Fleece Patagonia: Retro Fleece, Better Sweater or Synchilla? How They Fit and Which to Choose

The Patagonia fleece is one of those pieces you recognise from afar: the mountain patch on the chest, the contrasting trims, the soft pile that never goes out of style. But under the same name there are very different models. Here you'll find how Retro Pile, Better Sweater, Synchilla and R1 Air look in person, how they fit, which size to choose and which colours we carry, for men and women.

In short

• Retro Pile: the long-pile fleece, soft inside and out. The warmest and most recognisable, in jacket, hoodie and vest.
• Better Sweater: looks like a sweater outside, fleece inside. The most elegant, for city and office.
• Synchilla Snap-T: the pullover with snap buttons and a chest pocket. Lighter, with a comfortable cut.
• R1 Air and Classic Retro-X: the technical fleeces. R1 Air for moving and sweating less, Retro-X with a windproof barrier.
• Sizes: from XS to XXL, regular fit. Those who want a closer fit often go down one size.

How they look in person

In person, the difference between the models is visible at once in the fabric. The Retro Pile has a high, curly pile that adds volume and almost looks like synthetic fur. The Better Sweater is smooth and compact, with the look of a heathered knit. The Synchilla sits in between: a soft, short-pile fleece, thinner. Below you can see them worn in town, on the road and at home. Tap a photo to open the model.

Seen on

In the city, on the road, in the mountains

Tap a photo for the model

Con la zip Retro Pile Jacket Natural €170,00 →

Per strada Better Sweater Old Growth Green €160,00 →

Sopra la flanella Retro Pile Jacket Basin Green €170,00 →

In the look Women's Patagonia

In centro Retro Pile Hoody Virtually Blue €180,00 →

In città Better Sweater Stonewash €160,00 →

A casa Synchilla Oatmeal Heather/Moonrise Taupe €130,00 →

In auto Retro Pile Jacket Natural €170,00 →

In viaggio Retro Pile Jacket New Navy €170,00 →

Retro Pile: the long-pile fleece

The Retro Pile is the fleece you see most today: long-pile shearling fabric on both sides, in recycled polyester, with trims in a contrasting colour and cord-pull zips. It's warm straight away, as soon as you put it on, and has a soft, casual look. You'll find it in three versions:

• Retro Pile Jacket: the jacket with a full-length zip and high collar. The most versatile, over a t-shirt or a shirt.
• Retro Pile Hoody: the hooded version, which we carry for women. Sportier, for weekends.
• Retro Pile Vest: the vest, to keep the torso warm without bulk on the arms, even under a shell.

The Retro Pile does not stop the wind: it's a piece for city, travel and cold but dry days. In the mountains it works as a mid layer under a jacket.

Better Sweater: the fleece that looks like a sweater

The Better Sweater has a heathered knit outer and a soft fleece inside. In person it looks like a zip-up sweater, which is why it's the Patagonia fleece that also wears well at the office or with a pair of smart trousers. The raglan sleeves leave the shoulders free, the chest pocket has a zip and the logo patch is small. The cut is leaner than the Retro Pile. Besides the jacket, we carry the men's vest.

Synchilla Snap-T: the classic pullover

The Synchilla Snap-T is the pullover with snap buttons and a contrasting chest pocket, a classic Patagonia since the Eighties. The fleece has a short pile, is soft and lighter than the Retro Pile, with a comfortable, straight cut that wears loose. It's fine at home, on the road and under a jacket. If you're looking for the men's version, you'll find the details in our men's Synchilla buying guide.

R1 Air and Classic Retro-X: the technical fleeces

• R1 Air: the lightweight technical fleece, with a textured fabric that lets air through. Designed for people on the move: hiking, ski mountaineering, running in the cold. Available as a jacket, hoodie, crew neck and vest.
• Classic Retro-X: long pile like the Retro Pile, but with an internal windproof barrier. It is the best protection against cold air, in jacket and vest form.

Which one to choose

• You want the warmest, softest fleece for everyday wear: Retro Pile, as a jacket or with the hood.
• You need a fleece for city and office use: Better Sweater.
• You want something light that is comfortable to carry: Synchilla Snap-T.
• You move around in the mountains and sweat: R1 Air.
• You need protection from the wind: Classic Retro-X.

Sizing: how they fit

Patagonia describes a regular fit for these fleeces: neither tight nor oversized, designed to be worn over a shirt or a sweater. In person the Retro Pile and the Synchilla look slightly wider and straighter, the Better Sweater leaner. To choose:

• take your usual size if you want to wear it over a sweater or a flannel shirt;
• go down one size if you want it closer-fitting and wear it over a t-shirt;
• women's models are cut shorter and more fitted than men's: if you like a roomy look, you can try the men's model in the smaller size.

For reference, the Patagonia men's size chart gives a chest of 89-94 cm for S, 96-101 cm for M and 106-111 cm for L. You can find the measurements of each model on the product page.

How to style them

In the photos, the natural Retro Pile is worn over a white tank top or with a knit hat, the green Basin Green left open over a plaid flannel shirt and light trousers, the light blue Retro Pile Hoody with straight jeans and white sneakers. The grey Better Sweater goes with wide black trousers and trail shoes, the dark green one with a trucker cap. The Synchilla works with leggings at home and while travelling. In general, the long pile of the Retro Pile pairs well with smooth pieces around it: jeans, chinos, a shirt underneath.

If you're also considering down jackets and shells, you'll find a wider comparison in the guide Patagonia women: fleece, down jacket or shell and all the pieces in the Patagonia collection.

How to care for them

• Machine wash cold or at 30 degrees, inside out and with the zip closed.
• No fabric softener: it flattens the pile and reduces its softness.
• Air dry, away from radiators.
• In the first washes the Retro Pile may shed some lint: this is normal and decreases over time.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Retro Pile warm enough for winter?

In the city, on cold, dry days, yes. With strong wind or in the mountains it should be worn under a shell, because the fabric lets air through. If you're looking for a fleece that blocks the wind, choose the Classic Retro-X.

What is the difference between the Better Sweater and the Synchilla?

The Better Sweater has a knit exterior and a leaner cut, so it is more elegant. The Synchilla is a soft pile on both sides, lighter and comfortably cut, with a sportier look.

Which size should I get?

Your usual size if you wear it over a sweater or shirt. If you want it fitted, one size down. Measurements for each model are on the product page.

Can a woman wear a men's fleece?

Yes, and it is a common choice for a roomier, longer fleece. Consider going one or two sizes down from your women's size.

Does the Retro Pile shed lint?

A little in the first washes, like many long-pile fleeces. Washing it inside out, cold and without fabric softener helps keep it soft for longer.