If you live in New England and don’t own at least one fleece, are you even a New Englander? Whether a vest, long sleeve, zip-up or hoodie – it’s an essential, with zero discrimination among styles. Between seasons is when they come out to the streets. Lately, in Cambridge and Somerville, it feels like an unspoken uniform. Maybe I missed it in previous years, but the sheer variety now is overwhelming, with every color, pattern and brand imaginable. The three-quarter-zip styles seem to dominate, but truly, everyone is reaching for their New England staple as we enter another fake spring.
The fleece made its way to high fashion at the end of last year with Miu Miu selling a version – called a cropped sweatshirt – for $2,150, a natural evolution for high fashion after it tackled athleisure.
When I wear mine, it isn’t about looks, it’s about comfort. I walk pretty confidently despite knowing I look like a sheep, as my fleece vest is lined with sherpa on the outside. To each their own.
A stronger
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Here’s an article that addresses the microplastics released into water when washing synthetic (nonwool) fleece with suggestions for how to launder them, a laundry filter and even a special fine mesh bag to put them that will capture 86% of the fibers coming off them when you wash them.
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/how-to-reduce-fleece-microfiber-shedding/