For women: Artilect's closest equivalent is the Supermoon Bio Hoodie, which is also made from PrimaLoft Bio but adds a hood and a full-length zip.

Fabrics such as fleece or softshell are ideal for manufacturing out of recycled materials. Polartec chose to take this path as early as 1993, when Polartec Classic was first made out of thread obtained from recycling. Nowadays, the possibilities are infinite and the percentage of recycled thread varies depending on the fabric. This is BAM’s first foray into the fleece field, for the very simple reason that all of the brand’s clothing is usually made with bamboo, but fleeces are, by definition, synthetic. Accordingly, this comfortable, stylish, midweight top is made from 100% recycled 335g polyester, which is also 100% recyclable at the end of the garment’s life, making it the first and only fully circular fleece (as certified by the Circular Textiles Foundation) currently available.

Polartec - functional fabrics for outdoor sportsmen

Polartec Wind Pro: This material is four times more efficient as a windbreaker than conventional fleece, making it ideal for articles of clothing worn as a single layer, such as beanies or gloves or even fleece jumpers. Polartec Power Shield: One of the most popular materials, used by numerous manufacturers such as Marmot, Haglöfs or Patagonia. It stands up to even the most rugged conditions, making it ideal for any outdoor adventure. The OR Vigor is a lightweight fleece and is not wind-resistant. It also sports an oddly shaped hood that is shallow with a low collar. The combination leaves more of your face exposed to the elements. If you need a hood that offers more coverage for, say, wearing underneath a helmet, then the Patagonia R1 Air Hoody is a better choice for an active layer. The Vigor is best for milder weather, as a layering piece, or to be worn on the go. If that's what you're looking for, you'll find that the Vigor offers a good value. It's great for camping, watching the sun set on the beach, and all manner of outdooriness... as well as cosying up on the couch to watch Countryfile on iPlayer. Polartec Thermal Pro: This fleece's unique surface structure offers more warmth without losing functionality.

Many of the first fleeces – notably by US brand Patagonia, the co-inventors of the first fleece fabric – were pullovers. They were generously cut, if not baggy. There might be a half-zip – or poppers, up to a warm collar. Two-tone colour schemes were common. (Indeed, Patagonia themselves still honour their own noble history by offering the gloriously old-school Retro Pile Fleece for men and women, and the Synchilla, also for men and women.) For most countryside walkers and hill hikers who enjoy four-season strolling in Britain, a good fleece is the best midlayer option to wear while out wandering. Polartec Windbloc: To close the gap between fleece and softshell, Polartec also offers a 100% windproof fleece whose softness and impressive elasticity make it the most comfortable material in this category.

Our Top Picks

The Kyanite Hoody doesn't breathe as well and is not our first choice for hard-charging pursuits. A more breathable, gridded fleece like the Outdoor Research Vigor is better suited to handle perspiration. We wish the Kyanite Hoody had thumb loops, and the zipper is a weak point in a stiff breeze. While the cut works well in the shoulders, the hips are narrow. If you have curves, you may need to be careful about sizing. Despite these grumbles, this is the fleece we reach for when temperatures plummet.

Over time, Polartec has developed a range of fleece materials in varying weights, later becoming a pioneer in softshell products. Polartec still keeps the functional fabric market on its toes, recently making headlines with its waterproof NeoShell fabric. Polartec fleece products Polartec Neoshell closes the gap between hardshell and softshell. To do this, it combines the advantages of both materials such as freedom of movement, waterproofing and breathability. It is mostly rustle-free and withstands even the harshest conditions. An ideal material for mountaineering activities in which freedom of movement and water-resistance are paramount, such as ice climbing. The Polartec recycling promise Softshell fabrics protect against wind and rain. Yet they still provide the freedom of movement and breathability essential to any athlete. Polartec softshell fabrics are particularly long-lasting and are unrivalled in providing your body with a dry, warm climate: Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft: This High Loft fleece offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Ideal for any situation where low weight, breathability and freedom of movement are important considerations. In 1979, American manufacturer Malden Mills developed the first fleece fabric and marketed it under the Polartec brand. This material revolutionized the market for functional sportswear and has remained an integral part of the outdoor sector even today.Right from the beginning, most fleeces were made using recycled plastics, and brands are continuing to refine this process. Polartec Classic: The ancestor of all fleece fabrics has been on the market for over thirty years, protecting generations of outdoor enthusiasts from the cold. The material is available in varying weights - from 100g/m² to 300 g/m² - and blends unrivalled quality with unbeatable functionality. On each count, the Spindle nails the look perfectly. We love that zingy colour scheme, very much in the season's hip outdoor-wear colours. (A couple of other colour ways are available too.)