Patagonia
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
78B-TIERhigh Confidence
A knit fleece jacket built with 10-oz 100% recycled polyester in a sweater-knit face with a fleece interior. Fair Trade Certified. One of Patagonia's all-time bestsellers with 20-year durability testimonials. Snag and tear resistant exterior, but pilling is an inevitable trade-off of the knit construction.
1,068verified reviews analyzed
91%positive
78
B-TIER/ 100Good
Material & Build19/25
10-oz 100% recycled polyester knit fleece with sweater-knit face and fleece interior. Flat-seam construction reduces bulk and chafing. Fair Trade Certified. Sturdy enough to resist snags, rips, and tears. Deductions for documented pilling inherent to knit fleece construction.
Warranty & Support25/35
Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee covers manufacturing defects for the product's lifetime with repair, replacement, or refund. Worn Wear repair program handles 40,000+ repairs annually at Reno facility. Wear-and-tear repairs at reasonable charge. Same warranty anchor as Torrentshell.
User Trust34/40
REI rating 4.4-4.5/5 across 1,068+ reviews. Switchback Travel rates 4.5/5. OutdoorGearLab rates it highly for casual and outdoor use. Multiple 10-20 year longevity testimonials. Iconic bestseller status across decades. Widely recommended as go-to casual fleece.
high ConfidenceUpdated Feb 2026
High
10-oz 100% recycled polyester knit fleece with sweater-knit face and fleece interior. Flat-seam construction for durability and reduced chafing. Fair Trade Certified sewing.
Source: Patagonia product specifications
High
Fabric described as force-field-like — resistant to snags, rips, and tears. Zippers continue to operate smoothly and seams look like new after years of use.
Source: Switchback Travel long-term review
Known Concerns3 issues reported
Pilling is inevitable with knit fleece construction. Some areas start to pill after a few months of consistent use. A sweater stone or fabric shaver resolves the issue.
Not designed for high-output activities — lacks breathability and moisture-wicking compared to technical fleece layers like the R1.
Heavier than comparable technical fleeces at approximately 22 oz. Best suited for casual wear and low-intensity outdoor use.
$149.00
Where to Buy3 retailers
| Patagonia.com | Best price | $149.00 | Visit |
| REI | Best price | $149.00 | Visit |
| Backcountry | Best price | $149.00 | Visit |
Prices updated Feb 2026. Links may earn a commission.
Brand Profile
Patagonia
Founded 1973 · Ventura, California, USA
Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973. Certified B Corp and purpose-driven brand with an in-house repair program and Worn Wear resale platform.
Warranty
Ironclad Guarantee
Brand Score
22/30
Repair Program
Yes
Parts
medium
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