Patagonia Synchilla vs. Better Sweater: Which one is better? [2026]

The Patagonia Synchilla and the Better Sweater are two icons of cozy outerwear, but they serve different styles and needs. The Synchilla is a classic, plush fleece with a relaxed, nostalgic vibe perfect for deep comfort, while the Better Sweater offers a more refined, sweater-knit look that easily transitions from trail to town with its structured fit.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Patagonia fleece for your wardrobe.

Patagonia Synchilla

Introduced in the 1980s, the Synchilla is Patagonia's heritage fleece, embodying a timeless outdoor style. Known for its distinctively soft, plush texture and retro-inspired color block options, this jacket is all about comfort. It has a relaxed, slightly boxy fit that makes it an easy choice for cool days, casual errands, or cozying up by a campfire.

• What it is: A warm, midweight fleece jacket made from recycled polyester with a vintage look and relaxed fit.
• Key features: Plush double-sided fleece, full-zip design with a stand-up collar, zippered hand warmer pockets, and a classic, hip-length cut.
• Price: $119–$149
• Materials/Construction: Made from 100% recycled polyester double-sided fleece that feels exceptionally soft and traps warmth effectively. Production is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
• Sizing/Fit: A relaxed fit that's slightly oversized and boxier than other Patagonia styles, providing plenty of room for layering underneath or for a comfortable, laid-back look.
• Pros: Exceptionally soft and cozy feel. Relaxed fit is comfortable and non-restrictive. Classic retro styling and vibrant color options. Great value for a durable, eco-friendly fleece.
• Cons: A purely casual aesthetic that doesn't dress up well. The relaxed fit may not feel structured enough for some. Lacks any significant weather resistance.

This jacket is perfect for anyone who prioritizes plush comfort and loves a timeless, outdoor-inspired style for everyday casual wear.

Shop this product: patagonia.com/product/womens-synchilla-fleece-jacket-38560.html

Patagonia Better Sweater

The Patagonia Better Sweater closes the gap between highly technical fleece and casual knitwear. Its defining characteristic is its sweater-knit exterior, which gives it a more polished, versatile look than a traditional fleece jacket. Inside, a soft fleece interior provides ample warmth, making it an ideal piece for travel, casual work environments, and light outdoor adventures.

• What it is: A versatile midweight fleece jacket that has the look of a traditional wool sweater with the easy-care performance of fleece.
• Key features: Sweater-knit polyester face, fleece interior for warmth, zippered hand warmer pockets, zippered chest pocket for securing small essentials, stand-up collar.
• Price: Around $139
• Materials/Construction: Made of 100% recycled polyester fleece and dyed with a low-impact process that reduces the use of water, energy, and chemicals. Also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a regular, slightly tailored fit that contours closer to the body than the Synchilla while still allowing room for a base layer.
• Pros: Very versatile style that can be dressed up or down. Structured fit is polished enough for casual offices. Smooth exterior layers easily under a rain jacket or winter coat. Zippered chest pocket is very practical.
• Cons: Not as instantly soft or cozy as the Synchilla. The knit fabric can be more prone to pilling in high-friction areas over time. Offers a more standard look compared to the Synchilla's statement style.

Choose this fleece if you need one jacket that can do it all, from a morning hike to a casual dinner or a day at the office.

Shop this product: patagonia.com/product/mens-better-sweater-ii-fleece-25938.html

Patagonia Synchilla vs. Better Sweater Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The biggest difference lies here. The Synchilla is unmistakably a fleece jacket. Its plush, slightly fuzzy texture and retro color blocking shout comfort and outdoorsy casual. It’s a statement piece that leans into a vintage mountain-town feel.

The Better Sweater, on the other hand, is designed to look like a heathered knit sweater. Its smooth exterior face gives it a clean, refined appearance that fits in seamlessly in urban environments, coffee shops, and even casual business settings. Its aesthetic is understated and much more versatile.

Materials & Warmth

Both jackets are made from 100% recycled polyester fleece and are crafted to Patagonia's high-quality standards, so durability is excellent for both. The tactile experience is very different: the Synchilla is double-sided plush fleece, making it incredibly soft to the touch both inside and out. The Better Sweater has a tough, knit exterior and a soft, brushed fleece interior.

In terms of warmth, they are very comparable. Both are excellent midweight layers that will keep you warm in cool autumn or spring weather or serve as an insulating midlayer under a shell in the winter. The Better Sweater's smoother face slides more easily under an outer jacket, making it slightly more practical for technical layering pursuits like skiing or hiking in bad weather.

Fit & Sizing

The fit of each jacket aligns with its overall aesthetic. The Synchilla has a designated "relaxed fit," which translates to a roomier, boxier silhouette. This adds to its cozy, lived-in feel and offers ample room for layers underneath.

The Better Sweater uses a "regular fit," which is more standard and lightly contoured to the body. It delivers a cleaner, more tailored look without being tight. This helps its ability to look smart and less bulky under another jacket.

Price & Value

Both fleeces are similarly priced, with the Synchilla generally costing slightly less than the Better Sweater. The value proposition depends on your primary use case. If you're looking for an ultra-comfortable fleece for laid-back life, the Synchilla offers awesome value for its comfort and iconic style. If your top priority is versatility - a single-piece that spans multiple dress codes and activities - the Better Sweater's value is undeniable despite its slightly higher price.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are outstanding fleece jackets, but they excel in different areas based on your style and activity needs.

Choose the Patagonia Synchilla if:

• Your top priority is a supremely soft, plush, and cozy feel.
• You love a relaxed, slightly baggy fit and a retro outdoor aesthetic.
• You need a jacket primarily for casual activities like weekend errands, walks, or lounging.
• You appreciate the vintage-inspired colorways and classic fleece look.

Choose the Patagonia Better Sweater if:

• You need a versatile jacket that looks just as good at the office as it does on the trail.
• You prefer a more polished, structured look found in a traditional sweater.
• You plan to use your fleece as a midlayer under a shell jacket for hiking or skiing.
• A clean, tailored fit is more your style than a relaxed, boxy one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Synchilla and Better Sweater?

The main difference is their appearance and fit. The Synchilla is a classic, plush fleece with a relaxed, boxy fit and a retro vibe. The Better Sweater has a sweater-knit exterior for a more refined, polished look and a standard, more tailored fit.

Which is warmer, the Synchilla or the Better Sweater?

They are very similar in warmth. Both are classified as midweight fleeces and provide excellent insulation for cool weather. The choice between them should be based on style and fit rather than a difference in warmth.

How do they fit? Are they true to size?

Both generally run true to size, but their fits are different by design. The Synchilla has a "relaxed fit," so it will feel roomier and more oversized. The Better Sweater has a "regular fit," which is more standard and lays closer to the body without being tight.

Does the Better Sweater pill?

Like many knit fabrics, the Better Sweater can show some pilling in high-friction areas (like under the arms or where a bag rubs) after extensive wear. This is normal for a sweater-knit fleece. Using a fabric shaver can easily remove pills and restore its appearance.

Which one is better for hiking?

For layering during a hike, the Better Sweater is often a better choice. Its smooth knit face slides easily under a waterproof or windproof shell. The Synchilla is exceptionally warm and perfect for wearing around the campsite after a long day of hiking.

Can I wear the Better Sweater to the office?

Yes, absolutely. The clean lines, sweater-like texture, and structured fit of the Better Sweater make it perfectly appropriate for most business-casual or casual office settings.

How do I wash a Patagonia fleece?

Both fleece jackets are machine-washable. For best results, wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. It's recommended to turn the item inside out to wash and to avoid using fabric softeners, as they can inhibit the performance of the fleece.

Are both made from recycled materials?

Yes. Both the Synchilla and the Better Sweater are made from 100% recycled polyester fleece and are manufactured in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility, reflecting Patagonia's strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly products.