Advnture Verdict
Top marks for value for money here – Regatta’s Sweethart is a handy, thinner mid layer fleece to pop on for active excursions, and at £25 (even cheaper if you shop around) it’s a bit of a no-brainer if you’re outdoorsy but strapped for cash.
Pros
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Slim fit is great for layering
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Good longer-length cut
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Smart colorways
Cons
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Offers limited warmth
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No pockets
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No recycled material
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Regatta Women’s Sweethart Lightweight Half-Zip Fleece: first impressions
When it comes to value for money the Regatta Women’s Sweethart Lightweight Half-Zip Fleece knocks it out of the park – our only question was: could a fleece this cheap impress us enough to make it into our best women’s fleece jackets buying guide?
After our first few wears, we noted that while it may not be as warm as a thick mid layer, it works nicely when you just need something extra underneath a cycle or waterproof jacket on a milder winter excursion. For this price, you can afford to buy a few Sweetharts and use them for years to come.
• RRP: $30 (US) / £25 (UK)
• Gender specificity: Women’s
• Sizes: 10 / 12 / 14 / 16 / 18 / 20 / 22 / 24 / 26
• Weight: 257g / 9oz
• Colors: Polar Bear Parchment / Ice Blue / Blackcurrant / Light Steel / Fig / Dark Cerise / Tigerlilly Orange
• Compatibility: Layer under jackets on warmer winter days
Regatta Women’s Sweethart Lightweight Half-Zip Fleece: on the trails
We have been testing out one of these fantastically priced fleeces for a few months now, and have been impressed with its quality (unlike some other very cheap fleeces, which don’t add much warmth or comfort).
First up, it’s important to note that the Sweethart is girly only in name – this is a smart, capable, slim-fit fleece top, available in a range of neutral colors and with a good plus-size range to choose from. We like the comfortable zipped neck and the longer cut, which sits nicely around the hips and doesn’t ride up when you walk.
This isn’t a thick fleece, but it makes a brilliantly cosy mid-layer on mild days, and that slim fit is ideal for wearing underneath your more form-fitting waterproof jackets and jerseys. It can also be handy for layering up for sports such as cycling where you want to add a bit of warmth without extra bulk. (For more on layering see: why is layering important?)
