Patagonia Women's Better Sweater 1/4-Zip - Birch White / S

One of the key strengths of Patagonia products is their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company places a strong emphasis on using recycled and organic materials, reducing waste, and promoting fair labor practices. Patagonia’s dedication to environmental stewardship sets them apart in the industry and appeals to consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices. In terms of quality, Patagonia products are renowned for their durability and performance. Whether it’s jackets, fleece, base layers, or backpacks, their items are built to withstand challenging outdoor conditions. Patagonia puts a lot of thought and expertise into the design and construction of their products, ensuring they are both functional and long-lasting. ... MoreOne of the key strengths of Patagonia products is their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company places a strong emphasis on using recycled and organic materials, reducing waste, and promoting fair labor practices. Patagonia’s dedication to environmental stewardship sets them apart in the industry and appeals to consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices. In terms of quality, Patagonia products are renowned for their durability and performance. Whether it’s jackets, fleece, base layers, or backpacks, their items are built to withstand challenging outdoor conditions. Patagonia puts a lot of thought and expertise into the design and construction of their products, ensuring they are both functional and long-lasting. Patagonia’s clothing and gear are also known for their versatility. They are designed to be highly functional and suitable for a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to skiing and backpacking. Their garments often incorporate features like moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and weather resistance, providing comfort and protection in various environments. Another notable aspect of Patagonia is their dedication to customer service and product warranties. They offer a lifetime guarantee on many of their items, which demonstrates their confidence in the quality and durability of their products. This commitment to standing behind their gear gives customers peace of mind and reinforces the brand’s reputation. It’s worth noting that Patagonia products can be on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, the quality, durability, and ethical manufacturing practices associated with the brand can justify the investment for many consumers. In summary, Patagonia products are highly regarded for their commitment to sustainability, durability, and performance. Their clothing and gear are designed to withstand demanding outdoor activities while minimizing environmental impact. With a focus on quality, versatility, and customer service, Patagonia has built a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts who value both performance and sustainability.

A more polished fleece .

First let me say I love the smooth , polished look this fleece has on the outside while still being super cozy and warm ! It is a more fitted sweater than most casual fleece and looks good on a small , lean person ! Very flattering for someone like me , it might not work for a thicker person or someone who likes a roomy fit unless they size up ! I will order another in a brighter blue as I would love to have a collection of theses ! I also adore the half zip design as again it tends to work well with an over jacket or coat without being bulky ! Truly great quality , well finished with knit edging ! Really love theses year after year ! Thank you ! Don't change a thing ( except maybe more colors ) !

Great casual fleece 1/4 zip

I love the Better Sweater line. I have been purchasing and wearing them since the earliest iterations. I still own and wear three pieces from 2011. For being over 10 years old, I haven't had too much of an issue with pilling, relatively minor. The fit of these quarter zip fleeces are a slim fit so they do fit closer to the body. Many folks say this line runs small, which I agree with somewhat. I am 5'8" and a size 12-14 and pretty busty on top and wear the XL in Better Sweater products. I generally wear a short sleeved capilene top underneath with no issue. I do think the newest iterations run a bit more narrow in the shoulders and arms and the body of the fleece feels a bit longer than my 10+ year old Better Sweaters. This is a casual fleece and that's how I wear ... MoreI love the Better Sweater line. I have been purchasing and wearing them since the earliest iterations. I still own and wear three pieces from 2011. For being over 10 years old, I haven't had too much of an issue with pilling, relatively minor. The fit of these quarter zip fleeces are a slim fit so they do fit closer to the body. Many folks say this line runs small, which I agree with somewhat. I am 5'8" and a size 12-14 and pretty busty on top and wear the XL in Better Sweater products. I generally wear a short sleeved capilene top underneath with no issue. I do think the newest iterations run a bit more narrow in the shoulders and arms and the body of the fleece feels a bit longer than my 10+ year old Better Sweaters. This is a casual fleece and that's how I wear it. I find it too heavy for technical use (skiing, backpacking, etc) I prefer the Micro D or R1 line for technical purposes. All around great casual fleece in beautiful colors.

I like it better than I thought I would

I've used mine for a few years and have enjoyed it enough that I bought the jacket version because I wanted hip pockets and the ease of taking it on and off. While this does run slim, I personally found it true to size (5'2" 100lb with small chest, XS purchased). YMMV based on fit preference for your body type. I didn't purchase it with the intention of layering it over anything except a t shirt, which may be the limit anyway unless you size up. One thing I noticed with this pullover is that even with the zipper pulled all the way down I find it a process to pull it on and take it off the first time. It's not as bad as removing a sweaty sports bra, but when I'm tired the last thing I want to do is struggle even a little bit to remove my sweater. However, I want to ... MoreI've used mine for a few years and have enjoyed it enough that I bought the jacket version because I wanted hip pockets and the ease of taking it on and off. While this does run slim, I personally found it true to size (5'2" 100lb with small chest, XS purchased). YMMV based on fit preference for your body type. I didn't purchase it with the intention of layering it over anything except a t shirt, which may be the limit anyway unless you size up. One thing I noticed with this pullover is that even with the zipper pulled all the way down I find it a process to pull it on and take it off the first time. It's not as bad as removing a sweaty sports bra, but when I'm tired the last thing I want to do is struggle even a little bit to remove my sweater. However, I want to stress the benefits I get from the warmth (I can wear this Fall through Spring in Northern California) and the cozy feeling a pullover provides outweigh that narrow neck opening. I could also just have a big head. It does stretch a little with wear so I find it easier to take on and off after I've removed it the first time after a wash. Subsequent wears aren't as claustrophobic affairs. I don't remember what the exact care instructions are on the label, but I wash it on cold/gentle and lay it flat to dry. After this long, it hasn't pilled at all. Like, not even a little bit. Maybe it's the air dry, maybe it's the color, maybe it's that my sweater is circa 2017 or 2018 and something's been updated since. In any case, I have not had a problem with pilling. The sweater still looks brand new. I'm also not very hard on it and try to only wash it when it starts to smell funky. I'm giving 4/5 stars because I wish the pocket was a kangaroo rather than sleeve pocket.

My new Go-to Fleece

I purchased this pull-over last fall when visiting Montana. I needed a good versatile pull-over jacket/sweater that wasn't too warm, but would keep me toasty in the mornings and evenings, do a good job at blocking out the wind, and look decent. This fit the bill and then some! It was completely worth the price (which I debated for some time before purchase), and it has become my go-to pull-over for travel, day to day use, and makes a great layer under rain jackets or vests. I've found it a better insulating layer than a regular fuzzy fleece, it blocks the breeze remarkably well, and looks like a nice sweater. I've also found the zipped sleeve pocket it perfect for a card or two. I chose the Birch color and found it to be the perfect neutral for me.

Petite woman and sleeves are too short

The torso looks nice but can feel a little constricting in certain movements. If I got the the larger size it would give a more relaxed fit than fitted. The length of the arm sleeves are a quarter too short, this is annoying when Im driving or picking up my toddler because the sleeves exposed my arms and I live in New England. I saw a pic of someone wearing this on Pinterest and loved the look of the collar standing up without it being zipped. But the collar only stands up if its zipped. If its u zipped it flops over.

The Perfect Top

I walk to work, which is about .5 mile from where I live. Not a long walk, but it can be gruesome in the snow. I wear one thin layer under this sweater and my large coat on top and I can't feel the cold or wind at all. This thing keeps me warm, dry, and mobile with minimal layering. I swear, this is the best purchase I've made all year. And when I get to work, I don't even have to take it off because it never gets too warm. It's the absolute best product and I would highly recommend it. Is it worth the $129 that I paid? We'll see how long it holds up, but I honestly think it is. I wear a large in regular clothes, but always size up when I know I'm gonna be layering. Since I wear shirts underneath this, I got an XL and it's the perfect fit for a thin layer underneath ... MoreI walk to work, which is about .5 mile from where I live. Not a long walk, but it can be gruesome in the snow. I wear one thin layer under this sweater and my large coat on top and I can't feel the cold or wind at all. This thing keeps me warm, dry, and mobile with minimal layering. I swear, this is the best purchase I've made all year. And when I get to work, I don't even have to take it off because it never gets too warm. It's the absolute best product and I would highly recommend it. Is it worth the $129 that I paid? We'll see how long it holds up, but I honestly think it is. I wear a large in regular clothes, but always size up when I know I'm gonna be layering. Since I wear shirts underneath this, I got an XL and it's the perfect fit for a thin layer underneath - but that's all you need with this on!

Tighter Fit But Warm & Cozy

I mostly fit XXS in Patagonia. I am 5'1 and 95 lbs. But upon reading reviews, and trying on at the store, I opted for XS. It is still a tighter fit because of the knit and stiffer weave of the Better Sweater. I have the Vest and it's the same tighter/stiffer feel. It's still cozy and warm - I just suggest going up one size. Wish there were hand pockets. I bought it for work. I don't think it would be that conformable as a midlayer for outdoor pursuits as it's stiffer, not breathable, and thicker. Good for going on a casual winter/fall walk on trails in the neighborhood though!

Versatile top, but runs small

Great top. The inside is fleece, but the exterior is a tight knit. Runs a bit small and doesn’t have any stretch to it, but that makes it warm. The sleeves are fitted and body is narrow. Nice pocket on the sleeve, which is just big enough to cram a phone in… but nothing else. I’m 5’8” 128lbs and usually wear a small in Patagonia. I got this in a medium and it fits perfectly. A small would have definitely been too small.

Warm and well designed

Now I undertand why this is so popular. It is well designed, well made, comfortable, and warm. The sizing was bit tricky for me. The medium was form fitting and the large was roomy without being too baggy. However, arm length was too long with the large size so I had to fold it twice. For reference, I am 5'3, waist 28, and 126lbs. I do have a wide shoulder. I ended up buying both sizes so I can wear the medium under a jacket and the large on its own with a thicker shirt under it.