Athleta Easy Fleece vs. Forever Fleece: Which one is better?

The Athleta Easy Fleece collection offers mid-weight, casual comfort at an accessible price, making it ideal for everyday lounging and errands. In contrast, the Athleta Forever Fleece is a premium, sustainable line known for its exceptionally plush, warm fabric and a more polished, cozy aesthetic suited for colder weather layering.

Here’s a complete look at these two popular Athleta fleece collections to help you find the right one for your style and needs.

Athleta Forever Fleece

The Forever Fleece collection is Athleta's premium offering, emphasizing ultra-soft, plush comfort and sustainability. Designed to provide significant warmth, this fleece has a brushed interior for an incredibly soft feel against the skin and a smooth exterior for a more refined look. It is made primarily from recycled materials, supporting Athleta's commitment to eco-friendly practices.

• What it is: A premium, heavyweight fleece collection created for warmth, plush comfort, and layering in colder temperatures.
• Key features: Extremely soft brushed fabric, made from recycled and sustainable materials, relaxed and slightly oversized fit ideal for layering.
• Price: Typically ranges from $60 to $120.
• Materials/Construction: A durable blend of recycled polyester and other sustainable fibers, designed to retain its plushness through wear and washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed with a relaxed, slightly oversized fit. Most find it true to size for a cozy silhouette, but you could size down for a less roomy look.
• Pros: Exceptionally warm and soft, made with sustainable materials, durable and holds its shape well, polished look is versatile enough for casual outings.
• Cons: Higher price point compared to Easy Fleece, the oversized fit may not suit all preferences, can be too warm for mild weather days.

This is the perfect fleece for those who prioritize plush warmth, sustainability, and a high-quality feel in their cozy wear.

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Athleta Easy Fleece

The Easy Fleece collection is Athleta's go-to for effortless, everyday comfort. This fleece is a soft, mid-weight fabric that provides warmth without being too heavy, making it perfect for transitional weather or a cozy layer around the house. The styles are minimalist and feature clean lines, focused on simple comfort for a laid-back lifestyle.

• What it is: A versatile, mid-weight fleece collection designed for casual, everyday wear like lounging, errands, and post-workout comfort.
• Key features: Soft and comfortable mid-weight fabric, simple minimalist design, clean lines, and a relaxed but not oversized fit.
• Price: Tends to range from $40 to $100.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from a soft and durable polyester blend built for regular, casual use.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a relaxed but more streamlined fit compared to Forever Fleece. It generally runs true to size.
• Pros: More affordable price point, comfortable for all-day wear, versatile weight is great for layering and transitional seasons, simple and easy-to-style design.
• Cons: Not as plush or warm as the Forever Fleece, material has a more standard fleece feel versus a premium one, less emphasis on sustainable materials in its branding.

It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a functional, comfortable, and budget-friendly fleece for daily wear and relaxation.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/browse/search/ea/q=easy%20fleece

Athleta Easy Fleece vs. Forever Fleece Comparison

Price & Value

There is a clear price distinction between the two lines. The Easy Fleece collection is the more budget-friendly option, with pieces typically starting around $40. It offers strong value for well-made, comfortable daily essentials.

The Forever Fleece is positioned as a premium product, with prices starting closer to $60 and going up to $120. This higher cost reflects its plusher, heavier fabric and the use of sustainable, recycled materials. The value here is in its superior warmth, luxurious feel, and eco-conscious construction.

Quality & Materials

Quality and material makeup the biggest difference. The Forever Fleece is made from recycled polyester and sustainable fibers, featuring a deeply brushed interior that gives it a signature plush and ultra-soft texture. It’s designed for durability and retaining that softness after many washes.

The Easy Fleece uses a comfortable and soft polyester blend. While still good quality, it's a more standard mid-weight fleece. It feels good but doesn’t have the same dense, plush hand-feel as the Forever Fleece. If sheer coziness is your goal, Forever Fleece has the clear advantage.

Style & Aesthetic

Both collections follow Athleta's functional and clean aesthetic, but they serve different style purposes. The Forever Fleece has a cozy, slightly polished look. Its plush texture and relaxed, often oversized fits are perfect for creating cozy layered outfits for chilly days.

Easy Fleece leans more into minimalist, casual style. Its clean lines and more standard fit make it an easy, versatile piece for throwing on for errands, walking the dog, or lounging at home. Its aesthetic is simple and functional.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort is a focus for both, but the fit impacts the feel. Forever Fleece is known for its intentionally relaxed and slightly oversized fit, perfect for layering over other tops. This extra room contributes to its cozy cocoon feeling.

Easy Fleece also has a relaxed fit, but it’s more streamlined and closer to the body. It offers plenty of room to move comfortably without the extra volume of an oversized cut, making it easy to wear under a jacket without bulk.

Sustainability

For the eco-conscious shopper, this is a major differentiator. Athleta heavily promotes the Forever Fleece line's use of recycled polyester and other sustainable materials. It's a key pillar of that collection's identity.

The Easy Fleece collection also often incorporates recycled fibers, but it’s not the central marketing point. If buying garments made with sustainable practices is a top priority, Forever Fleece is the more aligned choice.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections offer excellent comfort, but they cater to different priorities and preferences.

Choose Athleta Easy Fleece if:

• You're looking for an affordable, comfortable fleece for everyday wear.
• You need a versatile piece for activities like running errands, post-gym cover-ups, or lounging.
• You prefer a standard relaxed fit that isn't oversized or bulky.
• You want a mid-weight layer that's suitable for transitional weather like spring and fall.

Choose Athleta Forever Fleece if:

• Your top priority is a luxuriously plush, soft, and warm feel.
• You want a cozy fleece specifically for cold weather and layering.
• Shopping sustainably with recycled materials is important to you.
• You love a relaxed, slightly oversized silhouette that’s perfect for cozying up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Athleta Easy Fleece and Forever Fleece?

The key differences are in the fabric, price, and purpose. Forever Fleece is a premium, plush, and very warm fleece made with sustainable materials at a higher price point. Easy Fleece is a mid-weight, casual fleece designed for everyday comfort at a more accessible price.

Which Athleta fleece is warmer?

Forever Fleece is significantly warmer due to its denser, plusher fabric and heavier weight, making it the better choice for cold climates.

Which fleece is softer?

While both are soft, Forever Fleece is noticeably plusher. Its brushed interior gives it an ultra-soft, velvety feel that most people associate with high-end cozy loungewear.

How does the sizing run for Easy Fleece and Forever Fleece?

Easy Fleece generally runs true to size with a standard relaxed fit. Forever Fleece is designed to be slightly oversized and roomy, stick to your usual size for a cozy fit, or consider sizing down if you prefer a less voluminous look.

Is the Forever Fleece worth the higher price?

For many, yes. If your priorities are maximum warmth, a luxurious plush texture, and the use of sustainable, recycled materials, the higher price for the Forever Fleece is often considered justified.

Can you work out in Athleta fleece?

Light activities like walking are fine, but neither collection is designed for high-intensity, sweat-inducing workouts. They function best as pre- or post-workout layers for warmth and comfort.

Which one is better for lounging around the house?

Both are excellent for lounging. Your choice depends on your thermostat - if you run cold or keep your house cool, the extra warmth of Forever Fleece is ideal. For general comfort year-round, the mid-weight Easy Fleece is perfect.

How do you care for Athleta fleece to keep it soft?

To maintain softness, it's best to machine wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid high heat and fabric softener, as these can damage the fibers and reduce plushness over time.