Polartec Fleece — Tactical Fleece Jackets
Polartec Fleece: How to Choose the Right Weight and Cut
Polartec is not a single fabric but a whole series of 100% polyester fleece materials that jacket manufacturers describe as warm, soft against the skin and able to wick away moisture. That is why two Polartec fleece jackets can behave very differently: one is a light layer for moving around, the other is a full insulating layer for the cold. Below we explain what to look at so you can pick the one that fits your needs. Prices here range from 1 490 to 4 000 UAH, and all other fleeces, not only those made with Polartec, are collected in the fleece jackets category.
Which Polartec Weight You Need
The first thing to check in the product card is the fabric weight. It determines how warm the fleece is, how bulky it is under body armor and how quickly it moves moisture away while you are active. Lightweight fleece works better on the move, while heavier fleece is better when you have to stand or sit in the cold for a long time.
| Model | Fabric | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Pentagon Falcon Pro | Polartec 140 g/m², waffle texture on the outside | Intense activity, marching, transitional seasons |
| Women's Military Polartec | Polartec 320, thin fleece | Everyday wear, service, mild cold |
| R Military Polartec 340 | Polartec High Loft 237 g/m² base | Windy weather, daily wear |
| Polartec 380 g/m² with 3D mesh | Heavy fleece 380 g/m² | Cold weather, long periods outdoors |
If you walk a lot with a load, a warmer jacket will quickly become too much: your body will overheat and you will get wet from the inside. On the other hand, for a post or a stop in the cold, a light model will not give you enough warmth.
What Windproof Panels, a Hood and Zippers Add
Ordinary fleece keeps you warm but lets wind through. That is why in the R Military Polartec 340 the elbow patches, the outer part of the stand-up collar, the placket and the inner parts of the pockets are made of windproof fabric: 98% nylon and 2% elastane. This fabric is more resistant to wind, water and abrasion, which means the elbows and collar will last longer.
A hood is worth considering if the fleece will be your outer layer in windy weather or for the night. If you wear a helmet or often put the jacket on under a plate carrier, a version without a hood is more convenient. Look for models with a hood separately among fleece jackets with a hood. Women's Military Polartec jackets have a double center zipper and velcro panels for patches, which is convenient for State Emergency Service or police uniforms.
Size and Layering: How to Wear a Tactical Polartec Fleece
Fleece is a mid layer, so choose your size taking into account what goes under it and over it. Over thermal underwear the jacket should fit without wrinkles, and under a membrane jacket it should not feel tight in the shoulders. Some models have height markings: for example, M/R effectively corresponds to size 50, and L/R to 52/54. So check the size chart in the product card rather than relying on the letter alone. Women's models have an anatomical cut and a full size range from XS to L.
A heavy 380 g/m² jacket can be worn both as a standalone jacket in dry weather and as insulation under a windproof shell. The manufacturer notes that fleece dries quickly after rain or exertion, so hang the jacket up right after you come in. Choose the color to match the rest of your kit: for field conditions, olive fleece or coyote are more common, while for city and service use there is gray fleece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Polartec fleece different from an ordinary fleece jacket?
Above all, it uses a branded fabric from a well-known fleece manufacturer. According to the jacket descriptions, Polartec is soft against the skin, wicks moisture well and retains warmth while you are moving. The specific properties depend on the weight and type of fabric, so check them in the card of each model.
Is Polartec fleece suitable for winter?
As a standalone outer layer, only a heavy model and only in dry frost without strong wind. In winter, any fleece is best worn as an insulating layer under a windproof jacket. Then even a medium-weight jacket holds the warmth.
How do I wash a Polartec fleece jacket?
Wash on a delicate cycle in cool water, without bleach or fabric softeners, which clog the pile. It is best to dry it laid flat, away from a radiator. This way the fleece keeps its softness and warmth longer.