Made of 100% recycled polyester double-sided shearling fleece, Retro Pile fabric provides easy-wearing warmth for any cool-weather venture, thanks to a soft, fuzzy exterior and a smooth, skin-friendly interior. This vest's full-zip extends through a stand-up collar for warmth, protection and venting. Offset shoulder seams and flat-seam construction throughout reduce chafe and minimize bulk. A zippered left-chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets with webbing zipper pulls provide secure places for daily necessities. Soft spandex trim finishes the armholes and hem. Our Retro Pile Vest is also Fair Trade Certified‚ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor. Hip length.
Made of 100% recycled polyester double-sided shearling fleece, Retro Pile fabric provides easy-wearing warmth for any cool-weather venture, thanks to a soft, fuzzy exterior and a smooth, skin-friendly interior. This vest's full-zip extends through a stand-up collar for warmth, protection and venting. Offset shoulder seams and flat-seam construction throughout reduce chafe and minimize bulk. A zippered left-chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets with webbing zipper pulls provide secure places for daily necessities. Soft spandex trim finishes the armholes and hem. Our Retro Pile Vest is also Fair Trade Certified‚ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor. Hip length.
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The lowest price for Patagonia Retro Pile Vest - Forge Grey - XL - Men right now is $212.93.
Prices last updated 16 Sept 2025.
Patagonia Retro Pile Vest - Forge Grey - XL - Men
Made of 100% recycled polyester double-sided shearling fleece, Retro Pile fabric provides easy-wearing warmth for any cool-weather venture, thanks to a soft, fuzzy exterior and a smooth, skin-friendly interior. This vest's full-zip extends through a stand-up collar for warmth, protection and venting. Offset shoulder seams and flat-seam construction throughout reduce chafe and minimize bulk. A zippered left-chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets with webbing zipper pulls provide secure places for daily necessities. Soft spandex trim finishes the armholes and hem. Our Retro Pile Vest is also Fair Trade Certified‚ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor. Hip length.
Made of 100% recycled polyester double-sided shearling fleece, Retro Pile fabric provides easy-wearing warmth for any cool-weather venture, thanks to a soft, fuzzy exterior and a smooth, skin-friendly interior. This vest's full-zip extends through a stand-up collar for warmth, protection and venting. Offset shoulder seams and flat-seam construction throughout reduce chafe and minimize bulk. A zippered left-chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets with webbing zipper pulls provide secure places for daily necessities. Soft spandex trim finishes the armholes and hem. Our Retro Pile Vest is also Fair Trade Certified‚ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor. Hip length.
Last updated at 16/09/2025 19:15:24
originally posted on patagonia.com
I rated the retro pile fleece jacket as 37 stars. I only gave this one 35 stars, because even though it's a vest, the lack of sleeves makes it less than the full jacket, so I took off two stars. That said, I love this vest. It is so amazingly soft and comfortable, and is great for working out outdoors on cold days, as well as wearing around the house. Or just looking fabulous. I love these retro pile products. Love 'em!
originally posted on patagonia.com
I ordered this vest in the El Cap color and I absolutely love it. The material is soft and feels great and every detail, from the zippers to the trim, is stylish and perfect. To me the best part of the vest is the weight. I typically wear it under a winter coat, but when I take the coat off, the vest is still the perfect weight to keep me warm, without ever getting too hot. The title of my review says it all. Highly recommend.
originally posted on patagonia.com
I'm 5'11" and 160 lbs, athletic build, and a size medium is comfortably snug over a tight base layer. It's not too bulky where I can't fit insulating and shell layers. There is no flop or abnormal excess material. I appreciate the additional sewing line around the upper waist to provide a secure fit, and keep out drafts. The cut of the arms is perfect and allows for full range of motion with ease. The fleece is incredibly soft and thick. It does a phenomenal job keeping your core warm. The zipper is has to be aligned just right to start, which is a bit odd. The left chest pocket extends all the way to the armpit, which is not conducive to holding a phone securely and upright, so a phone tends to flop over and crawl toward your armpit. If I could change one thing, I ... MoreI'm 5'11" and 160 lbs, athletic build, and a size medium is comfortably snug over a tight base layer. It's not too bulky where I can't fit insulating and shell layers. There is no flop or abnormal excess material. I appreciate the additional sewing line around the upper waist to provide a secure fit, and keep out drafts. The cut of the arms is perfect and allows for full range of motion with ease. The fleece is incredibly soft and thick. It does a phenomenal job keeping your core warm. The zipper is has to be aligned just right to start, which is a bit odd. The left chest pocket extends all the way to the armpit, which is not conducive to holding a phone securely and upright, so a phone tends to flop over and crawl toward your armpit. If I could change one thing, I would make the left chest pocket the size of a vertical iPhone to hold it in place securely while bouncing around on a mountain bike. I wear predominately Patagonia due to its high quality, fit, and attention to detail, and this is no exception.
| Season | Fall-Winter 2024-2025 |
I rated the retro pile fleece jacket as 37 stars. I only gave this one 35 stars, because even though it's a vest, the lack of sleeves makes it less than the full jacket, so I took off two stars. That said, I love this vest. It is so amazingly soft and comfortable, and is great for working out outdoors on cold days, as well as wearing around the house. Or just looking fabulous. I love these retro pile products. Love 'em!
I ordered this vest in the El Cap color and I absolutely love it. The material is soft and feels great and every detail, from the zippers to the trim, is stylish and perfect. To me the best part of the vest is the weight. I typically wear it under a winter coat, but when I take the coat off, the vest is still the perfect weight to keep me warm, without ever getting too hot. The title of my review says it all. Highly recommend.
I'm 5'11" and 160 lbs, athletic build, and a size medium is comfortably snug over a tight base layer. It's not too bulky where I can't fit insulating and shell layers. There is no flop or abnormal excess material. I appreciate the additional sewing line around the upper waist to provide a secure fit, and keep out drafts. The cut of the arms is perfect and allows for full range of motion with ease. The fleece is incredibly soft and thick. It does a phenomenal job keeping your core warm. The zipper is has to be aligned just right to start, which is a bit odd. The left chest pocket extends all the way to the armpit, which is not conducive to holding a phone securely and upright, so a phone tends to flop over and crawl toward your armpit. If I could change one thing, I ... MoreI'm 5'11" and 160 lbs, athletic build, and a size medium is comfortably snug over a tight base layer. It's not too bulky where I can't fit insulating and shell layers. There is no flop or abnormal excess material. I appreciate the additional sewing line around the upper waist to provide a secure fit, and keep out drafts. The cut of the arms is perfect and allows for full range of motion with ease. The fleece is incredibly soft and thick. It does a phenomenal job keeping your core warm. The zipper is has to be aligned just right to start, which is a bit odd. The left chest pocket extends all the way to the armpit, which is not conducive to holding a phone securely and upright, so a phone tends to flop over and crawl toward your armpit. If I could change one thing, I would make the left chest pocket the size of a vertical iPhone to hold it in place securely while bouncing around on a mountain bike. I wear predominately Patagonia due to its high quality, fit, and attention to detail, and this is no exception.
I really like this vest -- it is not as heavy as the Retro-X, but it is just what I needed. Quality construction, beautiful color, nice detail. I normally wear size Small in most of my other Patagonia tops, including other vests. However, I found Small to be too large in this vest -- especially the large arm holes. I returned it for an XS which fits great. This is the only Patagonia product that I've purchased where Small was not a good fit for me. Anyway, I'm very satisfied with adding it to my collection. Highly recommend !!!
I am 82 years old. That is a good thing! I have been wearing Patagonia since 1986. I am retro!! I purchased a retro pile vest and it was super warm and perfect for my use! I just sent back a retro x pile vest,too tight as it seemed that your aim is to aim at mountaineers! I get it. Patagonia is now a huge company and I will always be loyal to your purpose! I bought a down sweater to replace my 12 year old one and it was so tight! I have not gotten any bigger! Compromise!!
They don't make them like they used to. If not for my old favorite having been stolen I would not have purchased this newer version.Firstly the armholes were irregular--one side was ridiculously large and made the vest uncomfortable to wear and ridiculous looking. But beyond that the vest was way overly large and the fleece was thin and insubstantial. Retro pile? Half as thin as Pat retro pile I already own. Thinner than standard synchilla from back in the day. I suppose everyone here with good reviews never wore Patagonia clothes when they were still good.My third Patagonia purchase in a while and my third return. I won't bother with Patagonia any more given that what they make these days is simply overpriced and mediocre. Except for the label you'll get the same ... MoreThey don't make them like they used to. If not for my old favorite having been stolen I would not have purchased this newer version.Firstly the armholes were irregular--one side was ridiculously large and made the vest uncomfortable to wear and ridiculous looking. But beyond that the vest was way overly large and the fleece was thin and insubstantial. Retro pile? Half as thin as Pat retro pile I already own. Thinner than standard synchilla from back in the day. I suppose everyone here with good reviews never wore Patagonia clothes when they were still good.My third Patagonia purchase in a while and my third return. I won't bother with Patagonia any more given that what they make these days is simply overpriced and mediocre. Except for the label you'll get the same fit and quality from a $15 walmart fleece.
The item was delivered free in three days in CA. Ordered the green in XS. My chest measures 35 inches in circumference. There is still ample room for a shirt and under shirt or layering. It is thinner than my other Patagonia Better Fleece vests. Stitching is nice and clean-good quality control. I wear it under a denim jacket or sports blazer. I love the fit and happy with my purchase. Hope this helps.
I have been buying Patagonia clothing since the early 1980's when I was a geologist with the PADER. Over the last forty years of so, I reckon I have purchased at least ten thousand dollars of Patagonia items for myself and family. Within the last five years or so, I have noticed a significant decrease in Patagonia quality, especially with respect to your fleece. (In fairness, I note one exception - your "Better Sweater" fleece remains exceptional). After purchasing two of these terrible "Retro" vests, I resolve never, ever to buy another Patagonia product again. These vests are so poorly made that they will pill even if you look at them crossly....and if you wear them with a backpack, geez....... I have purchased throwaway $20.00 bargain-bin fleece that appear more ... MoreI have been buying Patagonia clothing since the early 1980's when I was a geologist with the PADER. Over the last forty years of so, I reckon I have purchased at least ten thousand dollars of Patagonia items for myself and family. Within the last five years or so, I have noticed a significant decrease in Patagonia quality, especially with respect to your fleece. (In fairness, I note one exception - your "Better Sweater" fleece remains exceptional). After purchasing two of these terrible "Retro" vests, I resolve never, ever to buy another Patagonia product again. These vests are so poorly made that they will pill even if you look at them crossly....and if you wear them with a backpack, geez....... I have purchased throwaway $20.00 bargain-bin fleece that appear more expensive and are better constructed than these vests. Shame on your current team leaders for letting a world renown brand like Patagonia degrade to such a level.
I just bought this so I cannot review its longevity, but my co worker has one that after a year or two does look like the fleece pile has started to pile and bunch a little - his still looks good and he wears it often. I really like the vest. I bought dark natural which has a unique green trim which I enjoy. Very warm. The material is this polyester woven kinda fleece pile which has a more elastic stretch feel than I was anticipated. I generally wear a large and wear this over an undershirt and/or a button down/flannel so its really the perfect size for layering - just a little bigger than I would expect for a large but its fine for me.
The vest was fantastic and true to size. I like the older vests like this one. They seem better made and definitely have a style that is lacking in the more modern outdoor clothes. This vest reminds me of the very early Patagonia products. When I served in Iraq as an Army civilian I wore this vest every night in the desert. It outperformed all the clothing we were issued!Thanks for this program!
| Season | Fall-Winter 2024-2025 |
