Customer Reviews Patagonia Better Sweater™ Jacket

I own a lot of fleeces, from most of the "major" brands (North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, etc.). This one is hands down my favorite. It is not necessarily the warmest fleece out there, but it is a good mid-layer when it's frigid out, and perfect on its own when it's a bit warmer (45+, I'd say, depending on the wind). The fit is slim but VERY flattering, I would call it true to size unless you plan on layering super heavily beneath, in which case you may need to size up. The zippered side pockets are warm and generously sized, and though I haven't found a use for the pocket on the sleeve, I'm sure someone would find it handy. The main thing I like about this jacket is the material of it-- a very attractive sweater-like knit on the outside, and your typical warm cozy fleece on the inside. It is definitely NOT windproof, but it does a better job of wind protection than some other fleeces out there. I've read some reviews that complained about pilling, and though I don't doubt it, I'll just say my experience: it hasn't pilled yet, at all, with moderate use over about four months. It's been washed inside out on cold delicate and hang dried, and it looks just as good as the day I bought it. The only negative with this jacket is the price, which I do find a bit steep... I got mine at the ends of its season (so, older color) on heavy discount, and as much as I love it, I probably wouldn't be able to stomach full price. But overall, love this jacket... so much so that when it recently went (briefly) on sale on another site, I bought a second color. That's the first time I've EVER done that for a jacket. Of all the fleeces in my closet, this is the one I find myself wearing time and time again.

This is a great mid-weight jacket! Out of the box, the zipper appeared "bendy" which gave the jacket a funny silhouette, and I almost returned, it, but after one or two wearings the zipper has settled down and now it's just about perfect. Sturdy, cute, not too bulky.

I bought this jacket in black, size xl. I'm normally a size 16 and I found the xl to be on the large side. As far as warmth, it's great as a mid-layer under my raincoat, but on it's own it doesn't keep the wind out. Not a winter jacket, more of a cozy sweater.

I bought this jacket for my fiancee and she loves it. I have a similar men's version of this jacket (same material) and it's warm and cozy while being lightweight.

It was a bit hard to shell out this much for a single piece of clothing, but I am very glad that I did. This jacket instantly became my favorite piece of outerwear, and not a week goes by that I don't wear it 4-5 times. It is surprising warm, yet not bulky. The interior and exterior are both very soft and comfortable to wear. If you can look past the high price tag, you won't regret buying this jacket.

I love it! I was a little worried about the fit not being feminine enough, but it actually contours my shape well. The color is great and if I need an extra layer I can still fit a cardigan underneath. Only wish I would have bought one with a hood. =)

Unfortunately, I'm returning it - too long for me and not as thick as I imagined it (not unlike many other similar items I already own) for the money.

This is a great little sweater! I bought this in lieu of the ever so overdone North Face Denali jacket. It's nice and has a great classic look. I wear it with my down vest for a great casual winter outfit! Fits perfectly too! It's tapered at the waste for a nice feminine detail. Highly recommend!

I love this jacket. It is the perfect weight. I am 5'7", 145lbs and bought the medium. It fits perfect - not too big or small.

Bought this for my mom for Christmas and it is by far one of the nicest sweaters/fleece that I've purchased for her by far. The fit is great! Be warned though, this item is a "Slim Fit" jacket & is a little bit snugger than expected. Order a size up if you like a little wiggle room.

It's great! Warm and cozy without bulk. Love the color! I put it through the washer and it kept perfect shape.

Love Patagonia, love this new Maraschino color! I'm a Texan displaced temporarily to Ohio; I plan on wearing this IN the house! Nice and soft, fits closely, and cheery color! I ordered my usual size, XS, and it fits well as expected. If I had room, I'd have every color!

Love, love, love! Bought the black, and I own the magenta as well. Very comfortable, warm, fitted nicely. Perfect for cool weather and good looking, too. 5'5", 108lbs size xs is just right.

My favorite sweater, I have the full zip, vest, and 3/4 zip in multiple colors. This is the cutest most comfy sweater ever! Only a couple cons: the material pills really easily, all mine are pilled but I wear them anyways. The second is the sleeves are a little short for tall people. I am 5'10" and wear a small in the bodice area but need a medium in the sleeve length. I hope Patagonia improves the pilling soon because I want to buy more colors!

I ordered the L in both Endive and Fresco Blue. It is worth noting that the sleeves on the Endive were an inch longer than the Fresco Blue. I'm a tall woman with abnormally long arms so I found the green one to fit my needs perfectly. Both colors were lovely and accurately represented on the screen. It is yummy soft on the inside and a bit classier looking on the outside compared to your average fleece jacket. As far as pilling goes, I have yet to find a fleece that doesn't pill! So I am expecting this one to pill a bit, I think it's just the nature of the beast.

I love this fleece because it's warm without being too bulky. It's well cut and has good length. The inside is really fuzzy and comfy, and the outside looks a bit more like a sweater than a fleece. I am 5'7" 145 lbs, wear 36B and Medium fits well.

I love this fleece! It is warm, soft and comfy for hiking and yet at the same time has a nice feminine cut that looks stylish enough to wear in my informal office. I have the heathered pink color, which goes with pretty much everything and looks great on those with a paler skin like myself. The color is much nicer in reality than in the pictures. For those worried about sizing: I am 5'5", 108 lbs and the XS fits perfectly. It's longer than usual on the hips but I think I'll be grateful for that when it gets cold.

This is cozy, comfortable, and pretty flattering (for a woodsy girl). It is definitely going down the Rogue River with me this summer!

I have purchased many Patagonia products over the years and overall they are wonderful in terms of quality and fit. I wanted very much to like this better sweater. Even after reading the reviews and warnings about the sweater pilling, I still purchased it. However, the sweater pilled so much even though I was really careful with it. It started to pill even before I had a chance to wash it! It pilled everywhere on the outside. I was so disappointed as I loved the concept of a fleece on the inside, but a sweater on the outside. Save your money for a different Patagonia product. Thank you, Zappos, for standing behind the product and letting me return it.

I have only worn this once, but love it so far! Ordered a medium to allow for multiple layers underneath, and am pleased with the fit. I typically wear a small in clothing. I like that the material is different that your typical fleece.

Love this jacket. It is perfect. I normally like my clothes fitted (as with the models here) but I went up to a medium to accommodate my friends 36C. I am 5'11", 135 and a 4/6 normally. It is a tiny bit loose but I can wear something heavier underneath it now. The only thing I might suggest is to have a cinch tab at the bottom for windy days, but otherwise I am not complaining. This jacket is so comfy - indeed a better sweater.

Color beautiful, several comments. Comfortable, warm and well made product. Saw a person wearing the oatmeal one which I originally intended to buy but fell in love with this color, oatmeal is great too.

I ordered the feather grey and magenta in size md. I'm 5'4", 123 lbs., unfortunately too small. Beautiful, well made sweater but they looked too hefty for my build. Tall/slender would be perfect. Have returned for another day. Note! When reviewing it helps if people tell their hgt., weight, and size ordered.

A big improvement over the regular Patagonia fleece. It looks a lot nicer and is a little thicker since it has the sweater on the outside and the fleece on the inside. Sizing is the same as other Patagonia items. Good pockets although I don't care for the zippered pocket on the upper arm. Since I haven't yet washed it, I can't say how well it washes. I will probably wash by hand to prevent pilling even though it says machine washable.

I am 5'3" and 115 lbs and ordered a small...should've ordered an x-small. It fits but is a bit baggy in areas. I love the pocket placement and interior compartments. Looks great but doesn't keep you warm in anything less than a 50 degree day. Make sure to layer up!