Whether you’re a farmer, a dog walker, or simply a country enthusiast, if you’re facing the Great British weather you’re going to need a staple, convenient layer which is able to keep you both dry and warm.
*Cue the entrance of the waterproof fleece.
Warm yet not too bulky, waterproof yet without the feeling of being wrapped in cling film (we’re looking at you, non-breathable parkas) and packed with handy features, the waterproof fleece is going to be your best friend when it comes to braving the countryside.
Here at Hollands, we know our customers appreciate no-nonsense products and no-nonsense shopping. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to our favourite waterproof functional fleeces so that you can spend less time scrolling through products and more time in the great outdoors. You’re welcome.
Hoggs of Fife Ghillie II Padded Waterproof Fleece Jacket
Up first, we have the Ghillie II fleece jacket from Hoggs of Fife. Hoggs have been a fan favourite brand of Hollands for as long as we can remember - trusted by farming and country folk alike to provide practical and reliable products for all year round.
The Ghillie II is no different. Built with 320gsm anti pill polar fleece and padded throughout, the Ghillie’s best feature lies in its ultra durability and substantial sturdiness.
This fleece is a super warm and fully windproof and waterproof layer, making it an ideal choice for farm work or prolonged exposure to cold weather. The Ghillie can be found here.
Baleno Southwell Waterproof Fleece Jacket
If you’re looking for a stylish fit as well as practicality, Baleno’s Southwell is perfect for pairing with jeans or jodhpurs on casual country days or as a smart outfit for meeting friends. It features an Alcantara trim for an accent of luxury, despite its fairly low price.
Beautifully soft yet highly functional, the Southwell is shorter than its sister design the Sarah, making it a great base layer in the winter or a sleek outer layer in warmer temperatures. Don’t be fooled by the Southwells’ fashionable design - it is fully waterproof without being stifling and still manages to maintain an excellent level of protection. You can get your hands on this product here.
Hoggs of Fife Sportsman II Waterproof Fleece Jacket
Next up, we have the Hoggs Sportsman, which combines the substantialness of the Ghillie with extra comfort and emphasises the ‘jacket’ element as opposed to the option to mid - layer.
Designed first and foremost for field sports, the Sportsman features a total of six pockets and is slightly longer than the average fleece for added weather protection. This heavyweight fleece is near silent and is super warm, with quilting throughout and an even higher fabric specification than its predecessor.
With added faux suede reinforcement for a luxurious touch, this is a great option for shooting or for spending extensive periods of time in wet and cold conditions. The Sportsman II can be found here.