| What it is | Lofted, airy lightweight fleece |
| Strength | High warmth-for-weight, compressible |
| Acts like | Breathable fleece-based insulation |
| Role | Cozy lightweight mid layer |
Polartec High Loft is a lightweight, airy fleece with a tall, lofted pile that traps a lot of warm air for excellent warmth-for-weight, while compressing small and staying breathable. Often used as a ‘fleece insulation’ alternative to a puffy, it gives cozy, low-weight warmth for mid layers, blending the breathability of fleece with loft closer to that of insulation.
Lofted warmth
A lofty Polartec fleece trading on its loft; smoother and warmer-density is Thermal Pro.
Frequently asked questions
What is Polartec High Loft?
Polartec High Loft is a lightweight fleece with a tall, fluffy pile that traps abundant air for warmth while remaining light and compressible. It bridges fleece and insulation: breathable and quick-drying like fleece, but with loft that delivers warmth approaching that of a light insulated layer.
Is High Loft fleece warm?
Yes — its tall, airy pile traps a lot of insulating air, giving high warmth for very little weight. It's warmer-for-weight than flat fleece and packs down smaller, which is why it's used as a cozy, lightweight insulating mid layer for cool to cold conditions.
High Loft vs a puffy jacket?
High Loft fleece breathes far better and won't trap sweat like a puffy, making it great for active use, but a down or synthetic puffy is warmer for static use in deep cold and more wind-resistant. High Loft is a breathable, active alternative to a light puffy mid layer.
Sources
- Polartec High Loft — Polartec
- Lofted fleece — The Mountaineers