Women's sports sweatshirts, fleece and padded jackets
The women's sports sweatshirt keeps you warm before and after exercise: hooded or zip-up sweatshirts, training tops with zip collars, fleece for hiking, technical pullovers, lightweight or sleeveless down jackets. These are the mid-layers of the outfit.
A zip fleece can be worn alone in the mid-season or under a waterproof jacket.
Sweat, fleece or down jacket?
The hooded sweatshirt, made from fleece, keeps you warm during warm-ups and cool downs. The fleece is lighter for the same warmth, dries quickly and breathes: it’s the mid-layer for hiking. The down jacket, finally, offers the best balance of warmth and lightness, whether it’s filled with feathers or synthetic fibres.
Hooded, full zip or zip neck?
The hood protects your head when resting and after the session. The full zip opens and closes according to the effort, without needing to remove the sweatshirt. The short zip neck, typical of training tops, can be lowered to let in air during exercise and raised against the wind.
The fleece, hiking layer
fleece forms the core of the three-layer system. It retains heat even when wet and can be easily taken off during an ascent. Zip models ventilate without being removed.
The lightweight down jacket for the cold
A lightweight down jacket compresses into its bag and takes up little space: ideal for breaks during hikes or cold mornings. The sleeveless version keeps the torso warm while leaving the arms free, useful for horseback riding or outdoor activities.
Which brands of sweatshirts and fleeces?
Among the brands available: Patagonia for fleeces and down jackets, Didriksons for zipped fleeces and jumpers, Helly Hansen for technical sweatshirts, fleeces and down jackets, Pénélope for sleeveless down jackets and striped tops, as well as Puma and adidas for training sweatshirts. There are also club sweatshirts, some in child sizes.
How to choose your size?
A sports sweatshirt is often worn over a t-shirt, and a fleece under a jacket. Take your usual size for a fitted cut that doesn’t restrict under a jacket, or go up a size for a loose-fitting sweatshirt to wear in town.
How to care for a fleece or down jacket?
The fleece can be washed at 30 °C, inside out, without fabric softener, and dries quickly in the air. The down jacket goes in the machine on a gentle cycle, with a detergent suited for down; dry it with two tennis balls in the tumble dryer, on a low setting, to restore loft, if the label allows.
When to find sports sweatshirts at discounted prices?
Sweatshirts, fleeces and down jackets are winter pieces: Black Friday and winter sales fall right in the season for a discounted sports sweatshirt.
Check the Black Friday sports page at the end of November, the Sales page in January, and the special sports offers page in between the two. Fast shipping and best price guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to layer fleece and jacket?
Choose a fleece thin enough to fit under the jacket without being squished. A model with a full zip opens during exertion without removing the jacket.
Can you wear a down jacket during exertion?
Rarely: it gets too warm as soon as you start moving. It is mainly for breaks, before and after the effort.
How to prevent a fleece from pilling?
Wash it inside out, alone or with soft fabrics, and avoid the tumble dryer. A washing net limits friction.
Can a sports sweatshirt be worn in town?
Yes, a plain sweatshirt or a zipped fleece goes well with jeans or leggings. Neutral colours are versatile.
Which fleece should you choose for winter?
A thick fleece for calm activities, a thin and breathable fleece for active outings. Under a jacket, a thin fleece helps avoid sweating.
