It’s no secret that a fleece midlayer is the best companion for cold-weather conditions. But when the weather starts to warm up, that fleece will come in handy more than you think. If you’ve ever been out in the summer sun all day then you know summer nights can feel extra chilly. Polartec fleece is such a versatile fabric that it can actually help keep you comfortable on summer days while giving you the right amount of warmth at night.

We know what you’re thinking, “but isn’t fleece too hot and heavy to wear in the summer?” Not always. Polartec uses the Science of Fabric to knit, shear, and construct fleece into hundreds of different weights, thicknesses, and characteristics dedicated to keeping you comfortable no matter how warm. We can knit fleece so that it’s smooth and not fuzzy, light and not heavy, and breathable beyond belief. And UPF protection? We got you covered.

Polartec fleece is truly an all-season solution to comfort. When it comes to summer activities, you’ll need it by the campfire, after a dive in a glacial lake, as a pillow on a backpacking trip, and when day turns to night. We curated a list of lightweight and highly breathable Polartec fabrics we call Summer Fleece. Ideal for fun in the sun: Microfleece, 100 Series Fleece, Power Grid, and Alpha Direct.

The buttery soft feel of Polartec Microfleece fuses luxury and performance in the lightest weight possible. Premium polyester yarns deliver breathable performance, soft comfort, long-lasting durability, and warmth without weight. It’s a fantastic lightweight companion for any outdoor occasion.

We’re Polartec. We’re known for making the original fleece. Our 100 Series Fleece line takes the best qualities of classic fleece in complete lightweight style. With 100 Series, you get the soft and fuzzy feel with breathable, thermal comfort. Great for camping and evening hikes, and extremely packable.

Polartec Power Grid changed the game when it launched in 1998. To this day, gridded fleece is a hot commodity for outdoor activewear. Its geometric construction maximizes breathability and provides fast-drying comfort during activity. A staple for hikes, climbs, and just about anything.

What if you’re doing an all-day activity? What if it’s really hot then really cold? Polartec Alpha Direct was constructed for this very reason. Originally developed for US Special Forces, Alpha Direct provides ultra-light warmth regulation for start/stop activities. It maximizes cool when it’s hot and keeps you warm when it’s cold, not to mention it dries really fast if you’re putting in a hard sweat. Alpha Direct is great for backpacking, climbing, hiking, mountaineering, and everything in between. It’s a truly special and versatile fabric.