are options (and even options within options!) for every kind of adventure and adventurer.
Let’s zoom in a bit more with a run-down of their three most popular styles and explore some of options and features within each category:
Patagonia Better Sweater ¼ Zip Review: Less Zip, More Warmth
Quick Specs
Description: The ¼ Zip is the pullover of the Better Sweater bunch.
Material: 80–100% recycled polyester with micropolyester trims
Weight: M: ~505 g (17.8 oz)-519 g (18.3 oz); W: ~349 g (12.3 oz)-391 g (13.8 oz)
Sizes: XS-3XL
Price: $60*-119
*The lower price on this spectrum accounts for styles on sale at Patagonia’s Worn Wear website where they sell lightly worn and discontinued styles.
Features
Zippered Pouch Pocket (W): Man, do I love me a well-placed pocket. Perfect for a phone or just the essentials, this Zippered Pouch Pocket on the left side arm is a welcomed convenience when you’re on the run, literally. I’m an old-school gal who still uses wired headphones, so the proximity to my ear space is appreciated.
But I can also imagine that not everyone will be a fan–the added weight on one side could really throw a girl out of whack.
Zippered Left-Chest Pocket (M): And for the fellows, a chest pocket. Also the perfect size for a phone, some styles are even compatible with headphone cables (my kinda man).
Stand Up Collar: Ya gotta protect ya neck! The zipper goes all the way up to do just that.
Flat-Seam Construction: Translation? Less bulky and chafe-proof seams. No need for powder reinforcements.
Style Options
Like I said, there are tons of options within the options. Patagonia loves to change it up! Here are some of the common offshoots to the ¼ Zip:
Lightweight Options: Some versions sport a lighter polyester fabric than the classic Better Sweater fleece. These weigh less and pack better, but won’t offer the same kind of warmth as the reg Better Sweater.
Rib-Knit: For a little extra class, go for the Rib-Knit. The subtle lines and softer fabric make this style a bit more refined.
Marsupial Pockets: Ah my favorite mammal-inspired pocket type. So good at keeping your hands cozy and warm.
Pros & Cons of the Better Sweater ¼ Zip
If you’re in it for the warmth, this is the sweater for you. The ¼ zipper is best for keeping warm air in, which means it’s not the best if you’re looking for breathability. For this reason, I find it to be a little less versatile than the Better Sweater Fleece Jacket.
Another big fault for the ¼ Zip is that for my short torso and wide hips, any pullover ends up making me look like a muffin top. While there are occasions for that, I’ll need something a little more versatile.
Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket Review: Most Versatile
Quick Specs
Description: A full zipper, multi-option Better Sweater line that seems to cover all your bases.
Material: 100% recycled polyester with micro polyester jersey trims
Weight: M:~482 g (17 oz)-638 g (22.5 oz); W: 451 g (15.9 oz)-479 g (16.9 oz)
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Price: $60*-179
*The lower price on this spectrum accounts for styles on sale at Patagonia’s Worn Wear website where they sell lightly worn and discontinued styles.
Features
Full Zip: The full zip really allows for versatility and breathability. Too warm? Open it up a bit! Windy? Pull it on up! It’s a zipper!
Pockets, Pockets, Pockets: Have I mentioned all the pockets? You might be tired of hearing about it, but seriously! Patagonia knows how to place a pocket and they don’t hold back either. Many of the Better Sweater Jacket styles will have upwards of 3-5 pockets. (The cargo pants of sweaters.)
All Better Sweater styles have hand-warming side pockets with zippers, perfect for warming your little fingies right up!
Women’s Better Sweater styles often sport a zippered sleeve pocket, while men styles will have a Zippered Chest Pocket and sometimes two! But my favorite pockets are the interior drop-in pockets. As I said, you can fit A LOT of things in there. You may look like a crazy person when you jam pack ‘em, but man, is it convenient!
All are great for keeping valuables well-hidden and secure from the hustle and bustle of city-living and the ups and downs of the trail.
Stand Up Collar: The zipper goes all the way to the tippy top of the neck, which comes in real handy during windy and cold conditions… even if it accentuates my double chin now and then.
Style Options
There are a lot of options within the Better Sweater Jacket suite. My own sweet Better Sweater Hoody was herself an offshoot of the Better Sweater Jacket!
Here are some of the common spin-offs of the Better Sweater Fleece Jacket:
Lightweight Options: With the Lightweight Jacket, you’ll be getting a sportier, more flexible jacket meant for movement. Whereas the Shirt Jacket is one you can dress up for a night on the town.
Shelled: Another lightweight option is the Better Sweater Shelled Jacket. The abrasion resistant polyester shell has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that protects the sweater not only from pack straps, but also from a light drizzle.
Hoody: Hoods are hats that you don’t so easily lose. Patagonia’s are especially great because they also graciously fit a hat, even two, underneath them, yet they’re still small enough to fit another hoody on top. Makes for a very toasty little head bundle.
Coat: Exactly what it sounds like, the Better Sweater Coat is the fleece we all know and love just in coat form. A note here is that I only found this style option in women’s.
A little longer than hip length and roomier to allow for layers, the Better Sweater Coat is a step up in warmth and can be spruced up to wear out to dinner.
Pros, & Cons of the Better Sweater Jacket
I might be biased as apparently my most faithful companion was a Better Sweater Jacket… but I really do think the Better Sweater Jacket really checks all the boxes, except for packability.
The thick fleece is great for keeping you warm and is great to layer in colder weather, but the full zip allows for breathability when needed. The multitude of options and styles really opens up the use to all needs.
The big hindrance here is that the thick fleece doesn’t pack down too well. When I have tried to pack it in, it easily takes up ⅕ of the entire pack. Although this little fact doesn’t keep me from taking it on every single trip. I’ll find a way to bring it even if it means sweating in it.
The features I love the most? If it’s not already obvious, the pockets…but we don’t have to go into that again. Second, the hood. I really recommend going with a hood on this one. There have been countless times where the hood REALLY came in handy. 🥶
Patagonia Better Sweater Vest Review: For Moderate Climates
Quick Specs
Description: A full-zip, multi-pocketed Better Sweater Vest.
Material: 100% recycled polyester with micro polyester trims
Weight: M:394 g (13.9 oz) ; W: 301 g (10.6 oz)
Sizes: XS-3XLPrice: $41*-99
*The lower price on this spectrum accounts for styles on sale at Patagonia’s Worn Wear website where they sell lightly worn and discontinued styles.
Features
Full-Zip with Stand-Up Collar: Like its brethren, the Better Sweater Vest sports a stand up collar to protect the ever vulnerable neck. It’s also a full zip, allowing for maximum weather versatility.
Offset Shoulder & Flat Construction Seams: The seams on the Better Sweater Vest are slightly off the tippy top of the shoulder to minimize irritation from backpack straps. More than that, the seams also lie down flat to address the same problem and to aid in packability. So thoughtful, Patagonia! Muah!
Pocket Details: Both men and women styles pack zippered hand pockets AND my favorite drop-in interior pocket(s). My bone to pick here is that only the men’s styles have a zippered chest pocket. When will the fashion industry realize that people wearing women’s clothing want and need pockets just the same?!
Shape-Holding Armholes and Hem: GOT to have armholes that hold their own, AMIRITE?! The armored trim protects the armholes from wear and tear and wrinkles and folds.
Style Options
Not many different styles in the Better Sweater Vest line except for color options. Your best luck for some variety is to go to some of the Better Sweater cousins. Here are a few:
Synchilla Vest: Pretty much the lightweight version of the Better Sweater Vest. Check out our whole review of the Synchilla Sweater line!
Nano Puff Vest: A step up in warmth, water-resistance, and packability. Check out our review of the Nano Puff Jacket line!
Down Sweater Vest: Whoa! Getting serious on your vest game, are we?! The Down Sweater Vest is sure to keep you the warmest, while still packing down. Plus it’s water-resistant!
Pros & Cons of the Better Sweater Vest
Vests are a great option for the more active wearer and the outdoorsy fashionista/o embracing moderate climates. The Better Sweater Vest will do great in milder weather or during heavy activity when it’s really cold out. Like much of it’s Better Sweater counterparts, it makes for a great layer!
Another plus here is that the Better Sweater Vest will pack down easier than the other options within the line…due in part because a lot of it is missing.
I imagine that my South Texas upbringing has a lot to do with this opinion, as the weather here is EITHER blazing hot or freezing cold, but I just don’t really understand vest appeal. I know, I know–your core’s temperature–but when it comes down to it, wouldn’t you rather have core protection AND sleeves, just in case?
Patagonia Better Sweater FAQs
Is Patagonia Better Sweater worth it?
Yes, very much so. While it might be quite the upfront investment, the Better Sweater will keep you warm and easily last you a decade or more if it’s well-cared for. I didn’t take care of mine at all, and yet it soldiered on just fine. The quality and durability are well worth it!
5 stars!
Can you wash the Patagonia Better Sweater?
Yes! But washing it less often will help prolong the lifespan of you Better Sweater (not to mention, save water!).
How to wash the Patagonia Better Sweater?
The Better Sweater can be washed in cold or warm water using mild powder laundry soap (find non-toxic, biodegradable detergents at Grove Co.!). Air drying it is the best way to prevent pilling and to keep your Better Sweater looking brand new for years.
If you’re in a bind and need to run it through the dyer, tumble dry it on low heat. Got a stain? Be sure to visit their Product Care page for extra tips and tricks for stain removal.
Does the Patagonia Better Sweater shrink?
Under normal circumstances, polyester shouldn’t shrink. Since the Better Sweater is made almost entirely of polyester, you shouldn’t have any issues, though I would stick to the aforementioned protocol for washing and drying just in case.
Does Patagonia run big or small?
For the most part, reviewers rate Patagonia products as true to size. If I were to swing either way, I would probably get my Better Sweater a size up to make room for extra layers. Check out their men and women size guides for a more in depth look!
How do you remove pilling from Patagonia Better Sweater?
Lay your sweater out on a flat surface. Gently rub a sweater stone along the grain of your sweater and back the opposite direction (still with the grain). Continue brushing until the pills are removed. Shake off your sweater at the end to remove all debris.
Where is Patagonia made?
Patagonia partners with over 45 suppliers across 16 different countries. Most of their products are made in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, and Thailand, with a small percentage being made in the U.S.
A Better Sweater from a Better-for-the-World-Company
The only thing that outshines the Better Sweater’s durability, warmth, and utility is the company that it hails from. Here are some of the stand-up things you should know about Patagonia and why it’s worth every penny of your dollar’s vote.
B Corp
Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard is a B Corp icon. Under his leadership, Patagonia forged the path or socially responsible companies of all industries.
From recycled materials to transparent sourcing and equitable manufacturing, Patagonia’s practices and values have literally shaped the conscious consumerism movement. In fact, Patagonia was the first California company to receive B Corp certification.
Also a founding member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), Patagonia only partners with factories and mills that have been pre-screened by internal and third-party certifiers to meet high sustainability and social responsibility standards. Additionally, many of their products are certified fair trade.
Sustainability
But what they might be more well known for is their environmental and political activism and outreach. Patagonia educates about environmental issues through their extensive blog and Patagonia Action Works campaign efforts. PAW also partners with Network for Good to organize, process, and distribute donations to environmental grassroots groups.
Within their operations, Patagonia is working to become carbon neutral by 2025 by switching to renewable energy sources, investing in regenerative agriculture and other carbon-capture projects, and using recycled materials.
In fact, they are leaders in cleaning up the garment industry. Patagonia uses natural fibers and recycled materials whenever possible. Right now, 64% of their products are made from recycled materials!
On top of that, they use low-impact dyeing methods to decrease potential runoff and waterway contamination from their products. Plus, many of their materials are certified by trusted third-party reviewers like BLUESIGN, Global Traceable Down Standard, Regenerative Organic Certified, and more to ensure environmental stewardship.
They are also very mindful of the lifespan of their products and aim to make circular fashion the norm. Their attention to craftsmanship means that their products last. Plus through their Worn Wear program, customers can trade in and buy used gear to keep the circular economy moving.
Customer Service
Patagonia’s emphasis on quality also trickles into their customer service which is both responsive and accommodating. Connect with them online or over the phone to get help with your orders or products. All Patagonia products are covered by their Ironclad Guarantee, meaning that if you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, you can easily repair or replace it, or get a refund. Gotta love that!
Other Online Reviews for Patagonia’s Better Sweaters
I’m really grateful to people who grace the internet with their user reviews. While I am not usually one of them, I also depend on them when I’m considering any new product or service, but especially when I’m looking for gear. While I knew first hand how much I loved my Better Sweater, it is the age of the internet, and so a 2nd, 3rd, or 30th opinion is welcomed validity.
And that’s just what I found amongst the many gear reviews of proud owners. Check out some Patagonia Better Sweater reviews:
Alternatives to Patagonia’s Better Sweater
Not convinced the Patagonia Better Sweater is for you? No worries! Here are some other better-for-the-world ideas to keep you warm every season of the year:
Cotopaxi
Price: $30-110
Another certified B Corp, Cotopaxi is dedicated to sustainable and ethical manufacturing. They also give 1% of their revenue to programs addressing poverty and supporting community development all over the world. No going wrong here.
Cotopaxi is known for their colorful distinct styles and the long-lasting durability of their products. The Cotopaxi fleece sweater lines are made from 100% repurposed fleece or recycled polyester. Because many are made from repurposed materials, many of their sweaters are limited-edition only. So act quick!
They’ve got a ton of fleece options, some of our favorites are the Teca Fleece, the Dorado Half Zip, and the Bandera Hoody.
REI
Price: $49.95-139
REI emphasizes product sustainability and responsibility from all their partner brands. Their own brand commits to high social and sustainability standards and has both third-party certifiers and their own production team enforce them.
REI is a co-op so if you become a member, you get a dividend distribution of the co-op’s annual profits. They also donate a ton of money to nonprofits–in 2020 alone, they gave $6.3 million to community partners!
The medium-weight fleece jackets to check out on their list are the Groundbreaker Fleece and the Hyperaxis Fleece. The Groundbreaker is your classic polyester, good ol’-fashioned fleece. The Hyperaxis is a step up in warmth and durability as it’s made from REI’s trade mark Polartec Power Stretch Pro polyester which is BLUESIGN approved, water-wicking, and flexible.
Your Local Thrift Shop
Price: Your time
One of the most sustainable ways to shop for warm clothes, or anything for that matter, is by visiting your local thrift shops. You never know what kind of treasures you’ll unearth! The only drawback is that any specific find is not guaranteed, and you’ll probably have to spend a good amount of time sifting through racks and piles.
The look of wool with the easy-care and sustainability of 100% recycled polyester fleece -Patagonia's Better Sweater is the ultimate mid-weight, functional (yet stylish) sweater pick.
It's cozy, comes in multiple styles, and the recycled fleece combined with low impact dyeing methods and Fair Trade Certified™ sewing makes it sustainable and ethical from start to finish.
Conclusion: More than a Sweater, A Friend
Three days into my frantic search for a replacement for my lost beloved Better Sweater Hoody, I got a call from my mom.
A neighbor a few houses down had found a sweater soaking wet in their front lawn. After, I can only assume, the kidnappers checked the pockets or saw the stains, they abandoned it during their getaway.
I could’ve cried! The universe is merciful!
Lesson number 1 through all this? Befriend your neighbors. Lesson number two? Invest in a second Better Sweater as back up. 🤷♀️
In short, you probably won’t find a better sweater than the Patagonia Better Sweater (there’s definitely a reason behind the name). Not only is it built to last, it also comes from a company unparalleled in social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and customer service.
With Patagonia, there’s really no going astray. To trail deeper into the Patagonia landscape, visit our guide to all of Patagonia’s jackets, coats, and sweaters.
Alma Rominger
Grow Ensemble Contributor
Alma Rominger is an educator and farmer passionate about regenerative agriculture, composting, gardening for mental health, and outdoor education.
Alma believes that the health of the earth and the health of its people are intrinsically connected and has spent her entire career advocating for both. She currently specializes in Bokashi composting systems and soil ecology through her work with Compost Queens, a women-owned community composting company based in the San Antonio area.
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