The One Time it's OK to get Fleeced...

We love great fabrics here at Oliver Spencer, and when it comes to winter collections one of our favourite cloths to work with is fleece because it's one of the most textural and tactile fabrics out there. Polar fleece, as it is sometimes called, is actually a pretty new phenomenon, having originated in Massachusetts in 1979 when Malden Mills and Patagonia developed a fabric they called Synchilla (synthetic chinchilla). It was designed as a synthetic alternative to wool that would mimic the natural fibre's insulating qualities, but be more hard-wearing, lightweight, durable, machine-washable, and easier/quicker to make. The fact that we don't call it Synchilla is because the CEO of Malden Mills, Aaron Feuerstein, declined to patent it, allowing the rest of the world to produce it themselves. Today, fleece is typically made from polyester and acrylic.

Fleece is mostly used to create zip-throughs, pullovers, and gilets - functional silhouettes that you would wear outdoors. This season at Oliver Spencer, we have produced a number of styles that maximise on fleece's excellent characteristics. First up is the Bembridge fleece jacket, made in London from a soft, midweight fleece and trimmed with fine Italian corduroy. This jacket features functional detailing, including side entry pockets, an adjustable waistband and a two-way zip-front fastening. It’s a relaxed fit and the perfect winter weekend comrade; ideally styled with a white t-shirt, some drawstring trousers, a macchiato in one hand and the weekend newspaper tucked under the other arm!

Then there's the Westport jacket. It doesn't get toastier than this fleece, which thrives in cold weather thanks to the thick pile fleece it's cut from. With a double-ended zip-front and contrast corduroy detailing, it's a great match with selvedge denim jeans or classic workwear pieces such as heavy cotton twill chinos, and Redwing boots.

We've also used the same fleece pile to create the Westport gilet. Layer it over everything from jumpers to hoodies and OCBDs for a preppy take on casual weekend fits.

If you like fleece detailing then you'll love our Newington coats, which are the ultimate cold-weather layer. Cut in a beautifully textural Italian jumbo wale corduroy, the Newington coat is a double-breasted masterpiece fit for the coldest of winter days. Fleece-lined and with a shawl collar, it's the perfect heavyweight outer layer to step out in style.

We've also just received a new batch of fleece gloves by the excellent US-based Elmer, who have been making gloves since 1893. Constructed from pile fleece, Elmer's gloves are impervious to cold weather, even in the depths of winter. What's more, they add a nice textural touch to your winter fits. They are also touch screen compatible so you don't have to expose your digits to potential frostbite when you need to use your phone.